May 28, 2025 • 22 mins
Parliament is officially halfway through the three-year term - so how would our parties rate their performances over the last eighteen months?
Also, David Seymour takes over from Winston Peters as deputy Prime Minister this weekend. Will he cause trouble for the Prime Minister?
Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and National's Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday.
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
You're listening to the Wellington Mornings podcast with Nick Mills
from News Talks aid B focusing in on the issues
that matter Politics. Thursday on Wellington Mornings News Talk said.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
B's shine, can you make you rightioucision love Shine, Can
you make you right?
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Decision?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Johny Us for Politics Thursday. This week is Labor Police
spokesperson Ginny Anderson. Good morning, Jenny, Good morning.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
There haven't spoken to you for a while.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
I'm getting a feeling like you're going Tory Fano on me.
Not gonna getta bring up one day and say me
and you, Nick are no longer.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Listeners. I think your listeners just get too much of
me as there's I'm already on once a week kind
of Wednesday after give you small doses.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Help me out here. I'm feeling personal I'm feeling it
a bit personally though. You know, it's just like women
just don't want to women just don't want to be
on my show.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
And anyway, coming back, don't worry.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Let's keep and let's move on. National wire Rapper MP
Mike Butterick, Mike, where the hell and the world are
you right today? Right now?
Speaker 4 (01:30):
Where am I? I'm outside the land Girl Cafe down
the Mighty per and Oa south by Rapper Pretty.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
I used to go to school there.
Speaker 4 (01:39):
Did it? Well? For this I'm heading in to see
the kids at school, so that's always good fun.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
It's the principal and my mum was deputy. Yeah years
ago or there you go?
Speaker 4 (01:52):
Two degrees everywhere you go?
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Well, can someone, can someone bring me into the conversation
and give me some hint of where the hell it is?
Where's the next the next best town?
Speaker 4 (02:02):
Your south of Martin on the way to Lake Ferry?
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Okay, late fair loved Lake Faiiry. I just played a
bit of Creation, great Christians and who lives in Lake Ferry?
There you go. Because it's Kiwi Music Month. We played
Kiwi music and the song that I just played in
the last hour was called Carolina by Creation and Greg
Christensen lives in Lake Fierry. There a bit of information.
Nice for you, Mike. Right, let's start on the ocr
(02:27):
not a lot to talk about. Jinny went down another
twenty five basis points yesterday. I mean, this is good us,
isn't it.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
It's good for more good rates. I mean the people
are feeling it really tough at the moment, particularly those
who are on those high effect rates, but the rest
of that are beings. That is a bit concerning given
the unemployment still tracking out five percent and higher and
inflation still not coming down so expected to increase for
a bit of a short term, so we're not out
(02:58):
of the woods yet. They're still paying there, and we
definitely feel that in willing terms when we talk to
people or go in the traps.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
All right, Mike, do we need why didn't he go
to fifty points? Come on?
Speaker 4 (03:11):
Yeah, well there's aggressing for the Reserve banknack. But look,
I mean, it's good news. It was probably widely anticipated,
but it's nice that it's actually come to fruition and
you know the languages, they are talking further cuts near
the end of the year, and it will make a
difference for a lot of people because there's a large
percentage of people with mortgages have been fixed and are
(03:31):
coming off anytime soon, so they'll be able to capitalize
that in just a bit of context. You know, if
you had a half a million dollar mortgage, I mean,
you're probably looking at saving three hundred odd dollars every fortnight.
That's a meaningful amount of money.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
So absolutely yes. Can I just interrupt and say, should
we be concerned about it going to a vote and
it being five to one or four to one or
whatever the vote was, Should we be concerned that maybe
July it won't come down further, that there is some
sort of sort of handbreak on.
Speaker 4 (04:02):
Look, I think we could read too much into that.
Neck but I think we could read too much into that.
But you know, the fact is it's come down. That's
a good thing. You know, there is a little bit
of global uncertainty. We know that, but you know it
is what it is. But it has come down. That's
really all it actually matters.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Okay, Jenny, I'll give you a chance to answer that question.
It should we be concerned that it went to a vote
and there was one that said it shouldn't have come down?
Speaker 3 (04:28):
It does show that there is a bit of uncertainty
in the other fact that it was in those economics
that are forecast is that growth is not going to increase.
It's very minimal, maybe one percent. So that's a real
concern in people who are earning wages that haven't had
a wage increase or had their job cut under this government.
(04:48):
That's where the real pinch is happening that we need
to see increase in an economic growth that will drive
up wages and so we're not seeing that presently.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Okay, it's halfway through. Can you believe both of you?
Can you believe it's halfway through this term? I mean,
you know the big news it's exactly halfway through this
week right parliamentary term, and there's going to be a
change of Deputy Prime Minister this Saturday as David takes
on the job. Mike National promise growth, growth and more
(05:20):
growth at the election. Halfway through the term. Why has
it goes so wrong? Or where have we not had
that growth that we were promised?
