In podcast 39 - Auckland is cursed with its system of local government. Council-controlled organisations like Auckland Transport are unelected and unaccountable. Faceless bureaucrats making and changing rules for their own political agenda. And overpaid to boot! We look at Trump from two different academic perspectives. Only one gets it. This podcast’s discussion is with a favourite of mine. Patrick Basham from the Washington DC-based Democracy Institute. And Feedback with Mrs Producer, of cours...
Oct 22, 2019•1 hr 1 min
On the podcast this week - Questions and concerns around the building and construction industry peaked when the leaky home/building catastrophe was exposed. While that issue is being dealt with, reports suggest there are still problems with standards, failings, and trade education and training. I speak to structural engineer John Scarry about his frustrations with the industry. And he is not alone. Then the latest crisis in the Middle East. Turkey and the United States, Syria and the Kurds, Russ...
Oct 15, 2019•1 hr 7 min
As the weeks go by, the podcast menu is forced to deal with the same subjects. You know, Brexit, Climate, Trump et al. It’s like radio serial or a comic strip. Or the latest episode of ‘As the World Turns’! The ‘impeachment’ in Washington (which is NOT an impeachment at this point), is actually politics at its most polluted. This week I speak with Professor Emeritus Jim Flynn of Otago on censorship. He has recently been thumped by it. Good feedback with Mrs Producer, as always. Get in touch: Lei...
Oct 08, 2019•1 hr 10 min
Podcast 36 was more than a little frustrating; for what I didn’t/couldn’t include. But there’s always podcast 37/8/9 etc. Nevertheless, discussion is still dominated by Trump related issues, Joe Biden, climate matters, particularly of the juvenile kind, and censorship. In fact, both this weeks and next weeks’ interviews both pertain to censorship, which is becoming more prevalent and needs to be exposed. Astrophysicist Dr. Nir Shaviv exemplifies why the science is not settled. I particularly enj...
Oct 01, 2019•1 hr 6 min
Good to be back home. This week, politicians including Justin Trudeau, Joe Biden, Jacinda Ardern. Michael Mann, Political scientist. Lost in his lawsuit against Dr Tim Ball and his complaint against the NZH, albeit in 2004. But at least there’s consistency! A conversation with Casey Costello, from Hobson’s Pledge Trust about transparency and accountability in local government. There is an attempt underway to undermine the political system and most voters are unaware of it. And some very good fee...
Sep 24, 2019•59 min
To suggest that the world is an interesting place at the moment is an understatement. Brexit, NZ politics in all its non-glory, the Middle East is pretty much in turmoil. So this week follows the trail: the P.M, the Party, Brett Kavanaugh and Dostoevsky. Discussion this week with a NZ London based lawyer who shares his interest in politics. Christian Smith and his thoughts on Brexit, where it’s at and where it’s going. Carolyn with feedback as usual. And an extra: I suggest you check out this sh...
Sep 17, 2019•1 hr 1 min
On this week’s podcast, Dr Tim Ball Part 2 on the politics behind the climate change alarmism. As I have said so often, there is new information almost every day, some of it vital. However, it rarely appears in the mainstream media. Two examples since I spoke with Dr Ball. On September 6, the Secretary General of the World Meteorological Society says he does not accept arguments of climate alarmists that the end of the world is at hand. Then with no connection to the above, Stanford University’s...
Sep 10, 2019•1 hr 3 min
This week George Friedman’s wisdom on China and much more. Very insightful. Also some detail on his next book. We cover measles, the birth rate and why it is, or could be, maybe, the biggest crisis facing the planet! Up for discussion - the importance of character in life and how to get it. And find out why this week’s episode was so difficult to produce. Some great feedback with Mrs Producer. Get in touch: Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-...
Sep 03, 2019•1 hr 7 min
On the podcast this week - Some details of the much awaited decision in the case of Mann v Ball. American Michael Mann of hockey stick infamy sued Canadian Dr Tim Ball for libel in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. A fascinating case. We discuss teacher’s pay and why some teachers should be paid a lot more. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce and the ‘flying shame’ stupidity. Iran is one of the most politically sensitive countries on the planet. I speak to Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defence...
Aug 28, 2019•1 hr 12 min
It is always intriguing how stories align. How coincidence plays a role in life. For instance there was a New Zealand education story on Sunday, followed by an Australian story on Monday followed by a……well, it’s all in the podcast this week. Prisoners voting. Here we go again chasing our collective tail. And we talk with Currency Wars author James (Jim) Rickards about his new book Aftermath, Seven Secrets of Wealth Preservation in the Coming Chaos. A must listen. And as always, some feedback wi...
Aug 20, 2019•1 hr 10 min
On the podcast this week - Jeffrey Epstein is everywhere in the media, we take a closer look. We also talk gun laws, climate change (of course) and one or two other matters. We also talk to Jacob Shapiro from Geopolitical futures about China, and the connection with Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand. And Carolyn with feedback as always. Get in touch: Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton S...
Aug 14, 2019•1 hr 7 min
On this weeks podcast:Apologies for this week's podcast arriving a little later than you maybe expected it to be.I wanted to hear the Reserve Bank’s OCR and pass comment. You may disagree but you can always email me why.Two mass murders in the United States within a short space of time has elevated the gun debate yet again. That discussion in all its rawness will prevail until the next election.Ihumatao is the focus of discussion with historian Michael Bassett. Michael was on the Waiting Tribuna...
Aug 07, 2019•1 hr 6 min
On the podcast this week - Ihumatao, what’s it all about? Winston Peters says it’s not another Bastion Point, some say it’s a 'family’ squabble, or is it a legal matter? Cometh the hour, cometh the man: Will Boris match my expectations? So far it’s happy trails! ‘Portia Faces Life’. Or Not? So who’s Portia? Find out. I’ve had a number of requests to bring back Jonathan Urlich. So – he’s back. A semi-retired investment banker with over 30 years’ experience in global macro data points and commenta...
Jul 30, 2019•1 hr
On the podcast this week — Crazy suggestions from Treasury regarding how to deal with a tragic economy, if and when. Helicopter money! As in print more and give it away. If we reach that point then we’ll all be reaching for the bottle. Or Panadol, AND lots of it. The Middle East is sparking yet again. One day it will boil over. Let’s hope that day is not yet here but nerves are starting to stretch. And the quote I employed a couple of weeks back, “The very idea that we can stop climate change is...
Jul 23, 2019•1 hr 3 min
On the podcast this week — There is plenty of discussion globally about the state of the world. Politics, economy, housing, migration legal and especially otherwise, and of course climate. I say it’s a MAD world and explain why. And in explaining why it’s only scratching the surface. Auckland has been poorly governed for some years and the Council election is upon us. For those living in the zone it is good news that there will be another mayoral candidate. John Banks spells out his reasons for ...
Jul 16, 2019•56 min
On the podcast this week, you can applaud or hiss as we have commentary on: - Electric Vehicle subsidies vs real cars punishment. Assistant Transport Minister, Julie Ann Genter, who announced the Government policy on restricting freedom ever further - Trump’s lack of decorum for which he is constantly criticised - why that maybe is a good thing. - We pay tribute to a great journalist And we also hold discussion with journalist/writer/columnist Miranda Devine, who writes aggressively but is actua...
Jul 09, 2019•58 min
I’ve always liked Alan Duff. Well, as close to always as I remember. He’s got guts, courage and determination. He doesn’t pull punches. And it’s been a while since I talked to him. Alan’s new book, A Conversation With My Country, gave us the chance. The discussion runs for forty minutes but I wasn’t watching the clock. For those who are unfamiliar with Duff, let me introduce you. There was so many other matters that I ended up passing them on to next week’s podcast, but I do get stuck into plast...
Jul 02, 2019•1 hr 5 min
This week’s podcast sees the return of George Friedman. Much to discuss, especially the geopolitics of Donald Trump. Israel Folau - the subject will not go away. In fact, it has taken on a whole new and bigger perspective. Boris Johnson; is Max Hastings right in his criticism? Uh, no; make that attempted total demolition. And a little more climate. Get in touch: Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton ...
Jun 25, 2019•53 min
This week's podcast is a special edition. Some weeks ago I promised a climate devoted program. Many have let me know how much they have been anticipating it. Some with how frustrated they are in the waiting.This podcast is not what I first had in mind. Canadian climatologist Dr Tim Ball was most generous with his time and you can now hear the result. Tim has devoted many years to exposing the fraud that the science is settled. Any real scientist knows it is not. Tim Ball is the author of the boo...
Jun 18, 2019•1 hr 11 min
It’s not often we will play music but with the death of Mac Rebennack, aka Dr John, it would have been unthinkable not to. Thank you to those of you who emailed comments. Saturday’s NZ Herald column is a tribute to a man who was very special to me. Also – a comment on the ‘inch by inch’ encroachment of E matters into our lives. California sets the Progressive pace in yet another first. And coffee, good or bad for you? Conversation this week is with George Friedman. China, NZ Trump, Brexit and th...
Jun 11, 2019•57 min
On the podcast this week, we talk China, Trump in London, and a little on the economy. Australian P.M. Scott Morrison is countering China’s advances in the Pacific. It’s time someone did. Steve Bannon, former Trump chief strategist suggests Australia is the canary in China’s coal mine. Joining me this week is Sarah Bearne, is a science and maths teacher and it’s a conversation about many aspects of education and teaching. She’s good! And your feedback with Mrs Producer aka Carolyn. She’s very go...
Jun 05, 2019•49 min
This week on the podcast: Grover Norquist, the founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform. He was a speechwriter in the Reagan Administration, is a contributing editor to American Spectator magazine, and has written four books. He was described as “the dark wizard of the Right’s anti-tax cult” - a not necessarily flattering remark from Ariana Huffington. He is fascinating. Before and after Mr Norquist, my thoughts on the European election results, Trevor Mallard, Waiheke ferries, and why ...
May 28, 2019•57 min
On the podcast this week, the Government plans a $320 million spend over four years on a wellness campaign. The money will be dedicated to changing the countries statistics on domestic violence and sexual assault. Will it work? Will it have any real effect? I’m not so sure. Also, the Australian election was unreal. We talk with Nick Cater, Executive Director of the Menzies Research Centre. Nick set the pre-election stage on an earlier podcast and gives a fulsome picture of the result. It was a v...
May 21, 2019•56 min
This week, the great teachers' strike - 50,000 of them. Primary and secondary, apparently an historic occasion...coming to all the schools near you. Reportedly, two-thirds of the 50,000 are union members. Students reactions range from “terrific” to “what are they? A bunch of wimps? Take the whole week off!”. Changes to the governance of the Reserve Bank means a committee now makes decisions. Committees tend to be political. Dr Greg Clydesdale, the author of The Politically Correct Economy, discu...
May 14, 2019•1 hr
This week the continuing debate on free speech versus hate speech rolls on. Across the Tasman, the Green Party leader wants to codify hate speech and ban some very popular conservative media voices. Meanwhile back in NZ, the Justice Minister is heading in the same, wrong direction. Both display ignorance and arrogance. Auckland’s City Rail Link has been exposed as a scam on ratepayers. Along with Auckland Transport and the hapless majority of councillors. Historian and one time Cabinet Minister ...
May 07, 2019•1 hr 11 min
This week's podcast centres around the Australian Federal election on May 18. The first Prime Ministerial debate has been held and the campaign is off and running. Please don’t let it be boring. Nick Cater is a journalist and columnist who we utilised extensively for the 2013 election coverage. He is now Executive Director of the Menzies Research Centre. Nick joins Leighton to discuss the election issues and the big players. The commentary also continues on Western culture and civilisation, mill...
Apr 30, 2019•54 min
In this week's podcast, Leighton focuses on the Sri Lankan attack, Anzac Day and the state of New Zealand's media. The Sri Lankan bombings on Easter Sunday murdered almost 300 people, Many more were injured and the death toll will probably rise. The country has grown and developed since the civil war ended in 2009. Leighton comments on the tragedy. Anzac Day has a personal touch this year. The interview this week centres around ’the state of the media’, luckily the guest didn’t have to travel fa...
Apr 23, 2019•1 hr
Israel Folau, like it or not, was a big story the past few days because it contained almost everything that’s running hot at the moment. Freedom and diversity of religion, freedom of speech, employment contract law and New Zealand’s number one game, rugby. Leighton analyses the arguments. The tragedy of Notre Dame coincided with increasing reports of attacks on Christian churches in Europe, particularly France and Germany. Hopefully, coincidental. Michael Doran, from the Hudson Institute, is an ...
Apr 17, 2019•57 min
This week in podcast 11, Leighton opines on Brexit and why remain is not an option - If Brexit fails, so does Britain. On the Crusaders, he says there’s every argument for the team to retain their name. The problem, if there is one, is with the misunderstanding by the do-gooders. Intentionally or otherwise. And there are two separate guests this podcast but with a common link. Olivia Pierson, the author of ‘Western Values Defended’ discusses why the Civilisation we have inherited is the best. An...
Apr 09, 2019•1 hr 8 min
Podcast 10 is wide-ranging. The matter of freedom of speech is occupying much attention by numerous commentators. It is also commanding conversations around the table, and with good reason. New Zealanders have grown accustomed to having their say, even with the knowledge that it may find disagreement. Right now that accepted freedom is under threat and as the weeks tick over, it will become an even more urgent conversation. Brexit is also on the agenda and it deserves to be. It’s got so boring! ...
Apr 02, 2019•45 min
