Simon Watts
Minister Simon Watts announces council rates rise cap
By 2029, annual increases on local council rates will have to stay between 2-4%, a target which some Mayors warn will hamstring councils. Local Government Minister Simon Watts spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Regional councils to be axed in radical government proposal
Regional councils as you know them could be for the chop under a radical plan unveiled by the government. Under the proposal 11 regional councils would be axed, and replaced with new combined… Audio
COP30 climate summit draws to a close
The COP30 climate summit has drawn to a close after two weeks of talks in the city of Belem, Brazil. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts spoke to Melissa Chan Green. Audio
Climate Change Minister heads to COP30
New Zealand's Climate Change Minister, Simon Watts, heads to Brazil this weekend for the high-level portion of the annual global climate summit, COP30. Simon Watts spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
The plan that may see dirtier, more expensive power
Anaylsis: If you were looking for a government solution to soaring electricity bills, you won't have found it in last week's announcement.
The nothing burger of a power plan
The much anticipated government announcement of a solution to soaring power prices has fallen well short of fundamental reform. Audio
Energy Minister on reform of electricity system
The Government defends its decision to tread lightly with energy sector reform. Audio
Energy Minister on energy plan facing grim reviews
"Predictably underwhelming," "lacking in bold action," and "defined by what's missing rather than what's included." Those are some of the dim reviews of the government's new energy security plan. An… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 4 September 2025
In today's episode, former Prime Minister Helen Clark is defending her decision to go to China's largest military parade in Beijing; In the wake of the polarising three waters, councils across the… Audio
Local Government Minister on Local Water Done Well
In the wake of the polarising three waters, councils across the country were mandated by the government to submit their water service delivery plan by Wednesday. Minister for Local Government Simon… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 20 August 2025
In today's episode, we have our weekly political panel with National and Labour; The government says a new push to boost competition in the power sector will give smaller retailers a fairer shot… Audio
Energy Minister on push to boost competition in sector
The government says a new push to boost competition in the power sector will give smaller retailers a fairer shot. Energy Minister Simon Watts spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Energy Minister on dwindling gas supply
The dwindling supply of gas is speeding up the discussion around transitioning away from it. Energy Minister Simon Watts spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Real people, real lives, right now - the reality of climate change
When it comes to damage from serious weather events, the days of big pay-outs to property owners are coming to an end.
Paying for the reality of climate change
When it comes to damage from serious weather events, the days of big pay-outs to property owners are coming to an end. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 9 April 2025
On today's episode, the country's biggest exporters are trying to come to grips with what exactly the Trump's tariffs mean, while global stock markets have been volatile, taking big swings both up and… Audio
Minister Simon Watts on shut down of green investment fund
The government's green investment fund is shutting down. The NZGIF came under fire last year over its $145 million loan to failed company Solar Zero. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts earlier spoke… Audio
