I’m a dabbler when it comes to keeping up with domestic politics but the one thing I’m consistent with is The Spinoff’s Gone By Lunchtime podcast. For WORD Christchurch 2025 they will be bringing an hour-long live show to the Piano at 2pm on Saturday, 30 August.
It’s been years and I still don’t know the release schedule, but it seems to appear in my podcast feed every few weeks to help make sense of recent political happenings with an irreverent mix of insight, commentary and analysis. The hosts are willing to wade into the details enough to keep it interesting while being easy enough to follow while doing the dishes. They don’t take themselves too seriously though and I’m all ears if you know of a more entertaining politics podcast.
The hosts are The Spinoff’s Toby Manhire, Annabelle Lee-Mather (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Māmoe) (executive producer of Mata) and Ben Thomas (former press secretary in the Key government). The WORD programme made mention of a mystery guest too, which was Lianne Dalziel in their 2023 WORD appearance.
So what potential talking points have come up since their last episode? Possibly the leaderless Opportunities Party advertising a job vacancy for a ‘Political Party Leader’? Or maybe the image of Defence Minister Judith Collins beaming at Parliament with a model Seahawk helicopter made an impression? They may also have thoughts on Green Party Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick’s naming and suspensionfrom the House over her refusal to apologise for her “government MPs with a spine” comment. As I write this there is still a week to go, and the world of politics will no doubt give them plenty to work with.
For the uninitiated, coming along to the live event would make for a perfect entry point, and if you’re still on the fence, see if their last episode sways you: It’s all fine apart from butter, Trump, netball etc. Whether you’re a political junkie or just a dabbler like me who wants to engage a bit more before the next election, I’m sure you’ll get more than laughs out of it.
Find out more
- Find New Zealand biographies about politicians
- Browse our WORD Christchurch 2025 page
- Visit the WORD Christchurch website
Hamish
Tūhuratanga | Discovery, Level 3, Tūranga
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