The Iron Duke Podcast

Episode 138 - Why does every Budget need a catchy name?

Another lap around the fiscal sun means one thing: it’s time for the Iron Duke Podcast Budget 2026 special. Join the team as they unpack some of the key items from this year's fiscal package.

Episode 137 - Do we need to reduce public sector headcount?

This week we are back in the studio with a full podcast team - Jesse, Ben & Henry - where we go through some of the already announced pre-Budget 2026 policies. With the main item on the menu being the most spicy so far: a reduction in headcount.  Tune in for our BUDGET SPECIAL episode next week.

Episode 136 - Jobs budget or warning sign?

In this week’s podcast, Jesse and Ben discuss the Prime Minister’s big scene-setting pre-Budget speech, delve into what we know about the Budget already, and look at whether a “job-rich” Budget is a sign of bad economic times to come.

Episode 135 - Coalition conflict or strategic dissent?

This week on the Iron Duke Podcast, Jesse and Ben discuss what has been a big two weeks for the Coalition - in particular the growing tension between the National Party and New Zealand First.

Episode 134: How do you answer a 'gotcha' question?

This week we return back to our standard format of peaks/pits, hots/nots.  We discuss how Tova O'Brien is two-for-two on her new weekly segment with Prime Minister Luxon, the mining royalties for regions policy proposal, and the moralaties around banning greyhound racing.