/on-air/the-country/rss 九一星空无限 THE COUNTRYWITH JAMIE MACKAY12pm–1pm weekdays New Zealand’s flagship rural radio show. As a former sheep farmer and a current equity partner in a Southland Fri, 31 Jan 2025 02:44:54 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 /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-minister-of-trade-on-trade-agreement-negotiations-with-six-nation-gulf-cooperation-council/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-minister-of-trade-on-trade-agreement-negotiations-with-six-nation-gulf-cooperation-council/ New Zealand and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement that will open up significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters in the Gulf region. But what about the prospects for our FTA with India? Have we been kicked to touch? Minister of Trade joins Todd McClay to discuss. Fri, 01 Nov 2024 02:30:09 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-whether-the-government-will-implement-a-capital-gains-tax/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-whether-the-government-will-implement-a-capital-gains-tax/ The Prime Minister is adamant that taxing New Zealand out of an economic downturn is not the way forward. Discussions about introducing a capital gains tax have kept cropping up - and over 65 percent of Kiwis support the idea, according to new polls. Despite this, Chris Luxon joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain why his Government won't be introducing the tax any time soon. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 30 Oct 2024 01:53:20 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/kate-scott-horticulture-nz-chief-executive-on-her-new-role/ /on-air/the-country/audio/kate-scott-horticulture-nz-chief-executive-on-her-new-role/ Kate Scott is the newest person to take on the role of leading Horticulture NZ - and she's had a busy couple of weeks. New reports indicate the primary sector may be through the worst of the economic downturn - with the current outlook appearing brighter than expected. Horticulture NZ's new chief executive joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 29 Oct 2024 03:07:18 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/dr-jacqueline-rowarth-primary-sector-academic-ahead-of-the-united-nations-biodiversity-summit/ /on-air/the-country/audio/dr-jacqueline-rowarth-primary-sector-academic-ahead-of-the-united-nations-biodiversity-summit/ One expert says New Zealand is working to meet global expectations when it comes to sustainability targets. World leaders will gather in Columbia tomorrow for the United Nations' biodiversity summit. New Zealand is one of 80 percent of countries that hasn't submitted plans to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Dr Jacqueline Rowarth joined The Country to explain how New Zealand is working to bring down greenhouse gases and contribute to sustainability efforts. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 21 Oct 2024 02:26:09 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/phil-duncan-weatherwatch-head-weather-analyst-on-the-expected-weather-for-both-ends-of-the-country/ /on-air/the-country/audio/phil-duncan-weatherwatch-head-weather-analyst-on-the-expected-weather-for-both-ends-of-the-country/ WeatherWatch’s head weather analyst says there’s a much more settled and dry week for Southland despite a frost this morning, while the North Island could feel more “La Nina-like” by the end of the week. Phil Duncan joined The Country's Rowena Duncum to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 14 Oct 2024 02:56:42 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-minister-for-resources-says-climate-activists-wont-silence-his-push-for-coal-mining/ /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-minister-for-resources-says-climate-activists-wont-silence-his-push-for-coal-mining/ The Resources Minister says Greenpeace activists won't silence him on mining.  Shane Jones is today attending the Minerals West Coast Forum in Ross.  Greenpeace has been protesting the Government's planned fast track-approvals. Jones calls that 'foolish and juvenile'.  He says he's the 'people's champion' - and protesters represent a small group of elites who think we should save the climate before we save the economy.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 03 Oct 2024 01:48:23 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-weighs-in-ahead-of-latest-ocr-decision/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-weighs-in-ahead-of-latest-ocr-decision/ The Prime Minister's avoiding predictions for next week's Official Cash Rate decision.  When the Reserve Bank cut 25 basis points off the rate in August, it predicted more were to come. Chris Luxon says the pace of change is up to Governor Adrian Orr. He says all he can do as Prime Minister is be a good partner and manage the fiscal position well. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 02 Oct 2024 03:31:12 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/phil-duncan-weatherwatch-expert-on-what-farmers-can-expect-for-october/ /on-air/the-country/audio/phil-duncan-weatherwatch-expert-on-what-farmers-can-expect-for-october/ The last day of September brought sunny weather, but what can farmers expect in the coming days? As we head into October, WeatherWatch expert Phil Duncan joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss the spring weather. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 30 Sep 2024 03:27:21 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/toby-williams-federated-farmers-national-meat-and-wool-chair-offers-tips-for-mental-health-awareness-week/ /on-air/the-country/audio/toby-williams-federated-farmers-national-meat-and-wool-chair-offers-tips-for-mental-health-awareness-week/ This week marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week for 2024. Federated Farmers' national meat and wool chair Toby Williams joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to share his tips and insight. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:02:55 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-deputy-prime-minister-doubles-down-on-state-of-decay-claims-about-parliament/ /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-deputy-prime-minister-doubles-down-on-state-of-decay-claims-about-parliament/ The Deputy Prime Minister is calling out what he says is a sharp decline in Parliament's standards. He says over the last three years, people have lost their sense of decorum and claims that certain parties don't know how to follow standing orders. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to unpack his fiery exchange with Te Pāti Māori's Takuta Ferris yesterday - and explain why Ferris violated the standards of the House. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Sep 2024 03:47:00 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-explains-how-primary-sector-will-boost-new-zealands-economy/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-explains-how-primary-sector-will-boost-new-zealands-economy/ The Prime Minister is confident that boosting up New Zealand's primary sector will help turn the nation's economy around. Luxon returned from Malaysia and South Korea a couple of weeks ago- and he used the trip to sell New Zealand's agricultural offering to a new market. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss further.   Wed, 18 Sep 2024 02:23:35 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-regional-development-minister-on-the-closure-of-winstone-pulp-s-north-island-mills/ /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-regional-development-minister-on-the-closure-of-winstone-pulp-s-north-island-mills/ Minister Shane Jones is adamant more businesses need to be saved from impending closure due to high power prices. Winstone Pulp is blaming high energy prices for the decision to close its two North Island mills - costing 230 jobs. Jones warned The Country's Jamie Mackay more shutdowns could come if a solution isn't reached. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 12 Sep 2024 03:33:54 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-weighs-in-on-new-zealands-trade-future-with-asia/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-weighs-in-on-new-zealands-trade-future-with-asia/ The Prime Minister says there's plenty of international demand for New Zealand products - and there's room for more trading overseas. Chris Luxon spend last week in Malaysia and South Korea in a bid to to strengthen business ties with both countries. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVE     Wed, 11 Sep 2024 03:58:41 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-legacy-of-kiingi-tuheitia/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-legacy-of-kiingi-tuheitia/ Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he hopes the idea of kotahitanga Kiingi Tuheitia embraced can continue. Mourners have carried Te Kiingi's casket to the top of Taupiri mountain for burial among his ancestors. His youngest child has been anointed Queen as his successor - 27-year-old Ngā Wai hono i te pō. Hipkins says New Zealand has much to learn from Tuheitia's message for New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 05 Sep 2024 04:21:20 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/andrew-murray-fonterra-chief-financial-officer-on-the-dip-in-prices-in-latest-global-dairy-trade-auction/ /on-air/the-country/audio/andrew-murray-fonterra-chief-financial-officer-on-the-dip-in-prices-in-latest-global-dairy-trade-auction/ There has been a small dip in prices in the latest Global Dairy Trade auction, held overnight, with a 0.4 percent decrease across the board. This is after an impressive jump of 5.5 percent at the previous event two weeks ago. Fonterra chief financial officer Andrew Murray joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss the result. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 04 Sep 2024 02:35:33 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-deputy-prime-minister-fires-back-at-caralee-mcliesh-over-superannuation-comments/ /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-deputy-prime-minister-fires-back-at-caralee-mcliesh-over-superannuation-comments/ The Deputy Prime Minister has criticised the outgoing Treasury boss for her comments on changing the superannuation age. As her five-year term ends, Caralee McLiesh has said New Zealand needs a capital gains tax - and a more efficient superannuation scheme. Winston Peters has long argued against lifting the eligibility age. He admits it will need to rise one day, but says the question is whether now's the time, which McLiesh doesn't address. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 03 Sep 2024 04:05:57 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/miles-hurrell-fonterra-ceo-unveils-plans-to-expand-south-island-site/ /on-air/the-country/audio/miles-hurrell-fonterra-ceo-unveils-plans-to-expand-south-island-site/ Fonterra's set to expand one of its South Island sites to create a hub for high value proteins. The $75 million investment into the company's Studholme site is part of a strategy to grow value through its ingredients business. Fonterra's proteins are designed for product applications such as medical and high-protein sports nutrition. CEO Miles Hurrell joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 28 Aug 2024 04:20:31 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-minister-of-trade-and-agriculture-on-the-trade-opportunities-available-in-india/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-minister-of-trade-and-agriculture-on-the-trade-opportunities-available-in-india/ Trade Minister Todd McClay has been exploring some overseas business opportunities. Following his most recent trip to India, Minister McClay joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss the future trade options for New Zealand.  Listen to the full discussion here. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 27 Aug 2024 02:47:57 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-associate-minister-of-finance-on-the-recommended-changes-to-improve-banking-sector-competition/ /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-associate-minister-of-finance-on-the-recommended-changes-to-improve-banking-sector-competition/ New Zealand's own 'Prince of the Provinces' has weighed in on the Commerce Commission's recommendations to improve banking sector competition. Minister Shane Jones says the Government needs to intervene and make some improvements to address the current state of banking in New Zealand. He joined the Country's Jamie Mackay to explain why the banking sector needs to be reshaped with chainsaws, not feather-dusters. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 22 Aug 2024 03:43:58 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/ben-picton-rabobank-senior-economist-responds-to-the-reserve-bank-cutting-the-ocr/ /on-air/the-country/audio/ben-picton-rabobank-senior-economist-responds-to-the-reserve-bank-cutting-the-ocr/ One leading economist has expressed surprised at the Reserve Bank's latest announcement. The Bank has slashed the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 percent. Rabobank senior economist Ben Picton joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 15 Aug 2024 04:27:16 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-governments-move-to-overturn-gene-technology-ban/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-governments-move-to-overturn-gene-technology-ban/ The Prime Minister says he's 'very proud' that the ban on gene technology outside the lab will be overturned. The Government will introduce legislation this year to let researchers use the tech outside laboratories, to develop and commercialise products. Chris Luxon joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 14 Aug 2024 04:15:18 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-role-agriculture-plays-in-new-zealands-economy/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-role-agriculture-plays-in-new-zealands-economy/ Prime Minister Chris Luxon is adamant that agriculture plays an important role in New Zealand's economy. He claims it got the nation through the 2008 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic - and that it's a crucial part of New Zealand's economic future. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss the issue further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 07 Aug 2024 04:29:39 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/andrew-hoggard-minister-for-food-safety-on-new-zealands-infant-formula-standards/ /on-air/the-country/audio/andrew-hoggard-minister-for-food-safety-on-new-zealands-infant-formula-standards/ New Zealand is opting out of new infant formula joint standards with Australia. The rules designed by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand restrict labelling - and only allow pharmacies or healthcare providers to sell specialist formula. Minister Andrew Hoggard joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:26:20 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-minister-of-agriculture-and-trade-responds-to-latest-farm-confidence-survey/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-minister-of-agriculture-and-trade-responds-to-latest-farm-confidence-survey/ Debt, interest rates and banks are top of mind for farmers. Federated Farmers’ latest Farm Confidence survey shows 66 percent consider the current economic climate to be bad - the second-worst result in its history. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. Tue, 30 Jul 2024 04:02:26 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-on-wokeness-polluting-waterways-policy/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-on-wokeness-polluting-waterways-policy/ Act Party leader David Seymour tells Jamie about the ‘wokeness’ currently polluting our waterways policy.  Plus, Seymour speaks about not taking shortcuts in the health system and game one in Washington.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 29 Jul 2024 02:28:00 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/fran-osullivan-nzme-business-commentator-on-the-nz-heralds-agribusiness-and-trade-report/ /on-air/the-country/audio/fran-osullivan-nzme-business-commentator-on-the-nz-heralds-agribusiness-and-trade-report/ The NZ Herald’s business section has released their newest Agribusiness and Trade report. 九一星空无限’s Head of Business joined The Country to discuss two of her columns - Luxon dubbed NZ’s “salesman in chief” and Doubling Kiwi exports to grow NZ’s wealth. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 25 Jul 2024 03:06:30 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-calls-for-civility-in-new-zealand-politics-as-things-heat-up-in-the-us/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-calls-for-civility-in-new-zealand-politics-as-things-heat-up-in-the-us/ The Prime Minister says the US's political polarisation could be a lesson for New Zealand. An attempt was made to assassinate Donald Trump this month, and Joe Biden dropped out of the Presidential race over the weekend. Chris Luxon recently met Biden at NATO. He says he expects the election will be close, with voters very locked into one side or another. "It's a reminder in some ways that we must maintain civility in our politics. Yes, we have an MMP environment, yes we have political parties with lots of different political views... we want to maintain civility."  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:33:11 Z