The New Zealand Centre for Political Research (NZCPR) was established twenty one years ago.

Founded by Muriel Newman, the NZCPR is more important now than ever as an independent public policy think tank.

In this election year, New Zealand is arguably facing its biggest challenge to date.

Certainly the biggest for a long time.

Nine years as a politician (and a former Chamber of Commerce President) provides Muriel with political insider knowledge.

And in Podcast 335 she displays it with full force.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

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Proven favourite Nick Cater turns up for the first time this year.

Unsurprisingly, the Australian economy leads the discussion.

We focus on the trio of hopeless politicians at the absolute peak of state power.

Nick shares his reaction to Pauline Hanson, and Angus Taylor, the new leader of the Liberal Party.

We touch on housing, jobs, tax, cost of living and mass immigration.

We discuss AI and the difference it will make to the political landscape.

And finally he addresses a most important question; is Australia still the place for Kiwis when they leave New Zealand.

His response might surprise you.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.

Listen here on iHeartRadio

Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Depending on perspective, it’s not difficult to agree with George Friedman’s interpretations of “how the world turns”.

I first met George in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1983 where he was a Professor at the United States War College.

It was instantly obvious that the professors knowledge in his field was second to none.

George’s most recent book “The Storm Before the Calm” (2020) set the stage for the era we are now navigating.

This interview with Dr Friedman on the current Middle East crisis is one of our best discussions of how, when, where and why such events happen and how they play out.

Whether or not you agree, the founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures is at his best.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.

Listen here on iHeartRadio

Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.