Shubz Says So

Promises are easy. What happens when it’s time to deliver?
On episode 129 of Shubz Says So, Karina joins us to discuss NZ First’s child sexual abuse sentencing proposals and how they compare with the Equal Is Not Enough campaign. We talk stronger penalties, permanent offender registration and turning political announcements into action.
Lawyer and former MP Stephen Franks examines proposed online safety rules, restrictions on social media for under-16s and the implications for free speech. We also discuss withholding information in child death investigations and a Media Council decision involving reporting on Winston Peters.
Then Auckland councillor Ken Turner joins us to discuss Western line changes, access to Grafton and Newmarket, infrastructure costs and the decision supporting Piha campground’s continued operation.
Chapters:
0:00 Opening banter and updates
9:34 Karina — child protection and NZ First’s announcement
22:27 Sentencing, offender registration and cross-party support
37:20 Stephen Franks — online safety, free speech and accountability
1:04:12 Ken Turner — Western line changes and Piha campground
1:28:19 Closing thoughts and updates
Shubz Says So | Episode 129
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For all inquiries: producer@shubzsayso.com

Isaac Nicholson spent the first 37 years of his life in Gloriavale. Then he and his wife decided their children deserved a different future.

Now standing for NZ First, Isaac shares his account of leaving the community, the psychological pressure to stay and rebuilding life with almost nothing. He explains the moment involving his teenage daughter that helped settle their decision — and how that journey eventually led him into politics.

Before that, Rotorua councillor Robert Lee returns with his account of being ordered out of the council chamber. He explains his objections to a reserve administration transfer, the lease income he says ratepayers stand to lose and the potential conflicts of interest he raised.

We also discuss the Rotorua Museum, council accountability, free speech, immigration and the election ahead.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Opening banter and updates
2:19 Responding to criticism and public questions
5:17 Election outlook
10:31 Robert Lee — council experiences and accountability
21:49 Conflict-of-interest questions and being ordered out
33:40 Reserve transfers, lease income and Rotorua Museum
40:08 Political debate and audience questions
47:22 Immigration and societal values
58:36 Election views and closing thoughts with Robert Lee
1:09:01 Isaac Nicholson — leaving Gloriavale and standing for NZ First

Shubz Says So | Episode 128

Subscribe, share it with the whānau and have your say in the comments.

For all inquiries: producer@shubzsayso.com

Jimothy returns to give his take on the argument, share his experience working around an election and explain why he questions the push for last-minute enrolment. We also get into strategic voting, overhang seats and his predictions for who makes it into Parliament from the ACT and NZ First lists.

Dom joins earlier for a yarn about small business, the cost of living, immigration and Brian Tamaki’s free speech battle. Can you defend someone’s right to speak without agreeing with everything they say?

Then Peter Rowley joins the conversation with his views on the election, political labels and international protests. We also discuss Treaty settlements, moving the country forward and whether smaller parties can deliver the change voters want.

Plenty of predictions, pushback from the chat and laughs along the way.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Opening banter and updates
2:13 Guest introductions
3:27 Election outlook
5:29 Political influence and audience discussion
8:31 Dom — small business and the issues of the day
10:23 Brian Tamaki, immigration and free speech
21:28 Economic hardship and the cost of living
25:58 Audience interaction and updates
35:05 Catch-up with Jimothy
38:34 Voter suppression and enrolment debate
43:24 Strategic voting and electorate seats
50:50 NZ First’s list — surprises and predictions
58:35 Party polling and ACT’s prospects
1:10:08 Media, influence and a few laughs
1:12:35 Peter Rowley joins Jimothy and Shubz
1:14:55 International protests and political debate
1:32:07 Treaty settlements and closing discussion

Shubz Says So | Episode 127

Subscribe, share it with the whānau and have your say in the comments.

For all inquiries: producer@shubzsayso.com

Why do we push university as the main path when plenty of young Kiwis would thrive in a trade?

David Seymour joins Shubz to explain ACT’s proposals for trades training, apprenticeships and charter schools. We also discuss the cost of living, access to GPs, his criticism of political engagement with gangs and why choosing an electorate MP should come down to who will actually show up for you.

Before that, Conservative Party candidate Karl Thomas makes his case on natural resources, electricity prices and energy security. We question him on emissions policy, immigration and the challenges smaller parties face getting heard during an election.

Then Tama Singh returns for a wide-ranging yarn about campaign messaging, cash payments, digital surveillance, immigration and his views on men, women and voting.

Plus, your comments and Shubz’s reflections on politics, speaking openly and getting beyond the echo chamber.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Opening banter and political commentary
5:56 Karl Thomas — Conservative Party policies
13:22 Natural resources, economic and tax policy
17:05 Emissions and climate debate
21:13 Immigration and national identity
29:00 Polling and campaign challenges
33:49 Electricity and energy security
37:07 Reflections on politics and representation
42:02 David Seymour — cost of living, healthcare and the election
55:48 Trades training, apprenticeships and charter schools
59:06 Audience discussion and updates
1:08:35 Tama Singh — politics, cash and cultural debates

Shubz Says So | Episode 126

Subscribe, share it with the whānau and have your say in the comments.

For all inquiries: producer@shubzsayso.com

Who benefits from New Zealand’s data centre boom — and who pays for the upgrades?

Tanya Renwick from Stop Data Centres New Zealand joins Shubz to explain her concerns about electricity infrastructure, overseas investment conditions and public consultation. She outlines the questions she’s putting to authorities and why she wants clearer answers about costs to ordinary households.

Dr Sheree Trotter returns to challenge recent commentary following a Māori delegation’s Israel trip. She gives her perspective on genocide allegations, Hamas, October 7 and why she believes comparisons between Māori and Palestinian experiences leave important differences out.

Before that, Conservative Party candidate Doug shares his journey from 40 years in the fire service to standing in Northland. We discuss immigration, government overreach, Brian Tamaki and his argument for voting according to your values rather than election tactics.

Different views, direct questions and plenty coming through the live chat.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Show introduction and community catch-up
11:18 Doug — fire service, Northland and standing for the Conservatives
18:45 Political and social debate
34:48 Immigration and international issues
48:01 Closing thoughts with Doug and audience discussion
56:01 Tanya Renwick — data centres, infrastructure and accountability
1:12:37 Sheree Trotter — Israel, Māori perspectives and disputed narratives
1:36:22 Closing remarks

Shubz Says So | Episode 125

Subscribe, share it with the whānau and have your say in the comments.

For all inquiries: producer@shubzsayso.com
0:00 Opening and general chat
11:16 Interview with Doug
18:40 Political and social debate
34:41 Migration and global issues
47:54 Transition and technical issues
55:56 Interview with Tanya Renwick
1:12:33 Interview with Sheree Trotter
1:36:20 Closing remarks