Best New Zealand Initiative Podcasts (2025)

1
Empowering local government through AI 22:48

6d ago22:48

22:48

In this episode, Oliver talks to Nick Clark about how artificial intelligence could help local government councillors make better decisions.They discuss how AI tools can help councillors understand complex reports, identify key issues, and formulate intelligent questions, ultimately empowering elected representatives who are often overwhelmed by te…

1
Bart Elder With Vermeer On Tips And Processes To Get Started In Hay And Forage Season 12:39

11d ago12:39

12:39

Hay and forage season is soon. In this episode of DairyVoice, Mike Opperman talks with Bart Elder of Vermeer. They discuss the many aspects of making good quality forage and getting it stored properly. These tips and processes involved in the getting hay growing in the field, harvested, processed and stored are key.…

1
When universities take sides 38:48

12d ago38:48

38:48

In this episode, Michael and James discuss institutional neutrality in universities, examining how the Education and Training Act Amendment Bill addresses universities' ability to take official positions on political matters.They analyse Otago University's draft statement on institutional neutrality, exploring the distinction between universities "…

1
Putting student learning at the centre of school governance 24:59

20d ago24:59

24:59

In this episode, James and Michael discuss how the Education Training Amendment Bill transforms school governance in New Zealand. They examine the bill's shift to make student learning the paramount objective for school boards, new requirements to address truancy through attendance management plans, and enhanced assessment standards to improve educ…

1
Jen Grubb of MilkPEP talks about their initiative to attract targeted consumers to dairy 27:02

26d ago27:02

27:02

In this episode of DairyVoice, Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films speaks with Jenn Grubb. Jen is Senior Marketing Manager with MilkPEP and they discuss initiatives to attract primarily youth to dairy. MilkPEP was borne by a 1990 Act of Congress to increase dairy milk consumption through category-level consumer marketing and they provide m…

1
Is NZ unprepared for its ageing population? 34:34

28d ago34:34

34:34

In this episode, Oliver interviews Scott Scoullar, Chief Executive of Summerset, about New Zealand's looming aged care crisis with a projected shortfall of 7,000-8,000 beds by 2030 despite increasing elderly demographics. They discuss how retirement villages provide cost-effective care solutions, the regulatory hurdles of building new facilities, a…

1
Evan Platte of Merck and Mike Blesy of Leatherbrook Holsteins Talk About Sorting Gates 21:54

1M ago21:54

21:54

In this episode, Connie Kuber of Connor AgriScience and Sealpro Silage Barrier Films talks with Evan Platte of Merck Animal Health and Mike Blesy, the Farm Manager for Leatherbrook Holsteins. They discuss the benefits of moving to a sorting gate system and how to prepare for the change.By DairyBusiness: Connie Kuber

1
Rethinking NZ's three-year parliamentary cycle 17:18

1M ago17:18

17:18

In this episode, Oliver talks to Nick about his submission regarding New Zealand's proposed parliamentary term extension from three to four years. Nick supports the concept of longer terms but criticises the current proposal's complicated conditional approach, arguing instead for a straightforward extension that should also apply to local governmen…

1
Regulating credit card interchange fees 37:44

1M ago37:44

37:44

In this episode, Eric discusses credit card interchange fees with NERA's James Mellsop, who argues that the Commerce Commission's proposed regulation capping these fees could harm competition and innovation despite aiming to benefit consumers. They express concern that the Commission's narrow focus on allocative efficiency overlooks the dynamic ben…

1
Exclusive Interview Between Tim Abbott and Jan Bierma fro Holstein International 35:39

1M ago35:39

35:39

In this episode of DairyVoice, Tim Abbott from Showbox Sires talks with Jan Bierma from Holstein International. They discuss Jan’s history in the business, and the passion behind the Holstein International publication. They take a deep dive in to where the most progress on breeding cattle has been made in the past couple decades and on Holstein Int…

