Duncan Garner - Editor In Chief

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/adchoices

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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 actually has a plan or if they are just hoping for the best. Read my full take on rova: https://www.rova.nz/articles/opinion-luxon-missing-in-action-as-crisis-hits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 performing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Eagle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 benefiting. Duncan puts the question directly to Willis. At what point does the government step in, and what could that relief actually look like? The conversation ranges from fuel supply and the risk of global disruption through to borrowing, government spending, and the political pressure building ahead of the next election. It’s a straight talk about the balancing act between helping struggling households and keeping the country’s books under control. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 farmers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Duncan’s back in a brand-new home studio and he isn't holding back on the "dishonest" polling currently misleading New Zealanders. He breaks down why the coalition question is the only one that matters under MMP. Later, former CTU economist Craig Renney joins the show to discuss his run for Parliament, the impact of Middle East conflict on your wallet, and why our electricity market is fundamentally broken. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we holding Kiwi farmers to gold-plated standards while waving cheap imports straight through the border? This week we take on what Duncan calls the double standard threatening to force local producers out of business. From pork and eggs to animal welfare rules, farmers say they’re being hammered at home while competing against products made under standards we’ve already banned. Then it’s politics. Ani O’Brien and Maurice Williamson join us to dissect Chris Hipkins’ “state of the nation” speech, the cost of living reality facing households, and whether voters are actually feeling any economic bounce. We also get into billion-dollar power company profits, Air New Zealand’s big loss, and whether selling it is the answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices