

When the Facts Change
The Spinoff
When the Facts Change, Hosted by journalist Bernard Hickey, When the Facts Change is your essential weekly guide to the intersection of economics, business and politics in Aotearoa New Zealand. Presented by The Spinoff. When the Facts Change is currently on hiatus and is open for sponsorship. For more details, contact bec@thespinoff.co.nz
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 15, 2024 • 19min
Finally, the RBNZ cuts the OCR
The Reserve Bank cut the official cash rate this week for the first time since the beginning of Covid. Bernard talks with Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr about how the central bank changed its mind when the facts changed, and what it means for mortgage rates and the housing market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 11, 2024 • 49min
This is Kiwi: Kirsten Dodgen on proving the doubters wrong
Kirsten Dodgen is a world-renowned dancer whose talent and dedication have taken her across the globe. Turning her hobby into a successful career has brought her financial independence and creative fulfilment. It’s also seen her perform with top music stars, appear on a hit Korean reality TV show, and build a social media following of over three million. But it hasn’t always been easy – Kirsten has had to lock into her vision and overcome the discouragement of others to achieve success. Join us as we explore Kirsten’s incredible journey and get to know the beautiful soul behind the dance moves.Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday:5th August - TJ Perenara12th August - Kirsten Dodgen19th August - Jess Quinn26th August - Taylor Roche2nd September - Jess Hong9th September - Dane & StaceyA Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 8, 2024 • 32min
Why insulation is such a hot topic
A heated debate about insulation standards lately has had both health and construction experts up in arms. It's only part, however, of a wider debate about how we approach climate change and how we make decisions about our homes. NZ Green Building Council CEO Andrew Eagles joins Bernard Hickey to pull back the GIB board and take a look at how to build, and heat, cheaper homes over the longer run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 4, 2024 • 52min
This is Kiwi: TJ Perenara on speaking your truth
TJ Perenara is a rugby legend whose sporting career and status as the leading try scorer in Super Rugby are matched only by his iconic mullet. Beyond the field, TJ is a dedicated father, husband and passionate advocate for social equity – speaking boldly on issues like Māori fatherhood and pay transparency. If you’ve ever wondered what makes this Kiwi icon tick, then settle in to hear TJ Perenara as you’ve never heard him before. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday:5th August - TJ Perenara 12th August - Kirsten Dodgen 19th August - Jess Quinn26th August - Taylor Roche2nd September - Jess Hong9th September - Dane & StaceyA Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 1, 2024 • 37min
How the world ran out of everything
What happened to the world’s supply chains during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, and how much of the damage caused is permanent? New York Times business journalist and author of ‘How the World Ran Out of Everything’ Peter Goodman joins Bernard Hickey to explain the complex international pathways of manufacturing and transportation that bring products to our doorsteps, through the example of one fledgling American toy startup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 25, 2024 • 37min
So much wealth... and poverty
Aotearoa has never been wealthier, yet demand for food parcels is skyrocketing and the Government won’t extend help to food banks so they can cope. Bernard talks to Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson about a surfeit of wealth at a time food banks are being defunded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 18, 2024 • 30min
We may have slain the inflation dragon
Mary Jo Vergara from Kiwibank, an expert on interest rates and housing dynamics, shares her insights on the recent drop in inflation from 7.3% to 3.3%. She delves into its implications for interest rates and the housing market, pointing to potential cuts from the Reserve Bank. The discussion also highlights economic trends such as declining consumer spending and the complexities of monetary policy. Looking ahead, Mary Jo offers an optimistic view for 2025, anticipating recovery in business investment and consumer confidence.

Jul 11, 2024 • 36min
Bill English’s big ideas for Kāinga Ora
Former PM and finance minister Sir Bill English is the intellectual driving force behind the new government’s plans for the country's biggest landlord. He tells Bernard why a full accounting of its running costs may prove to be too rich for the government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 4, 2024 • 23min
Will we see a rate cut from the Reserve Bank this year?
KiwiBank economist Sabrina Delgado joins the discussion on the potential rate cut from the Reserve Bank, disagreeing with the forecasted timing. The delay in expected rate cuts is analyzed, with insights on economic growth forecast, rising unemployment rates, and regional labor market risks. The housing market trends in New Zealand are also explored, focusing on factors like house price fluctuations, interest rates, migration impact, and regulatory changes.

Jun 27, 2024 • 26min
A decade in charge of the national power grid
After ten years at the helm of Transpower, chief executive Alison Andrew is stepping down. She reflects on a tumultuous decade of managing Aotearoa’s most important network, and why she considers being relatively unknown in the public arena as a mark of success.This interview was recorded shortly before a Transpower pylon collapsed in Northland on June 21st, causing widespread power outages in the region. The collapse was caused by contractors who failed to observe proper procedure while carrying out routine maintenance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices