Context

Context

Guyon Espiner & Corin Dann explore the backstory to today’s front page, diving into NZ’s political past and asking, "How did we get here?" But there's a twist: One knows the topic, the other doesn’t.

Episodes

October 22, 2025 42 mins

From Telecom to Air New Zealand, the BNZ to our power companies why did governments sell our state assets, and what did we get in return? Now the Government is eyeing a sale of its Chorus debt. Join Guyon Espiner and Corin Dann as they look back at four decades of selling the family silver.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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It's the third rail of New Zealand politics: Touch it and you die. From Richard Seddon's groundbreaking old-age pension, to Rob Muldoon's Dancing Cossacks to, Jim Bolger's "No ifs, no buts, no maybes" Corin and Guyon trace the history of New Zealand Superannuation.

Thanks to Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision for archival audio

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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October 8, 2025 41 mins

New Zealand’s MMP voting system promised fairness and diversity — but has it delivered? In this episode of Context, Guyon Espiner and Corin Dann look back at how MMP came to be, from a slip-up by David Lange in the 1980s to Winston Peters’ rise as kingmaker, and now Christopher Luxon’s challenge of managing a three-party government.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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October 1, 2025 45 mins

From the Cook Strait ferry strikes to the fiery union battles of the 1970s, New Zealand’s history is written in industrial action. Now, as nurses, teachers and doctors walk off the job, what lessons can we draw from a century of strikes?

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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September 24, 2025 31 mins

From Muldoon’s Price Freeze to Today’s Cost of Living Crisis. Corin and Guyon look back to a time when the PM set the price of milk and froze wages on a whim. Plus, how the NZ reserve bank launched a groundbreaking new monetary policy, which changed how countries controlled inflation for good.

Watch the video version of the episode here.

Or listen live on RNZ national on Sunday at 5pm.

Read more about this history in this episode on...

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September 17, 2025 45 mins

As Winston Peters heads to the UN, Context looks back at how NZ has shaped the world stage — from Peter Fraser at its founding to peacekeepers in Korea and Timor, and a fiery clash with Israel.

Watch the video version of the episode here.

Or listen live on RNZ national on Sunday at 5pm.

Read more about this history in this episode on the RNZ website here.

Thanks to Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.

Have a topic you'd like Corin or G...

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September 10, 2025 45 mins

Why is alcohol reform such a political minefield in New Zealand? With new reforms on the table, Guyon Espiner and Corin Dann trace liquor laws back through a century of history; from the 6 o’clock swill and failed prohibition votes, to Muldoon’s drunken election call and the Black Budget.

Watch the video version of the episode here.

Or listen live on RNZ national on Sunday at 5pm.

Thanks to Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.

Have a topic...

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September 3, 2025 46 mins

Inside Parliament’s Rulebook: Why can’t MPs call each other liars? Why do Speakers wield so much power? And which MP was kicked out just for sarcasm? In this episode, Guyon and Corin trace 175 years of standing orders, Speaker’s rulings, and legendary political one-liners that have shaped New Zealand’s democracy.

Watch the video version of the episode here.

Or listen live on RNZ national on Sunday at 5pm.

Thanks to Ngā Taonga Sound ...

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August 27, 2025 40 mins

From Kash Patel’s surprise visit to Kim Dotcom’s infamous raid, New Zealand’s relationship with the FBI and America has been anything but simple. In this episode, Guyon and Corin uncover how NZ has balanced alliances, espionage, and independence — and why it matters now more than ever.

Watch the video version of the episode here.

Or listen live on RNZ national on Sunday at 5pm.

Read more about this history in this episode on the RNZ ...

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August 20, 2025 43 mins

From quips about "raising the IQ of both countries", to gold fever and neoliberal reform, Corin Dann and Guyon Espiner dig through the history of the "brain drain"

Watch the video version of the episode here.

Read more about this history in this episode on the RNZ website here.

Thanks to Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.

Or listen live on RNZ national on Sunday at 5pm.

Have a topic you'd like Corin or Guyon to explore? Send your id...

Mark as Played
August 15, 2025 1 min

RNZ's Guyon Espiner and Corin Dann explore the backstory to today’s front page, diving into NZ’s political past and asking "how did we get here?". But there's a twist: One knows the topic, the other doesn’t.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Mark as Played

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