Speaker 4 (05:27):
Yeah, I think it's unfair to say where it's gone
horribly wrong. I mean, there's been a whole lot of
factors outside of our outside of our control. And you know,
but I think you know rural New Zealand's we're starting
to get up off the chemvast. There are some there
are certainly some stories. I know you don't like the
terms green shoots. So look at rural New Zealand is
a great story. This morning Fonterra record profit after texts
(05:51):
just to put over one point one billion. That is
all money that will get recycled back into economy. And
the important part is they're actually talking very similar prices
into next season, which means it's it's going to be enduring.
Is good. So there is a lot of positive stuff
happening now. So you know, it's she's a funny old
(06:11):
game in this world at the moment, right, Genny, You've.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Had half your term as opposition. How have you adopt
adapted to opposition? How have you found it?
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Well, it kind of feels like I've got a ringside
seat at the circus and it's half time at the
circus and the clowns are coming out. So when you
think of what's happens, whether it's women's paving cut, where
it's the disability sector who have had all these support cut,
whether it's the Tretty Principles Bill, which an absolute and
I just liked hearing the country up for race relation,
(06:41):
it's just been one hit after another the different parts
of the community that national any X don't really care about.
So women's pay is the latest one and that's really
hurting a government because there are a lot of women
out there who are angry about what they've done with
women's pay. And that's not going to go away.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Jenny. But Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, When are we going
to see some ideas from you guys? We keep getting
told about the tax, we get picked hold that you're
going to do, but you're actually sitting back that Yes,
you know, you're yelling and screaming and barking in a
couple of cars that go past the Parliament. But when
are we going to see something from you guys that
says this is what we're going to do.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Well, you'll know, Nick, that in every election cycle that
stuff starts rolling out, you know, within the set of
twelve months build up to an election. So we get
a lot of our work done and make sure it's
all costed, so it comes out and people can see
if there is text, where that's going to be spent,
if there's new initiatives, how they'll be funded. So all
of that work comes out building up to an election,
(07:40):
and we're gearing up now to do all of that
work to get it ready.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Mike, do you feel that did I ask the Prime
Minister this yesterday when he was in the studio, But
he didn't really give me a clear answer, and you
probably won't either. But I'm going to ask you, do
you think that the government spending a lot of time
appeasing the coalition partners, do you reckon that that's a
lot of their energy is just trying to make everyone
feel okay.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
No, Look, I don't think so, Nick. I think in
terms of you know, and yes we are half through,
but look, ocr has come down to three point twenty
five percent. We've had six consecutive cuts since I think
it was August last year. Inflations back in the box
where it's sixteen percent, we're down at two and a half.
I think the free trade agreements, they are something I
(08:22):
think we probably should focus on a lot more because
they are actually going to provide enduring benefits and that's
going to be across multiple generations. You think about the
the EU FTA, the United Arab Emirates FTA, the Global
the Golf GCC FTAs, trade negotiations starting with India. Those
(08:44):
are meaningful things that will make make a difference for
all New Zealanders. So I think we've been tracking on
pretty well. We've got a plan, we're delivering on it,
but there's nothing happens in a hurry, and it's like
there is no magic but to fix a lot of
the things that we inherited. But there are a lot
of positive things that we've done and continue to do
so Nick, like.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Jenny, what do you think that Seymour is going to
be like as a deputy from US. I think he's
going to be very very out there.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
We've already seen him doing all of his dne I
mean the Treaty Principle's Bill as a classic example of
him really dividing our nation. We've never had that level
of racial sort of upheaval, and probably in my lifetime
for a bill that didn't even proceed. It didn't even
do anything or go anywhere. So he's prepared, He's got
(09:36):
no I guess bottom lines, he's prepared to do anything
to get himself political technician and notoriety. And that's really concerning.
We haven't had that level of kind of that style
of politics in New Zealand. And while it might work
well for his little voter base, the majority of New
Zealanders I speak to are really concerned about where our
(09:57):
country will go with someone like him and second in charge.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Yeah, I'm just a little bit nervous of him as well.
Do you think Mike do you know any will be okay?
Speaker 4 (10:09):
Oh, I think David will be fine. But what I
would like to just point out is, you know, Winston Peters.
We've had Winston as Deputy Prime Minister for the first
half of the turn, and you know, I've got a
lot of admiration for his dedication and his professionalism, and
he's I think they're talking job.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
We're not talking about. We're talking about I just.
Speaker 4 (10:27):
Wanted to acknowledge that. Just wanted to acknowledge Winston Peters
for the work he has done, and he's done a
brilliant job as Minister of Foreign a few years. So
I would just acknowledge that I'm.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Not talking about Peters. We all know what a great
job he did. I'm asking you about David Seabour because
that's a new catalyphist.
Speaker 4 (10:47):
I think David will do a good job. I think
he's a very student individual. And we'll we'll have to
wait and see. So I say, hurry up and wait,
hurry up and wait.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
You guys going to hurry up and wait. We'll just
sit as did he said, We'll be in the we'll
be in the ring site seats.
Speaker 3 (11:06):
Have you seen that all? Part of that documentary. I
think it's my head nd. I mean Forbes did a
docco on on David Seymour and his connections to the
Atlas network internationally. And yeah, to realize eye opener. If
anyone wants to take a look at that, Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
All right, Well I'll have a look at it and
I'll respond when I've seen it. Ginny Politics, Thursday Labor
Police spokesperson Ginny Anderson, and National Wie Upper MP Mike
Butter Riku's in some one horse town in the wirerapper.
