In podcast 349 we continue our series featuring long-serving politicians who know the game inside out, and have a real contribution to make.

This week we chat with political veteran John Banks on politics and principles for living.

He has dedicated most of his life to politics, devoting a lengthy term to Parliament in Wellington and to the Mayoralty of Auckland.

His contribution this week includes some of his personal political adventures — offering some much needed reality checks to the uninitiated.

And, of course, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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When we arranged the interview with ex politician Rodney Hide, we didn’t preplan a list of issues.

That could have led to an early conclusion.

Instead we breezed through two hours with ease. That evolved into two separate podcasts, including analysis of the election and its major implications for New Zealand.

Also, there is separate commentary on the U.S. Supreme Court and climate change, with billions at stake.

While Europe seems intent on self-destruction, the European progressives look to New York's mayor for strategies for institutional survival .

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

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Rodney Hide entered Parliament as a list member of the ACT Party in 1996.

He became ACT Leader in 2004, and following the 2008 election he was appointed Minister for three portfolios; Local Government, Regulatory Reform and Associate Minister of Commerce.

His degrees in science and economics lent credibility to his commentary in other fields like climate change.

It has been interesting following his philosophical journey since leaving parliament in 2011.

And ...for the first time we talked for two full hours.

As a result we have split the wide ranging discussion into two podcasts… part two next week.

And we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

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Prof. James Allan is a highly respected thinker, speaker, debater and a man of intelligence and knowledge.

He is also an accomplished author and columnist.

Canadian born and educated, he taught law at Otago University for eleven years, moved to ANU Canberra and then to a prestigious position at the University of Queensland, where he remains today.

In this podcast, we explore a wide range of issues, both local and international.

Our conversation tackles everything from judicial activism to the self destruction of the Church of England, the Middle east and Imran Khan.

And we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

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Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
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Alwyn Poole; Education & More.

“The first point on how to improve all things education in NZ is that, so long as any government thinks that they are the podium of truth in this area, they will fail and all improvements will be marginal (at best)”.

This was written by educational consultant Alwyn Poole.

While improvements in education are promising, there is significant room for growth.

Alwyn Poole is critical where necessary, but gives praise where warranted.

We reveal interesting details regarding a new school, a Covid story you won’t have heard before, and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

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New Zealand once ranked among the world’s most prosperous nations.

Not any longer.

Armed with experience in both Law and Economics, retired lawyer David Schnauer spent a year writing “UNCOMFORTABLE ECONOMICS”.

His purpose; to show that New Zealand’s underperformance is fixable.

He challenges both politicians and citizens to lift their sights and demand more from our economy.

In Podcast 344, David Schnauer is explicit in his assertions but expands on his ambitions for New Zealands future.

And, as usual, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

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After a casual visit to New Zealand, this small American family couldn’t forget it.

Mike and his wife went home, sold up everything and moved here.

It’s a journey of discovery, heartbreak, redemption and triumph.

They were told they were on a fool’s errand; that the standards they set were financially suicidal.

They did it anyway. They planted a vineyard that has beaten the top French wines at their own game.

The story has this week been published, written by the owner himself. “Forged In Fire” catalogues a journey, a discovery, and the pursuit of perfection. It’s a story of ultimate achievement in New Zealand

Michael F Spratt guests on Podcast 343.

P.S. you don’t have to be a wine drinker to appreciate their success. But you may be tempted…

And we visit the Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

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Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In these times it’s difficult to stay updated with the “good, the bad and the ugly.” In this environment it’s easy to be ill-informed.

Independent commentator Ashley Church has been analysing virtually every issue that affects society and our lives.

Steeped in a background of politics, economics, business and real estate, he is a talking encyclopaedia.

We had an interesting discussion on Net Zero, politics, (particularly TOPs appearance,) journalism, and the coming election.

And we visit the Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.

Listen here on iHeartRadio

Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.