Duncan Garner - Editor In Chief

They Denied It: Covid Safety Questions and the Budget Fantasy

30 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A special weekend episode of Duncan Garner: Editor in Chief, with two sharp cuts from two very different conversations. First, Duncan talks to Aly Co...

NZ Budget 2026 Marketing Over Maths: Nicola Willis, Surplus, and Smoke and Mirrors

29 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The dust is settling on Budget 2026, and we are digging past the political marketing to look at the real maths. Nicola Willis delivered a masterclass ...

Budget Day 2026: The Truth Behind Nicola Willis’s Fudget Budget

28 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It is Budget Day in New Zealand, and we are looking at the brutal truth behind the numbers. Nicola Willis says the adults are back in charge of the bo...

Welfare Minister Under Fire For Claiming $52k Accommodation Allowance

27 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are told the country is broke, and every day Kiwis need to tighten their belts ahead of the budget. Yet Social Development Minister Louise Upston i...

Chlöe Swarbrick on Why It's So Expensive to Be Poor in New Zealand

26 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The cost of living crisis is keeping families awake at night all across New Zealand. Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick steps into the studi...

WHY IS LABOUR HIDING ITS POLICY, OR HAS IT NOT DONE THE HARD WORK?

26 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour wants New Zealanders to buy into a massive new Future Fund, but they refuse to tell us what assets are actually in it until after the election....

NZ Budget Rhetoric: Spending Addiction Unmasked

25 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On the podcast today, Duncan looks into New Zealand’s staggering government spending. With another massive budget rolling out, why hasn't this gover...

“$450 MILLION FOR ONE HAPŪ?” - Port of Tauranga Dispute

22 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are diving deep into a massive local issue that could break the back of New Zealand’s business. A local tribe in Tauranga is demanding up to half...

Can Labour Stay Silent and Hide Six Months Out From the Election?

21 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour is playing a dangerous game of politics by camouflaging six months out from the election. Chris Hipkins and Carmel Sepuloni are refusing to fro...

David Seymour on Why 15000 Public Servants Have to Go

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The sky is not falling in, but the public service is finally getting a much-needed reset with eight thousand workers set to go. Duncan breaks down why...

Education Minister Erica Stanford on Her Big Curriculum Shift

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the podcast, we look at the government's latest promise to cut down the size of the public service. Duncan breaks down why this feels like a ...

Is Winston Peters' $30 Billion Bank Plan Total Madness?

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Winston Peters is back in the headlines with a couple of massive policy ideas, but we reckon he is only half right. While making KiwiSaver compulsory ...

Ngāi Tahu’s Secret Newsletter and the $180 Million Mining Row

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We dig into a private Ngāi Tahu newsletter that Duncan says is full of corporate puffery designed to hide the truth about a $180 million mining stand...

Winston Peters Is Blocking Superannuation Reform

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are on a collision course with a massive 30 billion dollar problem. Duncan and economist Ed McKnight look at the uncomfortable truth about our reti...

Labour’s Three-Headed Monster and National’s Search for a Spine

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest political polls are out, and they are looking incredibly tight. Duncan breaks down why the chances of a hung parliament are rising and what...

The Collapse of Te Pāti Māori with David Farrar

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Te Pāti Māori is in total collapse, and we are witnessing the most rapid exit of a political movement in New Zealand history. Duncan breaks down the...

Duncan on the Wildest Days in the Press Gallery and Sherman’s Shafting

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan is opening up for the first time about what really happens behind the scenes at Parliament. He takes a deep dive into the exit of former TVNZ p...

Ani O’Brien: Is the Parliamentary Press Gallery Actually Working?

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ani O’Brien joins Duncan to talk about the fallout from her reporting on former TVNZ political editor Mikey Sherman. She opens up about the brutal o...

The Budget Crossroads And A Government Fraying At The Edges

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The gloves are coming off, and the coalition discipline is starting to fray in public. With the budget just weeks away, we are entering an unusually l...

The "Vibes" Economy vs. The Reality of Business and The Scrapping of The BSA

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan and the panel dive into the massive reaction following our interview with Chlöe Swarbrick. We hear from Andrew, a Dunedin business owner who s...

Chlöe Swarbrick On Ending Poverty & Taxing Assets

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We’re diving deep into the state of New Zealand Politics. Duncan questions why we’re importing thousands of workers while 215,000 Kiwis sit on Job...

Shane Jones on Mining Extortion and the "Butter Chicken Tsunami"

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan sits down with Resources Minister Shane Jones to pull apart the reality of our new trade ties with India. We ask why New Zealand is pledging $3...

Duncan Garner Exposes Media Cover-Ups, Double Standards, & Act’s new Immigration Policy

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Duncan takes a deep dive into the anatomy of the New Zealand media and why trust in legacy outlets is hitting new lows. He stayed sil...

Is This New Zealand’s Version Of Corruption?

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan dives into the "ruthless standover" of Santana’s $10 billion gold mine project. We look at the $180 million price tag allegedly demanded by N...

Winston Peters Leaks Sensitive Emails: Is The Coalition Collapsing?

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Winston Peters has just pulled a classic Winston move. By leaking sensitive emails and blindsiding Christopher Luxon, it looks like he’s trying to g...

EXCLUSIVE: Ani O’Brien On Breaking The Maiki Sherman Story

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This one goes straight at the uncomfortable bit: what happens when the people who demand accountability suddenly go very quiet? Duncan is joined by c...

Steve Devine & Dave Phillips: Inside Kiwi Firefighters' Pay And Resource Issues

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This one hits different. Because it is not theory, it is lived experience. Duncan sits down with firefighters Steve Devine and Dave Phillips to hea...

Underpaid Firefighters: Why are People at Desks Earning More?

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Something is badly wrong when firefighters are among the lowest-paid people inside the very service they keep alive. On the Slam Dunc, Duncan Garne...

New Zealand Blood Shortage: Why Plasma Donations Matter Now

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand needs more people to roll up their sleeves, and Duncan is making the case pretty clearly: this is one of the simplest ways to save a life....

Co-Governance Crisis: Is the Far North Council Being Managed?

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The government says they aren’t intervening in the Far North, but we’ve seen the letters that say otherwise. Officials are at the table, reporting...

Santana Gold Mine: The $180 Million Demand by Iwi Explained

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are looking at the massive gold mine project in Central Otago that is currently stalled. Is it a fair deal for iwi or a massive tax on business? Ac...

BSA vs Sean Plunket: Is This Overreach from an Outdated Body?

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when an old regulator tries to police a media world that’s already moved on? We get stuck with a fight over The Platform’s Sean Plunk...

Luxon’s Lifeline: Three Ways The Prime Minster Can Save His Job

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Luxon is under fire, and his leadership is being questioned by his own team. Duncan has three clear steps for the Prime Minister to reset ...

Is Christopher Luxon Finished? National Party Leadership Crisis Analysis

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is the National Party in a death spiral? Duncan sits down with Ani O'Brien and Jordan Williams to dissect the latest polling numbers and the growing p...

Another Poor Poll: Can National Win With Luxon Leading?

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

National is stuck in the twenties, Winston Peters is rising fast, and the pressure on Christopher Luxon is no longer background noise. In this episod...

REVEALED: Voting And Speaking Rights Given To Unelected Iwi Up North

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan dives into a major shift happening right now in the Far North District Council. They have held an extraordinary meeting to give full voting and...

Diesel Hits $4: Inflation, Fuel Costs Continue To Hurt Kiwis' Pockets

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This country runs on diesel and without it we come to a halt. Duncan is joined by Peter Williams and Ani O'Brien on the panel, to break down the massi...

David Seymour: Govt’s Response To Far North Council Co-Governance Claims

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a council stops looking like democracy and starts looking like intimidation? That’s where we begin today, as Duncan digs into the ...

Winston Surges, National Struggles, And Co-Governance Is Rife Up North

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Winston Peters is absolutely launching in the polls, and the panel wonders if National is simply conceding the ground. Meanwhile, Duncan gets a blunt ...

'F** Off!': My Incredible Interaction With Far North Mayor

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are diving into a shocking breakdown of local democracy today. Duncan shares a blunt, two-word email from Far North Mayor Moko Tepania that has lef...

Peters Surges In Latest Poll, And More Co-Governance Drama

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Winston Peters is back, and he is not just making up the numbers. With a massive surge to 13.6 percent in the latest poll, the New Zealand First leade...

Far North Co-Governance: Unelected Members Making BIG Council Decisions

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan sits down with Far North District Councillor Davina Meads for a sobering look at what she calls "co-governance on steroids." From unelected rep...

Free Speech Fight: How Can The BSA Police The Internet?

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The BSA has just scored the home goal of the century. By trying to bring the entire internet under its 1989 jurisdiction, they might have just signed ...

NZ Fuel Crisis: How National And Labour BOTH Failed Us

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are facing an energy crisis, and the paper trail is brutal for both sides of the house. Duncan dives into the decisions that left New Zealand vulne...

David Seymour Talks Budget Pressure And The 15,000 Job Target

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan is fired up today over the latest numbers showing the public service is actually growing instead of shrinking like National promised. Deputy Pr...

It's Time For Labour Leader Chris Hipkins To Step Down

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan makes a blistering case for why Chris Hipkins must resign as Labour leader following revelations about COVID vaccine advice for teenagers. We d...

MBIE’s Diesel Botch Job, And Grading National’s Fuel Price Response

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We were told we had 11 days of diesel left before the country ground to a halt, only for MBIE to admit they got the numbers completely wrong 24 hours ...

‘Monumental’ Social Media Court Ruling, And Erica Stanford Talks Education Changes

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Huge news today as US courts deliver landmark rulings against Meta and YouTube for knowingly harming children. Duncan breaks down why this is the wake...

NZ Fuel Crisis: Is Govt’s $50 Payment Actually Enough to Help?

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The government is handing out 50 bucks to struggling families to help with the pain at the pump, but is it a masterstroke or just a drop in the ocean?...

Govt’s Fuel Tax Windfall, And Shane Jones Talks Petrol Crisis

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Every time you fill up your car, the government is quietly cashing in. Duncan breaks down the "dirty secret" of fuel taxes and how every 10-cent rise ...

Luxon Polls Poorly Again, And NZ's Impending Fuel Shortage

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Luxon has hit a new low in the latest polls and Winston Peters is breathing right down his neck. We dive into the numbers that should have...

'Bigger Than Covid': How The Global Petrol Crisis Will Impact NZ

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are facing what could be the greatest oil shock in world history. Duncan breaks down why the Iran war is becoming the government’s "COVID moment"...

Dave Letele: Soaring Fuel Costs, And The Struggle For Regular Kiwis

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are watching petrol prices skyrocket at a speed that should alarm every household in New Zealand. Duncan breaks down why we are paying for expensiv...

Chris Hipkins Fallout: Will Labour Leader be Forced to Resign?

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan dives into the messy fallout following allegations made by Chris Hipkins’ ex-wife, Jade Paul. With the election looming, we look at whether t...

Erica Stanford On Education Reforms, And Addressing Chris Hipkins Allegations

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It has been a brutal fortnight for Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Duncan dives into the explosive personal allegations made by Hipkins’ ex-wife and as...

Luxon Gone Missing, Paul Eagle Scandal, And Should Hipkins Apologise?

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are facing the biggest disruption to oil supply in modern history and Kiwi households are feeling it at the pump right now. Duncan, Christine Ranki...

Nicola Willis Grilled On Fuel Prices And Cost Of Living

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Petrol prices are climbing again and Kiwi wallets are feeling it. In this episode, we sit down with Finance Minister Nicola Willis as global instabili...

The $6.5 Million District Plan That Has Gore Farmers FUMING

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan dives into the quiet explosion of co-governance at a local council level. While the national spotlight is elsewhere, Gore has spent five years ...

Covid Inquiry Mk II: Why Chris Hipkins Can't Be Trusted To Be PM

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The COVID inquiry phase two is out, and it makes for some pretty uncomfortable reading for Chris Hipkins. Duncan breaks down why ignoring expert advic...

NZ Economy Crisis: Will Record Oil Prices Kill The Recovery?