I can't repeat.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
It that.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Parents used to be school teachers or head master. And
first my parents were like that in a place called
kaiangaroa forest. Do you know where that is, Ginny?
Speaker 3 (11:46):
Oh, yes, I know that, Yeah, I do you know
what that is?
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Yeah, my father was the head master and my mother
was a teacher there, so we know she didn't teach me.
You're right. Ethan just came in my ear and said
she didn't. Not very nice? Is it terrible? Is it
a terrible thing, Ginny, being the child of a headmaster.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
Yes, Oh, my dad taught me when I was intended
fourth so like Keen and I'd to call him mister Anderson,
and he wrote my school report and I took it
home and gave it to Mama. So I was that funny.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Yeah, great story, that's a great right. Winston Peters came
out this week and said he would couldn't, wouldn't possibly
form a coalition with Labor of Chris Sipkins was the leader,
but he did not rule out Labor entirely. Just Hipkins. Jinny, Jinny, Jinny, Jinny.
That's two things in my mind. One is you're going
to be leader of Labor and the second is does
(12:38):
this concern you?
Speaker 3 (12:41):
I don't love Winston likes me any better. Look, look,
it's hard to say with Winston because he does come
out with these things and they last for a while
and then he'll come out with something different. So look,
we haven't really formed up who we'd work with. We
usually do that a bit closer to the election. So yeah,
I kind of took it with a grain of salt
(13:02):
to be friends.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
Okay, Mike, how are they supposed to anyone supposed to
the government about Winston? I mean, you know, would New
Zealand first vote for for, you know, Winston if they
knew that he was going to go with Labor and
to Party, Mary, No, wouldn't would it?
Speaker 4 (13:17):
No?
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Agree?
Speaker 4 (13:18):
No, Well, that's right, the Greens and you've got parties
that want to defund police and parties want to just
borrow and tax a whole heap more and let everyone
out of prison. So but it's really a question for
Winston and the Labor Party that's between them should it
come to past.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
So, Jenny, the problem is, this is where the real
problem is. And you can take time and you know
it's going to heal everything. New Zealanders aren't going to
vote for a Labor led coalition with the Greens and
To Party, Mari, are they?
Speaker 3 (13:49):
Well they have in the past. But you know, I
guess you know, it depends on what the policies we
take to the election and demonstrate what we can do
for New Zealand. That's what an election campaign is about
the problem. We're very focused on maximizing. You know, we
want people to vote for the Labor Party because we
believe that he's got a vision for New Zealand that's
better than what this coalition of chaos is giving us.
(14:11):
But you as and on themselves.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
But hold on, Ji, I just got to interrupt there
because you as the police spokesperson. You wouldn't if that
coalition existed, you wouldn't be Minister of Police. That would
be a ball and she wants to default.
Speaker 3 (14:25):
Yeah, just have a brief, you know, breath for a second, boys,
because if you look at previous previous coalitions, we've never
once provided Minister at Police to another party, and there's
only been one instance, which is the current government, where
you've had ministers in the cabinet room. So the bigger
party typically always takes up those cabinet roles in these
(14:49):
and that's part of negotiations as to what roles whether
they're in or outside.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Jenny, Can I just correct you? Can I just be
your Can I just be your press sect for a
minute and correct your New Zealand First. New Zealand First
was in a coalition with you and had me miss
in the cabinet.
Speaker 3 (15:05):
But we're they went in. They weren't in the cabinet room.
They were ministers.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
It wasn't hold on, hold on, hold on. Shane Jones
and Winston Peters were weren't they. I mean, if I'm wrong,
tell me I'm wrong. But I believe I believe Winston
Peters and Shane Jones cabinet.
Speaker 3 (15:23):
They would come to cabinet when they have a paper.
But currently correctly if I'm wrong. But my understanding is
this is the first government where we've had multiple parties
inside that cabinet room meeting for cabinet regularly. Previously you
would have say the Minister for Conservation or the Minister
for climate Change might be the Green like James Shaw was.
(15:46):
He did not sit in the cabinet room. He came
to can.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
I have to correct you because I can't sleep at
night not correcting you.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
If you're I believe, I'm happy to be corrected.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Tell me if I'm wrong, and you know this is
your party I'm talking about. But Winston Peters was deputy
prime minister, so you had a deputy prime minister that
wasn't in the cabinet moon room. Is that what you're
telling me.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
I have I still yeah, I don't look, I wasn't
in cabinet then, to be honest, so I don't remember.
I was not a cabinet member of the end. But
I can go back in check. But typically the way
it works is those ministers come in when they're carrying
a paper. But maybe he did come in for those meetings.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
And I think Tracy I think Tracy Martin was too.
I think you've got that. Ron Mark, I think you've
got this wrong.
Speaker 3 (16:34):
But I mean, let's let's double check double check there.
