https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/rss NZME Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:39:36 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-tax-cuts-id-argue-that-neither-side-is-looking-at-the-full-picture/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-tax-cuts-id-argue-that-neither-side-is-looking-at-the-full-picture/ Well... Has there been an earth tremor in the ideological universe. Are some capitalists wavering and beginning to argue for a pause to tax cuts and even a capital gains tax?   Mon, 20 May 2024 01:13:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-newshub-has-been-broke-for-ages/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-newshub-has-been-broke-for-ages/ So the culture wars that erupted after the closing of Newshub continued over the weekend. Mon, 04 Mar 2024 01:16:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-lets-just-taihoa-a-bit/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-lets-just-taihoa-a-bit/ Listening to Kerre Woodham's talkback this morning you can't help but think that people are rushing to an opinion a little hastily. Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:01:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-3-parties-and-3-waffly-bits-of-policy-which-all-miss-their-mark/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-3-parties-and-3-waffly-bits-of-policy-which-all-miss-their-mark/ Well, here it comes.  Mon, 09 May 2022 02:08:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-governments-travel-bubble-caution-is-toxic-to-their-popularity/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-governments-travel-bubble-caution-is-toxic-to-their-popularity/ It’s D-day for bubbles.   Mon, 22 Mar 2021 02:14:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-nz-and-its-parties-taking-it-one-day-at-a-time/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-nz-and-its-parties-taking-it-one-day-at-a-time/ COMMENT: Mon, 07 Sept 2020 01:25:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-today-marks-day-one-of-the-most-critical-battle-yet/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-today-marks-day-one-of-the-most-critical-battle-yet/ So here we are again at yet another crossroad on our Covid path.  A six-month journey that so far that feels more like a year.  A period of time that is but a blip in the timeline of a virus or a pandemic.  Mon, 31 Aug 2020 01:56:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-tvnz-special-highlights-covids-seriousness/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-tvnz-special-highlights-covids-seriousness/ Last night I watched the Sunday programme which concentrated on Covid 19 in Australia and New Zealand.  Mon, 24 Aug 2020 00:39:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-aucklanders-have-behaved-unforgivably-in-latest-lockdown/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-aucklanders-have-behaved-unforgivably-in-latest-lockdown/ The plunging of New Zealand into heightened alert levels has been extremely disappointing.  Not just because I had tickets to the Blues versus the Crusaders.  Mon, 17 Aug 2020 00:27:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-all-political-parties-are-living-in-a-fantasy-world/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-all-political-parties-are-living-in-a-fantasy-world/ It was good to hear Judith Collins on air with Kerre McIvor this morning. Mon, 10 Aug 2020 02:10:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-should-we-continue-the-wage-subsidy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-should-we-continue-the-wage-subsidy/ Well here we are in August already.  Six weeks after the solstice and so apparently we are in the deepest depths of winter  Mon, 03 Aug 2020 00:26:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-un-democratic-polls-and-the-real-crisis-facing-humanity/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-un-democratic-polls-and-the-real-crisis-facing-humanity/ COMMENT: Mon, 27 Jul 2020 01:24:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-national-is-as-clueless-as-labour-on-how-to-fix-the-economy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-national-is-as-clueless-as-labour-on-how-to-fix-the-economy/ Judith Collins’ first weekend in charge of the National Party has passed and she has faced the weekend media.  Mon, 20 Jul 2020 00:15:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-opposition-has-shown-theyd-rather-fight-the-government-than-covid/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-opposition-has-shown-theyd-rather-fight-the-government-than-covid/ With my new working life I now get to do news and talkback just one day a week on a Monday.  Mon, 13 Jul 2020 04:30:14 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-abuse-directed-at-siouxsie-wiles-was-clearly-sexist/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-abuse-directed-at-siouxsie-wiles-was-clearly-sexist/ Here we are on Day 1 of the July School holidays and, of course, the weather is atrocious in many places and will be all week.  As if we haven’t already been through enough in 2020. Mon, 06 Jul 2020 00:30:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-our-great-response-to-covid-19-still-deserves-critiquing/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-our-great-response-to-covid-19-still-deserves-critiquing/ Is anyone really surprised that Paula Bennett has zipped it sweetie and ridden into the sunset? Mon, 29 Jun 2020 01:13:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-country-is-ready-for-level-one/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-country-is-ready-for-level-one/ So if we don’t go to Level 1 at 3 this afternoon, there will be a riot. Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:46:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-government-should-be-careful-about-disappointing-the-public/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-government-should-be-careful-about-disappointing-the-public/ At the end of yesterday’s programme I asked the question , “What are you looking forward to doing most under Level 2” Fri, 08 May 2020 02:07:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-are-masks-really-the-answer-to-staying-safe-during-covid-19/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-are-masks-really-the-answer-to-staying-safe-during-covid-19/ As many of you will know I moved to a new house and new suburb just a couple of weeks before lockdown. Thu, 07 May 2020 01:14:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-why-id-rather-be-in-new-zealand-than-australia-right-now/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-why-id-rather-be-in-new-zealand-than-australia-right-now/ It was fascinating to hear Winston Peters in conversation with Mike Hosking today. Wed, 06 May 2020 01:21:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-lockdown-has-worked-now-its-time-to-let-us-outside/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-lockdown-has-worked-now-its-time-to-let-us-outside/ Well, here we are in Week 7 of a nationwide lockdown to contain and eliminate the virus known as Covid 19.  A new or novel virus for which the world has no cure or vaccine.  Tue, 05 May 2020 01:14:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-we-will-need-a-covid-19-inquiry-into-what-civil-service-got-wrong/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-we-will-need-a-covid-19-inquiry-into-what-civil-service-got-wrong/ So this is awkward. Mon, 04 May 2020 00:40:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-wisdom-from-titans-of-the-past/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-wisdom-from-titans-of-the-past/ Well it’s been a week where some voices from the past have been offering their comforting and discomforting voices. So what did we get? And are there any tricks we’re missing. Fri, 01 May 2020 00:55:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-zip-it-winston-nows-not-the-time-for-a-blame-game/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-zip-it-winston-nows-not-the-time-for-a-blame-game/ We have a saying in our family: No-one needs a could have/should have conversation right now. Thu, 30 Apr 2020 01:25:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-both-sides-of-parliament-need-to-find-answers-for-small-businesses/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-both-sides-of-parliament-need-to-find-answers-for-small-businesses/ So the pressure cooker that our businesses have been in due to our response to Covid 19 yesterday exploded. Wed, 29 Apr 2020 01:24:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-mcdonalds-fans-need-to-get-their-priorities-straight/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-mcdonalds-fans-need-to-get-their-priorities-straight/ I know I’m about to be judgemental. I know that some people will say you shouldn’t impose your beliefs and values on other people who are doing nothing wrong. Tue, 28 Apr 2020 01:30:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-if-level-4-ends-it-is-up-to-us-to-keep-it-that-way/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-if-level-4-ends-it-is-up-to-us-to-keep-it-that-way/ So here we are.  After what seems both an eternity and the blink of an eye we come to the time to decide the next step in the battle against Covid 19. Mon, 20 Apr 2020 00:36:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-we-need-to-remember-were-in-this-covid-battle-together/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-we-need-to-remember-were-in-this-covid-battle-together/ Day 12 and things are getting real. Mon, 06 Apr 2020 00:48:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-covid-19-shows-we-were-not-prepared-for-a-pandemic/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-covid-19-shows-we-were-not-prepared-for-a-pandemic/ It seems counter-intuitive to be in the middle of a public health crisis and to hear that one of the first financial victims of the pandemic will be our doctors and their practices. Mon, 30 Mar 2020 01:29:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-people-need-to-take-responsibility-over-coronavirus/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/andrew-dickens-monday-afternoons/opinion/andrew-dickens-people-need-to-take-responsibility-over-coronavirus/ I don’t want to discuss whether our coronavirus restrictions are right or wrong, or if they’re too early or too late, or whether they’re too harsh or too lax. Sun, 15 Mar 2020 23:22:42 Z