Shows
Trout Around - News from New Zealand28 - Double Browns, Tesla, and Climate ChangeThis week, we dive into the latest global trade war tensions. With world leaders taking different approaches, some consumers are taking matters into their own hands, boycotting US products. But do individual actions really make a difference in the face of global trade battles?Then, we shift gears to climate change and New Zealand’s role in the Paris Agreement. With Parliament discussing climate adaptation, we break down what’s actually being done and whether our policies match our promises.Join us for a mix of politics, trade drama, and environmental reality checks.2025-03-3036 min
Trout Around - News from New Zealand27 - Surveys, School Lunches and UkraineThis week, we sat down with the PM to talk about a recent survey in New Zealand.New Zealand has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine after a disastrous White House meeting, but not everyone is convinced. Then, we dig into the school lunch debacle. Budget cuts have slashed funding, leading to a rollout plagued by melted plastic in meals, late deliveries, and missing nutrition. Some schools are even using their own funds to keep kids fed. Are these just “teething issues,” or has the government botched the entire programme?Plenty to unpack this week—...2025-03-3027 min
Trout Around - News from New Zealand26 - China's Feelings, Kauri Mysteries and Stolen OystersWe're back! Sorry for the delay!This week, we delve into China’s ‘unexpected’ presence in Australian waters and why the timing seems suspiciously perfect. With the U.S. distracted, are NZ and Australia sitting ducks?Meanwhile, we take a closer look at a mind-boggling taxpayer-funded research project using whale song and whale-oil potions to protect New Zealand’s iconic kauri trees. Is it pioneering science or a step too far into fantasy?And finally, we head to Kerikeri, where a brazen oyster heist has left a local farm $60,000 out of pocket—because apparently...2025-02-2633 min
Trout Around - News from New Zealand25 - Life Hacks, State of the Nation and BathroomsFirst off we round things out with some questionable life hacks from the internet—some genius, some idiotic, and some just straight-up dangerous.
Next we break down the latest in New Zealand’s state of the nation.
Christopher Luxon is all about growth, yes-men, and shaking up research and innovation. ACT’s David Seymour, on the other hand, is pitching pioneering spirit and fighting the majority for mediocrity.
Then, we dive into compliance madness: Spud Motors in Masterton was told it needed more toilets—despite having a maximum of four people on-site. Why? Because...2025-02-0431 min
Trout Around - News from New Zealand24 - Dark MAGA, Death of the Expert and a Waka DiscoveryRugby vs. cricket in a battle of Kiwi sports legends. It’s a perfect throwback to the golden era of New Zealand TV, but where’s the next generation of local legends stepping up to entertain us?
We break down Trump’s inauguration—from his speech and Elon’s salute to Melania serving mafia boss energy. Plus, are we witnessing the death of the expert? Whether it's social media policies, health advice, or the Treaty Principles Bill debate, gut feelings are becoming the public's guiding force over experts.
Lastly, a waka discovery on the Chatham Islands, an...2025-01-2931 min
Trout Around - News from New Zealand23 - Cabanas, Comets, and ControversiesAustralia’s having a conundrum over cabanas, with critics saying they’re being used to unfairly reserve public beach spots. Are these cabanas a clever sun-safe solution or just plain rude?
Next, we gaze upward at a once-in-160,000-year comet set to grace New Zealand skies.
We also tackle a story sparking debate over New Zealand’s gang patch ban. A 12-year-old boy in Auckland had his boxing club t-shirt confiscated for resembling gang insignia. Is this a case of enforcing community safety, or an overreach that risks unfair profiling?2025-01-2223 min
Trout Around - News from New Zealand22 - Bench Seats, Greyhounds and Gene Technology BillAre you a bench-seat person at restaurants?
New Zealand plans to ban greyhound racing by 2026. While the government cites ongoing animal welfare concerns, the industry argues they’re making strides in safety. With over 1,000 jobs and millions of dollars in revenue at stake, is the ban too harsh, too fast—or just the right move?
We dive into the government’s Gene Technology Bill, which will end a 30-year ban on genetic engineering. CRISPR, GMO crops, and the ethics of gene editing—who decides what’s acceptable, and what does this mean for New Zealand’s clean, gree...2025-01-1432 min
Trout Around - News from New Zealand21 - Tax Being Taxing and Why Kiwi's Want to Live in AussieWe’re exploring how taxes shape life in New Zealand—from what you earn, to what you spend, and even how you save for retirement. With ongoing chatter about a potential capital gains tax (CGT) under Labour’s new policies, we dive into what a CGT actually is and how it might change the financial landscape for Kiwis.
We break down New Zealand’s progressive income tax system, GST, and corporate taxes, comparing them to other nations like Norway and Australia. Why does New Zealand have lower taxes and fewer universal benefits, and what does this mean for the...2024-12-1131 min
Trout Around - News from New Zealand20 - Auckland’s Drinking Culture, Autopilot Issues and 30% Homeless Men on DirectorshipsIn this episode, we tackle Auckland’s new Local Alcohol Policy, which will see all bottle shops and supermarkets stop selling booze after 9 pm starting next month. What does this mean for late-night buyers and Auckland’s drinking culture?
Next, we dive into the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa. An interim report reveals that human error and autopilot issues were to blame. Finally, we explore the European Union’s latest policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. From workplace equality mandates to AI regulations, what can New Zealand learn from these ambitious strategies to create...2024-12-0431 min
Trout Around - News from New Zealand19 - Liberal or Conservative? and a $10,000 FeatherWe unpack the viral video of Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke performing the Haka. Is it brave, intimidating, or just iconic?
Next, we get candid about the complexities of supporting Trump. Does backing him mean inheriting all the “extras” that come with his controversial image? And what happens when trust in institutions—healthcare, education, politics—is shattered? Is this era’s truth-bomb akin to finding out cigarettes weren’t healthy?
Finally, we take a look at the rare Huia feathers sold at auction for $10,000 each. What’s the story behind these precious feathers, and if...2024-11-2833 min
Trout Around - News from New Zealand18 - Treaty Principles Bill - Part 2, IRD Apology and Drive-through Café for SeniorsIn this episode, We dive into David Seymour’s controversial Treaty Principles Bill, sparking outrage for excluding Māori consultation and being called a costly, divisive distraction.
IRD accidentally sent the personal info of 300,000 New Zealanders to Facebook, we unpack the privacy fails hitting Kiwis where it hurts.Plus, we ask—what's Auckland doing with a $1.2 million Christmas tree?
Tauranga’s having a bad day—after a barber shop was turned into a drive-thru after a car crashed through their front window.2024-11-2032 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandTrump's Victory, Pākehā Project and Treaty Principles Bill - Part 1In this episode, Trump returns to the presidency – a shocking victory after a tumultuous journey marked by trials and triumphs.
Next, debates around the Treaty of Waitangi are heating up. The Pākehā Project is a tangata Tiriti-led initiative urging non-Māori to confront colonial legacies. ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill sparks controversy, seeking to redefine Treaty principles and raising fears of undermining Māori rights. With a hīkoi set to challenge the Bill’s introduction, where does New Zealand stand on this critical juncture of constitutional change?2024-11-1836 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandLiquorice, Candace Owens’ NZ Visa and US Election BetsIn this episode, we dive into the debate around Candace Owens’ New Zealand visa application. Recently barred from Australia, the controversial right-wing commentator is sparking fierce opinions on both sides of the Tasman. Owens claims to be a voice against censorship and government overreach, but critics argue her rhetoric is divisive and potentially harmful.
The race heats up between Team Trump and Team Kamala. With sarcastic headlines, viral sound bites, and deep-seated rivalry, each side is preparing for a showdown. What are the narratives shaping this election, and could the “MAGA” camp be setting up their followers for cla...2024-11-0529 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandMissing in Marokopa, Wetlands PR and Tax CanapésIn this episode, we dive into the ongoing search for Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his three children in 2021. The timeline of events raises questions: Was it fair to charge Phillips for wasteful police deployment the first time they found him camping?
A massive fire is raging across 1,024 hectares of Waikato swampland. We cover the government’s push for a stricter "three strikes" law, reigniting debates over crime, justice, and public safety. Finally we discuss Health NZ’s controversial $60,000 conference, complete with $9,200 in canapés, while the organization battles a half-billion-dollar deficit. 2024-10-3130 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandSeabed Mining, Universities and GlockenspielsWe explore the controversial return of seabed mining plans off the coast of Pātea. After being blocked by the Supreme Court, Trans-Tasman Resources is back, claiming low environmental impacts while promising billions for New Zealand’s economy. But with new findings of vibrant reefs in the mining zone, we ask: Are the trade-offs worth it?
Finally, we dive into universities' surprising shift back to pen and paper as they struggle to combat rampant AI use. With 35% of students admitting to relying on AI, we ask: Will degrees still hold their value? Is the investment even worth it...2024-10-2429 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandGaza, Navy Crash and Emergency CiviliansIn this episode, we dive into the Labour Party's recent controversies on TikTok and discuss the complex narratives surrounding Israel and Palestine— are we as neutral as we claim to be?
And finally, we sail into the bizarre tale of the HMNZS Manawanui. This $103 million Navy vessel, designed to map the ocean floor, ran aground on a well-charted reef off Samoa. How did this high-tech ship manage to hit a 0ft reef and sink? We’ll explore the curious case of Captain Yvonne Gray and reflect on what this incident says about New Zealand’s military operations.2024-10-1932 min
Trout Around - News from New Zealand80% Grass Fed, NZ Zombie Towns and Tobacco Tax CutsGreenpeace’s lawsuit against dairy giant Fonterra, accusing the company of misleading consumers by labeling its Anchor butter as "100% NZ - grass-fed." Greenpeace argues that up to 20% of Fonterra’s cows’ diet includes non-grass products like palm kernel expeller (PKE), which is linked to deforestation.
Next, we explore the decline of New Zealand’s rural "zombie towns," where job losses and shrinking populations threaten their survival. From Raetihi’s mill closures to Ōhura’s dwindling economy, these towns highlight the economic challenges facing rural communities.
Finally, we tackle the controversy surrounding the government’s 50% tax cut on Heated To...2024-10-1031 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandQR Scams, NZ Hostage Returns and Gang CrackdownThe police’s warning about a potential new QR code scam making its way to our shores. From fake parcels to phishing attempts, scammers are getting creative—so what do you need to know to stay safe?
Dive into the incredible story of Christchurch pilot Phillip Mehrtens, freed after a 19-month hostage ordeal in Indonesia.
We explore the National Government’s latest crackdown on gangs. With controversial new laws banning gang insignia and expanding police powers, critics argue it could infringe on basic rights and overwhelm already stretched resources. Are these measures effective, or simply a displ...2024-10-0335 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandSupermarkets of Westeros and Firearm ReformIn this episode, we unpack the recent two-hour strike by Woolworths workers across New Zealand, where demands for better wages and safer staffing conditions have sparked a standoff. While Woolworths responded with suspension notices, the strike has gained public support, shining a light on the ongoing fight for a living wage.
Justice Minister Nicole McKee is under scrutiny for her role as a former gun lobbyist and the ongoing inquest into how the Christchurch mosque shooter obtained his firearms license. As McKee defends her handling of the reforms and pushes back against Labour’s criticism, we dive int...2024-09-2230 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandATR Emergency, MSD Spying and $232,000 Found In CeilingIn this episode, we delve into the dramatic emergency landing of an Air New Zealand flight at Wellington Airport. We discuss the Ministry of Social Development's decision to ban the use of fake social media profiles for investigating benefit fraud. After years of secrecy, scrutiny, and ethical debates, what does this mean for future investigations and the privacy of Kiwis? Finally, we explore the astonishing story of a Christchurch couple who found a staggering $232,000 hidden in their ceiling—what would you do in their shoes?2024-09-1325 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandFluoride, Boat-Ramp Fees and Emergency HousingFluoride in public water supplies. Is it a proven tool for better dental health, or a form of mass medication without consent? We'll explore the benefits and criticisms, from fluoride's role in reducing cavities and saving healthcare costs to concerns about health risks, ethical dilemmas, and environmental impacts. Should fluoride still be in our water, or are toothpaste and other dental products enough?