Speaker 4 (16:38):
I do.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
I do think I do have a recollection that they
come in when it is issues that's concerning them. But
we have those. It depends on each for the coalition
and what those coalition arrangements are. And I think that's
why it's incredibly important that those things are spelt out
before an election because quite often what you do see
is deals being done after the fact and people are
(17:01):
there on what they've got.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Let's move on because I think I'm going to be
found out to correct. I'm not often correct on facts,
but I think that now you google it down, I
think I'm right right. We had the Prime Minister Christopher
Luxon on the show yesterday. He came into the studio.
It was nice to have him in the studio. He
hit out at the Council, saying it was two party
(17:24):
political and not focused on the real issues and too ideology.
Cool Tory Farno hit back and said he needs to
stop beating down on Wellington, focus on his own chaotic coalition.
Mike is the MP's role to beat down on Wellington?
Why does he not like Wellington? He says he likes Wellington,
but he wants to beat us down.
Speaker 4 (17:45):
Oh look, I don't think that's the case, nickle. Look,
I think the PM is reisrated. I wasn't I even
heard the conversation, obviously, but I mean when the PM
has repeatedly said that councils just need to get back
to doing what their core functions should be and doing
it well. But in terms of Wellington itself, I mean
not you guys are going to get a change, obviously,
(18:06):
But my message and that I say this to all
because we've got local body elections this year coming up.
By say to all, rate pass and voters, but for
goodness sake, get engaged, listen beyond beyond the headlines, and
listen to people's vision and the how are they going
to achieve that vision and actually vote? You know, Wellington's
got a lot to offer and I sit there and
(18:27):
think about you know, there's four million Australians they've signaled
their intention to want to come to New Zealand. How
does Wellington get a slice of that? And I think
it's about Wellington is where it is now, what's a
positive plan looked like going forward? And I think that's
the thing to look for and concentrate on.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
Right Ginny, I want to ask you because I mean,
I thought that Luxeon was correct in some of the
things that he was saying about Wellington, and you know,
it's a beautiful city and people. We are the people
us men. You are the people that are making the
mistakes by not voting. Now. I'm sure you voted in
Loharte and I voted in town. But we have to
take responsibility for who we put into counsel, don't we.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
I think so, and I think they know that where
we hold our local representatives accountable. I do think we
need to improve how we vote in local body elections.
You know that vote tune outs at forty percent or
lower in some parts, so that's a real consume with
people not being engaged. But you know, we're really lucky
in Lower Heart we have some amazing local representatives who
(19:29):
work incredibly hard. They don't get paid. He give a lot,
to be honest.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
You're going to have a new mayor as well, aren't you.
Speaker 3 (19:37):
Yes, Yeah, we've got a couple of contenders in they're
already I think had a chat. Well, both Karen and
Brady are good, are good candidates and there'll be a
good race between them. I think they're only two have
declared so far.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
As someone aware, and I haven't had an opportunity to
talk to you since it's come out, But Andrew Little
for Wellington, what do you think they're I mean, obviously
you're going to be very supportive.
Speaker 3 (20:06):
Ent to us launch a couple of weeks back and
he just said, really, you know he was it Barnaby
Weir from Slimmer Pretty's played and that music was for
me was when I first moved to Wellington. That was
quite popular and it really reminded me of Wellington and
at heyday when it was buzzing and thriving, I was
so excited to be here and working and there was
(20:26):
a real feeling like the city was going places. And
I really hope that Andrew brings back that feeling of
vibrancy and activity and culture that I really miss.
Speaker 2 (20:35):
And Mike Butterreck, I must ask you about frand Wild
in the Wire Wrapper. I mean, she's an amazing, amazing woman.
I've got so much respect for her. That's going to
be impressed. That's going to be hard to knock over.
Speaker 4 (20:47):
And she yeah, look, I've had the good fortune to
get to know friend pretty well, and you know, she
is a very very capable lady. But again, there will
be a number of people that will put their name
into the hat. So you know, I certainly don't want
to be seen to be influencing anybody, but Friend has
got a very good CV and she's incredibly pasionate about
the regent. Now she's moved into the lovely Waiter rapits.
(21:09):
So yeah, there's going to be quite a few people
put their names into the for the three mayoralties in
the bottom half of this region. So it's we'll just
have to wait and see how it plays out. People
would have to get engaged and they have to vote,
and I think it's important they not just listen to
the headline, ask how the vision is going to be achieved.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
There you go, and I'll tell you what, a lot
of people would love to live over the wire rapper mic,
but it's so damn expensive now. It used to be
in the cheaper alternative. Now you're going to be richer.
You've got to sell up, get a mortgage, shut up
your house and willing to get a mortgage and then
go and move over the wire rapper.
Speaker 4 (21:46):
No, there's a place for everyone here that it's a
wonderful place to live.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
Okay, thank you both very much. You're not a walking answer.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
I googled it and I think we're fifty fifty. Like
there's a partner coalition agreement. That's consultation and cooperation. So
he appears regularly when he's got stuff happening. But all
those other New Zealand Ferce ministers were outside of kidnapped. Okay,
it's somewhere in the middle. He tuned up a bit.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Somewhere in the middle. I'll take that. I'll take somewhere
in the middle, but I still disagree with it. But
I'll do my fact checking and report back next time.
I will definitely pull you up and if I've got
my facts right. Thank you both very much. Mike Butterick
and Ginny Anders have a great We can long, we
can have a lot good long. We can't catch it all.
