On the Tiles

Apr 25 2024 131

On the Tiles Podcast artwork

Each Friday, NZ Herald Deputy Political Editor Thomas Coughlan covers off the biggest political news in New Zealand, going behind the headlines and giving the inside perspective direct from the Beehive, featuring interviews with politicians, press gallery reporters and economic and political experts. And join us every month for a Local Edition episode with Georgina Campbell, looking at the biggest concerns from a local government level. You can find more politics news at nzherald.co.nz/politics/

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Inside a lifetime of foreign policy work and what it says about our current issues

Apr 25 2024 32 mins

Diplomat Terence O’Brien was at the centre of New Zealand’s foreign relations for nearly half a century, forging new ties with Asia, negotiating New Zealand’s market access to what became the European Union, or running the first successful campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. His new post-humous memoir, Consolations of Insignificance, comes out next mon

Christopher Luxon’s surprise reshuffle: What you need to know

Apr 23 2024 8 mins

The Coalition Government has seen its first cabinet reshuffle. Melissa Lee has lost her Broadcasting Minister portfolio and has been demoted out of Cabinet. Meanwhile, Penny Simmonds has lost her Disability Commission portfolio. To discuss this, The Front Page's Chelsea Daniels is joined by the host of the On the Tiles podcast, and NZ Herald deputy political editor, Thomas Cough

How can councils overcome their infrastructure deficit?

Apr 18 2024 29 mins

Councils across the country are grappling with an infrastructure deficit and sky-high rates -but what options are available to them to fund and finance these projects, and how much involvement should central Government have in bailing them out? This week, Georgina is joined by New Zealand Infrastructure Commission general manager of strategy Geoff Cooper to discuss the extent of t

Minister Chris Penk talks construction, levys, insurance and earthquake-risk

Apr 11 2024 34 mins

In a first for On the Tiles, Thomas and Georgina have teamed up for a chat with Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk about his early wins in the portfolio, and a special focus on earthquake risk for buildings and if the Government, and country, needs to change its approach to risk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour on his big regulation shake up

Apr 04 2024 31 mins

David Seymour sat down with On the Tiles to talk about his new Reglation Ministry and how the Government handled its first 100 days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Robertson reflects on career, Covid finances as he signs off from Parliament

Mar 20 2024 22 mins

Grant Robertson has this week left politics, after nearly three decades at the Beehive - first as an advisor to Margaret Hobbs and Helen Clark, before serving as the Wellington Central MP and later Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. In an exit interview with Thomas, he reflects on his early career, entering as a MP, twice running for the Labour Party leadership, and goes d

Labour's Barbara Edmonds talks finance portfolio and thoughts on tax

Mar 14 2024 30 mins

Barbara Edmonds made history last month when she was named Labour's first ever female finance spokesperson. Stepping into Grant Robertson's shoes, Edmonds has a challenge over the next three years to sell Labour's vision on finance, after years of back and forth on new taxes. She talks to Thomas about going up against the coalition Government, wealth tax versus capital gains tax, a

Luxon's judgement, country's finances in spotlight as 100 day plan ends

Mar 07 2024 35 mins

We've made it through the first 100 days of the coalition government - so which ministers have performed well and what policies have stood out? How much money does the country have left? And was Christopher Luxon's living allowance debacle a worrying sign? Today, Thomas recaps the first 100 days with NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny and Newstalk ZB political ed

Corporate welfare or visionary move: Inside Wellington's Reading Cinemas deal

Feb 29 2024 21 mins

Wellington has been divided over the City Council's secret Reading Cinema deal. The building was closed in early 2019 after an earthquake risk was discovered and it has since become a symbol of the tired state of Courtenay Pl. The council has been working on a $32 million deal behind closed doors but details were leaked late last year, sparking a debate over whether it was appropri

Three Waters is dead - so can councils afford what's coming next?

Feb 15 2024 23 mins

The Government has announced their plans to repeal and replace Labour's Three Waters plans. Georgina is joined by Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry to discuss their reactions to the changes, why they want more answers on the Government's plans, and the huge cost likely coming for ratepayers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.