In this episode of Political Playback – the latest political polls; what were the NZ Police hierarchy thinking – and is the Harmful Digital Communications Act being abused?; Bob reviews the latest (unauthorised) biography on Jacinda; trust in the media takes yet another hit with the actions of both the BBC but also our own legacy media; Te Pati Maori continues its self destruction – but are the Greens going to gain a new MP; what IS that hand gesture that Chloe is doing, and should we be worried; an excellent opinion piece on the slippery slope of our euthanasia laws; the Marsden Fund returns from wokeness to actual science; are Boot Camps working – and why are they called controversial; and are Luxon and Labour competing for the cringe factor?
Show summary auto-generated by Descript app:
- **Polling Analysis**: The latest polling data indicates a concerning trend for the National Party, with Labour Party gaining slightly. The discussion includes insights on various parties’ standings and potential government formations.
- **Police Trust Issues**: A scandal involving senior police officers, including affairs and cover-ups, is discussed. The use of the Harmful Digital Communications Act in prosecuting a woman involved in the scandal is criticised. The discussion extends to concerns about police appointments tracing back to political leaders.
- **Media Trust and Bias**: A detailed critique of the BBC and New Zealand media highlights issues of bias and selective editing, particularly regarding Donald Trump and Israel-Gaza conflict coverage and trans issues. The impact on public trust is discussed, and whether the NZ media can point the finger at the BBC.
- **Te Pati Maori Dynamics**: Internal conflicts within the Te Pati Maori Party, including expulsions and potential defections to the Green Party, are highlighted. The implications for parliamentary dynamics and proportionality are considered. There is also concern over a hand gesture used by Greens MP Chloe Swarbrick! And is TPM’s newest MP about to defect to the Green Party? You heard it here first! 😊
- **Euthanasia Debate**: Maxim Institute’s Maryanne Spurdle’s op-ed on the expansion of the End of Life Choice Bill is praised. The op-ed highlights concerns around the expansion of the law which was always predicted, and the hosts emphasise the need for a focus on palliative care.
- **Marsden Fund Allocation**: There has been a shift back to funding scientific research after a period of funding identity and political projects. Recent projects funded include advanced scientific research topics, rather than woke issues such as Ohakune carrots and roadside sculptures and decolonising ocean worlds.
- **Bootcamps**: The effectiveness of bootcamps for troubled youth is analysed, with the conclusion that while not perfect, they have had a positive impact in reducing the severity and frequency of reoffending.
- **Political Ads and Tactics**: The Labor Party’s use of puerile social media tactics against National Party is criticized for its immaturity and effectiveness – as is the obsession of the Prime Minister to be on TikTok. Bob and Simon debate which is cringier.