(22:32):
Next week.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
For more from Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, listen live
to news talks It'd be Wellington from nine am weekdays,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio,
You're listening to the Wellington Mornings podcast with Nick Mills
from News Talks aid B focusing in on the issues
that matter Politics. Thursday on Wellington Mornings News Talk said.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
B's shine, can you make you rightioucision love Shine, Can
you make you right?
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Decision?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Johny Us for Politics Thursday. This week is Labor Police
spokesperson Ginny Anderson. Good morning, Jenny, Good morning.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
There haven't spoken to you for a while.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
I'm getting a feeling like you're going Tory Fano on me.
Not gonna getta bring up one day and say me
and you, Nick are no longer.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Listeners. I think your listeners just get too much of
me as there's I'm already on once a week kind
of Wednesday after give you small doses.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Help me out here. I'm feeling personal I'm feeling it
a bit personally though. You know, it's just like women
just don't want to women just don't want to be
on my show.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
And anyway, coming back, don't worry.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Let's keep and let's move on. National wire Rapper MP
Mike Butterick, Mike, where the hell and the world are
you right today? Right now?
Speaker 4 (01:30):
Where am I? I'm outside the land Girl Cafe down
the Mighty per and Oa south by Rapper Pretty.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
I used to go to school there.
Speaker 4 (01:39):
Did it? Well? For this I'm heading in to see
the kids at school, so that's always good fun.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
It's the principal and my mum was deputy. Yeah years
ago or there you go?
Speaker 4 (01:52):
Two degrees everywhere you go?
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Well, can someone, can someone bring me into the conversation
and give me some hint of where the hell it is?
Where's the next the next best town?
Speaker 4 (02:02):
Your south of Martin on the way to Lake Ferry?
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Okay, late fair loved Lake Faiiry. I just played a
bit of Creation, great Christians and who lives in Lake Ferry?
There you go. Because it's Kiwi Music Month. We played
Kiwi music and the song that I just played in
the last hour was called Carolina by Creation and Greg
Christensen lives in Lake Fierry. There a bit of information.
Nice for you, Mike. Right, let's start on the ocr
(02:27):
not a lot to talk about. Jinny went down another
twenty five basis points yesterday. I mean, this is good us,
isn't it.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
It's good for more good rates. I mean the people
are feeling it really tough at the moment, particularly those
who are on those high effect rates, but the rest
of that are beings. That is a bit concerning given
the unemployment still tracking out five percent and higher and
inflation still not coming down so expected to increase for
a bit of a short term, so we're not out
(02:58):
of the woods yet. They're still paying there, and we
definitely feel that in willing terms when we talk to
people or go in the traps.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
All right, Mike, do we need why didn't he go
to fifty points? Come on?
Speaker 4 (03:11):
Yeah, well there's aggressing for the Reserve banknack. But look,
I mean, it's good news. It was probably widely anticipated,
but it's nice that it's actually come to fruition and
you know the languages, they are talking further cuts near
the end of the year, and it will make a
difference for a lot of people because there's a large
percentage of people with mortgages have been fixed and are
(03:31):
coming off anytime soon, so they'll be able to capitalize
that in just a bit of context. You know, if
you had a half a million dollar mortgage, I mean,
you're probably looking at saving three hundred odd dollars every fortnight.
That's a meaningful amount of money.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
So absolutely yes. Can I just interrupt and say, should
we be concerned about it going to a vote and
it being five to one or four to one or
whatever the vote was, Should we be concerned that maybe
July it won't come down further, that there is some
sort of sort of handbreak on.
Speaker 4 (04:02):
Look, I think we could read too much into that.
Neck but I think we could read too much into that.
But you know, the fact is it's come down. That's
a good thing. You know, there is a little bit
of global uncertainty. We know that, but you know it
is what it is. But it has come down. That's
really all it actually matters.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Okay, Jenny, I'll give you a chance to answer that question.
It should we be concerned that it went to a vote
and there was one that said it shouldn't have come down?
Speaker 3 (04:28):
It does show that there is a bit of uncertainty
in the other fact that it was in those economics
that are forecast is that growth is not going to increase.
It's very minimal, maybe one percent. So that's a real
concern in people who are earning wages that haven't had
a wage increase or had their job cut under this government.
(04:48):
That's where the real pinch is happening that we need
to see increase in an economic growth that will drive
up wages and so we're not seeing that presently.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Okay, it's halfway through. Can you believe both of you?
Can you believe it's halfway through this term? I mean,
you know the big news it's exactly halfway through this
week right parliamentary term, and there's going to be a
change of Deputy Prime Minister this Saturday as David takes
on the job. Mike National promise growth, growth and more
(05:20):
growth at the election. Halfway through the term. Why has
it goes so wrong? Or where have we not had
that growth that we were promised?
Speaker 4 (05:27):
Yeah, I think it's unfair to say where it's gone
horribly wrong. I mean, there's been a whole lot of
factors outside of our outside of our control. And you know,
but I think you know rural New Zealand's we're starting
to get up off the chemvast. There are some there
are certainly some stories. I know you don't like the
terms green shoots. So look at rural New Zealand is
a great story. This morning Fonterra record profit after texts
(05:51):
just to put over one point one billion. That is
all money that will get recycled back into economy. And
the important part is they're actually talking very similar prices
into next season, which means it's it's going to be enduring.
Is good. So there is a lot of positive stuff
happening now. So you know, it's she's a funny old
(06:11):
game in this world at the moment, right, Genny, You've.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Had half your term as opposition. How have you adopt
adapted to opposition? How have you found it?
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Well, it kind of feels like I've got a ringside
seat at the circus and it's half time at the
circus and the clowns are coming out. So when you
think of what's happens, whether it's women's paving cut, where
it's the disability sector who have had all these support cut,
whether it's the Tretty Principles Bill, which an absolute and
I just liked hearing the country up for race relation,
(06:41):
it's just been one hit after another the different parts
of the community that national any X don't really care about.
So women's pay is the latest one and that's really
hurting a government because there are a lot of women
out there who are angry about what they've done with
women's pay. And that's not going to go away.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Jenny. But Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, When are we going
to see some ideas from you guys? We keep getting
told about the tax, we get picked hold that you're
going to do, but you're actually sitting back that Yes,
you know, you're yelling and screaming and barking in a
couple of cars that go past the Parliament. But when
are we going to see something from you guys that
says this is what we're going to do.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Well, you'll know, Nick, that in every election cycle that
stuff starts rolling out, you know, within the set of
twelve months build up to an election. So we get
a lot of our work done and make sure it's
all costed, so it comes out and people can see
if there is text, where that's going to be spent,
if there's new initiatives, how they'll be funded. So all
of that work comes out building up to an election,
(07:40):
and we're gearing up now to do all of that
work to get it ready.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Mike, do you feel that did I ask the Prime
Minister this yesterday when he was in the studio, But
he didn't really give me a clear answer, and you
probably won't either. But I'm going to ask you, do
you think that the government spending a lot of time
appeasing the coalition partners, do you reckon that that's a
lot of their energy is just trying to make everyone
feel okay.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
No, Look, I don't think so, Nick. I think in
terms of you know, and yes we are half through,
but look, ocr has come down to three point twenty
five percent. We've had six consecutive cuts since I think
it was August last year. Inflations back in the box
where it's sixteen percent, we're down at two and a half.
I think the free trade agreements, they are something I
(08:22):
think we probably should focus on a lot more because
they are actually going to provide enduring benefits and that's
going to be across multiple generations. You think about the
the EU FTA, the United Arab Emirates FTA, the Global
the Golf GCC FTAs, trade negotiations starting with India. Those
(08:44):
are meaningful things that will make make a difference for
all New Zealanders. So I think we've been tracking on
pretty well. We've got a plan, we're delivering on it,
but there's nothing happens in a hurry, and it's like
there is no magic but to fix a lot of
the things that we inherited. But there are a lot
of positive things that we've done and continue to do
so Nick, like.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Jenny, what do you think that Seymour is going to
be like as a deputy from US. I think he's
going to be very very out there.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
We've already seen him doing all of his dne I
mean the Treaty Principle's Bill as a classic example of
him really dividing our nation. We've never had that level
of racial sort of upheaval, and probably in my lifetime
for a bill that didn't even proceed. It didn't even
do anything or go anywhere. So he's prepared, He's got
(09:36):
no I guess bottom lines, he's prepared to do anything
to get himself political technician and notoriety. And that's really concerning.
We haven't had that level of kind of that style
of politics in New Zealand. And while it might work
well for his little voter base, the majority of New
Zealanders I speak to are really concerned about where our
(09:57):
country will go with someone like him and second in charge.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Yeah, I'm just a little bit nervous of him as well.
Do you think Mike do you know any will be okay?
Speaker 4 (10:09):
Oh, I think David will be fine. But what I
would like to just point out is, you know, Winston Peters.
We've had Winston as Deputy Prime Minister for the first
half of the turn, and you know, I've got a
lot of admiration for his dedication and his professionalism, and
he's I think they're talking job.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
We're not talking about. We're talking about I just.
Speaker 4 (10:27):
Wanted to acknowledge that. Just wanted to acknowledge Winston Peters
for the work he has done, and he's done a
brilliant job as Minister of Foreign a few years. So
I would just acknowledge that I'm.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Not talking about Peters. We all know what a great
job he did. I'm asking you about David Seabour because
that's a new catalyphist.
Speaker 4 (10:47):
I think David will do a good job. I think
he's a very student individual. And we'll we'll have to
wait and see. So I say, hurry up and wait,
hurry up and wait.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
You guys going to hurry up and wait. We'll just
sit as did he said, We'll be in the we'll
be in the ring site seats.
Speaker 3 (11:06):
Have you seen that all? Part of that documentary. I
think it's my head nd. I mean Forbes did a
docco on on David Seymour and his connections to the
Atlas network internationally. And yeah, to realize eye opener. If
anyone wants to take a look at that, Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
All right, Well I'll have a look at it and
I'll respond when I've seen it. Ginny Politics, Thursday Labor
Police spokesperson Ginny Anderson, and National Wie Upper MP Mike
Butter Riku's in some one horse town in the wirerapper.
