The political landscape in New Zealand has just been turned upside down by a devastating new Freshwater poll. National has plummeted to 30 percent while Labor has climbed to 37, creating a nightmare scenario for the government just months out from the election.
In this episode, Duncan and the panel break down the "shark-infested waters" National has entered. We look at the very real possibility that Finance Minister Nicola Willis could lose her seat entirely if these numbers hold on election night. The team discusses if National will pull a "Jacinda Ardern" style move by replacing Christopher Luxon with fresh energy like Erica Stanford or Chris Bishop before it is too late.
Meanwhile, Winston Peters and New Zealand First are surging, eating into National's base as voters lash out over the cost of living. We also tackle the controversial $9 harbor bridge toll proposal and whether Chris Bishop’s housing backdown in Auckland is enough to win back the city.
00:00:00 - Introduction and the killer poll numbers
00:01:30 - Is Luxon's leadership under threat
00:03:00 - Nicola Willis and the list MP danger zone
00:05:30 - The rise and rise of Winston Peters
00:10:00 - Chris Bishop on Auckland housing and ownership
00:15:00 - The $9 harbor bridge toll controversy
00:23:00 - Can the government fix the cost of living
00:33:00 - Kainga Ora's surprising financial turnaround