Indefensible New Zealand
54 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago -New Zealand's national security is rarely discussed in detail outside a small group of government officials and academics. The Indefensible New Zealand podcast is designed to change that with a wide ranging and ongoing conversation that everyone can understand. Free of the constraints of word limits and sound bites, the host, Simon Ewing-Jarvie, presents a fascinating, 'whole of government' view of what needs to be done to keep Kiwis safe - now and in the future. And by future, we mean this series looks out to 2050 and beyond. Many guests will appear on this show - some whose names you'll recognise and others you will never have heard of. Together, they help to bring this important topic to life.
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Episodes
Indefensible New Zealand National Security Podcast S2E4 - Defence Force Sacred Cows
April 15, 2024 00:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBThe New Zealand Defence Force has a number of well documented problems. Even at full strength, it lacks the mass, firepower and sustainability to engage in medium to high intensity conflict. However, at the moment it also has significant recruitment, retention, morale and mental health problems. The latter extends to the veteran community as well. All service chiefs are due for replacement in the next few weeks and months. With a new defence (Hon Judith Collins) and associate defence minist...
A Better National Day
February 05, 2024 21:00 - 12 minutes - 8.33 MBRecorded on 6 February 2024 which is Waitangi Day in New Zealand. Simon discusses the lack of meaning of the national day for most New Zealanders. The discussion then travels to thinking about how the NZ Defence Force epitomises an effective multi-cultural example of unity for the country and how this could be enhanced while simultaneously dealing with current personnel shortages. The episode ends with a call to make the day less about grievance and appeasement and more about a national cel...
Indefensible New Zealand National Security Podcast - S2E3 - A Better National Day
February 05, 2024 21:00 - 12 minutes - 8.33 MBRecorded on 6 February 2024 which is Waitangi Day in New Zealand. Simon discusses the lack of meaning of the national day for most New Zealanders. The discussion then travels to thinking about how the NZ Defence Force epitomises an effective multi-cultural example of unity for the country and how this could be enhanced while simultaneously dealing with current personnel shortages. The episode ends with a call to make the day less about grievance and appeasement and more about a national cel...
Intro to Defence Lobbying in NZ 2024
January 30, 2024 01:00 - 10 minutes - 7 MBThere has been a lot of speculation about defence since the announcement of the new Cabinet. I would classify much of this as “breathless longing” in that many are joining the dots between last year’s documentary assessments, a deteriorating international security situation, a hollow defence force and a strong national security related ministerial line-up in a new government to incorrectly conclude that Defence is in for a financial sugar rush. That is simply not going to happen for reasons...
Indefensible New Zealand National Security Podcast S2E2 - Intro to Defence Lobbying in NZ 2024
January 30, 2024 01:00 - 10 minutes - 7 MBThere has been a lot of speculation about defence since the announcement of the new Cabinet. I would classify much of this as “breathless longing” in that many are joining the dots between last year’s documentary assessments, a deteriorating international security situation, a hollow defence force and a strong national security related ministerial line-up in a new government to incorrectly conclude that Defence is in for a financial sugar rush. That is simply not going to happen for reasons...
S2E1 New Government Old Defence
November 14, 2023 04:00 - 4 minutes - 3.44 MBWelcome to Season 2 of Indefensible New Zealand - the podcast all about New Zealand's national security. In this episode, Dr Simon Ewing-Jarvie discusses the post-election situation for defence. At the time of recording, the new coalition government parties are still negotiating and it is not yet known who will be the Minister of Defence and Veterans.
New Government Old Defence - *NEW SEASON!
November 14, 2023 04:00 - 4 minutes - 3.44 MBWelcome to Season 2 of Indefensible New Zealand - the podcast all about New Zealand's national security. In this episode, Dr Simon Ewing-Jarvie discusses the post-election situation for defence. At the time of recording, the new coalition government parties are still negotiating and it is not yet known who will be the Minister of Defence and Veterans.