I can't repeat.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
It that.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Parents used to be school teachers or head master. And
first my parents were like that in a place called
kaiangaroa forest. Do you know where that is, Ginny?
Speaker 3 (11:46):
Oh, yes, I know that, Yeah, I do you know
what that is?
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Yeah, my father was the head master and my mother
was a teacher there, so we know she didn't teach me.
You're right. Ethan just came in my ear and said
she didn't. Not very nice? Is it terrible? Is it
a terrible thing, Ginny, being the child of a headmaster.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
Yes, Oh, my dad taught me when I was intended
fourth so like Keen and I'd to call him mister Anderson,
and he wrote my school report and I took it
home and gave it to Mama. So I was that funny.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Yeah, great story, that's a great right. Winston Peters came
out this week and said he would couldn't, wouldn't possibly
form a coalition with Labor of Chris Sipkins was the leader,
but he did not rule out Labor entirely. Just Hipkins. Jinny, Jinny, Jinny, Jinny.
That's two things in my mind. One is you're going
to be leader of Labor and the second is does
(12:38):
this concern you?
Speaker 3 (12:41):
I don't love Winston likes me any better. Look, look,
it's hard to say with Winston because he does come
out with these things and they last for a while
and then he'll come out with something different. So look,
we haven't really formed up who we'd work with. We
usually do that a bit closer to the election. So yeah,
I kind of took it with a grain of salt
(13:02):
to be friends.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
Okay, Mike, how are they supposed to anyone supposed to
the government about Winston? I mean, you know, would New
Zealand first vote for for, you know, Winston if they
knew that he was going to go with Labor and
to Party, Mary, No, wouldn't would it?
Speaker 4 (13:17):
No?
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Agree?
Speaker 4 (13:18):
No, Well, that's right, the Greens and you've got parties
that want to defund police and parties want to just
borrow and tax a whole heap more and let everyone
out of prison. So but it's really a question for
Winston and the Labor Party that's between them should it
come to past.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
So, Jenny, the problem is, this is where the real
problem is. And you can take time and you know
it's going to heal everything. New Zealanders aren't going to
vote for a Labor led coalition with the Greens and
To Party, Mari, are they?
Speaker 3 (13:49):
Well they have in the past. But you know, I
guess you know, it depends on what the policies we
take to the election and demonstrate what we can do
for New Zealand. That's what an election campaign is about
the problem. We're very focused on maximizing. You know, we
want people to vote for the Labor Party because we
believe that he's got a vision for New Zealand that's
better than what this coalition of chaos is giving us.
(14:11):
But you as and on themselves.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
But hold on, Ji, I just got to interrupt there
because you as the police spokesperson. You wouldn't if that
coalition existed, you wouldn't be Minister of Police. That would
be a ball and she wants to default.
Speaker 3 (14:25):
Yeah, just have a brief, you know, breath for a second, boys,
because if you look at previous previous coalitions, we've never
once provided Minister at Police to another party, and there's
only been one instance, which is the current government, where
you've had ministers in the cabinet room. So the bigger
party typically always takes up those cabinet roles in these
(14:49):
and that's part of negotiations as to what roles whether
they're in or outside.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Jenny, Can I just correct you? Can I just be
your Can I just be your press sect for a
minute and correct your New Zealand First. New Zealand First
was in a coalition with you and had me miss
in the cabinet.
Speaker 3 (15:05):
But we're they went in. They weren't in the cabinet room.
They were ministers.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
It wasn't hold on, hold on, hold on. Shane Jones
and Winston Peters were weren't they. I mean, if I'm wrong,
tell me I'm wrong. But I believe I believe Winston
Peters and Shane Jones cabinet.
Speaker 3 (15:23):
They would come to cabinet when they have a paper.
But currently correctly if I'm wrong. But my understanding is
this is the first government where we've had multiple parties
inside that cabinet room meeting for cabinet regularly. Previously you
would have say the Minister for Conservation or the Minister
for climate Change might be the Green like James Shaw was.
(15:46):
He did not sit in the cabinet room. He came
to can.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
I have to correct you because I can't sleep at
night not correcting you.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
If you're I believe, I'm happy to be corrected.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Tell me if I'm wrong, and you know this is
your party I'm talking about. But Winston Peters was deputy
prime minister, so you had a deputy prime minister that
wasn't in the cabinet moon room. Is that what you're
telling me.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
I have I still yeah, I don't look, I wasn't
in cabinet then, to be honest, so I don't remember.
I was not a cabinet member of the end. But
I can go back in check. But typically the way
it works is those ministers come in when they're carrying
a paper. But maybe he did come in for those meetings.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
And I think Tracy I think Tracy Martin was too.
I think you've got that. Ron Mark, I think you've
got this wrong.
Speaker 3 (16:34):
But I mean, let's let's double check double check there.
Speaker 4 (16:38):
I do.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
I do think I do have a recollection that they
come in when it is issues that's concerning them. But
we have those. It depends on each for the coalition
and what those coalition arrangements are. And I think that's
why it's incredibly important that those things are spelt out
before an election because quite often what you do see
is deals being done after the fact and people are
(17:01):
there on what they've got.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Let's move on because I think I'm going to be
found out to correct. I'm not often correct on facts,
but I think that now you google it down, I
think I'm right right. We had the Prime Minister Christopher
Luxon on the show yesterday. He came into the studio.
