Best New Zealand Current Affairs Podcasts (2025)

1
The Fifth Floor: Tackling Nigeria's skin bleaching problem 24:11

24m ago24:11

24:11

According to the World Health Organisation, 77% of Nigerian women have used skin-lightening creams. When BBC Hausa’s Madina Maishanu decided to look into this, she uncovered an even more worrying trend: mothers using potentially harmful products on their babies. Madina spoke to the campaigners trying to stop these practices. Plus, how human activit…

1
Live from Delphi: What’s brewing in the Eastern Mediterranean? 27:34

5m ago27:34

27:34

With the change of the past 12 months, we ask experts: what does Turkey want in the Eastern Mediterranean? Is Cyprus actually solvable? And do we understand how the Middle East is being reshaped? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Monocle

1
BBC OS Conversations: Remembering the life of Pope Francis 24:53

22m ago24:53

24:53

Mark Lowen in Rome brings people together to share their memories of the Pope, who died on Easter Monday. In our conversations, Mark hears from Catholics in Argentina, including one of Pope Francis’ friends who knew him when he was a priest in Buenos Aires. We also bring together three people from Northern Ireland who had a private audience with th…

1
Men raising good boys 12:47

2h ago12:47

12:47

What influence do male role-models, chiefly fathers, have on boys' perceptions of masculinity? We find out.

1
Comedian Anisa Nandaula 10:05

2h ago10:05

10:05

What's it like being a black woman in Australia? Ugandan-born Queenslander and standup comedian Anisa Nandaula speaks to Saturday Morning.

1
Space weather: Graham Leonard 21:25

3h ago21:25

21:25

Space weather isn't watercooler conversation but it's out there!

1
Noel Hyde: the native barn owl 16:27

3h ago16:27

16:27

The barn owl is New Zealand's newest raptor, but what impact do they have on our native species?

1
Season 4 Episode 45: Cone Phone 2:16:59

5h ago2:16:59

2:16:59

Hi! Recorded Easter Sunday, before 'several events'. The Road Cone Hotline! The Trump Tarrifs! DOGE! The UK's supreme court decision, spiritual bigotry, and sheer dissapointment of the Billionaire TERF movement. Bumper music; Format:B - "Wrong Feels Right" Bilk - "Go" Sports Team - "Condensation" The Dandy Warhols - "I Will Never Stop Loving You (A…

1
The Tibbles: celebrating a hero 8:42

3h ago8:42

8:42

The Tibble family are in Faenza, Italy commemorating their ancestor Te Rauwhiro Tibble this Anzac Day.

1
Mary Kisler: Dad's post-war trauma 24:40

4h ago24:40

24:40

Art historian Mary Kisler on how her father's PTSD from the war changed him

1
The ethics of donating sperm 19:46

2h ago19:46

19:46

A 'medical calamity' was declared following the discovery over eighty Dutch sperm donors were found to have fathered at least 25 children each.

1
Controlled mess with celebrated illustrator Sydney Smith 23:21

2h ago23:21

23:21

In the world of children's literature, the Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international distinction awarded to authors and illustrators of children's books. Canadian illustrator Sydney Smith is one of those people. He describes his work as a controlled mess.

1
Sports with Mathew Nash: will Auckland FC make history? 6:32

2h ago6:32

6:32

A historic inaugural season for Auckland FC could get even better this weekend.... The A-league newcomers might win the premier's plate and qualify for the finals series.

1
The link between eye health and dementia 8:55

3h ago8:55

8:55

A link between eye health and dementia has been uncovered using data and scans from the Dunedin Longitudinal Study.

1
The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act - what's next? 10:47

3h ago10:47

10:47

On Monday submissions close on an Deed of Acknowledgement between iwi Te Kawerau a Maki, Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation. The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act has been in place since 2008 - so 17 years later the next step, on how to effect the act and actually manage the area is underway.…

1
Olivia Podmore's parents on the inquest 13:21

1h ago13:21

13:21

This week saw the the final few days of the coronial inquest into the death of olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore. Olivia's Mum Nienke and her step dad Chris Middleton spoke to Susie Ferguson from their Christchurch home.

1
Manuel Beazely on the Pope's funeral 6:58

1h ago6:58

6:58

In just over 12 hours time the funeral for Pope Francis will be about to begin at St Peter's Basilica in Rome. Manuel Beazely is the vicar for Maori in the Auckland Diocese and just landed in Rome about 2 hours ago.

1
The Auckland Uni nuclear physicist unlocking secrets of the universe 24:15

23m ago24:15

24:15

Auckland University nuclear physicist David Krofcheck is recognised for his work on the world's greatest science experiment… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more detailsBy RNZ

1
Bonus: Bridgerton actor’s interview on Dear Daughter 26:43

1d ago26:43

26:43

A bonus episode from Dear Daughter - the award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service. You can find more episodes by searching for ‘Dear Daughter’ wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Bridgerton actor Adjoa Andoh joins Namulanta in the studio to share the letter she’s written to her three children. She tells them the importance of trusting their…

1
Mary Holm shares her top tips for making the most out of KiwiSaver 28:36

2d ago28:36

28:36

The Front Page podcast is taking the day off as the country marks Anzac Day. Instead, we're presenting an episode of The Prosperity Project, the Herald's personal finance podcast. Listen as host Nadine Higgins talks with personal finance columnist Mary Holm about what you need to know about KiwiSaver - including what the most important thing to con…

1
The Bolt Report | 24 April 48:39

2d ago48:39

48:39

The Australian Navy buys tug boats from China, Melbourne Uni shows us just where our education system is going wrong. Plus, the prime minister finally admits to falling off a stage, then claims he was joking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Sky News Australia / NZ

1
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Rachel Reeves dashing UK hopes of early US trade deal 3:27

2d ago3:27

3:27

The UK is still hoping to work out a trade deal with the US - but early reports indicate it's quite a way off. Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently arrived in Washington DC, and she's warned negotiations will take time. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the UK economy needs the extra help, but it's unlikely a deal will come by the end of the week. LIST…

1
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on Donald Trump's attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell 3:20

3d ago3:20

3:20

US President Donald Trump has spent the past week verbally attacking Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and it's prompted concerns from the markets. Trump recently claimed the US economy could slow down unless interest rates were lowered immediately - and said that Powell's termination 'cannot come soon enough'. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explai…

1
Rowena Duncum: The Country host on local cheesemakers voicing concerns about presence of supermarket cheeses 3:02

3d ago3:02

3:02

Local cheesemakers have voiced concerns about the competition created by supermarket-produced home-brands. Smaller brands have been forced to scale back on production to reduce their reliance on the supermarkets - in a bid to focus on filling niches that appeal to Kiwi cheese lovers. The Country's Rowena Duncum explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See om…

1
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on inflation expectations going up in new data 4:14

3d ago4:14

4:14

Consumer confidence has gone back up - but new data indicates people are also worried about inflation. The latest ANZ-Roy Morgan survey shows consumer confidence rose 5 points to 98.3 in April - but inflation expectations soared 0.5pts to 4.7 percent, the highest reading since July 2023. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacked the fac…

1
The Huddle: Should taxpayers be funding more locally made reality shows? 10:45

3d ago10:45

10:45

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Infrastructure NZ's Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! How do we feel about the fact that we're buying new cars - and paying for their maintenance - for our former Prime Ministers? Should taxpayers be funding more locally made reality shows? …

1
Full Show Podcast: 24 April 2025 1:40:28

3d ago1:40:28

1:40:28

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 24 April 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis defends her Family Boost package after revelations that way fewer people are qualifying for the full amount. ACT's Laura McClure is ringing alarm bells over ACC's policy to target Maori and Pacifica manufacturing workers - and we get …

1
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: National needs to stop this ACC business before it loses votes 2:03

3d ago2:03

2:03

Now, listen, I hope that this ACC business is a Scott Simpson problem and not a National problem, but I'm starting to get a little worried about it - because this is at least the 3rd case of race-based stuff still happening under National when we thought National was going to put a stop to it. I mean, with the free GP visits in Hawke's Bay for Māor…

1
Peter Lewis: Asia Business Correspondent on Donald Trump reportedly considering slashing tariffs on China 4:23

3d ago4:23

4:23

New reports indicate Donald Trump is considering slashing tariffs on Chinese goods by more than half. No announcements have been made yet- but tariffs could reportedly come down to between roughly 50 percent and 65 percent, according to one senior White House official. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis says China has signalled it's open to tr…

1
Luke Bradford: Royal College of GPs Medical Director welcomes inquiry into medicinal cannabis clinics 3:27

3d ago3:27

3:27

Doctors are welcoming an inquiry into the prescriptions from medicinal cannabis clinics. The Medical Council's leading the investigation following patient complaints they weren't properly briefed on non-cannabis options at the clinics, or about the ongoing costs and side-effects of cannabis. The Royal College of GPs Medical Director Luke Bradford s…

1
Irene Gardiner: SPADA President on the calls for the Government to help fund Kiwi reality shows 4:00

3d ago4:00

4:00

There's growing calls among industry experts for the Government to give NZ-produced reality shows a funding boost. Local versions of shows like Married at First Sight and The Block currently don't get the 40 percent screen production rebate available to other programs - and Kiwi TV broadcasters are hoping to turn that around. SPADA President Irene …

1
Laura McClure: ACT MP on the party's criticisms of ACC measures focused on race 3:13

3d ago3:13

3:13

ACT is criticising ACC measures that aim to reduce disproportionate workplace injuries among Māori and Pasifika. It's written to the ACC Minister, asking if targets with an ethnic focus match a Cabinet requirement for need-based public service. Act MP Laura McClure says she hasn't seen evidence to back the targets. "It's completely lazy - and I act…

1
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister plans to adjust FamilyBoost after IRD gets eligibility numbers wrong 3:58

3d ago3:58

3:58

The Finance Minister is preparing to tweak the Family Boost payment plan, admitting IRD had the wrong numbers on eligible families. Data to April 9 reveals 249 families received the maximum payment of $975 dollars a quarter - since the scheme came into effect last year. Nicola Willis had said 21,000 families were eligible when launching the policy,…

1
Thomas Coughlan: NZ Herald political editor on the Government incorrectly estimating FamilyBoost eligibility 4:58

3d ago4:58

4:58

There's a new push for changes to the FamilyBoost scheme, after the Government incorrectly estimated the number of families eligible. New data shows 249 families have received the maximum payment of $975 dollars a quarter since the scheme came into effect last year. 21,000 were originally forecast to be eligible. NZ Herald political editor Thomas C…

1
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the fatal stabbing of a shopkeeper in Darwin 4:38

3d ago4:38

4:38

An elderly man was recently the victim of a fatal stabbing in Darwin - prompting outrage and concern from residents. Northern Territory Police have arrested the 18-year-old suspect over the death of Linford Feick, 71, who ran the Friendly Grocer store in Nightcliff in the region's north. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the 18-year-old had…

1
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on NZ Cricket's new partnership with North America's Major League Cricket 4:20

3d ago4:20

4:20

Embattled ventures into America in other sports aren't swaying New Zealand Cricket boss Scott Weenink's confidence in their new investment. They've become the first national body in the code to invest in a franchise T20 league - taking a stake in an expansion team in North America's Major League Cricket. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains f…

1
Chris Bishop: Transport Minister on the South Auckland Mill Road project getting an additional funding boost 4:43

3d ago4:43

4:43

The wheels are in motion for South Auckland's Mill Road project. Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced $91.1 million has been approved for completing design and consent work on the Manukau to Alfriston sections. It includes a four-lane general traffic corridor, with a westbound bus lane at the northern end. Bishop says the road will be toll…

1
The call of Anastasia 26:29

13m ago26:29

26:29

Members of the new age Anastasia movement espouse strong family values, farm small plots of land and try to educate their own children outside the public school system. Originating in Russia, the quasi-religious group has now spread to Germany, where there are more than a dozen ‘Anastasia’ rural settlements. But are they more than just a harmless f…

1
Activists Halt Coal Mine Operations for more than 60 Hours w/ Adam Currie 24 April, 2025

22h ago

—

Four climate activists were arrested and seventy protesters were trespassed after blockading operations at Bathurst Resources’ Stockton coal mine for more than sixty hours. The protest targeted the Australian-owned mine which is planning an expansion of activities approved through the government’s new fast-tracked consent process. While Resources M…

1
The Wire w/ Caeden: 24 April, 2025

22h ago

—

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni about the recent cross-party delegation to the Pacific, New Zealand First’s new trans-exclusionary members' bill and Winston Peters’ threat to cut RNZ’s funding. For International Desk, they spoke to Jane Fae, director at TransActual UK, about the UK S…

1
The cross-party delegation to the Pacific, NZ First’s trans-exclusionary definition of sex bill and his threat to cut funding to RNZ w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 24 April, 2025

22h ago

—

A cross-party delegation of MPs recently visited Tonga, Hawai’i and Vanuatu as part of a Pacific trip organised by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters. Earlier this week, New Zealand First proposed new legislation that would exclude trans communities from the definition of “woman” and “man” in law. Winston Peters defended the bill on RNZ’s Morn…

1
International Desk: The backlash to the UK Supreme Court excluding trans women from its definition of “woman” w/ TransActual’s Jane Fae: 24 April, 2025.

22h ago

—

The United Kingdom Supreme Court has ruled that trans women do not meet the definition of women under UK equality laws. The decision means services for women, such as refuges, hospital wards, and toilets, can exclude trans women. For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Jane Fae, a director at TransActual UK, about this decision and its ba…

1
Mark the Week: The drop in teacher numbers is hardly a surprise 2:29

3d ago2:29

2:29

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Meteorological paranoia: 2/10 Between the MetService and the media, you would have thought Noah and his large ship were going to be needed, and yet... Teachers: 6/10 God bless them, but it’s hardly a surprise when you see a drop i…

1
Mike's Minute: Fascinating polling results out of Australia and Canada 2:10

3d ago2:10

2:10

Polls are funny things at the best of times, and despite plenty of evidence that they can be as wrong as they can be right, we still seem fascinated, if not obsessed, by them. There are two races at the moment being heavily polled: Australia and Canada. Canada votes this Monday, Australia in a couple of weeks. Canada is more interesting, if for no …

1
Oskar Howell: Tech Commentator on the rising use of generative AI in the workplace 3:41

3d ago3:41

3:41

New Zealand workers seem to be embracing Gen AI in the workplace. New research from Robert Half finds 91% of workers are using AI tools to help with their day to day tasks. 93% of workers say they’re transparent about their use with their managers and employers. Tech Commentator Oskar Howell told Francesca Rudkin it’s becoming a real staple of a lo…

1
Kathy Wolfe: Early Childhood NZ CEO on the modelling for the FamilyBoost payment being incorrect 5:31

3d ago5:31

5:31

It comes as no surprise to some the Government got the number of families eligible for the full FamilyBoost payment wrong. New data shows 249 families have received the maximum payment of $975 dollars a quarter since the scheme came into effect last year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says IRD got the modelling wrong, as 21,000 families were thoug…

1
Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: The best Easter eggs on the market 12:35

3d ago12:35

12:35

Capping off another short week, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. They discussed the number of people taking leave for the period, the best brand of Easter eggs, and the fact that chatbots have queues. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Scott Weenink: NZ Cricket CEO on the new partnership with North America's Major League Cricket 3:04

3d ago3:04

3:04

A groundbreaking new partnership for New Zealand Cricket, in an effort to keep the country's top players from joining other global T20 franchises. New Zealand Cricket have joined forces with the financial backers of a new franchise in North America's Major League Cricket - a competition that has a value of at least $200 million. The move could help…

1
Simon Watts: Climate Change Minister says there is improvement from the Emissions Trading Scheme 4:05

3d ago4:05

4:05

The Government says it's reinstating confidence in the Emissions Trading Scheme. It comes as the Climate Commission's calls for carbon credits to stay the same price, to maintain stability. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts told Mike Hosking while some carbon credit auctions haven't taken off, things are improving on other years. He says the prev…

1
Full Show Podcast: 24 April 2025 1:30:31

3d ago1:30:31

1:30:31

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 24th of April, David Seymour defends his controversial slash-and-burn changes to the Early Childhood Education sector. We also explore whether Donald Trump is preparing to retract his tariffs on China with insights from Doug Holtz-Eakin, a former economic adviser to Senator John McCain. T…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

New Zealand Current Affairs Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen