The Dom Harvey Podcast

Heather McRae has been the principal of Auckland’s Diocesan School for Girls for the past 17 years.In this episode we talk about what really goes on inside elite private schools, how teenage girls are coping with phones and social media, the pressure of leading through crises like COVID and the floods, and what she’s learned about leadership, resilience, and raising strong young women.We also talk about her childhood on a Wairarapa farm, her unexpected journey from organic chemist to educator, the importance of values and ethics in education - and why she’s quietly changed some of Dio’s oldest traditions.Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just someone interested in the future of education in New Zealand, this is a wide-ranging chat full of perspective, humour, and heart.Topics include:Why she’s stepping down after 17 yearsThe rise of “pink tax” and gender pay gapsHow to spot when your teenager’s struggling (and what to do)Phones in schools — and what happened when Dio banned themThe complicated impact of social media and Andrew TateWhy Heather's proudest legacy might be what students don’t seePublic vs private education: does the $30K fee make a difference? Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate.Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns for their clients- you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website.I became a client when they came on board as the show sponsor and it’s been a gamechanger for me personally- I’m kicking myself for not doing it years earlier.You can book a no obligation chat with one of their awesome KiwiSaver advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pdsPast performance does not guarantee future returns.And just a reminder — I’m a podcast host, not a financial adviser, so this is just general advice. I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply honest, warts n all conversation, former All Whites goalkeeper Michael Utting opens about a life that’s been full of extreme highs and devastating lows.Once known as one of New Zealand’s most gifted footballers, Michael’s career took him around the world, including nearly a decade playing professionally in South Africa. But behind the success was chaos: alcoholism, a near-fatal car crash that left him with a broken neck, and later, a heart attack that left him clinically dead for 29 minutes. Then there is the scandal in his romantic relationships that made the national news. We talk about all of it in this conversation- the good the bad and the ugly.Now in his mid-50s, sober and rebuilding his life, Michael reflects on the power of resilience, the weight of regret, and how helping others has given him new purpose.As always, my goal with these discussions is to try and get to understand a person and their choices better through non judgmental long form conversation. Thanks for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernice Mene is publicity-shy so this podcast appearance is a rare one (and a huge honor)From captaining the Silver Ferns in her early twenties to raising three kids with her husband, former Black Caps captain Dion Nash, Bernice has spent a lifetime leading with purpose, empathy, and calm strength.In this episode, we cover everything from her childhood in a powerhouse sporting family to the highs and lows of international netball, including what it was like debuting for New Zealand as a teenager, the crushing heartbreak of losing the 1999 World Champs final in Christchurch, and how injuries taught her resilience and perspective..It’s also a love story: how she met Dion, the risks they took to build the incredible men’s skincare brand Triumph & Disaster, and the teamwork that’s kept their marriage rock solid for more than two decades.Bernice is awesome. She is warm, wise, grounded, and humble. She has achieved so much, professionally and personally and after spending time with her it’s not hard to understand why. Everything she does, she does to the absolute best of her ability.***Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate. If I could ask you to do one big favour, it would be to consider getting KiwiSaver advice from Generate, like I did.The decisions you make with your KiwiSaver now could have a big impact on how much you have to live on in retirement. And if you’ve never had KiwiSaver advice before, you could be missing out.Generate has a strong track record of long-term performance — You can check out their latest returns on their website.They also have advisers who can come to you and help you figure out the right KiwiSaver setup for your goals — no pressure, just good advice.I met with one when Generate came on board as a sponsor back in 2023 and honestly, I wish I’d done it sooner.Head to generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom to book a chatThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pds Past performance does not guarantee future returns.And just a reminder — everyone’s situation is different, so I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott Donaldson is the first person to kayak solo across the Tasman Sea- a 2,200km journey from Australia to New Zealand that took 62 days at sea. After two failed attempts, countless setbacks, and years of preparation, Scott finally achieved his goal in 2018.Scott’s accomplishment is a huge physical feat, but his journey is also an exploration of the mind, of what it means to push human limits, and of how resilience can be both born and built.Strap yourself in because this podcast is one hell of a ride!Scott opens up about everything from mental health and meditation, to reprogramming his mind after returning to normal life. He shares practical insights on risk management, emotional stability, endurance, and what happens when you spend weeks completely alone, with only the sea, the sky, and your own thoughts for company.This is a story of resilience, risk, preparation, and mental toughness.Scott Donaldson on the Dom Harvey Podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frano Botica is known as one of the greatest goal kickers of all time. He wore four black jerseys (All Blacks, Kiwis, Māori All Blacks, Sevens). He became a hero in Wigan as the fastest player to 1,000 points and helped launch the Warriors’ debut NRL season.Then when the cheering stopped, he had to reinvent himself.This podcast conversation is a small part of the Frano Botica story:+ What it was like spending most of his All-Black career in the shadow of Grant Fox.+ Some jaw-dropping stories about his teammates and friends Buck Shelford and Michael Jones.+ The time he feared for his life when a riot broke out in the stands in Argentina.+Then there is the off-field stuff- adjusting to life after professional sport and the mental grind of starting again, financial missteps, surviving a stroke, finding joy as a grandfather, reflections on life now and much more.Whether you were a fan of Frano who is curious to learn more about his life after league. Or you know nothing about him, I know you will love this chat.***Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate.Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns for their clients- you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website.I became a client when they came on board as the show sponsor and it’s been a gamechanger for me personally- I’m kicking myself for not doing it years earlier.You can book a no obligation chat with one of their awesome KiwiSaver advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pdsPast performance does not guarantee future returns.And just a reminder — I’m a podcast host, not a financial adviser, so this is just general advice. I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Willie Jackson is one of the most outspoken and fascinating figures in New Zealand politics.From freezing works to nightclub bouncer to broadcasting to politics, Willie has done it all. And it’s been a life defined by advocacy, resilience, and a refusal to be silenced.In this conversation, I bring in 13-year-old Henry Blakeman in to cover some political stuff.Then we get deeply personal:+ Willie opens-up about his mum’s journey from cleaner to Dame.+ What it’s really like working with Winston Peters, David Seymour, and Jacinda Ardern+ The values that shaped him from a kid who “failed at school” to a union leader at 21 and a voice for Māori representation across media and government.+ His very public controversies, the so called “train-wreck” interview with Jack Tame and his relationship with ZB stars Mike Hosking and Heather Duplessis Allen.+ We discuss aging, heart surgery, and why resilience and compassion have become the guiding forces in his life.This is a conversation about mistakes, redemption, and legacy… and a rare glimpse into the heart and mind of one of New Zealand’s most polarizing, passionate, and human political voices.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 30th of September 2025, Nigel Latta passed away. He was only 58.The week before, he went to see his oncologist and was given the heartbreaking news his body couldn’t take any more treatment.He arrived at the meeting optimistic but pivoted to acceptance immediately.That sums up Nigel Latta- he died the way he lived: brave, courageous, fearless, resilient, considerate.This episode was originally recorded in 2024, not long after Nigel Latta received his terminal cancer diagnosis. It is being re-released now, following his recent passing, with deep respect for the extraordinary man he was.What you're about to watch is not a conversation about death — it's a powerful reflection on life. In this interview, Nigel speaks with clarity, humour, humility and strength about facing the end, loving deeply, working with purpose, and the beauty of being human — flaws, fumbles, feelings and all.He talks openly about:Getting the diagnosis and telling his familyPractising the resilience he once taughtConfronting mortality without fearWhat really matters in the endWhy he doesn't care about legacyRegrets, gratitude, and learning how to just “be”Nigel was many things: psychologist, broadcaster, author, mentor, mate. But above all, he was real - and this conversation is one of the most honest things you’ll ever hear.Rest easy, Nigel. Thank you for everything.****** Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate.If I could ask you to do one big favour — for me and for yourself — it would be to consider getting KiwiSaver advice from Generate, like I did.The decisions you make with your KiwiSaver now could have a big impact on how much you have to live on in retirement. And if you’ve never had KiwiSaver advice before, you could be missing out.Generate has a strong track record of long-term performance — You can check out their latest returns on their website.They also have advisers who can come to you and help you figure out the right KiwiSaver setup for your goals — no pressure, just good advice.I met with one when Generate came on board as a sponsor back in 2023 — and honestly, I wish I’d done it sooner.Head to generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom to book a chatThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pds Past performance does not guarantee future returns.And just a reminder — everyone’s situation is different, so I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suzanne Lynch is a true icon of New Zealand music, with a career spanning more than 60 years- she’s still going strong too and has no plans of slowing up.She first rose to fame and became a household name in New Zealand with her sister as a duo called The Chicks back in the 1960s.From there, she went on to work with some of the biggest names in music: including Cat Stevens, Olivia Newton-John, David Bowie and Luther Vandross.More recently she was the vocal coach on reality TV shows like NZ Idol and NZs Got Talent. And in 2020 she was inducted in the NZ Music Hall of Fame.In this conversation, Suzanne opens up about:+ The excitement and challenges of finding fame when she was only 14.+ Why she wrote her book for her grandchildren — and what she hopes they learn from her story.+ The lessons Cat Stevens taught her about music and life.+ The importance of resilience, mentorship, and choosing happiness. And much more!Suzanne is a national treasure, and this was a real treat. She has a new book out too, called “Yesterday when I was young” available at all good bookstores- it’s definitely worth checking out if you want to know more about Suzanne's incredible life and career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warren Gatland joins us for his first ever New Zealand podcast, and he doesn’t hold back!Warren is one of the true greats of New Zealand rugby and one of the game’s most respected coaches worldwide.But his story is as much (if not more) about family, resilience, and perspective as it is about rugby.In this podcast exclusive Warren opens up about:+ Why he walked away from Wales earlier this year and what life looks like now.+ The importance of family and the heartbreaking story of losing his first child at 4 months old.+ The toughest conversations of his coaching career + What he’s most proud of, what keeps him grounded, and how he defines happiness today. And why he doubts he will ever coach the All Blacks.This is Warren Gatland as you’ve never heard him before: thoughtful, funny, emotional, and deeply honest.*** Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate.Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns for their clients- you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website.I became a client when they came on board as the show sponsor and it’s been a gamechanger for me personally- I’m kicking myself for not doing it years earlier.You can book a no obligation chat with one of their awesome KiwiSaver advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pdsPast performance does not guarantee future returns.And just a reminder — I’m a podcast host, not a financial adviser, so this is just general advice. I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Scott is a New Zealand broadcasting legend with a 40-year career on New Zealand radio, best known for his recent 19-year stint on The Breeze. He also happens to be one of my oldest friends. We first met and became mates in Palmerston North around 35 or 36 years ago.This podcast is a celebration of my mate’s life and career. And it’s also a celebration of the best sorts of friendships- the very long-term ones.In this conversation we talk about:+ Robert’s recent prostate cancer diagnosis and the importance of early detection+ The highs and lows of a 40-year radio career (and why he walked away)+ Growing up in the UK and moving to New Zealand as a child+ Bullying, resilience, and lessons that shaped him+ Friendship, loyalty, and what really matters as you get older. And so much more. Get in touch! Dom@Podlab.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.