Q+A with Jack Tame

Gary Stevenson, economist and former Citibank trader who campaigns on wealth tax reform. Robert Patman, international relations professor specializing in geopolitics and law. They discuss claims of Iran’s supreme leader being killed and whether strikes can trigger regime change. They debate the legality of the attacks and how airstrikes might reshape regional dynamics and civilian fears.

Margaret Mutu, Māori Studies professor advocating Te Tiriti and consensus decision-making. Kenneth Roth, former Human Rights Watch director on international accountability and pressure tactics. Geoff Cooper, head of New Zealand’s Infrastructure Commission with a national plan prioritising maintenance, funding fixes and staged projects. They discuss infrastructure risks, targeted leverage for rights abuses, and Māori co-governance and democratic practice.

Tom Maclay, Trade Minister, outlines negotiations and safeguards around a proposed India free trade agreement. Andrew Eagles, CEO of the NZ Green Building Council, makes the case for massive rooftop solar and heat-pump rollout instead of an LNG import terminal. They debate migration safeguards, trade timing and energy alternatives in short, punchy conversations.

Phil Goff, former foreign minister and Auckland mayor, critiques New Zealand’s muted response to Trump-era insults. Adrian Rurawhe, departing Labour MP and ex-Speaker, reflects on Māori politics and parliamentary fairness. Brad Olsen, principal economist, gives a cautious read on recovery, jobs and election risks. They discuss foreign policy choices, economic uncertainty and shifts in Te Pāti Māori.

Andrew Coster, former New Zealand Police Commissioner, opens up about his resignation after a critical IPCA report on the Jevon McSkimming scandal. He reflects on his misjudgment in trusting McSkimming, whose disturbing online behavior shocked many. Coster acknowledges the failures within the police culture and his responsibility in the mishandling of misconduct complaints. He insists that key figures in government may have known more than they admit and expresses deep regret about the impact on the police's reputation and his own leadership.

Barbara Edmonds, Labour Party finance spokesperson and former Minister, dives into Labour's economic strategies, discussing capital gains tax proposals and fiscal plans that aim to balance the budget while investing in free primary care. Sam Roggeveen, Programme Director at the Lowy Institute, offers insightful analysis on the implications of China's rise, advocating for a defensive strategy through the 'Echidna Strategy' to safeguard regional stability. The conversation bridges pressing economic and defence issues shaping the future.

In this engaging discussion, Sam Roggeveen, Programme Director at the Lowy Institute and a defense and foreign policy expert, shares innovative ideas on regional security. He advocates for New Zealand to adopt an 'echidna strategy'—using geographic distance to deter attacks effectively. Sam dives into the implications of China's military modernization and argues for prioritizing missiles and anti-ship capabilities in defense budgets. He emphasizes the need for a cooperative approach between Australia and New Zealand to safeguard their air and maritime spaces against emerging threats.

Barbara Edmonds, Labour Party finance spokesperson and former government minister, discusses ambitious fiscal goals and a proposed capital gains tax. She emphasizes the need for stricter financial rules to balance the books and highlights the importance of addressing deficits through tax and spending choices. Edmonds outlines how CGT revenue will fund free GP visits, defends Labour's stance on inflation indexing, and shares insights on pay equity and climate responsibilities. Her commitment to transparent fiscal management sets the stage for Labour's economic vision.

With Regulation Minister David Seymour, Halter CEO Craig Piggott, and National MP for Port Waikato Andrew Bayly.

Over subsequent Parliaments, ACT has tried to pass a version of the Regulatory Standards Bill — with limited success, until now. Deputy Prime Minister and Regulation Minister David Seymour explains how he thinks the bill will work. Q+A questions him about his selection of principles, whether the Government follows its own ideas of good regulation, and some legal uncertainties created by the bill. . As Associate Education Minister, Seymour is leading work on setting up charter schools. But the demand for state schools to undergo conversion to charter has been lower than expected. Jack Tame asks Seymour why. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.