We take a hard look at the government’s shake-up of emergency housing policies. After celebrating a milestone of moving 1000 children out of emergency housing, how do we feel about the 20% of them who ar...2024-09-0528 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandSupo's, Energy and Banks - Power Plays and Profit Games.With food prices still sky-high and energy costs crippling industries, it seems like the math just isn’t adding up. We’ll discuss how the lack of competition in these sectors is squeezing Kiwis, and why the government isn’t doing more to address these corporate giants’ outsized influence.
We’ll also touch on the booming banking sector, where massive profits are being made while regular New Zealanders struggle with rising interest rates and stagnant wages. Can we break free from the convenience trap these corporations have set?2024-08-2828 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandJob Seeker Benefit, AI on the Internet and Classroom Protest on Parliament's LawnWe tackle controversial new sanctions on beneficiaries, sparking heated debates online. With the introduction of stricter measures for job seekers, we question whether these changes are a necessary push towards employment or a punitive blow to those already struggling. Amidst the uproar, we reflect on the larger issue of welfare spending, drawing comparisons between the cost of superannuation and jobseeker benefits.
We dive into the rapidly evolving impact of AI on the internet, from AI-generated content flooding social media to the looming "uncool" factor as technology starts to creep into every corner of online culture. We explore...2024-08-2031 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandMath Stats, Charter Schools and the new Affordable Water ReformWe tackle the alarming state of maths achievement in New Zealand schools. With only 22% of Year 8 students meeting expected standards. We delve into the fundamentals of maths in the modern world—why is it still so important? From basic numeracy to computational thinking, we discuss how these skills are crucial in a tech-driven future. Plus, we explore what it’s like to navigate life when you’re not so great at maths—whether it’s struggling with shopping discounts or building furniture, it’s more relatable than you might think.
Shifting gears, we’ll break down the latest on char...2024-08-1936 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandTrump’s Rally Shooting, Pharmac and NappingIn this episode we dive into Trump’s rally shooting and the ongoing investigations that have everyone talking. We’ll dissect the key moments, explore the implications, and try to make sense of the media frenzy surrounding these events.
Switching gears to New Zealand, we’ll explore the controversial shift away from using the Treaty of Waitangi in Pharmac’s decision-making. Is this a move towards greater efficiency, or does it signal a disregard for Māori health equity?
Finally, on a lighter note, we’ll uncover the surprising health benefits of napping. Whether you’re a daytime s...2024-08-1835 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandRoad Cones, Interislander, Microsoft Recall and Bullet Vending MachinesIn this episode we wade into the murky waters of New Zealand’s Health and Safety laws.
Businesses are calling for a long-overdue review, but the conversation keeps getting snagged on—of all things—road cones! We’ll explore how these orange nuisances have taken over our streets, with Auckland’s mayor calling out the $145 million cone conundrum. Are road cones just a scapegoat, or is there something fishier going on?
Plus, we cast our lines into the latest news from across the pond, where AI-powered vending machines in the US are now selling bullets—because what...2024-08-1830 min
Trout Around - News from New ZealandTrump v Biden, Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, Methane ReviewIn this episode, we tackle the Trump vs. Biden showdown—Will Biden make it another four years? Plus, where are all the celebrity endorsements this time around? We dive into the immunity perks for presidents and why this election cycle feels a bit different.
Switching gears, we take a deep dive into New Zealand’s Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill. Is it really the lifeline our media industry needs, or just another bad precedent? We’ll discuss the potential fallout if tech giants decide to ban news entirely.
Finally, we sift through the controversy surrounding the go...2024-08-1836 min