1
Does the new academic freedom legislation have teeth? 34:51

1M ago34:51

34:51

In this podcast, Michael and James critique proposed amendments to New Zealand's Education and Training Act that aim to protect academic freedom in universities, arguing the legislation lacks meaningful enforcement mechanisms to hold institutions accountable.They discuss potential improvements including a "free speech czar," legal recourse for viol…

1
Showbox Sires Introduces New Bull Victory 40:08

1M ago40:08

40:08

In this episode series The Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott talks with Morgan McMillan from Kingsway Farm and Steven Velthuis from Velthuis Farms about Showbox Sires new bull release Victory 744HO00207. They discuss the pedigree of this incredible bull and why they are confident Victory will do well. They talk about how the bull will be used …

1
From Austria to the Initiative: Benno Blaschke's journey 42:22

2M ago42:22

42:22

In this episode, Oliver Hartwich interviews the New Zealand Initiative's newest recruit, Benno Blaschke, exploring his extraordinary journey from his Austrian upbringing to becoming passionate about urban economics and housing affordability in New Zealand. They discuss Benno's unique background spanning contemplative practice, academic study, and p…

1
Mike Opperman Talks With Corey Geiger of Co-Bank on the Dairy Economy 28:58

2M ago28:58

28:58

In this episode of DairyVoice, host Mike Opperman talks with Corey Geiger, dairy economist with Co-Bank. They discuss the state of the dairy markets, tariffs, China, and what to look for going forward.By Mike Opperman

1
The Heart of Healthcare: Renewing New Zealand's Primary Care System 21:26

2M ago21:26

21:26

In this episode, Oliver Hartwich interviews Dr Prabani Wood, who has worked as a GP in New Zealand for 15 years and discusses her report "The Heart of Healthcare," advocating for greater recognition of primary care's value in New Zealand's healthcare system. Dr Wood explains how continuous GP-patient relationships improve health outcomes and reduce…

1
Building better pathways for vocational education in New Zealand 36:37

2M ago36:37

36:37

In this episode, Michael Johnston interviews Katherine Hall, Executive Director of ConCOVE (Construction and Infrastructure Centre of Vocational Excellence), about the challenges facing vocational education and apprenticeships in New Zealand. They discuss systemic issues including poor completion rates, funding problems, and cultural stigma compare…

1
New England Holstein Association Featuring Keith Kimball of United Sires 18:31

2M ago18:31

18:31

In episode 10 of the New England Holstein Association Podcast, Betsy Bullard talks with Keith Kimball of United Sires. Keith has New England roots, growing up in Massachusetts and runs a successful operation in New York. They talk about United Sires, his part as one of the 11 breeder members in the organization, and how United Sires is benefiting d…

1
Transforming maths education in New Zealand with Professor Barbara Oakley 36:34

2M ago36:34

36:34

In this episode, Michael talks to Professor Barbara Oakley, a McGraw Prize recipient, New York Times bestselling author and creater of the world's largest Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) with over 5 million students.They discuss evidence-based approaches to mathematics education and the problems with constructivist teaching methods, while outlini…

1
John Ellsworth of Success Strategies On Farm Finances in Quarter 1 32:40

2M ago32:40

32:40

In this episode of DairyVoice, Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films and Connor Agriscience talks with John Ellsworth of Success Strategies about finances and farm strategies in quarter 1 of this year. John suggests that this might be a good year to focus on efficiency when making any expansions and the importance of communicating with emplo…

1
Rural council challenges in scattered communities 38:05

2M ago38:05

38:05

In this episode, Eric talks to Patrick Phelps, Manager at Minerals West Coast, about the complex challenges of rural council governance including infrastructure costs, heritage regulations, and voter apathy. They discuss how small towns struggle with funding vital services across widely dispersed communities while managing political incentives that…

1
Showbox Sires Introduces Bull To Their Lineup: VENMO 15:55

2M ago15:55

15:55

In this episode of the Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott and Mike Duckett of Showbox Sires talk with Ethan McMillan of Kingsway Farms about their latest release VENMO 744HO17769. In the podcast they discuss VENMO, why this bull was brought in to the Showbox lineup and the bulls family.By Tim Abbott & Mike Duckett

1
Trade Routes: Charting New Pathways from Secondary School to Industry Training 24:24

2M ago24:24

24:24

In this episode, Oliver Hartwich interviews Michael about his new research report "Trade Routes," which examines how New Zealand can improve its apprenticeship system by adopting elements of Germany's dual education model.They discuss the stark contrast between Germany's highly respected apprenticeship system (with 50% participation) and New Zealan…

1
Showbox Sires Announce a New Program in New Zealand 24:18

2M ago24:18

24:18

Tim Abbott and Mike Duckett with Showbox Sires announce a new partnership in New Zealand. Worldwide Sires/Worldwide Sires New Zealand and Lawwal Holsteins are excited about the showbox sires product line and have created an innovative approach to selling the Showbox Sires product in New Zealand. In this Evolution of the Great Cow podcast, they touc…

1
Former Australian Home Affairs Secretary calls for integrated ANZAC defence force 55:51

3M ago55:51

55:51

In this episode, Oliver Hartwich and former Australian Department of Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo discuss growing regional security threats, with Pezzullo warning of a 10-20% chance of conflict with China while advocating for an integrated ANZAC military force.Pezzullo argues that New Zealand should reconsider its anti-nuclear stance to …

1
Meet Jemma Stevenson: Tackling government complexity 10:31

3M ago10:31

10:31

In this episode, Oliver interviews Jemma Stevenson, a new economist at The New Zealand Initiative, about her background and current research on government inefficiency.Jemma is working on a sequel to the Initiative's research on "Cabinet Congestion," examining whether New Zealand's complex government structure of 81 portfolios and 28 ministers lead…

1
The People's Portfolio: A $571 Billion Question 16:30

3M ago16:30

16:30

In this episode, Oliver talks to Bryce about his new report "The People's Portfolio", which examines New Zealand's $571 billion in Crown-owned assets and makes the case for privatising many of them to improve economic efficiency rather than simply raising funds.They discuss how current government ownership of these assets is actually costing taxpay…

1
Sally Cummins of DMI on the First 1000 Days Initiative 20:59

3M ago20:59

20:59

In this episode of DairyVoice, Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films and Connor Agriscience talks with Sally Cummins. Sally is Vice President of Nutritional Affairs for Dairy Management, Inc. They discuss the importance of milk in Infant and baby nutrition and focus on the first 1000 days of life. Sally explains why the first 1000 days are i…

1
How local planning rules block retail competition 34:51

3M ago34:51

34:51

In this episode, Eric talks to Marko Garlick about how New Zealand's local government planning and zoning regulations create anti-competitive conditions in the retail sector, particularly for supermarkets. They explore specific examples of bizarre regulatory barriers to market entry and discuss potential solutions to enable more competition, such a…

1
The day the West Died: A wake-up call for New Zealand 35:09

3M ago35:09

35:09

In this episode, Michael and Oliver sound the alarm about the transformation of global power following a February 2025 phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin, where the US reportedly conceded to Russia's demands over Ukraine without consulting European allies. They examine what they see as the collapse of the post-WWII liberal democratic ord…

1
Tim Abbott Talks With Don and David Chalack of Alberta, Canada 12:41

3M ago12:41

12:41

In this episode of DairyVoice in the series Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires talks with Don and David Chalack of Wendon Holsteins in Alberta, Canada. Wendon Holsteins is a 2X Master Breeder Herd (1995 & 2008) and is a family run operation located 15 minutes southeast of Innisfail, Alberta. They have a prestigious herd featuri…

1
The Trouble with Hate Crime Laws 46:56

3M ago46:56

46:56

In this episode, James and Michael talk to Stephanie Martin from the Free Speech Union (and also the New Zealand Initiative) about a Law Commission consultation paper on hate crime legislation.The discussion examines the shift from treating hate as an aggravating factor in sentencing to creating specific hate crime offenses, while exploring philoso…

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New Zealand Initiative Podcasts

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