Arcade Radio with Mike, Dylan, Leon & guests
7pm - 9pm

Launch in new window

DJ's Choice

You are here

ACT's Simon Court

Our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, every Monday on The Wire. 

 

 

Our weekly catch-up with the Minister of Health and Pacific Peoples, Dr Shane Reti.

RSS

The Passing of Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, and the Regulatory Standards Bill w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 30 June, 2025

 The Passing of Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, and the Regulatory Standards Bill w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 30 June, 2025 The Passing of Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, and the Regulatory Standards Bill w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 30 June, 2025, 17.49 MB
Mon 30 Jun 2025

Last week, Te Pāti Māori MP, Takutai Kemp, passed away at the age of 50.

She had previously taken leave from Parliament last year, due to suffering from kidney disease. 

Following the announcement of Kemp’s passing, the House adjourned early in the week out of respect for Kemp, her whānau, loved ones, and Te Pāti Māori. 

For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party’s Simon Court, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to him about the passing of Takutai Kemp.

They also discussed the Regulatory Standards Bill.

Last week, ACT Party Leader, David Seymour, created multiple posts on his Instagram, accusing individuals, such as academics Dr George Laking, Dame Anne Salmond, and Metiria Turei, as well as Labour’s Willie Jackson, of suffering from  "Regulatory Standards Derangement Syndrome".

In response to this, Wellington Mayor, Tory Whanau, wrote to the Prime Minister, accusing Seymour of “attempting to stifle academic opinion and any dissenting opinion.” She added that Seymour’s acts breached Sections 2.53 and 2.56 of the Cabinet Manual.

Section 2.53 calls for Ministers to "conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the office," while Section 2.56 requires ministers to act to the highest level of ethical and behavioral standards.

As well as this, they discussed the bill receiving over 130,000 public submissions, but only being allocated 30 hours for these submissions.

But first, they discussed Takutai Kemp.

Psilocybin and Melatonin, Taxpayers Funding Cancer Medicines for Private Facilities, Criticisms of ACT MP Karen Chhour regarding Bootcamps w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 23 June, 2025

 Psilocybin and Melatonin, Taxpayers Funding Cancer Medicines for Private Facilities, Criticisms of ACT MP Karen Chhour regarding Bootcamps w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 23 June, 2025 Psilocybin and Melatonin, Taxpayers Funding Cancer Medicines for Private Facilities, Criticisms of ACT MP Karen Chhour regarding Bootcamps w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 23 June, 2025, 19.28 MB
Mon 23 Jun 2025

Associate Health Minister, David Seymour, has recently announced changes to Psilocybin and Melatonin availability.

Psilocybin, the compound found in magic mushrooms, will be available for certain patients suffering from poor mental health outcomes. Melatonin, which is used for insomnia and jetlag, is set to be available over the counter.

For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party’s Simon Court, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to him about this move, and the potential accessibility concerns with accessing these medications.

They also discussed taxpayers set to be funding newly-funded cancer medicines for private facilities.

Finally, they discuss opposition parties criticised Children’s Minister, Karen Chhour, over a lack of transparency regarding the effectiveness of boot camps for youth offenders, especially as boot camps have received a boost of $30 million, despite the pilot programme still being ongoing.

But first, they discussed Psilocybin and Melatonin.

ACT Local candidates opposing managing emissions at local level, NZ banning Israeli MPs from visiting country, changes to proposed anti-stalking laws w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 16 June, 2025

 ACT Local candidates opposing managing emissions at local level, NZ banning Israeli MPs from visiting country, changes to proposed anti-stalking laws w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 16 June, 2025 ACT Local candidates opposing managing emissions at local level, NZ banning Israeli MPs from visiting country, changes to proposed anti-stalking laws w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 16 June, 2025, 17.07 MB
Mon 16 Jun 2025

The ACT Party has recently announced that candidates standing in local elections, if elected, will oppose attempts to mitigate emissions at a local level.

ACT Local Government spokesperson, Cameron Luxton, says council’s should “focus on what they can control,” and not “costly symbolic declarations”.

For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party’s Simon Court, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to him about this move.
We also discussed the government’s sanctions on Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

New Zealand has joined countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and Norway, in banning Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich over allegedly “inciting extremist violence" against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and “undermin[ing] peace” for a two-state solution.

Finally, we discussed changes being made to the proposed anti-stalking laws.

But first, we discussed ACT candidates opposing attempts to mitigate emissions at a local level.

