Q&A

9:00am Sunday, October 28 on TV One

Today on Q+A, Bill English discusses housing affordability. Is the Kiwi dream of home ownership still alive for young New Zealanders? The Deputy Prime Minister gives his first interview on his Productivity Commission’s housing affordability report.

Then, Associate Justice Minister Chester Burrows and Labour’s Lianne Dalziel debate alcohol reforms. Is the government’s reform bill an historic step forward? Or a ‘non-reform bill’ as critics say?

Later, US billionaire and former hedge fund boss, Sir Julian Robertson, joins Paul Holmes from New York to talk about foreign investment and the one percent.

This Sunday Q +A will screen an exclusive in-depth interview with US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta.

It is the first time in 30 years that a US Secretary of Defence has been in New Zealand, following the breakdown of the ANZUS treaty over New Zealand’s anti-nuclear policy.

TVNZ Political Editor Corin Dann will interview Secretary Panetta, who will meet both New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman and Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully during his time in the country. The visit follows the signing of the Washington Declaration in June between Panetta and Coleman, which aims to strengthen and expand the bilateral defence relationship. Continue reading »

On Q+A this Sunday, the two main men of New Zealand politics, Prime Minister John Key and Leader of the Opposition David Shearer.

Back from the APEC summit, we’ll talk to the Prime Minister about the economic conditions at home and abroad. What did he see in Asia and, given our modern reliance on those markets, should we be worried? What can National do to bolster the economy here? And after this week’s historic hui, what’s the next step in the water rights debate? Who’s going to blink first?

Then David Shearer, on what Labour would do differently. Does it have a plan for jobs and growth? Where does it stand on water ownership? And after his speech on education this week, is Labour on the move? Continue reading »

The day before National decides whether to push on with or halt its partial asset sales programme, Q+A debates what should be done. Should they stay or should they go on? And what are the political implications of this defining decision?

New Zealand First leader Winston Peter, Mana leader Hone Harawira and ACT deputy leader John Boscawen argue three different approaches with Shane Taurima.

Then, the United States is showing its commitment to the region by attending the Pacific Island Forum in record numbers, with a delegation led by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. China is also observing the Forum and investing heavily in the region. How do we handle the tension created by having two superpowers in our backyard? Jessica Mutch reports from Rarotonga. Continue reading »

This Sunday on Q+A, five deaths in Afghanistan this month and we’re asking questions. What are we achieving there? Should we stay or should we leave early? What happens after we leave?

Former Afghan cabinet minister Dr Najibullah Lafraie gives insight into the risks ahead for our troops and what the Taliban really want. Then Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman is live with Shane Taurima.

Plus, child poverty is back on the agenda. The Ministry of Social Development this week said any progress being made has stalled – the poor are getting poorer again and our kids are suffering. One in five now live in poverty. Continue reading »

This week on Q+A, does anyone have the right to own water? John Key says absolutely not. But next week, the Waitangi Tribunal will tell the Government what it thinks. Shane Taurima speaks to Maori Council co-chair Sir Eddie Durie, and Iwi Leadership Group member Haami Piripi – what do they actually want, and how far are they prepared to go?

Plus, the “Beast of Blenheim”, Stewart Murray Wilson is being released into Whanganui amidst outrage from locals. How far will they go to prevent him from moving in? Mayor Annette Main explains what the council is trying to do to give him his marching orders. Continue reading »

This week on Q+A, charter schools: a bold new innovation to save failing pupils or an experiment putting our kids’ achievement at risk?

The government this week laid out the framework for what it’s now calling Partnership Schools. While the education ministers won’t front on the controversial new policy, Political Editor Corin Dann will debate the pros and cons with the scheme’s architect, ACT party president Catherine Isaac and staunch critic, NZEI President Ian Leckie. (1+2 live in Akld) Continue reading »

Paul Holmes has been re-admitted to hospital due to difficulties breathing.

The broadcaster had returned home to the Hawke’s Bay last week after undergoing open heart surgery in Auckland for a genetic heart condition that thickens the muscles and restricts blood flow.

A spokesperson from Hawke’s Bay Hospital said Holmes was in a stable condition yesterday. Continue reading »

Paul Holmes has returned to his Hawke’s Bay home following open heart surgery earlier this month.

The veteran broadcaster was placed in an induced coma in the days following the procedure and has remained in hospital to recover until this week.

The 62-year-old was discharged from hospital on Wednesday. Continue reading »

Paul Holmes has been taken off life support and is awake following open-heart surgery on Wednesday last week.

The broadcaster was put into an induced coma following the procedure in order to allow his body to recover.

Holmes’ wife Deborah Hamilton-Holmes said today in a statement that he was stable and “progressing well”.

“The family are obviously relieved and would like to thank everyone once again for their encouragement and support since the operation. Continue reading »