Election 2026: The Front Bench

Episodios

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  The Front Bench: Predictable policy and the rising star of Barbara Edmonds 05.10.2026 33m

  Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on.  In the first edition of The Front Bench for Election 2026, the panel gives their take on which party is being the most predictable so far this election campaign.  Heather asks whether Barbara Edmonds is the new star of the Labour Party and where Winston Peters has been so far during the campaign.  Plus does David Seymour have an issue with the Herald's Poll of Polls?  Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.   Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Election 2026: The Front Bench 04.10.2026

  Election 2026 is set to be one of the most important in recent memory.   To cut through the spin – join Newstalk ZB’s The Front Bench to get to the heart of the issues that matter most.  Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Election 2026. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated political discussion.   Josie Pagani brings decades of political experience and insight, having worked across government, policy and communications. A respected political commentator and current Child Fund CEO, she offers a deep understanding of the forces shaping New Zealand politics and the decisions confronting voters. Director of Sherson Willis PR, Trish Sherson draws on a career spanning politics, communications and business leadership. A former press secretary, she brings firsthand experience of how political decisions are developed, communicated and scrutinised, while her extensive governance and corporate affairs background provides valuable perspective on the real-world impact of policy. And of course, you’ll get the best analysis from Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis Allan and Barry Soper.   Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.   Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Front Bench: Could we be facing a second election? 09.10.2023 32m

  Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.  This week the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper. Our expert panel discusses National’s warning that if it can’t get a suitable deal with New Zealand First and Winston Peters – it may lead to a second election. They also chat about Act’s sizeable drop in the polls – and what’s leading driving their numbers down. The experts dissect the electorates to watch - and chat both Sir John Key and Helen Clark getting involved in the campaign. Plus, each will reveal their favourite policy of the campaign – and give their election night prediction. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Front Bench: What does Chris Hipkins' Covid diagnosis mean for the campaign? 02.10.2023 31m

  Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.  This week, the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper. Our expert panel discusses the call that this election campaign is being marred by violence and attacks across the political spectrum. They also chat about Chris Hipkins’ Covid diagnosis and the implications that will have on the final fortnight of campaigning. The experts dissect that interview with Winston Peters – and if that means National should re-think its stance to work with NZ First. Heather asks the panel whether the rise in early voting will continue – and what that might mean for the result on October 14th. Plus, they take a deep dive into the latest policy announcements – including the Greens’ universal student allowance and Labour’s supermarket pledge. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Front Bench: Luxon confirmed he'll work with Peters- could National lose support? 25.09.2023 32m

  Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.  This week, the Executive Director of the Taxpayer’s Union Jordan Williams steps in for Barry Soper. Our expert panel discusses Christopher Luxon confirming he’ll form a Government with Winston Peters if he has to. Does it give New Zealand First more credibility? Could National lose support because of this?   They also dissect Chris Hipkins getting into attack mode but ask, is it simply too late to make a difference in the polls? Heather asks the panel what they made of the debates last week and whether they’ll change any minds. Plus, they take a deep dive into the latest policy announcements – including National’s speed limits promise and Labour’s climate manifesto.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Front Bench: Will hecklers be a problem for the rest of the campaign? 18.09.2023 31m

  Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.  This week, NZME Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie steps in for Barry Soper. The panel discuss ACT’s campaign launch over the weekend and whether its focus on co-governance is a vote winner or loser. They also chat about the hecklers and whether conspiracy theorists will continue to be a theme for the rest of the campaign. Heather poses the question whether this is the most boring campaign since 2014 and whether the first Leaders debate will be worth a watch. Plus, they take a closer look at Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s election manifesto and the Wellington Central race. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Watch: The Front Bench- ACT playing hardball with National 11.09.2023 32m

  Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.  The Act Party has thrown a potential cat amongst the pigeons by threatening it may only enter a confidence deal with National. The panel discuss whether Chris Luxon is losing credibility. Labour’s polling continues to plummet – is there anything the party can do to turn its fortunes around? And the panel discuss the potential partners for both National and Labour post polling days. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Front Bench: Attack ads already being published- could this be the most negative campaign yet? 04.09.2023 31m

    Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.  The attack ads are already being published, with the CTU going after Chris Luxon on the front page of the Herald and on billboards across the country. Could this be the most negative campaign in recent memory? Is going negative an effective strategy? All eyes this weekend were on Labour and National’s campaign launches – who had the better launch? And was it better for Chris Luxon to use his family, or for Chris Hipkins to involve former Prime Minister Helen Clark? Labour has pledged to extend free dental care to those 29 and under by 2026. Is that good policy? Is it better than the pledge to slash GST off fruit and veg? The campaign is already getting distracted by protests – should we get used to this over the coming weeks? And the panel discuss what they think the main themes for Election 2023 will be. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Election 2023: The Front Bench podcast 31.08.2023

  Election 2023 is set to be one of the most important in recent memory.   To cut through the spin – join Newstalk ZB’s The Front Bench to get to the heart of the issues that matter most.  Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Phil O’Reilly and Richard Hills thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Election 2023. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated political discussion.   Phil O’Reilly brings his vast business experience and acumen to the table as former Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, as well as being uniquely placed as someone at the leading edge of the global debate in his work as Paris-based Chair of Business at OECD.  With climate change and local government being hot topics for Election 2023, Auckland councillor Richard Hills, who has led Auckland’s Climate Plan as well as been Chair of the Planning, Environment & Parks Committee, will provide insight into the inner workings of policy makers. And of course, you’ll get the best analysis from Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis Allan and Barry Soper.   Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.   Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and subscribe to the podcast on iHeartRadio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Front Bench - Post-election analysis 19.10.2020 14m

  Labour's number two Kelvin Davis is getting strong backing for the job of Deputy Prime Minister, even from those in other political parties. The Māori Party's Rawiri Waititi, who has very likely secured the party's comeback seat in Parliament, says he...
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  The Front Bench - October 12th 2020 12.10.2020 30m

  There are just five days to go until Election Day, and things are heating up on the campaign trail! Tune in today for the final Front Bench - Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Trish Sherson and Chris Carter thrash out the big political issues in...
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  The Front Bench - October 5th 2020 05.10.2020 32m

  Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Trish Sherson and Chris Carter thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Vote 2020. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated election podcast....
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  The Front Bench - September 28th 2020 28.09.2020 31m

  Join Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Trish Sherson and Chris Carter thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Vote 2020. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated election...
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  The Front Bench - September 21st 2020 21.09.2020 32m

  National's momentum has slowed after its $4 billion blunder. The Party's promise to claw back $19.1 billion by ending Super Fund contributions was wrong - because Treasury's Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update only showed $15 billion.National...
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  The Front Bench: September 14th 14.09.2020 31m

  Catch live action of the second instalment of The Front Bench. Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB political editor Barry Soper, PR...
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  The Front Bench - September 7th 2020 07.09.2020 31m

  Labour is backing calls to make Matariki a public holiday. It would work out a winter date starting in 2022, to celebrate our national identity, cultures and traditions - and boost tourism and hospitality. Waitangi Day was the last public holiday...
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  Vote 2020: The Front Bench 03.09.2020

  Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Trish Sherson and Chris Carter thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Vote 2020. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated election podcast....