/on-air/the-country/audio/rss ¾ÅÒ»ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ Fri, 31 Jan 2025 04:58:08 Z en /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 /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-outlines-ag-person-of-the-year/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-outlines-ag-person-of-the-year/ The Prime Minister ponders the Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU), and wasteful Government spending. Plus, he comes up with his three nominees for ag person of the year. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 18 Dec 2024 03:16:35 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-reveals-his-pick-for-politician-of-the-year/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-reveals-his-pick-for-politician-of-the-year/ As the year draws to a close, the nation's experts are unveiling their picks for Politician of the Year. ACT leader David Seymour joined The Country to weigh in - and his picks certainly go against the script. He joined Jamie Mackay to explain why certain leaders from across the world inspired him in New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 16 Dec 2024 01:11:46 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-deputy-prime-minister-defends-yesterdays-ferry-announcement/ /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-deputy-prime-minister-defends-yesterdays-ferry-announcement/ Winston Peters is on the defence after copping some backlash for the Government's handling of the ferry replacement announcement. He was named the new Rail Minister yesterday - and he spent the morning justifying the project costs in a fiery interview with Heather du Plessis-Allan. Peters joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 12 Dec 2024 02:49:47 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/stuart-nash-former-labour-cabinet-minister-on-the-state-of-new-zealand-politics/ /on-air/the-country/audio/stuart-nash-former-labour-cabinet-minister-on-the-state-of-new-zealand-politics/ Former Labour Cabinet Minister and Minister of Forestry Stuart Nash unpacked the Government’s new forestry/carbon farming regulations announced last week. Nash says it's important for carbon forests to be managed well - and no one wants to waste productive land. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 09 Dec 2024 03:00:49 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/miles-hurrell-fonterra-chief-executive-celebrates-record-10-forecast-milk-price/ /on-air/the-country/audio/miles-hurrell-fonterra-chief-executive-celebrates-record-10-forecast-milk-price/ A better end to the year than expected for the dairy sector. Fonterra has raised its forecast Farmgate Milk Price's midpoint for the second time in less than a month. It's up 50 cents, to $10. Fonterra Chief Executive Miles Hurrell says demand from China is recovering, and is strong from south-east Asia. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 05 Dec 2024 01:45:41 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-talks-farm-to-forestry-conversion-changes/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-talks-farm-to-forestry-conversion-changes/ Saving prime farmland is the goal of new changes to forestry.  The Government will be putting a moratorium on converting the best category 1 to 5 farm land into forestry.  There will also be restrictions around category 6 land.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon explained there's been some 'troubling' developments.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 04 Dec 2024 02:24:48 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-defends-carbon-farming/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-defends-carbon-farming/ ACT's David Seymour has spoken in defence of carbon farming, claiming property rights trump land use. Seymour explained that the Government was committed to 'evening the playing field'. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 02 Dec 2024 02:04:23 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-unveils-plans-to-restore-farmer-confidence/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-unveils-plans-to-restore-farmer-confidence/ Following the kick-off of yesterday's “Restoring Farmer Confidence Tour” at Mystery Creek, the Prime Minister is full of ideas to bring hope back to the sector. Chris Luxon acknowledged the economy was still in a tough spot - but he's confirmed plans are in motion to turn things around. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 27 Nov 2024 02:56:30 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-outlines-predictions-for-ocr/ /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-outlines-predictions-for-ocr/ Most economists expect the Official Cash Rate will be cut by another 50 basis points this week. The Reserve Bank will review the cash rate on Wednesday at 2pm. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie joined The Country to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 26 Nov 2024 01:37:02 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/jason-te-brake-zespri-ceo-on-the-companys-expected-november-price-forecast/ /on-air/the-country/audio/jason-te-brake-zespri-ceo-on-the-companys-expected-november-price-forecast/ The head of kiwifruit giant Zespri is predicting a strong price forecast off the back of a solid growth period for the industry. New Zealand's kiwifruit sector has undergone a turbulent period - but things appear to be looking up this season. Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 21 Nov 2024 02:41:51 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/mark-wynne-alliance-group-chairman-on-the-companys-multi-million-dollar-net-loss/ /on-air/the-country/audio/mark-wynne-alliance-group-chairman-on-the-companys-multi-million-dollar-net-loss/ Meat processor Alliance Group is reporting a significant loss as it moves to close its Timaru meatworks. It's reporting a net loss after tax of $95.8 million for the year to September. That compares to a $70.1 million loss last year. Chairman Mark Wynne joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 20 Nov 2024 03:19:40 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-on-the-h%C4%ABkoi-marching-on-parliament/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-on-the-h%C4%ABkoi-marching-on-parliament/ It's a big day for ACT's David Seymour, as the hīkoi marching down the country to oppose the Treaty Principles Bill arrived in Wellington today. Tens of thousands of people are protesting on Parliament grounds, with plenty spilling over into the side streets. Seymour says the protesters aren't interested in having a proper dialogue - but he hopes they can make a submission on the bill. LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 19 Nov 2024 01:06:44 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/finn-ross-climate-change-action-company-founder-and-co-chair-of-future-farmers-nz-on-cop29-at-azerbaijan/ /on-air/the-country/audio/finn-ross-climate-change-action-company-founder-and-co-chair-of-future-farmers-nz-on-cop29-at-azerbaijan/ Climate Change Action Company founder and co-chair of Future Farmers NZ, Lake Hāwea Station’s Finn Ross has been at COP29. Ross speaks to Jamie Mackay about his time and learnings from Azerbaijan. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 18 Nov 2024 01:52:12 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-unpacks-first-phone-call-with-us-president-elect-donald-trump/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-unpacks-first-phone-call-with-us-president-elect-donald-trump/ Prime Minister Chris Luxon's opened up about his first one-on-one chat with US President-elect Donald Trump. The pair had a lengthy discussion about business, international conflicts and golf - with Luxon describing the exchange as 'warm' and 'productive'. The Prime Minister joined the Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 13 Nov 2024 02:25:33 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/sir-david-carter-former-minister-of-agriculture-and-speaker-of-the-house-on-cup-and-show-week-christchurch-ap-show-and-the-political-world-of-today/ /on-air/the-country/audio/sir-david-carter-former-minister-of-agriculture-and-speaker-of-the-house-on-cup-and-show-week-christchurch-ap-show-and-the-political-world-of-today/ Cup and Show Week gets underway today with the NZ Trotting Cup at Addington.   Also on the week’s agenda is the A&P Show running from Thursday to Saturday, Free for All Friday, and Riccarton Saturday.  Former Minister of Agriculture and Speaker of the House Sir David Carter joins Jamie Mackay to discuss the biggest A&P show in the country, how he is faring on his Banks Peninsula sheep and beef farm, and what he makes of the political world today.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 12 Nov 2024 01:27:33 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-deputy-prime-minister-on-donald-trump-winning-a-second-term-as-us-president/ /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-deputy-prime-minister-on-donald-trump-winning-a-second-term-as-us-president/ There's belief from some that Donald Trump winning a second term in office means voters have launched a 'war on woke'. Trump swept through the battleground states and clinched 295 electoral votes - beating out opponent Kamala Harris. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss what this development means for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 07 Nov 2024 03:41:33 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-muller-former-national-leader-outlines-his-predictions-for-the-us-election/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-muller-former-national-leader-outlines-his-predictions-for-the-us-election/ Former National leader Todd Muller is a big fan of American politics - and he's been following the US election closely. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have been making their final pitches to voters ahead of tomorrow's big day, with polling still showing it'll be a very close race. Muller joined the Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss his pick for President - and the economic implications of each candidate ascending to the White House. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 05 Nov 2024 02:56:10 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-voices-disapproval-with-potential-capital-gains-tax/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-voices-disapproval-with-potential-capital-gains-tax/ ACT's David Seymour has echoed National's disapproval around introducing a capital gains tax. A recent poll shows over 65 percent of Kiwis would support this tax in some form. David Seymour joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss why he thinks a capital gains tax will leave New Zealand worse off in the long run. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 04 Nov 2024 02:07:42 Z