Shows
Heather du Plessis-Allan DriveThe Huddle: What do we make of the Police Commissioner's op-ed to Stuff?Tonight on The Huddle, political commentator and lawyer Liam Hehir and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Zohran Mamdani is the new mayor of New York. He built his campaign on appealing to young and working-class voters - what does this say about the future of American politics? The Government will be cracking down on rough sleepers in some form - the details are still unknown. Do we think this is the right move? The P...
2025-11-0511 min
Politics NZPolitical commentators Dale Husband and Liam HehirDale, Liam and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including Prime Minister Chris Luxon's meeting with US President Donald Trump.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2025-11-0322 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Dale Husband and Liam HehirDale, Liam and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including Prime Minister Chris Luxon's meeting with US President Donald Trump. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2025-11-0322 min
Nine To NoonPolitical commentators Dale Husband and Liam HehirDale Husband and Liam Hehir discuss the latest politics.
2025-11-0222 minHeather du Plessis-Allan DriveThe Huddle: Does home economics need to go?Tonight on The Huddle, lawyer and political commentator Liam Hehir and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The big mega-strike took place today - what have we seen? How do we think they went? Given protesters weren't able to march on Parliament, is the political sting missing? Marama Davidson's Right to Repair Bill was scrapped last night, because Davidson herself was late to the House. How bad does this look? Do we need to teach home economics at school...
2025-10-2310 min
The Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: Is the Government deflecting ahead of the upcoming strikes?This week on the Sunday Panel, Coast day host Lorna Riley and partner at Freebairn and Hehir, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Ahead of Thursday's planned strike action, Judith Collins penned an open letter claiming the strikes are more about politics than outcomes. Is this a panic move by the Government? What do we make of all this? Prince Andrew will no longer be known as the Duke of York following ongoing turmoil surrounding his alleged involvement with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Wh...
2025-10-1910 min
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeLiam Hehir: Political Commentator on Gerry Brownlee's plan to crack down on Parliamentary standardsSupport for a crackdown on dress codes and behaviour in Parliament. Speaker Gerry Brownlee's cracking down on rules in the House following what he sees as multiple disruptive incidents. The latest saw Te Pati Māori MP Oriini Kaipara's maiden speech go well over time. He will look at attendance records, dress standards, and leave provisions. Political commentator Liam Hehir told Ryan Bridge dressing for particular environments reminds you you're there for an occasion. He asks what occasion is more important than doing the people's business, and says it's not wr...
2025-10-1503 min
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 15 October 2025On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 15th of October 2025, The speaker's set out plans to crack down on standards after Oriini Kaipara's maiden speech, political commentator, Liam Hehir shares his thoughts. The hospitality sector's hit record sales of $15.9 billion, Franchise NZ Chairperson and Coffee Club co-owner Brad Jacobs tells Ryan revenue doesn't always mean profit. A report by the Education Review Office shows primary-aged kids are not only getting better at English and Maths, but they're more excited about doing it, Kaitao Intermediate School Principal Phil Palfrey tells Ryan how bi...
2025-10-1434 minEarly Edition with Ryan BridgeLiam Hehir: Political Commentator on Chris Hipkins appears to distance himself from Te Pati MāoriOne of Māoridom's biggest movements has split with Te Pati Māori. Toitu Te Tiriti —which led the hikoi on Parliament last year— has voted to distance itself from the party. Leader Eru Kapa-King is the Party's former vice President and son of one of its current MPs - has told Te Ao Māori news the party has a dictatorship model of leadership. Labour leader Chris Hipkins says Te Pati Māori has internal issues it needs to work through. Political Commentator, Liam Hehir shares his thoughts. LISTEN ABOVE...
2025-10-0204 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Liam Hehir and Dale HusbandDale and Liam discuss the Government's handling of the news there was a steep drop in GDP in the second quarter, and the challenges the left block would need to overcome to form a coalition.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2025-09-2224 minNine To NoonPolitical commentators Liam Hehir and Dale HusbandDale and Liam discuss the Government's handling of the news there was a steep drop in GDP in the second quarter, and the challenges the left block would need to overcome to form a coalition.
2025-09-2224 minHeather du Plessis-Allan DriveThe Huddle: Do citizenship laws need an overhaul?Tonight on the Huddle, political commentator and lawyer Liam Hehir and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's another case of a judge ordering police to give back a gang member's patch. Is there a loophole that needs fixing here? Rawiri Waititi made headlines after he only answered questions in te reo Māori in Parliament. What do we make of this? Should we make it easier for overseas born kids with Māori heritage to...
2025-09-1710 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: How do we get people engaged in voting?This week on the Sunday Panel, journalist and TV producer Irene Gardiner and Partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Auckland by-election had a noticeably low voter turnout - should we be concerned about this? Is there any alternative? Over in the US, President Donald Trump raised some eyebrows over his decision to name the Department of Defence to the Department of War. What should we read into this? Does it display a worrying mentality, or is it a...
2025-09-0710 minHeather du Plessis-Allan DriveThe Huddle: Do we still need a Ministry for Women?Tonight on The Huddle, lawyer and political commentator Liam Hehir and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government announced some new changes designed to get overseas retailers fast-tracked in a bid to boost competition in the grocery sector. Do we think these changes will make a difference? Do we need to axe the Ministry for Women? With the gender pay gap dropping, what else could it really do? Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced th...
2025-08-2708 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Neale Jones and Liam HehirNeale Jones and Liam Hehir discuss the latest in politics Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2025-08-1121 minNine To NoonPolitical commentators Jones and HehirNeale Jones and Liam Hehir dissect the week's politics with Susie Ferguson.
2025-08-1121 min
The Weekend CollectiveThe Panel with Liam Hehir and Brad Olsen: Nuclear submarines, tsunami alertsThis week on The Panel, Tim Beveridge is joined by lawyer and commentator Liam Hehir, and CEO of Infometrics Brad Olsen to discuss the biggest stories from the week that was. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025-08-0240 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Gareth and LiamGareth Hughes is the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa is a former Green MP and is no longer a member of any political party.
Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2025-07-2118 minNine To NoonPolitical commentators Gareth and LiamGareth Hughes and Liam Hehir are this week's political commentators.
2025-07-2118 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: Does NCEA need an overhaul?This week on the Sunday Panel, partner at Freebairn and Hehir Laywers, Liam Hehir and journalist, TV producer and commentator, Irene Gardiner, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! This week, we saw the Government end open-plan classrooms in schools. And today, we hear there are significant concerns about NCEA and changes are being mulled over. Both issues that have been repeatedly talked about - how much pressure is there on the Government to get this right? Especially with any changes to NCEA? The UK has lowered it...
2025-07-2010 min
The PanelThe Panel with Liam Hehir and Sue Kedgley Part 2No work. Sh*t pay. Why stay? That's a campaign Victoria University's student association is running to highlight the harsh reality of the local job market for graduates - engagement vice president Adrian Donoghue speaks to the panel. Then they head to Fairlie, where a restored 1961 Hamilton jet is proudly on display.
2025-07-1621 minThe PanelThe Panel with Liam Hehir and Sue Kedgley Part 1Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Liam Hehir and Sue Kedgley. They discuss the government's new plan to ditch open plan classrooms, hearing from Shirley Boys High School principal Tim Grocott. Then, the country's largest needle exchange provider gets its contract pulled after 35 years. What's next for the service?
2025-07-1624 minNine To Noon PoliticsDissecting the budget: Liam Hehir & Neale JonesNeale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. He is currently providing PR support for Andrew Little's Campaign for Mayor of Wellington, on a voluntary basis. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party memberGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2025-05-2624 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: What did we make of the 2025 Budget?This week on The Sunday Panel, Coast Day host and host of the Trip Notes podcast, Lorna Riley and Partner and Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! The 2025 Budget was unveiled to the nation last week - what did we make of it? Did it fill us with confidence about the future of the economy? David Seymour is set to take over as the Deputy Prime Minister next week - what can we expect from this change? There's be...
2025-05-2510 minEarly Edition with Ryan BridgeLiam Hehir: Political Commentator on the Te Pati Māori suspension debateParliament's Speaker will hold all the power in today's vote on three Te Pati Māori MPs. The Privileges Committee's proposing 21-day suspensions for the party's leaders, and a seven-day suspension for MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for their behaviour at last year's Treaty Principles Bill vote. The public gallery will be closed for safety and security reasons. Political Commentator Liam Hehir told Ryan Bridge the punishment is unprecedented but so is the offence. He says the suspension needs to be looked at in the context that these were never before seen actions. ...
2025-05-1903 min
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeFull Show Podcast: 20 May 2025On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 20th of May 2025, the Government's announced it will allow foreign businesses to fund a bigger chunk of their investments in New Zealand through tax deductible debt, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett shares what this will mean for investment in infrastructure. Educators are cracking down on the use of AI in school exams, Dr Kathryn MacCallum Associate Professor of Digital Education Futures at University of Canterbury shares her thoughts. Parliament votes on the decision to suspend three Te Pati Maori MPs today, Columnist and Political co...
2025-05-1934 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: Should we be surprised by Trump's latest statement on Ukraine?This week on The Sunday Panel, Newstalk ZB host Roman Travers and partner at Freebairn and Hehir lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Donald Trump said he could stop the Ukraine war in 24 hours, but he's recently been threatening to abandon peace talks. Should we have seen this coming? The all-female Blue Origin flight has copped some backlash - do we think this was just a spectacle or did it help further women in STEM? A new year brings renewed debate a...
2025-04-2013 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Sue Moroney and Liam HehirLiam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.
Sue Moroney is a former MP with the Labour Party and now chief executive of Community Law Centres Aotearoa. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2025-04-1424 minThe Weekend CollectiveThe Panel with Liam Hehir and Jo McCarroll: Zelenskyy's White House visit, sovereign citizensToday on The Panel, Francesca Rudkin is joined by Liam Hehir and Jo McCarroll to discuss the biggest stories from the week that was. Zelenskyy's White House visit, changes to the citizen's arrest law, workplace opioid use is up, Andrew Bayly resigns his ministerial positions, and more! LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025-03-0140 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Dale Husband and Liam HehirDale Husband and Liam Hehir discuss the week's politics with Kathryn Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2025-02-2622 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: Should Destiny Church have their charity status removed?This week on the Sunday Panel, host of the NZ Herald’s weekly personal finance podcast, The Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins and partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The debate about charity tax exemptions was reignited following Destiny Church's antics over the weekend. Labour MP Phil Twyford has written to the charities regulator asking for Destiny Church to be struck off after their anti-LGBTQ stunts. What do we think of this? Three Chinese Navy ships have been found off...
2025-02-2311 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Gareth Hughes and Liam HehirPolitical commentators Gareth Hughes and Liam Hehir look to the year ahead.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2025-01-2720 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: How will Joe Biden be remembered?This week on the Sunday Panel, commentator, journalist and producer Irene Gardiner and partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! Prime Minister Chris Luxon's announced a surprise Cabinet reshuffle for this afternoon - and speculation indicates Shane Reti will lose his health portfolio. Are we surprised by this? With Donald Trump's inauguration day taking place next week, we're looking back on Joe Biden's political legacy. How will he be remembered as a President? What were his best moments...
2025-01-1911 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: Who's our politician of the year?This week on the Sunday Panel, Director at 818 Chris Henry and partner and Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers Liam Hehir joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Herald's Claire Trevett has unveiled her top pick for 2024's politician of the year. Who would we choose? Who do we think has done the most for the country? Police presence at large events - one Auckland MP has voiced concern about the amount of time police are spending at large-scale events and wants officers to be paid to attend...
2024-12-1509 minNine To Noon PoliticsDale Husband and Liam HehirDale Husband is a long-time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Māori focused current affairs programme. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.Dale Husband is a long-time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Māori focused current affairs programme.Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2024-11-2521 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: How can we get Kiwis interested in the America's Cup?Today on The Sunday Panel, broadcaster and journalist Wilhelmina Shrimpton and partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week- and more! Another great day for Team New Zealand in the America's Cup- but there's not a lot of interest. Should the next defence be held in New Zealand? How can we get Kiwis interested? The UK has floated utilising weight-loss drugs to curb unemployment. Do we think this is a good idea - or do we worry about the ethical use of these...
2024-10-2008 minNine To Noon PoliticsNeale Jones and Liam Hehir 23 SeptemberNeale, Liam and Kathryn discuss a range of law and order issues, including gang patch legislation, violent crime data and the adding of more police officers to community patrol teams.
Also the latest GDP figure and what’s happening in the transport portfolio.
Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for mo...
2024-09-2222 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: Do we need four-year political terms?This week on the Sunday Panel, Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills and Partner at Freebairn and Hehir lawyers Liam Hehir joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! This morning on Q&A, Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has said she may not have sold her car just to help pay the bills - contradicting her earlier appearance on Wellington Mornings. What do we make of this? The Government is looking to have a referendum to determine whether to add an extra year on to our political terms. Do...
2024-09-2208 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Neale Jones & Liam HehirMany topics to discuss including Labour's wealth tax, the newly announced infrastructure agency and the latest in the Greens - Darlene Tana saga.Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2024-09-0222 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: What do we make of New Zealand's Olympic performances?This week on the Sunday Panel, editor and journalist Jo McCarroll and partner at Freebairn and Hehir lawyers Liam Hehir joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! It was a wonderful night for New Zealand last night - with Hamish Kerr, Lydia Ko and Dame Lisa Carrington adding to New Zealand's Olympic gold medal count. What do we make of this? Can we earn more before the Games are done? The Government's unveiled their new changes to the nation's educational curriculum - and unpacked some alarming statistics ab...
2024-08-1110 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Dale Husband and Liam HehirDale and Liam join Kathryn to talk about how the decision by US President Joe Biden to step down may impact New Zealand.Dale and Liam join Kathryn to talk about how the decision by US President Joe Biden to step down may impact New Zealand.They'll also discuss the third climate budget missing its target and plans for a tree-planting blitz, the release of the Darleen Tana report and the drop in inflation.Dale Husband is a long time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Maori focused current affairs programme.
2024-07-2222 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: Is the US in for a chaotic election?This week on the Sunday Panel, producer and journalist Irene Gardiner and partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Investigations are under way after shooter opened fire at a Trump rally. The former President was narrowly grazed by a bullet before the Secret Service whisked him off stage. What do we make of this? Was this an assassination attempt? Joe Biden has been dealing with additional scrutiny following more glaring mistakes at this week's NATO summit. Does he need t...
2024-07-1409 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinFull Show Podcast: 14 July 2024On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 14 July 2024, Australian national treasure Rachel Griffiths joins Francesca to talk about the New Zealand series that won two major international awards before a single episode hit our screens - Madam. Bill Edgar confesses all about what it's like to be paid by the dying to gate crash their funerals. Francesca speaks with Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois to explore why the hospitality industry is still struggling, as some of the country's most iconic venues close. Plus, Francesca ponders the complex challenge ahead for...
2024-07-141h 56The Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: Did the 2024 Budget go too far?This week on the Sunday Panel, TV producer and journalist Irene Gardiner and Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers partner Liam Hehir joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! ZB host Heather du Plessis-Allan has accused Finance Minister Nicola Willis of overspending in the 2024 Budget - do we agree? Were the tax cuts the right call during a tough economic climate? Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up payments to adult entertainer Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. How can...
2024-06-0210 min
Q+A with Jack TameBudget: Nicola Willis on tax cuts and cancer drugsWith Nicola Willis, Meka Whaitiri and Liam Hehir.
2024-06-0254 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Sue Bradford & Liam HehirSue Bradford and Liam Hehir discuss the allegations of inappropriate behaviour surfacing against Green MP Julie Anne Genter, following her outburst in the House - and the party's response. And the still unresolved question of New Zealand's participation in AUKUS Pillar Two.Sue Bradford is a community-based activist and former Green MP. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2024-05-0623 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: Will the coalition Government last three years?This week on the Sunday Panel, broadcaster and journalist Wilhelmina Shrimpton and partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! In light of Winston Peters' 'defamatory' comments, it seems like the coalition Government is having more and more internal clashes. A political podcast asked a group of National, NZ First and ACT MPs if the coalition will last- what do we think? Green MP Julie Anne Genter has been accused of more aggressive outbursts off the back of her confrontation i...
2024-05-0508 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Dale Husband and Liam HehirAs public service job losses top 3000, there is debate over how frontline workers will be affected - with Children's Minister Karen Chhour saying their services will be improved. The opposition says they will be compromised.With the Government's Budget quickly approaching, Finance Minister Nicola Willis remains determined to deliver tax cuts - even if they're from borrowed money. Opponents to the AUKUS pillar two have been vocal - including former PM Helen Clark a former Australian foreign minister. Dale Husband is a long time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Maori focused current affairs...
2024-04-2226 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: Do politicians deserve more money?This week on the Sunday Panel, ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills and partner at Freebairn and Hehir, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week- and more! An opinion piece from Jason Walls claimed the Prime Minister, his Ministers and every other MP in parliament is underpaid. Do we agree with this claim? Do politicians deserve more money? Prime Minister Chris Luxon has been on the receiving end of some backlash amid claims he's running New Zealand like a business. His list of 36 action points came with a l...
2024-04-0709 minNine To Noon PoliticsPM's allowance U-turn, what govt was toldPolitical commentators Gareth Hughes and Liam Hehir look at the U-turn by the Prime Minister over his accommodation allowance, the progress of the great legislative repeal, the housing minister's plan to "flood" our biggest cities with land for development and what the government was warned about the state of the media market before the collapse of Newshub. Gareth Hughes is a former Green MP and now works for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa.Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.Go to this episode on rnz...
2024-03-0325 minThe Sunday Session with Francesca RudkinThe Sunday Panel: Does Luxon's promise of austerity ring hollow?This week on the Sunday Panel, podcaster Brodie Kane and partner at Freebairn and Hehir lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week- and more! Prime Minister Chris Luxon has pulled a rapid U-turn on his claiming of an accommodation allowance after taking $52,000 to live in his mortgage-free Wellington apartment. Is this a good look for a Prime Minister who promised financial austerity? The Government's first 100 days are almost up- how much have they accomplished? Are we feeling better or worse about the direction of the country?
2024-03-0308 minNine To Noon PoliticsPolitical commentators Dale Husband and Liam HehirDale and Liam discuss the life and political strides Fa'anānā Efeso Collins, and what will come next for the Green Party after his death. And reshuffles are also on the horizon for the Labour Party after Grant Robertson announced his retirement.Dale Husband is a long time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Maori focused current affairs programme.Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
2024-02-2625 min