Over the weekend, Hungary held its 2026 general election, which saw the largest voter turnout in Hungary’s history as a democratic state. The electrified populace delivered a landslide victory for the relatively new ‘Respect and Freedom party,’ securing them a two-thirds majority in parliament.
Incumbent Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has lost power after 16 years. For some younger voters, he is the only Prime Minister they can remember. Orbán has been a controversial figure throughout his long political career. To some, he is a power-hungry authoritarian who has stood in the way of European unity. To his supporters— which include US president Donald Trump—he is precisely the kind of strongman that a country like Hungary needs.
Producer Toby spoke to Chris Ogden, professor of global studies at Auckland University, about what Orbán’s defeat means for the future of global authoritarianism.
Happy Rātu e te whānau! E whai ake nei, coming up on Tuesday Breakfast with Rosetta and Milly; Political Commentary with David Slack, a kōrero with Lyndsay from the Auckland Writers Festival, and Ready Steady Learn. Whakarongo mai nei!
The use of AI across industries and governments is increasing at a rapid rate. However, recent gaffs involving improper AI usage in government agencies have continued to raise concerns about these tools’ shortcomings, and how well regulated they are.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, the government has provided advice on how agencies should go about using AI, but has stopped short of regulating this technology itself.
This week, experts will be gathering at the University of Auckland for the Law, Technology, and Government Conference, which will discuss government use and regulation of AI, amongst other issues.
This morning, producer Theo was joined by Professor Alexandra Andhov, an organiser and speaker at the conference, to discuss Aotearoa New Zealand’s approach to AI and government.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown announced the signing of a new ‘City Deal’.
The deal will see closer partnership between the central government and Auckland Council, coordinating planning in areas such as infrastructure and transportation.
The deal will see a long-term partnership between the government and council, with regular meetings and cooperation on strategies for innovation and transportation, with reviews of sporting venues such as Eden Park and the Auckland Tennis Centre.
However, the deal has been critiqued by some as being a collection of promises without any new funding.
So for our weekly catch-up with the Green Party’s Ricardo Menéndez March, he and producer Theo discussed the signing of the Auckland City Deal, and how the Green Party would work with Auckland Council on issues such as transportation and infrastructure.
Last week, the Ministry for the Environment together with Stats New Zealand released Our Freshwater 2026, a major report on the state of Aotearoa’s freshwater systems based on decades of data. The report highlights both long-term improvement and deterioration of waterways nationwide, with particular focus on groundwater sources and the impacts of agricultural land use and the climate crisis on water quality.
I spoke to Troy Baisden, co-president of the New Zealand Association of Scientists and Adjunct Professor at Victoria University of Wellington, about what the findings of this report mean and also about the strengths and limitations of freshwater reporting.
Artistic Director at the Auckland Writers FestivalLyndsay Fineran joins Rosetta and Milly for a chat about this years program, what to look out for, and how to get your tickets! Whakarongo mai nei!
On Sunday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán suffered an election defeat, heralding the end of his 16-year regime that has seen his government come under fire for a variety of claims regarding the illiberal and anti-democratic nature of his leadership. WIth the Tizsa party, led by Péter Magyar winning 138 seats to Orbán’s Fidesz’s 55, the election signals a rejection of Orbán’s platform, which has seen both an authoritarian domestic approach, and Hungary often working in opposition to the EU, in favour of Russia.
Host Alex spoke with a Teaching Fellow for the International Office at the University of Otago, Dr Balazs Kiglics, about the election, and what Magyar’s victory might mean for Hungary both domestically and internationally.
The inimitable Gin is still over the ditch, so filling in this week for the don.
Featuring new heavyweight releases by way of Ōtautahi from Scuzmo and Freddy Street Records head Oliver Prince; a new single from the forthcoming album by Season 2 from Naarm; plus Pōneke-based outfit The Spectre Collective.
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