David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister, Seymour’s claims of ‘bots’ driving ‘fake’ submissions against the Regulatory Standards Bill, and Te Pāti Māori MPs being suspended from Parliament w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 9 June, 2025

 David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister, Seymour’s claims of ‘bots’ driving ‘fake’ submissions against the Regulatory Standards Bill, and Te Pāti Māori MPs being suspended from Parliament w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 9 June, 2025 David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister, Seymour’s claims of ‘bots’ driving ‘fake’ submissions against the Regulatory Standards Bill, and Te Pāti Māori MPs being suspended from Parliament w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 9 June, 2025, 23.65 MB
Mon 9 Jun 2025

As per coalition agreements, ACT Party Leader, David Seymour, has been sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister, taking over from NZ First Leader, Winston Peters.

For our weekly catch up, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the ACT Party’s Simon Court about Seymour’s new position, and what this means for the party.

They also discussed accusations Seymour made regarding submissions to the Regulatory Standards Bill.

In an interview with Guyon Espiner, Seymour claimed that 99.5% of the submissions against the Regulatory Standards Bill were driven by ‘bots’ and were ‘fake’ submissions.

Seymour later clarified to RNZ that by bots, he was meaning “online campaigns” creating “non-representative samples” that do not represent the public’s opinion.

The Ministry of Regulations received roughly 23,000 submissions on the bill. Of the submissions. Of the submissions, 0.33% were fully or partially supporting the bill, with 88% being against the bill.

Finally, they discussed the recommended suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs’ Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi, and Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke standing.

But they, we discussed David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister.

Budget 2025’s impact on education and young people w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 26 May, 2025

 Budget 2025’s impact on education and young people w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 26 May, 2025 Budget 2025’s impact on education and young people w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 26 May, 2025, 16.66 MB
Mon 26 May 2025

In Budget 2025, private schools will receive subsidies increasing the annual spend by $4.6 million a year, to $46.2 million. As well as this, the annual spend on charter schools will double to $57 million.

ACT Party Leader, David Seymour, says that independent schools are an important part of New Zealand’s education landscape that offers diversity of choice for parents.

For our weekly catchup, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the ACT Party’s Simon Court about the additional support independent schools will receive, and how this will benefit the average taxpayer.

They also discussed changes to Jobseeker and emergency benefits for 18-to-19 year olds, as those receiving this benefit will now have their benefit tested against their parents income.

The move, which is set to come into effect in 2027, is estimated to impact almost 9000 young people.

They also discussed changes to Kiwisaver, where the government will halve subsidies and increase employer contributions to a minimum of 4% from 3%.

But first, they discussed the additional support for independent schools.

Waitangi Tribunal Recommends Halting Regulatory Standards Bill and Review into Waitangi Tribunal w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 19 May, 2025

 Waitangi Tribunal Recommends Halting Regulatory Standards Bill and Review into Waitangi Tribunal w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 19 May, 2025 Waitangi Tribunal Recommends Halting Regulatory Standards Bill and Review into Waitangi Tribunal w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 19 May, 2025, 23.58 MB
Mon 19 May 2025

The Waitangi Tribunal review into the controversial regulatory standards bill has found that the Crown would be in breach of Treaty principles if it were to introduce the regulatory standards bill to Parliament without more consultation with Māori. 

Because of this the tribunal has called for an immediate halt to be put on the bill. 

Despite this, the bill is set to be introduced to Parliament today. 

The recommendation came after following a one day urgent hearing from the Waitangi Tribunal last week, which was pushed forward from June 6, after it was revealed the bill would be introduced to Parliament today. 

Critics of the bill fear it will work against Māori rights and interests. However, the ACT Party, fronted by Minister for Regulation, David Seymour simply say the Tribunal is ‘incorrect’. 

For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court to unpack this further. Discussing why they contest the tribunal’s review, and where they plan to take the bill from here. 

We also spoke about the government launching a review into the Waitangi Tribunal, which is heavily backed by ACT - David Seymour saying the tribunal needs to be ‘put in its place’. 

Pay Equity Amendment Bill and Proposed Social Media Ban w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court:12 May, 2025

 Pay Equity Amendment Bill and Proposed Social Media Ban w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court:12 May, 2025 Pay Equity Amendment Bill and Proposed Social Media Ban w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court:12 May, 2025, 25.89 MB
Mon 12 May 2025

The ACT Party has defended the Government’s controversial move to pass changes to pay equity law under urgency — a move that immediately halted all current claims and raised the bar for future ones. The Government argues the new rules will provide more “clarity” and prevent costly legal disputes, while unions and advocates say the bill is a rollback of hard-won gains for women in low-paid sectors.

