The Leighton Smith Podcast

We can’t think of a better way to finish the year. The legendary Antoine’s Restaurant in Parnell is now a memory. The Chef was a virtuoso who would have succeeded anywhere in the world. Instead the world came to 333 Parnell Rd. During its nigh on 50 years, Antoine’s suffered numerous crises, dictated by stock market crashes, business trends and government changes. But then came Covid, accompanied by a juvenile govt. One night Antione's closed, without notice, and never reopened. The story of Tony and Beth Astle, partners in business and in life, contains excitement, love, success, and sadness, but lots of laughs. We finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. Thank you so much for all your correspondence. Have a wonderful Christmas, and we will be back with you in the New Year. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] 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.

Australian journalist and author Nick Cater has been a guest on numerous occasions, beginning on radio in 2013. Not having spoken for a year, we caught up on Thanksgiving Eve while he was in New York. The plan was to discuss Australia’s pros and cons (of which there are many), for the benefit of intending migrants. There is something of a diaspora from NZ at the moment. As usual it was a relaxed but informative interview. We make commentary on Auckland Transport and the medical profession and the frustrations therein. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] 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.

The Treaty Principles Bill isn’t responsible for the racial and political ructions confronting New Zealand. It has more to do with a lack of courage and political leadership by previous administrations. We start the discussion with David Seymour at the beginning and follow the events that threaten the country’s future. The ultimate questions might be what sort of a country do we want to live in, and are we mature enough to take a good look at it? And we finish up with The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] 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.

Education in NZ has long been controversial. It’s not incorrect to suggest that a Labour Education Minister has an easier task than a more ‘conservative’ party minister (i.e. National’s Merv Wellington in the 1980’s.) Similar circumstances apply in other countries. Donald Trump returns to the Presidency with intent to eliminate the Department of Education and return the responsibility to the States. There are some valid reasons for doing so. Are there lessons for other countries? Dr Michael Johnston has been consulting NZ Education Minister Erica Stanford. After years of experience, most recently at Victoria University, Wellington, Michael is now with the NZ Initiative. His podcast contribution is very informative. Following the Mailroom there is further comment on other matters, including AI and democracy. File your comments and complaints at [email protected] 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.