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.

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

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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

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The Free Speech Union is proving its worth with a number of successful international speakers to New Zealand.

The latest is Professor Nigel Biggar, who amongst a number of contributions to the cause wrote “The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill 2021".

He proved to be a most interesting, informative and entertaining guest.

Patrick Basham provided exit poll numbers from his Democracy Institute and the Daily Express.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer

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

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

Power supply issues are challenging much if not most of the world - why? Could it be the recklessness of net zero?

Power engineer Bryan Leyland expresses serious concern, as shortages translate into higher prices.

At the same time, Australia is talking increasingly about Nuclear power - shouldn’t we?

Meanwhile, a Telegraph article in London suggests that the young are fleeing Britain. Christian Smith updates his views on life in the old country.

We attend to aspects of the Presidential election, and visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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

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

An insidious phenomenon has become widely evident around the western world, and it is alive and well in New Zealand.

The attack has been against every institution that props up the pillars of our democratic freedom.

Retired Judge Anthony Willy justifies his accusations (from his essay “Blowing In the Wind”, NZCPR.com).

It’s an important document that should be studied in every school.

We have comment on the Presidential election, with only two weeks to go.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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

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Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
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“Who Makes the Law? Reining in the Supreme Court”.

This report by Roger Partridge, lawyer and Chairman of the NZ Initiative, challenges the Supreme Court’s overreach or activism in recent cases and the constitutional implications.

Judicial activism is in a word, dangerous for democracy.

This is a most important matter and it needs the attention of Parliament.

And we venture into The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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

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Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
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This week we have responded to enquiries as to whether Patrick Basham will make a return before the Presidential election

He brings some new polling numbers from Democracy Institute, along with his exceptional analysis.

We proffer our thoughts on multiculturalism, and share what we have in common with Jeremy Clarkson.

And we delve into The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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

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

Listen here on iHeartRadio

Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.