Defending NZ 3 - Insurgency & Resistance
October 28, 2023 06:00 - 9 minutes - 6.8 MBWelcome to the final episode of season 1. This is the third part of our discussion about defending New Zealand against an invading force that is intent on occupying our land. In episode 8, I took a red team view of how New Zealand might be attacked. That was followed in the next two episodes with a long-range defence without the involvement of allies and a discussion about how New Zealand could be made ‘not worth the cost’ of coming too close. Now it’s time to consider the worst case, that o...
Indefensible New Zealand National Security Podcast S1E11 - Defending NZ 3 - Insurgency & Resistance
October 28, 2023 06:00 - 9 minutes - 6.8 MBWelcome to the final episode of season 1. This is the third part of our discussion about defending New Zealand against an invading force that is intent on occupying our land. In episode 8, I took a red team view of how New Zealand might be attacked. That was followed in the next two episodes with a long-range defence without the involvement of allies and a discussion about how New Zealand could be made ‘not worth the cost’ of coming too close. Now it’s time to consider the worst case, that o...
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 - S2E11 - Potential Coalition Combinations
September 02, 2023 05:05 - 10 minutes - 14.1 MBWhich combination of parties could potentially form the next New Zealand government? What happens with votes for parties that don't make it into parliament? Overhangs hung parliaments aren't rock climbing terms but also can affect the outcome of the election. And are there any other weird and wonderful parallel universes to explore in this space? Heather Roy and Simon Ewing-Jarvie are out on the town recording at Brewtown in Upper Hutt for this episode. We received a request from Keith Grif...
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 - S2E10 - Audience Questions 2
August 22, 2023 09:06 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBThe second batch of audience questions relating to New Zealand's General Election 2023
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 - S2E9 - Campaign Slogans
August 19, 2023 04:17 - 10 minutes - 14.8 MBNew Zealand has entered its formal election campaign period. That's always signalled by a proliferation of large and brightly coloured billboards appearing around the country. Heather Roy and Simon Ewing-Jarvie go on a 'field trip' (code for 'sorry about the wind and other background noise') just outside Wellington to check out some of the party campaign slogans. Slogans from past campaigns covered in a recent article on the Spinoff are also included in the mix!!!!!!!!!! Send us in your vi...
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 - S2E8 - GST and Food
August 11, 2023 23:00 - 7 minutes - 10.9 MBWith so many parties promising to take Goods and Services Tax (GST) off fruit and vegetables in the lead-up to the New Zealand General Election 2023, Heather Roy and Simon Ewing-Jarvie felt compelled to take a dive into this policy debate. If you can't spare 8 minutes - they think that it's a bad idea. But there is at least one bad Dad joke in there - maybe two! And Damien Grant gets a mention so if you like his writing - you should subscribe to this podcast. Send in your questions for t...
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 S2E7 - National Security and Defence Government Announcements
August 09, 2023 04:00 - 10 minutes - 14.2 MBIn the last week, the New Zealand government has released three documents relating to national security: Aotearoa’s National Security Strategy: Secure Together Tō Tātou Korowai Manaaki Defence Policy and Strategy Statement Future Force Design Principles These were preceded by a public consultation exercise, a long-term insights briefing and a foreign policy assessment In the coming week, we expect the release of an updated threat assessment. Since Defence Minister Andrew Little’s annou...
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 S2E6 - Issues
August 02, 2023 18:00 - 13 minutes - 18.5 MBHeather Roy and Simon Ewing-Jarvie discuss current political issues that are front of mind for voters. These range from the economy and cost of living to crime and co-governance. Issues episodes will recur throughout the season so send in your ideas or questions for discussion. You can send in questions for the podcast hosts through the contacts page at torquepoint.co.nz You can read more about what each of the hosts is writing about and also support this work at the following sites: ...