It was nice to have him in the studio. He
hit out at the Council, saying it was two party
(17:24):
political and not focused on the real issues and too ideology.
Cool Tory Farno hit back and said he needs to
stop beating down on Wellington, focus on his own chaotic coalition.
Mike is the MP's role to beat down on Wellington?
Why does he not like Wellington? He says he likes Wellington,
but he wants to beat us down.
Speaker 4 (17:45):
Oh look, I don't think that's the case, nickle. Look,
I think the PM is reisrated. I wasn't I even
heard the conversation, obviously, but I mean when the PM
has repeatedly said that councils just need to get back
to doing what their core functions should be and doing
it well. But in terms of Wellington itself, I mean
not you guys are going to get a change, obviously,
(18:06):
But my message and that I say this to all
because we've got local body elections this year coming up.
By say to all, rate pass and voters, but for
goodness sake, get engaged, listen beyond beyond the headlines, and
listen to people's vision and the how are they going
to achieve that vision and actually vote? You know, Wellington's
got a lot to offer and I sit there and
(18:27):
think about you know, there's four million Australians they've signaled
their intention to want to come to New Zealand. How
does Wellington get a slice of that? And I think
it's about Wellington is where it is now, what's a
positive plan looked like going forward? And I think that's
the thing to look for and concentrate on.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
Right Ginny, I want to ask you because I mean,
I thought that Luxeon was correct in some of the
things that he was saying about Wellington, and you know,
it's a beautiful city and people. We are the people
us men. You are the people that are making the
mistakes by not voting. Now. I'm sure you voted in
Loharte and I voted in town. But we have to
take responsibility for who we put into counsel, don't we.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
I think so, and I think they know that where
we hold our local representatives accountable. I do think we
need to improve how we vote in local body elections.
You know that vote tune outs at forty percent or
lower in some parts, so that's a real consume with
people not being engaged. But you know, we're really lucky
in Lower Heart we have some amazing local representatives who
(19:29):
work incredibly hard. They don't get paid. He give a lot,
to be honest.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
You're going to have a new mayor as well, aren't you.
Speaker 3 (19:37):
Yes, Yeah, we've got a couple of contenders in they're
already I think had a chat. Well, both Karen and
Brady are good, are good candidates and there'll be a
good race between them. I think they're only two have
declared so far.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
As someone aware, and I haven't had an opportunity to
talk to you since it's come out, But Andrew Little
for Wellington, what do you think they're I mean, obviously
you're going to be very supportive.
Speaker 3 (20:06):
Ent to us launch a couple of weeks back and
he just said, really, you know he was it Barnaby
Weir from Slimmer Pretty's played and that music was for
me was when I first moved to Wellington. That was
quite popular and it really reminded me of Wellington and
at heyday when it was buzzing and thriving, I was
so excited to be here and working and there was
(20:26):
a real feeling like the city was going places. And
I really hope that Andrew brings back that feeling of
vibrancy and activity and culture that I really miss.
Speaker 2 (20:35):
And Mike Butterreck, I must ask you about frand Wild
in the Wire Wrapper. I mean, she's an amazing, amazing woman.
I've got so much respect for her. That's going to
be impressed. That's going to be hard to knock over.
Speaker 4 (20:47):
And she yeah, look, I've had the good fortune to
get to know friend pretty well, and you know, she
is a very very capable lady. But again, there will
be a number of people that will put their name
into the hat. So you know, I certainly don't want
to be seen to be influencing anybody, but Friend has
got a very good CV and she's incredibly pasionate about
the regent. Now she's moved into the lovely Waiter rapits.
(21:09):
So yeah, there's going to be quite a few people
put their names into the for the three mayoralties in
the bottom half of this region. So it's we'll just
have to wait and see how it plays out. People
would have to get engaged and they have to vote,
and I think it's important they not just listen to
the headline, ask how the vision is going to be achieved.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
There you go, and I'll tell you what, a lot
of people would love to live over the wire rapper mic,
but it's so damn expensive now. It used to be
in the cheaper alternative. Now you're going to be richer.
You've got to sell up, get a mortgage, shut up
your house and willing to get a mortgage and then
go and move over the wire rapper.
Speaker 4 (21:46):
No, there's a place for everyone here that it's a
wonderful place to live.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
Okay, thank you both very much. You're not a walking answer.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
I googled it and I think we're fifty fifty. Like
there's a partner coalition agreement. That's consultation and cooperation. So
he appears regularly when he's got stuff happening. But all
those other New Zealand Ferce ministers were outside of kidnapped. Okay,
it's somewhere in the middle. He tuned up a bit.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Somewhere in the middle. I'll take that. I'll take somewhere
in the middle, but I still disagree with it. But
I'll do my fact checking and report back next time.
I will definitely pull you up and if I've got
my facts right. Thank you both very much. Mike Butterick
and Ginny Anders have a great We can long, we
can have a lot good long. We can't catch it all.
(22:32):
Next week.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
For more from Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, listen live
to news talks It'd be Wellington from nine am weekdays,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio,
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