Duncan Garner - Editor In Chief

Duncan sits down with Far North District Councillor Davina Meads for a sobering look at what she calls "co-governance on steroids." From unelected representatives outvoting elected officials to serious questions about financial accountability and personal safety, Davina shares her front-row seat to a system she believes is drifting away from democratic principles. We ask if the government is doing...

The BSA has just scored the home goal of the century. By trying to bring the entire internet under its 1989 jurisdiction, they might have just signed their own death warrant. Duncan is joined by Annie O’Brien and Morris Williamson to pull apart this massive overreach, National’s disastrous new poll numbers, and whether a Cabinet reshuffle can actually save Luxon’s leadership. Learn more about your...

We are facing an energy crisis, and the paper trail is brutal for both sides of the house. Duncan dives into the decisions that left New Zealand vulnerable to diesel disruptions until 2028. From scrapped reserves to the latest Roy Morgan poll showing National at a record low, we look at what happens when leadership chooses hope over a plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...

Duncan is fired up today over the latest numbers showing the public service is actually growing instead of shrinking like National promised. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour joins us to talk about the looming winter fuel crisis and why he thinks we need fewer ministers at the top to finally get spending under control. Plus, we look at the rise of petrol drive-offs. Learn more about your ad choi...

Duncan makes a blistering case for why Chris Hipkins must resign as Labour leader following revelations about COVID vaccine advice for teenagers. We dive into whether it was gross incompetence or a deliberate cover-up. Plus, the panel discusses the growing fuel crisis and why domestic flights are being grounded while international travel takes priority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

We were told we had 11 days of diesel left before the country ground to a halt, only for MBIE to admit they got the numbers completely wrong 24 hours later. Duncan is joined by Maurice Williamson and Ani O’Brien to rip into the bureaucracy, the widening wage gap with Australia, and whether Chris Hipkins has some serious explaining to do over his vaccine comments. Learn more about your ad choices....

Huge news today as US courts deliver landmark rulings against Meta and YouTube for knowingly harming children. Duncan breaks down why this is the wake-up call parents and lawmakers needed to push through New Zealand's social media ban for under-16s. Education Minister Erica Stanford also joins the pod to discuss the massive structural changes coming to NCEA. From 2028, school is getting harder wit...

The government is handing out 50 bucks to struggling families to help with the pain at the pump, but is it a masterstroke or just a drop in the ocean? Duncan breaks down why this targeted support is actually a win for economic stability. We also chat with economist Ed McKnight about who might actually pocket a bit of extra cash from this deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...

Every time you fill up your car, the government is quietly cashing in. Duncan breaks down the "dirty secret" of fuel taxes and how every 10-cent rise at the pump puts another $60 million into the crown coffers. Minister Shane Jones joins us to talk about our dwindling diesel stocks, the risk of rationing, and why closing the Marsden Point refinery has left us completely exposed. Learn more about y...

Christopher Luxon has hit a new low in the latest polls and Winston Peters is breathing right down his neck. We dive into the numbers that should have the National party pacing the corridors of the Beehive. Duncan, Ashley Church, and Janet Wilson also tackle the escalating crisis in Iran and what it means for New Zealand’s fuel security. With petrol prices set to soar, we ask if the government act...

We are facing what could be the greatest oil shock in world history. Duncan breaks down why the Iran war is becoming the government’s "COVID moment" with fuel supplies down to just seven weeks. We also look at the massive pressure on households as petrol stays over $3.30 and ask if Chris Hipkins can survive his latest personal and political scandal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

We are watching petrol prices skyrocket at a speed that should alarm every household in New Zealand. Duncan breaks down why we are paying for expensive fuel that hasn't even arrived yet, while the government collects nearly 50% in tax. Community leader Dave Letele joins us to discuss the "working poor" and the desperate measures families are being forced to take just to survive. Learn more about y...

Duncan dives into the messy fallout following allegations made by Chris Hipkins’ ex-wife, Jade Paul. With the election looming, we look at whether these damaging claims could force a leadership change. Is the "boy next door" image at risk, and can the public still trust the man who wants to be PM? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been a brutal fortnight for Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Duncan dives into the explosive personal allegations made by Hipkins’ ex-wife and asks if the pressure is finally becoming too much. We also catch up with Education Minister Erica Stanford about her massive overhaul of ERO reports. She’s introducing a traffic light system so parents can actually understand how their schools are perfor...

We are facing the biggest disruption to oil supply in modern history and Kiwi households are feeling it at the pump right now. Duncan, Christine Rankin, and Ashley Church dive into why the government is being so slow to act on petrol taxes while they rake in a GST windfall. Plus, we look at the stinging COVID report on Chris Hipkins and the shocking integrity questions surrounding former MP Paul E...

Petrol prices are climbing again and Kiwi wallets are feeling it. In this episode, we sit down with Finance Minister Nicola Willis as global instability starts pushing fuel costs higher and the pressure builds on the government to respond. We dig into the so-called “rockets and feathers” effect where fuel prices shoot up fast but drift down slowly, leaving motorists wondering who’s really benefiti...

Duncan dives into the quiet explosion of co-governance at a local council level. While the national spotlight is elsewhere, Gore has spent five years and $6.5 million on a new district plan that critics say gives local iwi veto power over private land. We’re joined by Gore Mayor Ben Bell to discuss if these new cultural assessments are a necessary partnership or just more expensive red tape for fa...

The COVID inquiry phase two is out, and it makes for some pretty uncomfortable reading for Chris Hipkins. Duncan breaks down why ignoring expert advice is a massive failure of judgment. Plus, economist Ed McKnight joins us to talk about the Iran oil shock, soaring petrol prices, and why young Kiwis on six-figure salaries are still struggling to get on the property ladder. Learn more about your ad...

The promised economic recovery is looking shaky as conflict in the Middle East sends oil prices through the roof. Duncan breaks down the feedback from frustrated Kiwis and asks if Christopher Luxon can handle a crisis that has landed right on his desk. We also talk to Carolyn Young from Retail NZ about why the cost of everything is about to go up again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

The latest Taxpayers’ Union poll is out and it is a total horror show for the National Party. At just 28 percent, we are looking at the very real possibility of a one-term government. Duncan breaks down why Christopher Luxon is digging his heels in despite the "death rattle" coming from the Beehive. We ask if the caucus has the guts to make a move before it is too late. Learn more about your ad ch...

The National Party is in a total tailspin. With a new poll putting them at just 28.4 percent, Christopher Luxon is reportedly heading home to contemplate his future. Former National Minister Maurice Williamson joins Duncan to discuss why the party has lost its way, the "ghastly" alternative, and whether Luxon can actually survive the weekend as Prime Minister. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

The pressure is well and truly on for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. We break down a brutal new poll that shows National’s support tanking to just 28 percent. Duncan explains why senior figures are telling Luxon to head home and consider his future over the weekend. Is this the beginning of the end for his leadership? We look at the potential contenders waiting in the wings. Learn more about yo...

Imagine applying for 1000 jobs in New Zealand and getting nowhere, only to find more opportunities in Siberia. Tony joins us to share his sobering reality of leaving home for Russia just to survive on one income. Plus, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour joins Duncan to discuss the Iranian invasion, the upcoming budget, and why he wants to time-limit welfare benefits. Learn more about your ad choi...

We are losing 180 Kiwis every single day, and it is starting to look like a quiet evacuation. Duncan breaks down the staggering numbers as 71,000 people head for the exit in just one year. Plus, we are joined by Paddy Gamble to discuss the fallout from the bombing of Iran and what a protracted war means for your back pocket and the global rules-based order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

We are looking at what Duncan calls "co-governance creep" happening in councils across New Zealand. From Marlborough to Taupo, new agreements are shifting how our land and water are managed. Duncan digs into why these deals are being done with little fanfare and what it means for your rights as a ratepayer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices