/on-air/the-country/audio/rss ¾ÅÒ»ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ Sat, 19 Apr 2025 21:13:11 Z en /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-reiterates-him-and-winston-peters-are-on-the-same-page-amid-tariffs-saga/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-reiterates-him-and-winston-peters-are-on-the-same-page-amid-tariffs-saga/ The Prime Minister's aiming to strike the balance between staying calm on tariffs - and opposing them. US President Donald Trump is hinting he might lower tariffs on certain industries, to give manufacturers time to adjust. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called for all parties to stay calm. Chris Luxon has reiterated he and Peters are on the same page. He says we need to advocate for New Zealand with the US - but as a small country, we also need to trade with as many others as possible. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 16 Apr 2025 04:48:20 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/tom-young-affco-national-livestock-manager-on-the-increase-in-chinese-demand-for-nz-produced-red-meat/ /on-air/the-country/audio/tom-young-affco-national-livestock-manager-on-the-increase-in-chinese-demand-for-nz-produced-red-meat/ Chinese demand for Kiwi red meat has spiked as the China-US tariff tit-for-tat continues. Donald Trump has imposed 145 percent tariffs on China - matched by 125 percent in retaliation. Affco National Livestock Manager Tom Young says in the past week or so, big players have been asking for large volumes of meat. But he says we're entering a time of year when supply reduces. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 14 Apr 2025 02:25:17 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-nz-first-mp-voices-support-for-new-wool-directive/ /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-nz-first-mp-voices-support-for-new-wool-directive/ New Zealand's self-professed Prince of the Provinces has voiced support with a new Government directive. From July, all new Crown agency builds costing more than $9 million and refurbishments topping $100,000 must use New Zealand wool where possible. NZ First's Shane Jones joined The Country to discuss. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:32:53 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-questions-the-fairness-of-us-tariffs/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-questions-the-fairness-of-us-tariffs/ New Zealand's asking the US whether imposing 10 percent tariffs is fair. President Donald Trump announced mass tariffs last week - triggering market chaos and retaliatory action from China, which now faces 104 percent levies.  Trump's billionaire sidekick, Elon Musk, today labelled a White House trade adviser a 'moron' for the economic implications. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says our economy needs certainty. He explained he doesn't think the 10 percent tariff is appropriate, and the case will continue to be made to US officials. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:20:42 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-addresses-new-rnz-reid-research-poll-regarding-school-lunches/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-addresses-new-rnz-reid-research-poll-regarding-school-lunches/ The Prime Minister says the Government is trying to bring back the idea of Kiwis having rights and responsibilities.  A majority of respondents in an RNZ-Reid Research poll believe parents are responsible for school lunches.  The revamped Government school lunch programme has been dogged by delivery delays and claims of inedible food.  Chris Luxon says parents who can afford it - should send kids to school with lunch.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 02 Apr 2025 02:22:06 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-speculates-ahead-of-trumps-liberation-day/ /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-speculates-ahead-of-trumps-liberation-day/ President Donald Trump has spent the last few weeks promoting April 2nd as 'Liberation Day' - the day where a significant number of tariffs will be announced. The plan has largely remained a mystery, but Trump has promised these tariffs will roll back the 'unfair' trade restrictions impacting America.  Independent economist Cameron Bagrie joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. Tue, 01 Apr 2025 03:10:25 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-weighs-up-the-costs-of-staying-in-the-paris-accord/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-weighs-up-the-costs-of-staying-in-the-paris-accord/ David Seymour says New Zealand need to weigh up the benefits - and the costs - of staying in the Paris Climate Accord.  The US' withdrawal from the agreement has ACT's leader wondering if other countries will follow suit - and what that could mean for New Zealand. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss further.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 31 Mar 2025 01:15:39 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-party-leader-criticises-green-mp-tamatha-paul-over-latest-comments/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-party-leader-criticises-green-mp-tamatha-paul-over-latest-comments/ Opposition leader Chris Hipkins has offered his own criticisms over a Green MP's controversial comments. Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul claimed many feel less safe with visible police on the beat - and also suggested all beat police do is throw away homeless people's items. Hipkins joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain why he's willing to call out bad behaviour from other parties - and how the Prime Minister could follow his example. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 27 Mar 2025 02:59:34 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-explains-why-staying-in-the-paris-climate-accord-is-in-new-zealands-best-interests/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-explains-why-staying-in-the-paris-climate-accord-is-in-new-zealands-best-interests/ The Prime Minister says staying in the Paris Climate Accord is in the country's best interests. National's coalition partners - ACT and New Zealand First - want us to follow America's lead and pull out. But Chris Luxon says they aren't punishing farmers and want agriculture to grow. He explained that farmers tell him competing dairy countries and multi-national companies would make New Zealand's exit an excuse to remove Kiwi products from their shelves. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 26 Mar 2025 03:18:38 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-explains-trade-deal-with-india-hasnt-been-abandoned/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-explains-trade-deal-with-india-hasnt-been-abandoned/ The Trade Minister says the elusive dairy element of a free trade agreement with India hasn't been abandoned. Todd McClay is with Prime Minister Chris Luxon in New Delhi, where they revealed this week talks will restart. Dairy's been a sticking point in the past - with both countries producing a lot of milk. But McClay says dairy's not being relegated to the too-hard basket.  He says this element is not off the table - but discussions are being intensified on the shape of the agreement for both sides, not on the details.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 18 Mar 2025 01:18:21 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/richard-mcintyre-federated-farmers-banking-spokesman-calls-for-the-reserve-bank-to-change-capital-rules/ /on-air/the-country/audio/richard-mcintyre-federated-farmers-banking-spokesman-calls-for-the-reserve-bank-to-change-capital-rules/ Federated Farmers’ banking spokesman is calling for the Reserve Bank to change its' banking capital rules to benefit Kiwi farmers. Richard McIntyre has labelled the current rules as 'overly conservative and growth-restricting' and believes changes need to be made to stop farmers losing money. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 17 Mar 2025 01:15:38 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-foreign-minister-speaks-ahead-of-planner-meeting-with-marco-rubio/ /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-foreign-minister-speaks-ahead-of-planner-meeting-with-marco-rubio/ Geopolitical instability and the budding trade war are likely to lead upcoming talks between New Zealand and the United States.  Foreign Minister Winston Peters is heading to New York and Washington to meet with the likes of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.  It comes at a time of uncertainty for New Zealand over the looming threat of tariffs.  Peters says he'll have to see how talks develop - but this country has a good trade record with the US to promote. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 13 Mar 2025 03:29:12 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-explains-how-new-zealand-can-benefit-from-the-infrastructure-investment-summit/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-explains-how-new-zealand-can-benefit-from-the-infrastructure-investment-summit/ The Prime Minister says New Zealand should benefit from an increase in global wealth.  Some of the world's largest banks and investment firms are arriving in Auckland, for the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit. Chris Luxon and Ngati Whatua Orakei will formally welcome delegates this afternoon.  Luxon says New Zealand needs to tackle a huge infrastructure deficit.  He explained we can't fix it with just our own money - and it'll take pools of money within the country, such as the ACC and Super fund, and also overseas funding.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 12 Mar 2025 02:37:54 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-minister-of-trade-on-the-potential-tariffs-set-to-impact-nz-products/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-minister-of-trade-on-the-potential-tariffs-set-to-impact-nz-products/ The Trade Minister says his officials are trying to understand and limit fallout from Donald Trump's tarrifs.  They've been applied to China, Canada and Mexico - with wider levies on other countries from April.  Minister Todd McClay joined The Country to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:59:39 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-agricultural-product-tariffs-set-to-impact-new-zealand/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-agricultural-product-tariffs-set-to-impact-new-zealand/ The Prime Minister says he's waiting to hear the nuts and bolts of potential agricultural product tariffs that could impact New Zealand.  US President Donald Trump has slapped levies on Canada, Mexico and China - and says other tariffs could begin next month.  Chris Luxon says it's not known if that would be universal, or country-specific. He says he instructed officials several weeks ago to engage with Trump's administration. Luxon explained he'd engage directly with Trump if he feels New Zealand's agriculture is at risk - but it's important to actually see the detail first.  Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:31:39 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-unpacks-new-zealands-economic-recovery-timeline/ /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-unpacks-new-zealands-economic-recovery-timeline/ One economist has outlined how New Zealand could bounce back after an economically challenging 2024. Interest rates have lowered and the OCR has come down after a rough patch for the nation's economy, but it's unclear if prices will reach the same lows they did for the start of the decade. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie explains further. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 04 Mar 2025 03:29:39 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-defends-school-lunch-teething-problems/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-defends-school-lunch-teething-problems/ The Associate Education Minister's making no apologies for his scaled-down, cheaper school lunches. A number of schools have complained of late or sub-standard offerings. David Seymour says deliveries are getting better - and quality will improve. He says if people want to save money, have less debt and lower taxes, you have to be prepared to do things like this. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 03 Mar 2025 01:43:43 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-on-her-plan-to-put-more-pressure-on-the-banks/ /on-air/the-country/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-on-her-plan-to-put-more-pressure-on-the-banks/ The Finance Minister has outlined a new set of expectations for the Reserve Bank - and she's determined to create more competition in New Zealand's banking sector. Nicola Willis also agrees productive lending needs to be going to the productive sector, and she agrees with NZ First's concerns about 'woke banks' restricting lending to key industries. Willis joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 26 Feb 2025 01:55:54 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/dr-vaughn-holder-alltech-global-research-director-for-beef-previews-new-documentary/ /on-air/the-country/audio/dr-vaughn-holder-alltech-global-research-director-for-beef-previews-new-documentary/ Dr Vaughn Holder, Alltech’s Kentucky-based global research director for beef, joined The Country to discuss a new documentary about the beef industry. World Without Cows explores the complexity behind a seemingly simple question: “Are we better off in a world without cows?” Holder joined Jamie Mackay to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 25 Feb 2025 01:11:16 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/federated-farmers-latest-farm-confidence-survey-reveals-highest-level-in-over-a-decade/ /on-air/the-country/audio/federated-farmers-latest-farm-confidence-survey-reveals-highest-level-in-over-a-decade/ Farmer confidence has risen to its highest level in over a decade, rebounding from record lows in recent years, Federated Farmers says. The advocacy group has released its latest farm confidence survey, which shows falling interest rates, rising incomes and more favourable farming rules have all played a major role in the improvement. The online survey was conducted from January 22 to February 2, and received 784 responses from farmers nationally. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford said he had noticed a “significant shift” in the mood of rural New Zealand. “Farmers are feeling a lot more positive.” Langford said the past few years had been “bloody tough” for many farming families, with falling incomes, rising interest rates and unpaid bills piling up. “At the same time, we’ve also been struggling with an incredibly challenging regulatory environment and farming rules that haven’t always been practical, affordable or fair. “These survey results paint a clear picture of a sector finally able to breathe a sigh of relief as some of that weight is lifted.” The January survey shows farmers’ confidence in the current general economic conditions has surged from a deeply negative -66% in July 2024 to a net positive score of 2%. This marks the largest one-off improvement since the question was introduced in 2016. Meanwhile, a net 23% of farmers now expect better economic conditions over the next year — the highest confidence level since January 2014. There has also been a sharp lift in profitability, with 54% of farmers now reporting making a profit — double the number in the last survey six months ago. Langford said it was important to note that, despite confidence being at its highest point in more than a decade, it was still only just in the positive. “It’s been a remarkable recovery in farmer confidence over a short period of time, but I’m very conscious that we were coming off an extremely low base. “We’ve come a long way, but there’s a long way to go yet.” The survey results show regulation and compliance costs remain the greatest concern for farmers, followed by interest rates and banks, and input costs. “When it comes to farmer confidence, a lot of it comes down to what’s coming into our bank account, and what’s going out the other side,” Langford said. Click for more rural and farming news“A lot of that is market-driven, and farmers are used to riding those highs and lows, but Government rules and regulations have a significant impact on farmers’ costs.” Langford said compliance costs could “make or break your season” and affected farmers’ confidence to keep investing in their business. “The Government has made a great start cutting through red tape for farmers and repealing a lot of the most unworkable rules, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.” Listen to Jamie Mackay interview Wayne Langford on The Country below: Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:18:26 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-deputy-prime-minister-urges-new-zealand-to-reflect-on-the-future-of-the-paris-agreement/ /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-deputy-prime-minister-urges-new-zealand-to-reflect-on-the-future-of-the-paris-agreement/ The Deputy Prime Minister has added his voice to questions on New Zealand's place in the Paris Climate Accord. ACT leader David Seymour earlier this month floated the idea of pulling out of the pact after the next election.  Winston Peters says China, India, Russia, and the US have all basically pulled out of the agreement. He wants New Zealand to reflect - asking how much it'll cost us and how we can keep arguing it's good for New Zealanders. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 18 Feb 2025 03:23:53 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-nz-first-mp-talks-fisheries-reform-consultation-and-anti-woke-banking-bill/ /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-nz-first-mp-talks-fisheries-reform-consultation-and-anti-woke-banking-bill/ The Fisheries Minister's taking aim at what he's labelling opponents of the sector. Consultation's open around proposals to loosen catch regulations and restrict who can access camera footage from fishing vessels. Greenpeace has a meeting with the Prime Minister today. Minister Shane Jones is calling those opposing his plans 'green, deluded souls'. He says he has no time for Greenpeace - and agencies he calls 'foreign, alien influencers undermining regional New Zealand'. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 12 Feb 2025 01:07:21 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-casts-doubt-over-new-zealands-future-in-the-paris-agreement/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-casts-doubt-over-new-zealands-future-in-the-paris-agreement/ New Zealand's next Deputy Prime Minister is casting doubt over our future involvement in a landmark climate deal. The Paris Climate Agreement is an accord signed by almost 200 countries, to limit greenhouse gas emissions.  Donald Trump's administration has signed orders to withdraw from it. David Seymour joined The Country to raise the question of why New Zealand should commit to it, when half the world seems to be pulling out. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 03 Feb 2025 02:44:02 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-nz-first-mp-criticises-woke-banks-and-their-impact-on-the-productive-sector/ /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-nz-first-mp-criticises-woke-banks-and-their-impact-on-the-productive-sector/ NZ First MP Shane Jones has fired back against the nation's biggest banks and accused them of holding back Kiwi industries in the name of sustainability. Jones has accused the banks of harming mining industries and farmers in order to stick to climate targets - and he's determined to address that ahead of tomorrow's announcement. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 30 Jan 2025 03:03:08 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-new-zealands-new-trade-relationship-with-the-us/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-new-zealands-new-trade-relationship-with-the-us/ The Prime Minister says New Zealand's well positioned to have a good relationship with America's new administration.  Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke over the weekend.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon spoke with President Donald Trump after the election.  Luxon says they want to build a great relationship with the US, regardless who's in power.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 29 Jan 2025 03:31:17 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-foreign-minister-credits-trump-administration-with-gaza-ceasefire/ /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-foreign-minister-credits-trump-administration-with-gaza-ceasefire/ The Foreign Minister's suggesting Donald Trump's personnel helped make the Gaza ceasefire become reality. The pause in hostilities between Israel and Hamas began before Trump's inauguration as President, during Joe Biden's tenure. Biden says his team negotiated the deal, which includes an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says he has no doubts Trump's emissary made it clear - the situation had to be settled. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 22 Jan 2025 02:39:47 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-unpacks-what-trumps-presidency-means-for-new-zealand/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-unpacks-what-trumps-presidency-means-for-new-zealand/ Co-operation talks have started with the new US Administration around New Zealand trade. There's uncertainty whether Donald Trump will impose blanket tariffs - or more targeted trade policies.  Trade Minister Todd McClay says officials are already reaching out to discuss areas to work on together. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 21 Jan 2025 03:06:48 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-hopeful-despite-latest-poll-drop/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-hopeful-despite-latest-poll-drop/ ACT's leader is confident his party's on the right track, despite a poll drop. The latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll has Labour overtaking National, which has fallen to 29.6 percent - against Labour's four percentage point jump to 30.9 percent. Act is down 2.2 points on 10.8 percent and the Greens are up 1.2 points on 9.5. David Seymour says it's worth looking at all polls for an average. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 20 Jan 2025 03:09:45 Z