Critics also slammed the lack of consultation and the speed of the legislative process, while questions are raised over whether the move was made to plug a hole in the upcoming budget. For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about why ACT supports the Pay Equity Amendment Bill, and whether it risks undermining efforts to close the gender pay gap.

They also discussed a National Party member’s bill that would ban under-16s from using social media — a proposal ACT has declined to back for now. National says the ban would protect young people’s mental health, while ACT argues it raises serious questions about freedom of speech and parental responsibility.

Seymour Proposes Cabinet Cut Downs, Members Bill To Remove Climate Disclosures for Banks and Senior Doctors Strikes w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 05 May, 2025

 Seymour Proposes Cabinet Cut Downs, Members Bill To Remove Climate Disclosures for Banks and Senior Doctors Strikes w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 05 May, 2025 Seymour Proposes Cabinet Cut Downs, Members Bill To Remove Climate Disclosures for Banks and Senior Doctors Strikes w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 05 May, 2025, 24.93 MB
Mon 5 May 2025

ACT Party leader David Seymour has made headlines with his proposal to abolish a number of ministerial portfolios and reduce the size of Cabinet, calling the current line-up “bloated.” He argues that fewer ministers would mean a more efficient and focused government.

Seymour’s proposal has raised questions about how cuts would impact already underrepresented communities, with concerns removing ministries like Pacific Peoples and Māori Development could reduce vital advocacy and attention. 

For our weekly catch up, Producer Evie spoke to ACT MP Simon Court about the proposal, and whether it would genuinely streamline government — or simply overburden remaining ministers. 

They also discussed a new member’s bill from ACT aimed at removing mandatory climate-related disclosures for banks. ACT says the rules currently disadvantage rural borrowers and farmers, while critics argue the move signals a retreat from climate responsibility. 

And finally, they spoke about last week’s unprecedented strike action by senior doctors, which saw over 5,000 walk off the job nationwide.

ECE Regulations, NZ First Gender Bill and ACC Ethnic Outcomes w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 28 April, 2025

 ECE Regulations, NZ First Gender Bill and ACC Ethnic Outcomes w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 28 April, 2025 ECE Regulations, NZ First Gender Bill and ACC Ethnic Outcomes w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 28 April, 2025, 24.8 MB
Mon 28 Apr 2025

In his role as regulation Minister, David Seymour is moving to simplify regulations for Early Childhood Education Centres by the end of this year. 

This involves a review containing 15 recommendations, which cabinet has accepted. These recommendations concern a vast number of things, from simplifying licensing criteria for pre-schools to lowering qualification requirements for early childhood educators. 

Both of these areas have sparked concern within the sector, with some educators concerned the review is simply a cost cutting exercise that will result in tamariki being put at risk. 

For our weekly catch up Producer Evie spoke to ACT’s Simon Court about the review. 
They also spoke about New Zealand First’s Members Bill aiming to have the biological definition of a woman and man defined in law. 

And finally they discussed a clash between the party and National’s Scott Simpson over an ACC plan to reduce injury for Māori and Pasifika workers. 

Treaty Principles Bill Voted Down, Members Bill Proposing to Remove University Opportunities Based on Race and Female MPs Receiving More Abuse w/ The ACT Party’s Simon Court: 14 April, 2025

 Treaty Principles Bill Voted Down, Members Bill Proposing to Remove University Opportunities Based on Race and Female MPs Receiving More Abuse w/ The ACT Party’s Simon Court: 14 April, 2025 Treaty Principles Bill Voted Down, Members Bill Proposing to Remove University Opportunities Based on Race and Female MPs Receiving More Abuse w/ The ACT Party’s Simon Court: 14 April, 2025, 23.3 MB
Mon 14 Apr 2025

Last week the Treaty Principles Bill was voted down at its second reading, the vote was 112 opposed, to 11 in favour - with only the ACT Party supporting the bill. 

During the reading, MPs from all  parties submitted their views on the bill. Labour Leader Chris Hipkins calling it a ‘grubby little bill’ that would ‘forever be a stain on our country.’ National’s Paul Goldsmith saying the bill was ‘a crude way to handle a very sensitive topic.’ And Te Pati Maori’s Hana Rawhiti Maipi Clarke who has continually strongly opposed the bill saying ‘this bill hasn't been stopped; this bill has been absolutely annihilated.’ 

ACT Leader David Seymour sustains that he will continue to push the bill, but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has vehemently denied entertaining any other iteration of the issue. 

For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about the demise of the bill. 

They also discussed a members bill from ACT’s Dr Parmjeet Parmar aiming to remove university opportunities based on race, as well as a new study revealing female MPs are experiencing higher levels of abuse.