https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/rss NZME Read a variety of expert opinions from guest contributions throughout New Zealand on Newstalk ZB Plus. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:42:29 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/haimona-gray-was-home-meth-testing-really-a-moral-panic/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/haimona-gray-was-home-meth-testing-really-a-moral-panic/ A recently unearthed medical journal finding has shed damning light on New Zealand's meth contamination testing system, finding it completely out of touch with any other nation or scientific consensus.   Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:31:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/tony-randle-why-the-reading-deal-is-not-a-good-decision/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/tony-randle-why-the-reading-deal-is-not-a-good-decision/ I am one of the seven Wellington City Councillors who opposed the deal for the Council to give a loan to Reading International to help them with earthquake strengthening their Courtenay Central cinema building. I have looked into this deal… Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:51:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/winston-peters-the-state-of-new-zealands-media/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/winston-peters-the-state-of-new-zealands-media/ The great Victorian era English politician Lord Macauley stood in the British House of Parliament and said, "The gallery in which the reporters sit has become a fourth estate of the realm".  Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:00:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/haimona-gray-time-to-tackle-the-big-issues/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/haimona-gray-time-to-tackle-the-big-issues/ A friend and longtime National staffer once told me that their time in opposition was the most fun they had in decades of working in politics.  Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:00:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/alwyn-poole-education-in-new-zealand-aspiration-needs-to-come-from-the-top/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/alwyn-poole-education-in-new-zealand-aspiration-needs-to-come-from-the-top/ It is well known that our education system is performing at a level that is anything but consistent with the Ministry of Education’s motto: "We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes".  Tue, 20 Feb 2024 21:59:05 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/haimona-gray-who-gets-to-pull-up-the-immigration-drawbridge/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/haimona-gray-who-gets-to-pull-up-the-immigration-drawbridge/ A lot of the talk around immigration is framed around economic reasoning and the pressure on infrastructure that as a nation we’ve failed to invest in.   Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:00:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-the-green-party-should-not-be-welcome-at-pride-events-this-year/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-the-green-party-should-not-be-welcome-at-pride-events-this-year/ Like any group of people sharing particular demographic markers, those of us who have been lumped together in the ever-expanding LGBTQIA+ acronym find ourselves often spoken for by people who have no business speaking for us.  Wed, 14 Feb 2024 16:00:50 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/haimona-gray-has-chloe-swarbrick-peaked/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/haimona-gray-has-chloe-swarbrick-peaked/ Chloe Swarbrick: “We spend far too much time, especially in the media, talking about political parties and political party leaders”.  Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:00:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/liam-hehir-new-zealands-newest-climate-activist-the-supreme-court/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/liam-hehir-new-zealands-newest-climate-activist-the-supreme-court/ Climate change poses serious challenges across the globe. As these challenges intensify, so too does the search for effective solutions. In recent years, activists have increasingly turned to the courts to find them. Thu, 08 Feb 2024 16:00:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/tim-wilson-the-treaty-debate-what-people-are-getting-wrong/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/tim-wilson-the-treaty-debate-what-people-are-getting-wrong/ Many ominous omens filled the air before this year’s Waitangi celebrations. Commentators were prophesying trouble. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters was booed off-stage the preceding day. A hikoi approached, the leaders of which had been unable to promise that violence… Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:00:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/haimona-gray-the-henares-waitangi-and-the-sheep-dressed-as-wolves/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/haimona-gray-the-henares-waitangi-and-the-sheep-dressed-as-wolves/ The film 8 Mile culminates in a rap battle where the protagonist, a poor white guy who has had a pretty crappy life thus far, played by Eminem, verbally obliterates another battle rapper for the sin of putting on a… Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:00:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/wayne-langford-rural-advocacy-is-a-team-sport/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/wayne-langford-rural-advocacy-is-a-team-sport/ We’ve all seen rugby sides overflowing with individual stars that somehow can’t come together as a team. Despite all their raw talent, they just can’t seem to gel or find a rhythm. Sun, 04 Feb 2024 16:00:05 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/marcus-roberts-an-independent-foreign-policy-no-thanks/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/marcus-roberts-an-independent-foreign-policy-no-thanks/ Last week the Government announced that New Zealand would deploy six New Zealand Defence Force personnel to the Middle East to help in operations against the Houthis in Yemen. They will provide “precision targeting” and intelligence-gathering information and will work… Sun, 04 Feb 2024 16:00:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/michael-johnston-the-battle-for-free-speech-rages-on/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/michael-johnston-the-battle-for-free-speech-rages-on/ The Ardern Government was New Zealand’s most censorious in living memory. Following Brenton Tarrant’s murderous rampage through two Christchurch mosques in March 2019, Ardern set out on an anti-free speech path. Her government introduced legislation that would have made speech… Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:00:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/jason-heale-our-character-deficit-and-how-to-fix-it/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/jason-heale-our-character-deficit-and-how-to-fix-it/ With another shoplifting charge just laid against former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman, with a subsequent summons to appear in court, there are very few surprises to be wrung out of this sorry affair. Fri, 26 Jan 2024 16:00:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/richard-mcintyre-high-time-for-inquiry-into-rural-banking/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/richard-mcintyre-high-time-for-inquiry-into-rural-banking/ Farmers expect challenges like bad weather and fluctuating commodity prices, but shouldn’t have to worry about getting a fair deal from their bank. Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:00:47 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-making-excuses-isn-t-taking-responsibility/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-making-excuses-isn-t-taking-responsibility/ Taking responsibility for one’s actions is not possible while also hiding behind excuses and blaming external factors. Taking responsibility is putting your hand up and saying “I made bad decisions and only I am responsible for them”. It is apologising… Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:00:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/mark-hooper-time-to-get-rma-reform-right/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/mark-hooper-time-to-get-rma-reform-right/ New Zealand farmers are on the brink of a significant shift, with the new Government planning a much-needed rewrite of the Resource Management Act (RMA). Sun, 17 Dec 2023 16:00:59 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/maryanne-spurdle-winston-vs-the-media-again-the-trust-dust-up/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/maryanne-spurdle-winston-vs-the-media-again-the-trust-dust-up/ Two fates haunt news publishers concerned for their viability. One is that a reporter fabricates content, and they find they’re in the business of publishing fiction. The other is that powerful interests hijack their content, and they’re found to be… Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:00:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-high-public-office-is-no-place-to-deal-with-addiction-and-acute-mental-health-issues/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-high-public-office-is-no-place-to-deal-with-addiction-and-acute-mental-health-issues/ In July this year the country witnessed the tragic downfall of one our most senior government ministers. In fact, the situation made headlines all over the world. Our Minister of Justice had gone spectacularly off the rails and ended up… Mon, 04 Dec 2023 16:00:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/tim-wilson-what-the-new-government-should-be-doing-about-ai/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/tim-wilson-what-the-new-government-should-be-doing-about-ai/ The morning before details of the coalition between National, Act and New Zealand First were announced, Westpac Bank released a report on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business. Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:00:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/wayne-langford-greenpeace-is-anti-farmer-and-anti-science/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/wayne-langford-greenpeace-is-anti-farmer-and-anti-science/ Greenpeace Aotearoa is nothing but an anti-farming lobby group that wants to see the end of productive agriculture as we know it in New Zealand. That’s not an accusation I make lightly, but when I look at Greenpeace’s recent statements… Tue, 28 Nov 2023 18:00:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/benjamin-macintyre-streaming-what-we-don-t-know/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/benjamin-macintyre-streaming-what-we-don-t-know/ Those of you who remember your school days and those who currently have kids at school, may be aware of streaming – the practice of separating students into classes based on their stage of learning.   Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:00:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-why-are-some-m%C4%81ori-more-m%C4%81ori-than-others/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-why-are-some-m%C4%81ori-more-m%C4%81ori-than-others/ The coalition agreements, revealed on Friday, have predictably resulted in polarised reactions. While surprisingly and unusually comprehensive, the agreements are essentially what New Zealanders voted for. Well, about 52 per cent of us. Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:00:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/max-salmon-new-zealand-s-fiscal-constraints/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/max-salmon-new-zealand-s-fiscal-constraints/ The incoming government has been entrenched in drawn-out coalition negotiations. Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:00:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/marcus-roberts-yesno-the-right-way-to-go/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/marcus-roberts-yesno-the-right-way-to-go/ If the first victim of war is truth, the first victims of coalition negotiations are controversial policies. Act’s policy to hold a referendum on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi was undoubtedly one of the most contentious of the… Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:00:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-how-to-solve-a-problem-like-the-new-zealand-education-system/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-how-to-solve-a-problem-like-the-new-zealand-education-system/ At the core of a successful public service must be an excellent education system. Preparing young citizens to live fulfilling and productive lives is crucial for individual wellbeing. But, equally as important, forging them into decent citizens with enough wisdom… Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:00:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/colin-hurst-david-parker-s-unworkable-freshwater-rules-must-go/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/colin-hurst-david-parker-s-unworkable-freshwater-rules-must-go/ If the incoming Government are looking for ways to restore farmer confidence quickly, then repealing David Parker’s unworkable freshwater reforms must be at the very top of the priority list. Sun, 19 Nov 2023 19:54:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-why-luxon-should-break-the-status-quo-and-make-adrian-rurawhe-speaker/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-why-luxon-should-break-the-status-quo-and-make-adrian-rurawhe-speaker/ Christopher Luxon should ask Adrian Rurawhe to remain as Speaker of the House. The good-natured grandfather has been a breath of fresh air after the chaos and bitterness of the Mallard years. Taking up the role after perhaps the most… Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:00:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-is-ignorance-or-malice-driving-antisemitism-in-new-zealand/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/zb-plus-guest-opinions/ani-obrien-is-ignorance-or-malice-driving-antisemitism-in-new-zealand/ Kiwis like to get behind a good cause. We like to rally around the underdog and stick up for the little guy. This is admirable, but unfortunately it does make us vulnerable to narratives that frame conflict as black and… Tue, 31 Oct 2023 16:00:15 Z