
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 together with Kiwibank.Visit kiwibank.co.nz to find out how Kiwibank are making Kiwi better off
Latest episodes

Feb 22, 2024 • 40min
The real reason our government won't borrow to fix our infrastructure issues
Christopher Luxon has described Aotearoa’s government finances as fragile, but the most qualified folks in financial markets don’t see it that way. Bernard Hickey talks to S&P Global’s government ratings director Anthony Walker about just how fragile our government and local council finances actually are. According to Anthony, NZ’s AAA rating means international investors view NZ as a strong borrower with $120 billion worth of borrowing headroom to solve its infrastructure deficits. Yet the government still won’t borrow. Why not? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 18, 2024 • 52min
This is Kiwi: Nico Porteous on the process of performance
At just 22 years old, Nico Porteous is one of New Zealand's most accomplished athletes. He first made his mark on Aotearoa sporting history at 16 when he became our youngest Olympic medalist, claiming bronze in the men's freeski halfpipe. In 2022 he soared even higher in Beijing, clinching an Olympic gold to add to his two X Games gold medals alongside being made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Nico's accolades speak volumes, but beyond the medals there’s a depth of character and wisdom that belies his age. Nico joins Jane to discuss his journey to global success, how he navigates intense performance pressure and the values shaping his life beyond the slopes. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with a remarkable role model.Stay tuned for the final episode of this season:26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadershipA Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 15, 2024 • 33min
How super is NZ Super?
Retirement commissioner Jane Wrightson joins Bernard Hickey to discuss superannuation in New Zealand. Topics include the age of eligibility, demographics affected by raising it, and pensioners collecting NZ Super while earning over $100,000 a year.

Feb 11, 2024 • 44min
This is Kiwi: Louis Davis on modern fatherhood
In sharing daily dad life with his social media following of nearly two million, Louis Davis challenges fatherhood stereotypes by being meaningfully present for his family. Join Louis as he sits down with Jane Yee and, through genuine humour and heartfelt anecdotes, offers an alternative narrative about the role and responsibilities of fathers. As he shares his wisdom on the beauty of whānau, the joys of parenthood and the importance of integrity, Louis' story serves as a poignant reminder of life's simple pleasures and the power of genuine connections.Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday:19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadershipA Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 8, 2024 • 28min
We all need to cut 75% of our personal carbon emissions. But how?
In order to limit global warming to 1.5ºC, and avoid the catastrophic effects brought on by further warming, every person on the planet must limit their personal carbon dioxide emissions to just two tonnes per year. The current annual emissions average for someone living in New Zealand? Over eight. Writer, consultant and climate justice campaigner Emily Mabin Sutton joins Bernard Hickey to help figure out how we can get our own carbon emissions under control. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 4, 2024 • 42min
This is Kiwi: Kendall Flutey on focusing your ambition
Kendall Flutey is on a mission to help create a better future for kids all over the world. As the founder of financial literacy software Banqer, Kendall is focusing her ambition for good in a bid to empower the next generation towards a future of financial wellbeing. Combining unbridled passion, a generous spirit and tenacious business acumen, Kendall is a force to be reckoned with in the entrepreneurial space. She joins Jane Yee to discuss what it means to be intentional in all areas of life and share wisdom from her journey that can benefit us all.Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday:12th February - Louis Davis on modern fatherhood19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadershipA Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 1, 2024 • 27min
A year on: decoding the cost of major weather events
How do you measure the cost of the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle? A year on from these catastrophic weather events, NZIER economist Roshen Kulwant joins Bernard Hickey to discuss which costs we're measuring, what we’ve learnt and what still needs to be done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 28, 2024 • 42min
This is Kiwi: Te Aorere Pēwhairangi on finding inspiration
Te Aorere Pēwhairangi is a dynamic content creator dedicated to making te reo and te ao Māori accessible. After a promising rugby league career was cut short by injury, Te Aorere moved into translation work which led to TV presenting roles and a dedicated following on social media where he connects with hundreds of thousands. Te Aorere talks to Jane about his commitment to his people, including his campaign ‘Waewae the 35’ that raised $115,000 for Cyclone Gabrielle-stricken communities. Recently recognised as a local hero by Kiwibank, Te Aorere is on a mission to serve, inspire and make a meaningful impact in Aotearoa.Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday:5th February - Kendall Flutey on focusing your ambition12th February - Louis Davis on modern fatherhood19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadershipA Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 25, 2024 • 33min
The latest acronym in the Reserve Bank's tool kit
Earlier this week the Reserve Bank of New Zealand proposed a new debt-to-income (DTI) ratio limit. Along with the 11-year-old loan-to-value ratio (LVR) limit, the RBNZ hopes these lending restrictions will help "limit the build-up of systemic financial risk" in our housing market. Bernard Hickey talks to Helen O’Sullivan, Valocity Global's CEO of Real Estate, to dig into the proposed policy, and whether LVRs have actually made the financial system safer over the last decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 21, 2024 • 40min
This is Kiwi: Jazz Thornton on resilience through adversity
What happens when you take on your trauma with the whole world watching? Jazz Thornton joins Jane Yee for a raw and entertaining kōrero between friends that exposes the reality of turning your pain into purpose in a very public way. The young mental health advocate and social media star speaks openly about the highs and lows of sharing her life through a lens and reveals what motivates her to show up for others every day, even as she continues to work through her own intense historic trauma. With an unwavering commitment to hope and demonstrating a resilience that is both remarkable and inspiring, this is Jazz Thornton as you’ve never heard her before.Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday:29th January - Te Aorere Pēwhairangi on finding inspiration5th February - Kendall Flutey on focusing your ambition12th February - Louis Davis on modern fatherhood19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadershipA Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices