Matthew Hooton

Political commentator Matthew Hooton says the firing of Meka Whaitiri from her ministerial role today is a "cynical stunt" from a "cynical government" to take the attention off the tax working group.

Matthew Hooton and Stephen Mills dissect recent political happenings, including the Auckland event where party leaders and MPs from Labour, New Zealand First and the Greens unveiled a blueprint for… Audio

Matthew Hooton and Stephen Mills on the Prime Minister's handling of the Clare Curran controversy, including her demotion and subsequent resignation from her portfolios. Also, a look at the refugee… Audio

Political commentators Matthew Hooton and Stephen Mills reflect on the latest political happenings, including the standing down of Labour MP Meka Whaitiri, and tension remains on the Simon Bridges… Audio

In politics, Matthew Hooton and Mike Williams talk to Kathryn about National Party leader Simon Bridges' handling of the leak inquiry from the start, to the text saga, to his media conference. Also… Audio

Matthew and Mike shine a light on the Green Party conference, the Simon Bridges leak and inquiry and Nick Smith's attack on the New Zealand First constitution. Matthew Hooton is the managing director… Audio

The PM's return to Wellington and the series of announcements which followed, including Trade for All, apprenticeships, plastic bags and Grant Robertson's economic speech. Matthew Hooton is the… Audio

In politics Matthew and Stephen discuss the Prime Minister returning to work from maternity leave, and where things are at on the industrial action front with teachers and nurses. Matthew Hooton is… Audio

Simon Bridges' first National Party conference as leader, education at the forefront. Matthew Hooton is the managing director of the PR and lobbying firm, Exceltium. Stephen Mills is the executive… Audio

Matthew and Stephen talk to Kathryn about the current round of industrial strikes, and also the latest debate involving Working for Families. Matthew Hooton is the managing director of the PR and… Audio

An examination of the Opportunities Party and whether any new party can get over 5 percent, and the purchase of new military planes. Matthew Hooton is the managing director of the PR and lobbying… Audio

Matthew and Stephen discuss the defence strategy announcement and also what's up in education, with secondary principals voicing concerns with NCEA, the NZEI strike, and student loan changes. Matthew… Audio

On the agenda is the new Families Package, business confidence, David Parker's political handing of Te Arai property development and Wellywood. Matthew Hooton is the managing director of the PR and… Audio

In politics Matthew and Stephen discuss the referenda on cannabis and euthanasia. Matthew Hooton is the managing director of the PR and lobbying firm, Exceltium. Stephen Mills is the executive… Audio

Shane Jones' savaging of Fonterra; the backlash faced by Green MP Eugenie Sage, who 's found herself approving a water bottling plant that she had previously condemned; and signs of discontent at… Audio

New Zealand First puts the brakes on Labour's plan to repeal the three strikes law - effectively taking it off Cabinet's agenda, National holds Northcote, and how will Winston Peters approach his… Audio

The race for the Northcote by-election heats up; Mycoplasma Bovis and the meth testing and how the Government has handled those issues and are big changes afoot in law and order? Audio

The first poll conducted since the new Labour-led Government's first Budget, suggests Simon Bridges status as leader of the Opposition is failing to get any real traction with voters. Matthew Hooton… Audio

Matthew Hooton is the managing director of the PR and lobbying firm, Exceltium. Mike Williams is a former Labour Party president. Audio

Matthew Hooton is the managing director of the PR and lobbying firm, Exceltium. Stephen Mills is the executive director of UMR Research and former political adviser to two Labour governments. Audio