Both Sides Now

It's Budget week, which means we've dedicated this episode to breaking down the Government's biggest announcement of the year.
We talk through what the Budget actually is, why politicians and the media obsess over it every May, and what this year's decisions tell us about the Government's priorities. We look at the key spending announcements, where the money is going, and who stands to benefit.
Of course, every Budget creates winners and losers, so we discuss who came out ahead, who missed out, and some of the criticisms already being levelled at the Government's choices.
We also look beyond the Government benches and discuss how other parties might respond. What policies could Labour, the Greens, ACT and New Zealand First put forward as alternatives? And what does this Budget tell us about the political debates we'll be having over the next year?
If you've seen the headlines but want to understand what it all actually means, this episode is for you.
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This week on the podcast, politics delivered another packed agenda and we covered it all — from our interview with Nicole McKee and what she had to say about ACT’s priorities in Government, through to the latest debates dominating Wellington.
We unpacked the Government’s proposed changes to the family carers legislation and the difficult balancing act between recognising carers, managing costs, and ensuring support systems are sustainable. We also discussed the latest wave of public sector cuts, what they mean in practice, and whether the Government's made the right call. 
We also took a closer look at the ongoing debate around Treaty clauses in legislation, including the decision to remove or narrow references across a range of laws and why this issue continues to generate such strong political and public reaction.
Plus, we chat about Christopher Luxon’s speech to BusinessNZ and what it shows about his approach to the rest of the year. 
A big week, plenty of debate, and lots to unpack.
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In this episode, we sit down with Hon Nicole McKee to discuss the issues that have defined both her political career and her personal journey. From firearm reform and the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attacks, to the realities of being a Māori woman in politics, Nicole shares candid insights into some of New Zealand’s most debated topics.
We talk about why firearms matter to many New Zealanders, what the public often misunderstands about gun ownership, and whether the country’s firearm reforms have achieved what they set out to do. Nicole also reflects on her path from the Council of Licensed Firearms Owners to Parliament, and the challenges that came with stepping into the political spotlight.
Beyond policy, this conversation explores identity, resilience, and family. Nicole shares how raising four children has shaped her approach to leadership and public service. 
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This week on the podcast, we covered a LOT — from the government’s surprise Fees Free announcement hot off the press, a breakdown of our episode with Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson and what the UK local council elections might signal globally as Reform makes major gains.
We unpacked the new Helen Clark Foundation social cohesion report, including the striking finding that 28% of people feel alienated from society, and explored the growing divide between the “connected”, the “ambivalent”, and the “alienated”. We also looked across the Tasman at the rise of One Nation in Australia and the broader trend of grievance-driven politics and polarisation.
We also touched on the scrapping of the Broadcasting Standards Authority and the resignation of Maiki Sherman. 
And finally, we had an honest discussion about why so many young women are hesitant about having children. Policies like paid parental leave and subsidised childcare matter, but they only scratch the surface. The mental load, career impacts, financial pressure, and expectations placed on women all shape decisions around family — at a time when birth rates continue to fall well below replacement level.
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In this episode, we sit down with Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson to unpack the realities of local government, leadership during crisis, and why local politics deserves far more attention especially from young people.
A key theme throughout the conversation is the disconnect between people and local government. While councils shape everyday life from transport to infrastructure many voters remain disengaged. Simpson shares her thoughts on why voter turnout in local body elections is so low, and what needs to change to make people genuinely care about participating. 
We also dive into leadership under pressure. Auckland has faced multiple crises in recent years, and Desley reflects  on what it takes to step up and lead in these situations. 
Throughout the episode, she shares how the role has reshaped her own perspectives, offering insights into the realities of governance that many people don’t see.
We also look a what motivated her to step into local government and explore the political philosophy that shapes her decision-making and leadership style.
Finally, we look ahead: with growing skepticism toward government at all levels, what does the future of local government look like and how can it rebuild trust?
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