Q+A with Jack Tame

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has slashed New Zealand's methane targets, saying they're more realistic for farmers. Q+A asks him what impact it may have on the country's international commitments and trade deals. . As Energy Minister, Watts is facing calls to do something about the energy industry. It follows the closure of multiple businesses which cited high energy prices as a factor. . Watts is also questioned about the sustainability of the local government sector as it tackles rates rises, infrastructure deficits, and low voter turnout. . Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of New Zealand on Air.

New Zealand is rapidly ageing: Today there are about 870,000 Kiwis who are 65 or older, making up about 17% of the population. In 25 years, that number is forecast to almost double and make up about a third of the population. As well as the pressure on universal superannuation and healthcare, the ageing population will also put infrastructure under strain. Researcher Kali Mercier has considered the implications in her new report, Age-proofing Aotearoa, published by the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP.

About 100,000 workers are planning to walk off the job this week as the Council of Trade Unions welcomes new president Sandra Grey. Meanwhile, Public Service Minister Judith Collins has accused unions of choosing to strike for political reasons. Q+A asks Grey about the Minister's comments, her plans for the CTU, and the state of the union movement.

With 1News reporters Yvonne Tahana, Abbey Wakefield, and Ali Pugh; artist and activist Tāme Iti; former Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse; NZ Initiative local government specialist Nick Clark; and ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar.

Q+A speaks to 1News reporters across the country as another local government election wraps up. . 1News' Yvonne Tahana also reflects on the results of the referenda on Māori wards. On preliminary results, 17 councils have voted to keep them and 25 have voted to remove the wards. . 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.

On preliminary figures, national turnout for the local elections stands at 33%, according to Local Government New Zealand. While numbers are expected to increase as more results roll in, it's likely to fall well short of the 41% recorded just three years ago. . New Zealand Initiative's local government specialist Nick Clark and former Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse joins Q+A to discuss the state of the sector, and why more people aren't interested. . 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.

Tāme Iti has lived a life. . From his childhood in Ruatoki, he was on the frontlines of the Springbok Tour protests, the 1975 land march, and even tried to join North Vietnamese fighters during the Vietnam War. . At times, Iti has been a controversial figure. In others, he has been revered. . Q+A visited him at his studio in Whakatāne. Iti reflects on his life as he releases his autobiography: Mana.

With Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk, Race Relations Commissioner Melissa Derby, and global tax expert Michael Keen.

A year into her role as Race Relations Commissioner, Melissa Derby reflects on the threats to social cohesion and race relations in New Zealand. She says social media tends to amplify extremist content, and she worries about people becoming radicalised online. . As an academic, and before her appointment as Commissioner, Derby had publicly questioned the impact of notions of systemic racism, particularly with regards to Māori. Q+A asks her about these views and her opinions of affirmative action. . She also says the Government's approach to the Treaty Principles Bill debate "probably wasn't helpful" given "the unilateral nature of that". . 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.

Chris Penk, New Zealand's Minister for Building and Construction, shares insights on major reforms to earthquake-prone building regulations. He outlines a new, proportionate approach aimed at enhancing safety while addressing financial barriers for building owners. The discussion covers the complexities of risk management, the implications of insurance and financing, and the importance of consumer protection measures. Penk also touches on aligning health and safety with these new rules and the government’s broader energy and manufacturing strategies.