Outspoken: Recent Episodes
RNZ
Solar power still has minimal market penetration in New Zealand - and even in Australia, despite its endless sunshine. But it is growing fast, and that growth will only get faster as the price comes down. This raises a question mark over the value of existing means of generating electricity, such as hydro dams, and the long term viability of costly transmission systems. Despite that, power companies are embracing solar technology and insist it will not undermine their current investments with their huge sunk costs. To talk about this, Outspoken hosted a debate in the studio with Neal Barclay, (correct spelling) the current CEO of Meridian Energy, Keith Turner, the former CEO, solar power supporter and energy consultant and John Carnegie, of the Business New Zealand Energy Council. Eric Frykberg was in the chair.
Mihingarangi Forbes leads a discussion about the evolution of te reo Māori in the media.
New Zealand sportswomen are going from strength to strength – but do they get enough support? Bridget Tunnicliffe leads a discussion.
National Standards in schools are coming to an end. Our education correspondent John Gerritsen speaks to three retiring principals about what has been achieved and what has to happen.
Philippa Tolley speaks to water experts and the local government minister about the state of New Zealand's drinking water supplies, what's needed to fix them and who is going to pay.
In this Outspoken, New Zealand is still some way behind other countries in gender and other diversity in business. Our business reporter Jonathan Mitchell asks why.
In this Outspoken, our Auckland issues reporter Todd Niall looks at the fast changing makeup of Auckland.
In this Outspoken, Teresa Cowie looks at the way companies and consumers have reacted to the growing pressure to produce less waste - and less packaging - and stop landfills from growing.
In this Outspoken, RNZ's Business reporter Jonathan Mitchell looks at the challenges to business from new technology.
In this outspoken, the Government wants to introduce a market for medicinal cannabis - our political reporter Benedict Collins speaks to several people about this including the former Associate health Minister Peter Dunne, Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick, and Ross Bell of the Drug Foundation.
In this Outspoken, many smaller parties have been squeezed in the last election, while some have been all but eliminated. Our political reporter Mei Heron spoke to people from the Green, Maori Party and Act, to ask them about their predicament.
In tonight's Outspoken, Mining is in the cross hairs of environmental campaigners across the country - but the industry says it is misrepresented and will not lie down and die - our energy and resources reporter Eric Frykberg leads the discussion with the mining industry, an anti coal mining lobby and a leading economics journalist.
Despite predictions to the contrary, the youth turnout at the last election was disappointing. RNZ's former Political Editor Brent Edwards speaks to young first time voters and asks why they turned out to the ballot box and some of their friends did not.
In this Outspoken, recent dairy intensification in Canterbury has raised worries about the impact of nitrates and other chemicals in the water supply there. Our Canterbury reporter Conan Young asks local experts what they think.
In this Outspoken, the recent outbreak of mumps has revived worries about the rate of immunisation - experts in this area look at gaps in our immunisation rate, ask why is that the case and what can be done about it. Our Health Correspondent Karen Brown leads the debate.
RNZ's South Island Bureau chief Belinda McCammon is in Kaikoura and is joined by a panel to discuss the rebuilding of the town after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake late last year.
Outspoken - a panel discusses New Zealand's just ended term on the United Nations security council and asked what it achieved.
On Outspoken, our Auckland correspondent, Todd Niall, talks to the Auckland mayor, Phil Goff, about what's ahead for the country's largest city in 2017.
RNZ's health correspondent, Karen Brown, talks to long-time health watchdogs and takes the pulse of the sector.
Brent Edwards chairs an Outspoken panel and questions whether significant changes to governments around the world pose a threat to democracy.
Foreign editor Graeme Acton talks with a panel of international relations experts about the impact of a Donald Trump presidency on global relationships.
On Outspoken, our environment reporter, Kate Gudsell, looks at transport emissions, the threat they pose and possible solutions.
Outspoken, chaired by RNZ's education correspondent John Gerritsen, discusses the recent international education tests, in which New Zealand students had their worst ever results.
Outspoken explores the growing numbers of over 65-year-olds still working and the growing calls to raise the eligibility age for superannuation.
Business editor, Gyles Beckford and our economics correspondent, Patrick O'Meara take a look at the state of the economy and what's on the cards in 2017, particularly in the light of this year's general election.
A discussion about the growing prison population and a look at alternatives to the present system.
In this Outspoken, a panel chaired by RNZ's Otago/Southland reporter, Ian Telfer, looks at the deep south of the country - what is the future for the country's most southern region and how successful is the push to get more people to shift there?
RNZ's political reporter, Demelza Leslie and a panel of experts explore what can be done about an issue which was seldom out of last year's headlines, homelessness.
On this Outspoken, RNZ's sports editor, Stephen Hewson, chairs a panel to discuss how much the New Zealand identity is tied to sport.
Our Outspoken series for the summer kicks off with Mary Wilson chairing a panel of our specialist journalists to discuss the stories that made the headlines in 2016.
Groups representing teachers and principals say a rewrite of the Education Act could lead to improvements in the way schools are closed and merged. The government is reviewing the Act and its discussion document says the Act could include guiding principles for opening, closing and merging schools. In this edition of 'Outspoken' , our Education Correspondent John Gerritsen looks at the future for the act, and for education in New Zealand.
Social Housing issues have dominated headlines this year following the government's plan to sell off tens of thousands of state houses to non-government providers, starting with hundreds in Invercargill and Tauranga, However, the plan struck problems with some of the larger providers, including the the Salvation Army and the Methodist Mission, opting out of the tendering process. In this evening's 'Outspoken' , is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the future direction of social housing policy - and where to next for the government's controversial plans for the sector.
2015 has been a year where the activities and outrages of terrorist groups around the world have never been far from the headlines. And the question of how this country responds to the threats posed by groups like IS has occupied the minds of senior officials and security analysts around the country. In this edition of 'Outspoken' our Political Editor Jane Patterson looks at the issue with The Minister responsible for the SIS and GCSB, Chris Finlayson, and also Labour's Foreign Affairs spokesman David Shearer, and Professor Robert Ayson from Victoria University.
Maori issues have again been to the fore in news and current affairs this year. We've had Treaty settlements, maori leaders hunting protected keruru, and big moves in Maori politics and broadcasting. In tonight's editon of 'Outspoken', our Maori Affairs correspondent, Mihingarangi Forbes is joined in the studio by Julian Wilcox, Annabel Lee and Emma Espiner, to discuss the year in Maoridom.
Auckland - the economic powerhouse of the country we are told , the City of Sails and the place to be , if you can tolerate the appalling traffic, the ridiculous house prices, and the cost of living. The Supercity gets to choose a new Mayor next year - and in this edition of 'Outspoken' our Auckland correspondent Todd Niall is joined in the studio by the three front-runners for the job.
Estimates have the economy growing above the trend rate compared to other developed nations, but other measures show the benefits of growth aren’t filtering through to all. Patrick O’Meara looks at whether New Zealand's household really are better off.
Demelza Leslie asks if New Zealanders will have to give up their right to privacy to keep safe.
Philippa Tolley asks what now? - after the regional Tuna Commission failed to take action to preserve tuna stocks.
Karen Brown asks how well the Medical Council is doing at both regulating the profession while protecting the public from bad doctors.
Auckland correspondent, Todd Niall, looks at the changing face of Auckland in the light of the latest census figures which show a significant increase in the numbers of Asians now making their home in the country's largest city. He's joined by Paul Spoonley, Distinguished Professor of Massey University's College of Humanities and Social Sciences and project leader for the FRST-funded Integration of Immigrants; and Jeet Suchdev, a founder of the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, and a trustee of the Auckland Regional Migrant Centre.
The Wireless's senior producer, Megan Whelen looks at whether the country's services for dealing with addiction are getting it right. She discusses the issue with Judge Jane McMeeken, from the Christchurch Youth Drug Court, Dr Jeremy McMinn, an addiction specialist with the Capital and Coast District Health Board, and the chief executive of Well Trust, Murray Trenberth.
Economic correspondent Patrick O'Meara investigates asset sales with Milford Asset Management's executive director, Brian Gaynor; the secretary of the Council of Trade Unions Peter Conway; and New Zealand Initiative's senior research fellow, Bryce Wilkinson.
Senior rurals reporter Kevin Ikin discusses the sustainability of dairy farming with Ian Mackenzie, a mid-Canterbury cropping and dairy farmer and Federated Farmers' water and environment spokesperson; Alison Dewes, a fourth generation farmer and vet, who also runs an agribusiness consultancy, Headlands; and Hamish Gow, a professor of Agribusiness at Massey University.
Te Manu Korihi reporter, Rosemary Rangitauira and a panel look at changes in Māoridom as reflected in the census. Rosemary Rangitauira talks to Tahu Kukutai, a senior research fellow based at Waikato University; Glenn Halbert, team leader of smokefree programme Aukati Paipa at Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa; Awanuiarangi Black, Ngati Pukenga iwi leader, Maori Language Commissioner and educationalist; and Pori Rimene-Workman, the managing director of Maori job seeker site, mahi.co.nz.
Is the MMP electoral process really helping to represent the interests of New Zealand's growing ethnic diversity? Brent Edwards talks to National Party MP, Alfred Ngaro and Labour MPs, Rajen Prasad and Raymond Ho.
Does New Zealand need a special legal commission to help guard against miscarriages of justice? Philippa Tolley speaks to Chris Gallavin from the Canterbury University Law School; a senior forensic science consultant, Anna Sandiford; and a professor emeritus at the London School of Economics; Michael Zander, who 20 years ago was on a Royal Commission that recommended the setting up of The Criminal Cases Review Commission in England and Wales, set up after high profile miscarriages of justice in Britain such as the Guildford Four and the Birmingham Six convictions in relation to IRA bombings.
Who's having all the say in the rebuilding of Christchurch? Are the people being listened to? Belinda McCammon is joined by the chief executive of Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce, Peter Townsend; Deon Swiggs from Rebuild Christchurch; Leanne Curtis from the community Advocacy Group, Cancern; and Richard McGowan, an architect from Warren and Mahoney.
How soaring housing prices in Auckland are affecting the rest of the country. Simon Mercep in discussion with the chief executive of the Real Estate Institute, Helen O’Sullivan; Westpac chief economist, Dominick Stephens; and Andrew King from the Property Investors Association.
Why housing has pushed its way so emphatically on to the political agenda. Chris Bramwell and the Minister of Housing, Nick Smith; Labour’s housing spokesperson, Phil Twyford; and Professor Norman Gemmell, the chair in public finance at Victoria University.
Could the shocking events that killed an unknown number of patients in a British hospital happen here? Karen Brown and the Health and Disability Commissioner, Anthony Hill; the chief executive of the Hawkes Bay District Health Board, Kevin Snee; and the chief executive of the the Aged Care Association, Martin Taylor.
What are the reasons behind New Zealand’s poor showing in international education tests? John Gerritsen with the Ministry of Education deputy secretary for Evidence, Data and Knowledge, Lisa Rodgers; the director of the Council for Educational Research, Robyn Baker; and Michael Johnson, a senior lecturer in education policy and implementation at Victoria University.
Steve Wilde wraps up his preview of the local body elections. This evening he looks at Auckland - the issues and what the voters are thinking.
Steve Wilde continues his preview of the local body elections with a close-up look at the metropolitan centres. Wellington... the issues and what the voters are thinking.
Steve Wilde continues his preview of the local body elections with a close-up look at the metropolitan centres. This time it's Christchurch … the issues and what the voters are thinking.
Steve Wilde continues his preview of the approaching local body elections with a close-up look at the metropolitan centres. This time it's Dunedin... the main issues and what the voters are thinking.
Steve Wilde examines the approaching local body elections in the North Island… the candidates, the issues and what the voters are thinking.
Steve Wilde examines the approaching local body elections in the South Island... the candidates, the issues and what the voters are thinking.
Rosemary Rangitauira investigates whether attempts to keep the Maori language alive are working.
Philippa Tolley investigates the latest migration statistics – is the shine going off life across the ditch?
Pacific Issues correspondent Karen Mangnall investigates rising obesity in Pasifika communities, particularly among young children.
Radio New Zealand's political editor Brent Edwards talks to the ACT Party leader, John Banks, and the Green Party co-leader, Russel Norman, about the role of minor parties in government.
How good are our teachers and does it matter? Radio New Zealand's education correspondent, John Gerritsen discusses the quality of school teachers with Angela Roberts, president of the Post Primary Teachers' Association; Dr Judith Aitken, a member of the committee that reviewed the teachers council and a former head of the education review office; and Professor Dugald Scott, a former dean of Education at Victoria University of Wellington.
Radio New Zealand's Economics Correspondent, Patrick O'Meara, considers the future of manufacturing in New Zealand and the challenges it faces from a high New Zealand dollar - is it in crisis as some claim? To discuss the sector's prospects, its importance to the country, and whether it needs more help from the government , Patrick is joined by the chief executive of the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association, John Walley; Dr Oliver Hartwich, executive director of the business group, New Zealand Initiative; and Stephen Newman, founder and chief executive of the transport technology company 'Eroad' .
Parliamentary chief reporter Jane Patterson takes a look at the push from the National-led government for more mining in New Zealand, and the tensions between creating jobs and revenue, the environment and public opinion. To discuss New Zealand's reliance on fossil fuels, and the quest for more renewables, how much New Zealand should be relying on mining revenues into the future and how that fits into the current government's economic plan, Jane is joined by the Conservation Minister, Nick Smith, Labour's MP for West Coast Tasman, Damien O'Connor, and the mining spokesman for the Green Party, Gareth Hughes.
Philippa Tolley questions whether the government can be trusted with your personal details.
Rosemary Rangitauira and a panel discuss why Te Kohanga Reo isn't just another early childhood education service.
Simon Mercep looks at whether a second language for primary schoolchildren should be mandatory.