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 S2E5 - Audience Questions 1
July 30, 2023 18:25 - 11 minutes - 15.7 MBHeather Roy and Simon Ewing-Jarvie answer questions from the VoterTorque audience. In this episode the questions addressed are: 1. What does TOP stand for? 2. Will Winston Peters get back into parliament? 3. What is an overhang? 4. What is meant by hard right and hard left? Questions and answers will be published approximately every 5th episode. You can send in questions for the podcast hosts through the contacts page at torquepoint.co.nz You can read more about what each of the hosts ...
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 S2E4 - NZ Political Polls
July 28, 2023 07:38 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MBDo political polls reflect or shape public opinion in New Zealand? With an election due on 14 October, this is an important question that is discussed by Heather Roy and Simon Ewing-Jarvie. What's important are the trends and other questions like whether people think the country is headed in the right or wrong direction. You can read more about what each of them is writing about and also support this work at the following sites: Heather's Political Blog Simon's National Security Blog S...
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 Season 2 Episode 3 - The Political Compass Quiz
July 23, 2023 05:45 - 8 minutes - 11.3 MBSimon Ewing-Jarvie and Heather Roy take the audience through the TorquePoint version of the political compass quiz. This episode links with S2E2 podcast and describes how you can use a simple questionnaire to determine where you lie on the political spectrum. This is useful for working out which parties and policies you are most closely aligned with. A pdf version of TorquePoint's political compass can be downloaded for free from their website at torquepoint.co.nz
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 S2 E3 - The Political Compass Quiz
July 23, 2023 05:45 - 8 minutes - 11.3 MBSimon Ewing-Jarvie and Heather Roy take the audience through the TorquePoint version of the political compass quiz. This episode links with S2E2 podcast and describes how you can use a simple questionnaire to determine where you lie on the political spectrum. This is useful for working out which parties and policies you are most closely aligned with. A pdf version of TorquePoint's political compass can be downloaded for free from their website at torquepoint.co.nz You can read more about...
VoterTorque 2023 - New Zealand Politics Podcast (Trailer)
July 10, 2023 01:42 - 53 seconds - 845 KBWelcome to season 2 of VoterTorque. This season begins in June 2023 just over three months out from the New Zealand general election. Join Heather Roy and Simon Ewing-Jarvie as they discuss in plain english the parties, policies, promises and polls that will play a part in your decision on who to vote for on 14 October.
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 : S2E2 The New Zealand Political Spectrum
June 27, 2023 09:36 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MBFormer ACT Deputy Leader and Government Minister, Heather Roy, and TorquePoint CDO Simon Ewing-Jarvie update their political spectrum for the 2023 New Zealand General Election. The series is also available as a slideshow on YouTube. It examines the merits of commentators and journalists referring to parties and politicians as simply left or right. More information is available at torquepoint.co.nz
VoterTorque Podcast 2023 S2E1 - Introduction to the New Season
June 26, 2023 06:11 - 6 minutes - 8.94 MBSimon Ewing-Jarvie and Heather Roy from TorquePoint are back for the run up to New Zealand's 2023 General Election to bring you their analysis of each of the political parties, what they're offering and how they compare. This introductory episode outline the main points to be covered. If you're a newcomer or a political junkie, why not listen to the 22 episodes from Season 1 in 2020 as well?
Defending New Zealand #2 - The Prickly Kiwi
June 22, 2022 04:00 - 8 minutes - 6.03 MBIn the second part of 'Defending New Zealand', I discuss how the country might configure itself to deal with an invading force that has the intention of putting boots on the ground. This discussion touches on overt kinetic attacks such as missiles, rockets and bombs, digital attack and covert (fifth column or enemy SOF) attacks on military and civil infrastructure. New Zealand's need for self-reliance in manufacturing the materiel needed to defend itself is premised on the potential for an...
Defending New Zealand 1 - Armed Neutral and Long Range
August 28, 2021 07:00 - 13 minutes - 9.51 MBThis is the first episode in a series that discusses New Zealand's defence needs and a brief insight into current shortfalls. While acknowledging that the people within the current New Zealand Defence Force are as good or better than those who have gone before, Simon Ewing-Jarvie bluntly points out that, in a war of commitment such as the defence of the country, the NZDF would cease to be a functional fighting force in a matter of hours without allied assistance. This episode discusses long ...
