Q+A with Jack Tame

Penny Simmonds, New Zealand's Environment Minister, discusses balancing development with environmental protection and tackling waste management challenges, like the move away from single-use plastics. Welby Ings, an innovative educator, critiques narrow definitions of intelligence in teaching, pushing for personalized learning and recognition of diverse intellectual abilities. Max Rashbrooke, a researcher, advocates for revamped welfare-to-work policies, emphasizing a holistic approach to support job seekers facing systemic barriers and the need for empathy in employment services.

Full interview: According to the latest quarterly figures, unemployment is sitting at just over 5%. New research from new think tank The Institute for Democratic and Economic Analysis recommends a range of policies to get people off a benefit and into work, faster.

Full interview: Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds is overseeing huge changes to New Zealand's vocational education system. But after years of reform, could training providers stand alone as Te Pūkenga is dismantled? Q+A also asks Simmonds about her absence from major environmental policies — from freshwater management in farms to the fast-track approvals regime — as Environment Minister.

What counts as intelligence? Educator Welby Ings, labelled a "naughty" student all his life, could barely read and write until he was 15 years old. He went on to become a renowned speaker, filmmaker, teacher, and author. His new book Invisible Intelligence argues New Zealand's education system fails to recognise intelligence and ability beyond a narrow definition. Ings argues for a more "sophisticated" assessment system in an increasingly complex world.

Full interview: Community housing groups are sounding the alarm on increasing rates of homelessness. Q+A asks Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka if the Government's social housing policies have contributed to the issue.

Full interview: Andrew Browne is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who was the China Editor for the Wall Street Journal and the Asia-Pacific Editor for Reuters. While in New Zealand for the China Business Summit, he spoke with Q+A about the China-US relationship and how New Zealand can make the most of global uncertainty.

Q+A asks Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka if the Government's social housing policies have contributed to increasing homelessness. Q+A also speaks to China expert and journalist Andy Browne on US President Donald Trump's trade policies. Labour MP Jan Tinetti talks about her members' bill aimed at helping new parents.

Join Dr. Philip Bagshaw, a general surgeon and founder of the Canterbury Charity Hospital, alongside Bowen Pan, a director at NZME and tech innovator, and Karen Boyes, executive director of the Major Electricity Users Group. The discussion unveils troubling shifts toward a US-style healthcare model in New Zealand, exploring the implications of privatized healthcare and its impact on public services. They also delve into the evolution of NZ's tech scene and necessary reforms in the energy market amidst rising electricity prices. Engage with these pressing national issues!

With Paul Goldsmith, Haehaetu Barrett, David Wilson and Cameron Luxton

With Rohan O'Neill Stevens, Tina Nixon, Paula Southgate, Campbell Barry and Nīkau Wi Neera