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

Episode 139 - Can The Opportunity Party be kingmaker this year?

This week the team at Iron Duke Studios takes you through their peaks and pits on a local, domestic and international level. We talk about the democratic challenges arising from Wellington's Golden Mile project, whether this election will be when TOP finally slip into Parliament, and is Trump's Iran deal a flop?

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.