Both Sides Now

Ever wondered how New Zealand's voting system actually works? In this episode, we're joined by our old university lecturer, Professor Andrew Geddis, for a deep dive into MMP – the system that shapes every election and every government.We unpack how MMP works, why New Zealand adopted it, what your party vote and electorate vote actually do, and clear up some of the biggest misconceptions about our electoral system. Whether you're voting for the first time, need a refresher before the election this year, or have always wondered why coalition governments are the norm, this episode is for you.This is an accessible, practical guide to understanding the system that decides who governs New Zealand. If you've ever found MMP confusing, this is the episode you've been waiting for.

This week on the podcast, we begin by discussing our episode with Q Opportunity Party leader. We then unpacked the government's proposed Definition of a Woman Bill and looked at the legal, political, and social debates surrounding it. We discussed what the bill would actually do, why it has generated so much attention, and whether it has any realistic chance of becoming law.We also took a look at Scrutiny Week in Parliament — one of the few times MPs get the opportunity to put ministers under sustained questioning about their performance, spending decisions, and policy outcomes. We discussed some of the standout moments and what they tell us about the government's priorities.On the opposition benches, Labour has been rolling out some new policy ideas. While the party is clearly beginning to position itself for the next election, not everyone on the podcast was convinced. Eve gave her verdict on the latest announcements and explained why she thinks some of Labour's proposals miss the mark.And of course, we wrapped up with our Social Media Moment of the Week, highlighting the post, clip, or political online drama that had everyone talking. See it here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DmJXMCBQb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

She's the woman hoping to pull off one of the biggest upsets in New Zealand's MMP history. Qiulae Wong — known as 'Q' — is the new leader of the Opportunity Party, and she joins us on Both Sides Now to talk about what needs to change in NZ politics, why the left-right divide is holding the country back, and her mission to get Opportunity into Parliament for the very first time.We talk about her career in sustainable business — from working with global brands overseas to consulting at KPMG — and how that shaped her political vision. She opens up about how becoming a mum inspired her to step into politics, what it's like running as a two-tick candidate in Mt Albert, and why she believes New Zealand is finally ready for something different.

In this weeks episode we examine the Government's new stalking legislation, which will create a standalone stalking offence for the first time in New Zealand. We discuss why existing laws have often failed to adequately capture patterns of obsessive and threatening behaviour, what conduct the new offence will cover, and whether the proposed penalties and protections strike the right balance.We then turn to the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Smith v Fonterra. We break down what the Court actually decided, why the case is being viewed as a significant development in climate change litigation, and the implications of allowing novel climate-related claims to proceed through the courts. We also discuss the Government's response, including its decision to introduce legislation aimed at limiting or overturning the effect of the ruling, and the political debate that has followed. Alongside this, we unpack the lobbying controversy that has emerged around the proposed law change and what it reveals about the influence of interest groups on the policymaking process.Finally, we dive into the world of political polling. Polls can dominate headlines and shape political narratives, but what do they really tell us? We explore how polls are conducted, why different polls can produce different results, and whether polls merely reflect public opinion or actively influence voter behaviour.

This week on the podcast, politics delivered another packed agenda and we covered it all — from our interview with Nicole McKee and what she had to say about ACT’s priorities in Government, through to the latest debates dominating Wellington.We unpacked the Government’s proposed changes to the family carers legislation and the difficult balancing act between recognising carers, managing costs, and ensuring support systems are sustainable. We also discussed the latest wave of public sector cuts, what they mean in practice, and whether the Government's made the right call. We also took a closer look at the ongoing debate around Treaty clauses in legislation, including the decision to remove or narrow references across a range of laws and why this issue continues to generate such strong political and public reaction.Plus, we chat about Christopher Luxon’s speech to BusinessNZ and what it shows about his approach to the rest of the year. A big week, plenty of debate, and lots to unpack.

In this episode, we sit down with Hon Nicole McKee to discuss the issues that have defined both her political career and her personal journey. From firearm reform and the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attacks, to the realities of being a Māori woman in politics, Nicole shares candid insights into some of New Zealand’s most debated topics.We talk about why firearms matter to many New Zealanders, what the public often misunderstands about gun ownership, and whether the country’s firearm reforms have achieved what they set out to do. Nicole also reflects on her path from the Council of Licensed Firearms Owners to Parliament, and the challenges that came with stepping into the political spotlight.Beyond policy, this conversation explores identity, resilience, and family. Nicole shares how raising four children has shaped her approach to leadership and public service. 

This week on the podcast, we covered a LOT — from the government’s surprise Fees Free announcement hot off the press, a breakdown of our episode with Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson and what the UK local council elections might signal globally as Reform makes major gains.We unpacked the new Helen Clark Foundation social cohesion report, including the striking finding that 28% of people feel alienated from society, and explored the growing divide between the “connected”, the “ambivalent”, and the “alienated”. We also looked across the Tasman at the rise of One Nation in Australia and the broader trend of grievance-driven politics and polarisation.We also touched on the scrapping of the Broadcasting Standards Authority and the resignation of Maiki Sherman. And finally, we had an honest discussion about why so many young women are hesitant about having children. Policies like paid parental leave and subsidised childcare matter, but they only scratch the surface. The mental load, career impacts, financial pressure, and expectations placed on women all shape decisions around family — at a time when birth rates continue to fall well below replacement level.

In this episode, we sit down with Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson to unpack the realities of local government, leadership during crisis, and why local politics deserves far more attention especially from young people.A key theme throughout the conversation is the disconnect between people and local government. While councils shape everyday life from transport to infrastructure many voters remain disengaged. Simpson shares her thoughts on why voter turnout in local body elections is so low, and what needs to change to make people genuinely care about participating. We also dive into leadership under pressure. Auckland has faced multiple crises in recent years, and Desley reflects  on what it takes to step up and lead in these situations. Throughout the episode, she shares how the role has reshaped her own perspectives, offering insights into the realities of governance that many people don’t see.We also look a what motivated her to step into local government and explore the political philosophy that shapes her decision-making and leadership style.Finally, we look ahead: with growing skepticism toward government at all levels, what does the future of local government look like and how can it rebuild trust?