In this episode: the latest political poll is out – who’s heading into the new year break in the strongest position (and I make a prediction about a possible resignation over the summer); should the government fund obesity treatment; should the government fund Maori media if they’re already funding the likes of Radio NZ and NZ On Air; is it a good idea or a great idea to cap rates; is having children too expensive now – or is it our lifestyle choices that have created the problem; and we’ll ask the panelists whether they’re happy to be called a “pakeha”.
Show summary auto-generated by Descript app:
- **Political Poll Insights**: They discuss the latest poll results showing gains for both National and Labour, a significant drop for the Greens, and a potential resignation. Rodney highlights the importance of good economic indicators for the ruling coalition.
- **Government-Funded Obesity Treatment**: Panelists debate whether the government should fund the drug Wegovy for obesity, with a consensus leaning towards personal responsibility rather than pharmaceutical intervention. Concerns about side effects and reliance on drugs are raised.
- **Funding Maori Media**: The debate covers the government’s proposed budget cuts for Maori media, with varied opinions on whether state funding for any media, particularly Maori media, is appropriate. The context of funding for multiethnic media was also touched upon.
- **Capping Council Rates**: A discussion on the government’s proposal to cap rate increases at 4%, intended to curb the significant recent hikes in various regions. The idea receives mixed reviews, with some support but concerns about bureaucratic inefficiencies and the delay in implementation.
- **Cost of Raising Children**: The panel discusses the perception that raising children is increasingly unaffordable, with insights into societal attitudes towards family and children. Nathan and Rodney emphasise the value and economic benefits of having children.
- **Identity Labels**: A survey finds varied preferences among white New Zealanders for being called New Zealander, European New Zealander, Kiwi, or Pakeha, with most preferring to be called New Zealander. The term Pakeha is discussed as having become more pejorative.
