Q+A with Jack Tame

With Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Ngāti Kahungunu chair Bayden Barber, new Opportunities leader Qiulae Wong, and NZ First MP Andy Foster.

The political outfit formerly known as The Opportunities Party is continuing to chase the 5% MMP threshold to enter Parliament. . It's been almost a decade now since the party burst into the political scene, in its early days bankrolled by rich-lister and philanthropist Gareth Morgan who positioned it as a vehicle for "evidence-based" policy that's neither firmly right nor left. . Q+A meets Opportunity's new leader Qiulae Wong, who has a background in sustainable business. Wong says the party has, in the past, been rightly criticised for being overly focused on policy at the expense of connecting with people. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

FULL INTERVIEW: Ngāti Kahungunu chair Bayden Barber is calling for reconciliation after Te Pāti Māori's national council expelled MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris. . Barber, who is trying to broker a peace deal between the factions of the party for the Iwi Chairs Forum, says the unrest has been "pretty damaging" for Māori as a whole. As iwi grapple with the consequences of Government policy, he says Te Pāti Māori needs to focus on the bigger picture rather than fight among themselves. . Barber says the party "haven't taken heed" of the Iwi Chairs Forum's calls for reconciliation. Q+A asks him what that reveals about how Te Pāti Māori views iwi leaders, and whether John Tamihere can remain president of a united Māori party. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell says trust needs to be regained after the Independent Police Conduct Authority found there were "significant failings" in the way police responded to complaints about former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. . Q+A asked him why allegations weren't raised in his office earlier and whether there were wider structural issues at play. . Mitchell spoke of a “corrupt Police executive" in the interview, then later walked back on his comments. . He said in a statement: “Regarding my comments on corruption, I acknowledge that the IPCA report did not use the words corrupt or corruption and on reflection I misspoke. Like most New Zealanders, I am personally disgusted by the behaviour highlighted in the IPCA report.” . The IPCA report did find that in handling complaints McSkimming, Police bypassed standard processes. Although they didn’t find evidence of collusion, they did find senior officers — including the former Commissioner — attempted to rush investigations to help McSkimming’s application for commissioner and failed to recognise the inappropriateness of their actions. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Nikhil Ravishankar, CEO of Air New Zealand, shares insights on leveraging AI to boost tourism and economic recovery while emphasizing the balance between national interest and commercial success. Historian William Dalrymple discusses the legacies of colonization, the impact of social media on populism, and the importance of contextual understanding over statue toppling. Stephen Rowe from the Cato Institute explores AI's transformative role in political campaigns, highlighting risks like deepfakes and the need for authenticity amidst evolving digital strategies.

Stephen Rowe, a program director at the Cato Institute and former colleague of Charlie Kirk, dives into the transformative role of AI in political campaigning. He reveals how generative AI is reshaping outreach strategies for candidates, allowing even those with fewer resources to communicate effectively. Rowe discusses the risks of deepfakes, the need for AI content transparency, and the impact of Kirk's tragic murder on the political landscape. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and civil discourse in an increasingly polarized environment.

Nikhil Ravishankar, the newly appointed CEO of Air New Zealand, brings a tech and transformation background to the aviation sector. He discusses the critical link between Air NZ and New Zealand’s economy, highlighting strategies for recovery post-COVID. The conversation dives into the role of AI in the airline industry, its societal implications, and how it can enhance tourism. Nikhil also shares insights on his bicultural background and the importance of innovation and diversity in leadership, providing a fresh perspective on navigating a volatile world.

Join historian and author William Dalrymple as he shares insights on India's rich history and the nuanced impact of the British Empire. Discover his thoughts on the hopeful victory of Zoran Mamdani amid rising populism, and how historical knowledge shapes our understanding of current geopolitics. Dalrymple also delves into the effects of decolonization and the importance of studying Britain's imperial past. With engaging anecdotes, he highlights India's rapid economic growth and the vital contributions of ancient Indian civilization.

Chris Hipkins, Leader of the Labour Party and former Prime Minister, defends Labour's proposed capital gains tax, arguing it encourages business investment. He elaborates on policy nuances, including exemptions and the potential impact on rents. Karen Chhour, Minister for Children, discusses youth offending trends, successful harm reduction measures, and the importance of cross-agency support in state care. Both guests confront pressing societal issues while outlining their visions for a safer, more equitable future.

Karen Chhour, Minister for Children, brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, discussing a notable 16% drop in youth offending linked to targeted investments and cross-agency collaboration. She addresses the complexities of harm faced by children in state care and acknowledges the rise in abuse reports. Chhour shares insights on a new FASD action plan aimed at improving outcomes for affected children. The discussion also touches on the balance between policy changes and existing trends, revealing the challenges of ensuring children's safety and well-being.