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The promised economic recovery is looking shaky as conflict in the Middle East sends oil prices through the roof. Duncan breaks down the feedback from...

Christopher Luxon Is Defiant: Can He Still Win An Election?

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest Taxpayers’ Union poll is out and it is a total horror show for the National Party. At just 28 percent, we are looking at the very real po...

Ex National MP Maurice Williamson Unpacks Luxon's 28% Disaster

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The National Party is in a total tailspin. With a new poll putting them at just 28.4 percent, Christopher Luxon is reportedly heading home to contempl...

REVEALED: The Poll That Could End Christopher Luxon

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The pressure is well and truly on for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. We break down a brutal new poll that shows National’s support tanking to jus...

Why Kiwis are Leaving for Siberia, and David Seymour’s Budget Reality

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine applying for 1000 jobs in New Zealand and getting nowhere, only to find more opportunities in Siberia. Tony joins us to share his sobering rea...

Why 180 Kiwis Are Quitting New Zealand Every Single Day

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are losing 180 Kiwis every single day, and it is starting to look like a quiet evacuation. Duncan breaks down the staggering numbers as 71,000 peop...

Co-Governance in Marlborough: The Truth About New Council Power Shifts

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are looking at what Duncan calls "co-governance creep" happening in councils across New Zealand. From Marlborough to Taupo, new agreements are shif...

NZ Political Polls Explained, And Craig Renney Talks Global Conflict

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan’s back in a brand-new home studio and he isn't holding back on the "dishonest" polling currently misleading New Zealanders. He breaks down wh...

Hipkins' Empty Speech, Air NZ In Turbulence And Mistreated Kiwi Farmers

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Are we holding Kiwi farmers to gold-plated standards while waving cheap imports straight through the border? This week we take on what Duncan calls...

Solo Mum Pays The Price: Benefit System That Punishes Working Kiwi

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine doing exactly what the government asks by finding work and starting a degree, only to end up with less money in your pocket. Duncan shares the...

Simon Bridges: Why Our Power Market Is Broken And Needs Fixing

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are diving into the absolute wrought that is the New Zealand power market. While families are rationing heat, the big electricity companies have ba...

Fixing Chris Hipkins' Speech and Latest NZ Political Polls with David Farrar

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We don’t hold back in this one. First, we deliver the brutally honest speech Chris Hipkins should have given. No spin. No tidy slogans. Just debt...

Peters' Language Bill OUTRAGES Swarbrick: Why Greens Co-Leader Is Wrong

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Winston Peters is moving to make English an official language in law, and the reaction from the Greens has been an absolute meltdown. Duncan and the p...

Will National Roll Luxon To Save The Election

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest Freshwater poll is out, and it is a total shocker for National. With the party sliding to 30 percent, senior figures like Nicola Willis are...

'Death Of Free Speech': We Unpack Confronting Massey Uni Curriculum

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A high-achieving Massey University student has walked away from their social work degree and New Zealand entirely. Duncan shares a chilling letter fro...

National Under Fire For Auckland Harbour Bridge Toll

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan asks the tough questions about who is actually running the show at National. With a floated $9 toll for the Auckland Harbor Bridge and new elec...

Te Pāti Māori’s Debbie Ngarewa-Packer: Why She's Unfit To Lead

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan doesn't hold back today as he calls out Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer for celebrating the death of Captain Cook. He questions...

Winston Peters' Maori Seats Referendum: Political Masterstroke or Re-run?

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Winston Peters is back with a familiar policy to abolish the Maori seats. We look at why his timing is shrewd and why it’s making Christopher Luxon ...

Luxon’s New Power Levy Explained: Is It Really A Tax?

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan dives into the trust problem currently rotting New Zealand politics. Whether it is Chris Hipkins flipping on capital gains or Chris Luxon intro...

'Not Impressed': Karen Chhour Speaks Out On Oranga Tamariki Race-Based Leave

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We dive into the controversial cultural leave entitlements for Māori staff at Oranga Tamariki. Minister Karen Chhour joins us to explain why she find...

More On Oranga Tamariki Race-Based Leave As Minster Karen Chhour Responds

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On today's podcast, more on the whistleblower who came forward from Oranga Tamariki, with claims of race-based cultural leave that isn't available to ...

REVEALED: Māori-Only Leave And Preferential Treatment In Oranga Tamariki

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This episode starts with a whistleblower from inside Oranga Tamariki who says a newly negotiated collective agreement has crossed a serious line. Dun...

Māori Politics is Fractured and at War: Waitangi 2026 Analysis

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Waitangi 2026 has come and gone, and all we got was noise, anger, and performance. Duncan breaks down why Māori politics looks broken and asks who is...

Christopher Luxon Promised Economic 'Green Shoots' - Where Are They?

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It was meant to be our year. That’s what we were told. But as 2026 kicks off, the numbers are telling a very different story. Inflation is back u...

Is National Really Anti-Māori? The Facts Says No

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is New Zealand being sold a lazy political narrative about Māori and this government? We reckon so. As Waitangi approaches, Duncan takes aim at th...

Erica Stanford Fixes Education, Māori Students Soar... But The Media Looks Away

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For 20 years, our education system has quietly failed kids while the adults argued ideology, avoided accountability, and buried the data. Today, Dunca...

Brian Tamaki's Protest Blocked: A Dangerous Precedent Is Being Set

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when the right to protest depends on who you are, not the rules? This episode dives headfirst into the decision to block Brian Tamaki ...

Is This the End of Free Speech Online?

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Broadcasting Standards Authority is facing a terminal decline and they've come up with a desperate plan to stay relevant. They want the government...

David Seymour: Winston Peters, India Trade Deal, And Retail Crime Committee Failure

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan Garner digs into the collapse of the government’s retail crime advisory committee, a group set up to respond to ram raids and rising violence...

REVEALED: India Trade Deal And New Allegations About Migrant Workers

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This investigation just took a sharp turn. What started as concerns about the India free trade deal has now landed right in the heart of New Zealand w...

Who's At Fault For Mt Maunganui Tragedy, and Dissecting Latest Political Poll

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Six people are dead, and the questions won’t go away. On this episode of Duncan Garner: Editor in Chief, we dig into what’s being called an avo...

Digging Deeper Into India Trade Deal And Its Uncapped Immigration

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This one lit a fire. We dig deeper into the India free trade deal and the uncapped student numbers that have sparked huge backlash. An immigration ...

Winston Peters Takes Aim at India Trade Deal: Kiwi Jobs at Risk?

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan Garner goes straight at a deal most people weren’t watching. Just before Christmas, New Zealand quietly agreed to a free trade deal with Indi...

NZ Election Date Set, Superannuation Timebomb And Farming Catchup

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The election date is locked in and the gun has officially been fired. November 7 is now circled, but as we head into campaign mode, the biggest issue ...

Christopher Luxon's State Of Nation Speech: Defining Or Disappointing?

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Luxon had the stage, the timing, and the attention. Election year. State of the Nation. A chance to set the agenda. And yet, nothing new l...

Shane Jones: The Deal I Want To Make With Donald Trump

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After two years of talk, the granny flat breakthrough is finally here. You can now build a 70 square metre flat in your backyard without resource cons...

National and the Brutal Cost Of Living Crisis They Missed

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why does the cost of living still feel out of control for so many Kiwis? And why is National struggling to convince voters they understand the pressur...

Shubz Speaks Out On Allegations And Accountability

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Hipkins, Labour, and the 2026 election take centre stage as Duncan Garner lays out why this is the year hiding is no longer an option. Labour...

Labour And Chris Hipkins in Striking Distance, But They Must Act NOW

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Good polling doesn’t let you off the hook. It puts you right on it. In this Slam Dunc, Duncan turns his attention to Chris Hipkins and asks the q...

Progress vs Delay: The Real Difference Between National And Labour

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want progress or paralysis? This week, Duncan lays out what he sees as the starkest political divide in years, and why the Government’s fast ...

Politicians Still On Holiday While New Zealand Works - Double Standards?

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to 2026, and we’re back... even if Parliament and the school system aren’t. This is the first Editor in Chief of an election year, and Du...