Politics Thursday: David Seymour and Ayesha Verrall spar over Karen Chhour, first home grants and the OCR

Its been a tough week for Kiwirail. The Aratere ran aground on Friday night, and it was also revealed the same ship lost power last year due to faulty tape that was holding wiring in place. To top it off, Kiwirail’s chair resigned last week, alongside revelations that the Finance Minister hauled Kiwirail bosses over the coals after discovering exorbitant consultant spending. Act leader David Seymour and Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall joined Adam Cooper to run through the Interislander's troubles, as well as the other political issues of the week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh from his trip to Japan, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon yesterday announced a new 'young serious offender' category, as well as more beat police in cities across New Zealand.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Adam Cooper to talk through the announcements, as well as what we can expect in Parliament this week.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you pay a toll to use the Mt Victoria tunnel, are Wellington City Council staff exercising too much power, and should we urgently replace the Defence Force VIP planes?  Those were the questions for the Friday Faceoff panel this week, with former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and playwright and columnist Dave Armstrong.  Also on the agenda was the best concert the pair had ever been to, remembering the 60th anniversary of The Beatles arriving in Wellington today.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a disappointing loss for the Hurricanes last weekend, killing the team's hope for an appearance in the Super Rugby final, but all eyes are now on the successful finalist Blues and Chiefs sides, squaring off at Eden Park this weekend.  Joining Nick to preview the match was All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine. The pair also talked the Breakers return to Wellington, and Kane Williamson's decision not to take a New Zealand Cricket contract.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three left-wing councillors typically viewed as part of Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau's council majority have said she can no longer rely on their unconditional support; an apparently crumbling of her support. But NZ Herald Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell thinks this could be the making of Whanau as a mayor, now that she has to reach across political alliances to other councillors to pass her initiatives.   She joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk through the issue and a rise in Covid cases in the Wellington region. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is the economy holding up, what on earth is happening on Thorndon Quay, and how do councils properly engage with local businesses? Those were the questions for the Business Panel this week, consisting of Porirua mayor Anita Baker and The Woolstore executive director Paul Robinson.  The pair joined Nick Mills to discuss all things business in Wellington.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had to urgently change his travel plans while bound for Japan after the Defence Force's Boeing 757 ran into yet more mechanical troubles.  It left the business delegation and media travelling with the Prime Minister stranded in Papua New Guinea, including Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls.  He joined Nick Mills from Port Moresby airport to talk through the events of the last 24 hours. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are MPs entitlements fit for purpose, and at what point in a council term is it too early to announce you're running for the next one? Those were the questions for our Friday Faceoff panel this week, consisting of Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy and Wellington City Councillor Nicola Young.  Also on the agenda was an apparent split in Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau's majority, how easy it would be to escape for two years, and the big match for the Hurricanes this weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eighty minutes on Saturday afternoon will seal the Hurricanes' fate this Super Rugby season, as they take on the Chiefs at Sky Stadium in their semi-final match.  The team is looking for its second title, after first taking out the championship in 2016.  Wellington All Sport Breakfast host Adam Cooper and Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Nick Mills to run through the game, and the rest of the weekend's sport.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are the accommodation entitlements for MP fit for purpose, and what will more oil and gas exploration mean for New Zealand?  Those were the questions for our politics panel this week, with Act party leader David Seymour and Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.