Education in NZ has long been controversial.

It’s not incorrect to suggest that a Labour Education Minister has an easier task than a more ‘conservative’ party minister (i.e. National’s Merv Wellington in the 1980’s.)

Similar circumstances apply in other countries. Donald Trump returns to the Presidency with intent to eliminate the Department of Education and return the responsibility to the States.

There are some valid reasons for doing so. Are there lessons for other countries?

Dr Michael Johnston has been consulting NZ Education Minister Erica Stanford. After years of experience, most recently at Victoria University, Wellington, Michael is now with the NZ Initiative.

His podcast contribution is very informative.

Following the Mailroom there is further comment on other matters, including AI and democracy.

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Since 2020, the W.H.O. has orchestrated and condoned one of the most devastating assaults on individual and societal health the world has seen.

At the behest of highly conflicted sponsors, this international bureaucracy promoted policies that overwhelmingly harmed the world’s disadvantaged.

Lacking any contrition, the W.H.O. is now seeking increased public funding through misrepresentation of risk and return on investment to entrench this response.

The past, present and future of the World Health Organisation, addressed with David Bell, former medical officer and scientist at the W.H.O.

And is Shane Jones right to be concerned about New Zealand’s participation?

Finally, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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When we wound up our election day discussion, I suggested to Patrick Basham that we do a follow up "if warranted". It was warranted in multiples, so around midnight on election night we recorded the interview for 264. There is insight that you won’t hear elsewhere. Have a listen.

And following we have included comment from elsewhere that is worthy of a hearing.

Oh, and at the last second we received an email headed “Most accurate US presidential election pollster” !

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz

Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.

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Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.