Attacking New Zealand - A Red Team View
August 05, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 8.18 MBA notional red team of industry experts (from 'Buranda'), takes on the challenge of attacking New Zealand with the objective of bringing down the Government and bringing in a system that is more open to its aims and views. No invasion or occupation is involved in this scenario which focuses instead on targetting the essentials of life and creating division between various sectors of society. Nothing is out of scope in this brief outline which addresses politics (including a fifth column ...
National Security Posture or Pose?
July 12, 2021 23:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBThe focus of this episode is national security posture options for New Zealand. Simon Ewing-Jarvie and Heather Roy discuss four options: 1. Maintaining armed alignment with traditional allies and partners 2. Seeking new treaties, allies and partners more closely aligned to protecting our current economic interests 3. Adopting a strategy of armed non-alignment 4. Armed neutrality The hosts discuss the risks and gains of each option; highlighting the usefulness of assessing these in a red te...
Like Some Law With That?
June 30, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBThe host, Simon Ewing-Jarvie, takes a high level pass over several pieces of New Zealand legislation that either need amendment or should be created in order to improve the country's national security legislative framework. The discussion includes the raising of a National Security Agency and National Security Impact Statements for all new Bills as well as better use of existing legislation - such as S50A of the Defence Act declaring Situations of National Interest. The latter, the host arg...
What's Taking So Long?
June 26, 2021 04:00 - 11 minutes - 8.11 MBSimon Ewing-Jarvie discusses why it is taking so long to establish a national security agency and strategy, given that the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019 recommended exactly this approach in late 2020. He draws on his work in continuity management and executive behaviour in risky environments to highlight some possible reasons why public sector chief executives might be reluctant to embrace the sort of change that is being ca...
How Much National Security Can New Zealand Afford?
June 20, 2021 04:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBOn the back of the New Zealand Government's Budget 2021, Simon Ewing-Jarvie and Heather Roy discuss how much money is allocated to national security on an 'all agencies' approach rather than the traditional view of defence force funding. What is apparent is that current financial appropriations are insufficient for building national self-reliance and resilience. The discussion focusses on current gross domestic product and rates of growth as the basis for being able to afford better levels...
What's the World Got in Store For New Zealand in 2050?
June 06, 2021 09:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBIn this episode, Heather Roy questions Simon Ewing-Jarvie about what the world might look like in 2050 and what the national security implications for New Zealand are. There's also an interesting lead-in to a subsequent episode on veterans. It's a quickfire tour of population projections, emerging economic powers, increased conflict involving non-state actors and private security forces. UN peace keeping donor fatigue and climate refugee numbers are discussed. New battle domains do not repl...
Aotearoa New Zealand in 2050
June 06, 2021 07:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBHeather Roy interviews Simon Ewing-Jarvie about what he thinks the country will look like in 2050 and beyond. This episode traverses Statistics NZ population projections as well as the views of well-known academics such as Professor Paul Spoonley and the late Professor Paul Callaghan. It also discusses likely implications of these and other demographic changes ranging from the Antarctic Treaty to energy generation and distribution, nuclear ship propulsion, schooling and a widening wealth gap...
Introduction
May 30, 2021 23:00 - 11 minutes - 8.05 MBWelcome to the first episode in the podcast series dedicated to discussing New Zealand's national security. This series is opened by former NZ Associate Defence Minister, Hon Heather Roy who is, herself, a retired army officer. She introduces the show's host, Dr Simon Ewing-Jarvie and questions him about the series content.
VoterTorque Podcast 22 - Possibilities for New Zealand's Next Defence Minister
October 31, 2020 07:33 - 8 minutes - 11 MBOn 2 November 2020, we should know who will be New Zealand's next Minister of Defence and Minister for Veterans' Affairs. This episode discusses the contenders for those roles as well as touching on the highly connected position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. Podcast 22 in the 2020 VoterTorque series and the first episode in the new post-election season published by TorquePoint Ltd, New Zealand.
VoterTorque Podcast 21 - Cannabis Legalisation and Control Referendum
October 07, 2020 08:06 - 5 minutes - 7.81 MBIn the 2020 New Zealand General Election, voters will also have the opportunity to have their say on two referendums relating to cannabis legalisation and assisted dying. This podcast is an overview discussion on the referendum relating to cannabis legalisation.
VoterTorque Episode 20 - End of Life Choice Referendum
October 07, 2020 07:00 - 5 minutes - 8.11 MBAs well as voting in a general election on 17 October 2020, New Zealanders also have the opportunity to vote in two referendums regarding assisted dying and cannabis legalisation. In this episode, we discuss the basic elements of the End of Life Choice Referendum.
VoterTorque Episode 19 - Kaikoura Electorate Candidates' Meeting in Blenheim 22 Sept 2020
September 23, 2020 09:25 - 12 minutes - 17 MBAll politics is local. It was great to go along to a local candidates' meeting and hear six candidates put their case for this year's general election. Under MMP, some are genuinely contesting the electorate seat and others are standing to draw attention to their party's policies and to campaign for the party vote. A well run evening at Biddy Kate's bar in Blenheim organised by the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce and the Marlborough Express.
VoterTorque Podcast 18 - TOP and New Conservative Parties - Election 2020
August 17, 2020 09:58 - 11 minutes - 15.1 MBIn this latest episode of the discussion of parties contesting the New Zealand General Election 2020 (which has just been delayed to 17 October 2020 due to COVID-19) we discuss the Opportunities Party (TOP) and the New Conservative Party.
VoterTorque Podcast 17 - Maori Party - Election 2020
August 17, 2020 09:53 - 7 minutes - 9.98 MBIn this latest episode of the discussion of parties contesting the New Zealand General Election 2020 (which has just been delayed to 17 October 2020 due to COVID-19) we discuss the Maori Party. The Maori Party has previously held 5 seats in the NZ Parliament but won nothing in the last election in 2017. Despite that, there is a possibility that they could re-emerge as a parliamentary party in 2020.
VoterTorque Podcast 16 - New Zealand First Party - Election 2020
August 13, 2020 22:45 - 10 minutes - 14.5 MBThis episode continues our series that examines the major and minor parties contesting New Zealand's 2020 General Election. The NZ First Party is a small, list-only party that is currently in a formal coalition with the Labour Party in Government.
VoterTorque Podcast 15 - NZ National Party - Election 2020
August 13, 2020 22:24 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MBThis episode is part of our discussion about the major and minor parties contesting the 2020 New Zealand General Election. The NZ National Party is the largest of the opposition parties. After a succession of recent leadership changes, it is now steadying itself to attempt to replace the current Labour Coalition government.
VoterTorque Podcast 14 - NZ Labour Party - Election 2020
August 13, 2020 18:00 - 11 minutes - 16.1 MBThis episode continues the discussion on the eight major and minor parties (in alphabetical order) that are contesting the New Zealand General Election 2020. We look at a brief history of the New Zealand Labour Party, the key people and where we think they are on the political spectrum. Then we'll talk about their policy offerings for the election and how we think that might play out if they're in the next government.
VoterTorque Podcast 13 - The Green Party - Election 2020
August 13, 2020 11:01 - 13 minutes - 18 MBThis episode continues the discussion on the eight major and minor parties (in alphabetical order) that are contesting the New Zealand General Election 2020. We look at a brief history of the Greens, the key people and where we think they are on the political spectrum. Then we'll talk about their policy offerings for the election and how we think that might play out if they're in the next government.
VoterTorque Podcast 12 - ACT New Zealand Party - Election 2020
August 13, 2020 08:33 - 12 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode, we begin the discussion of the eight major and minor parties contesting the New Zealand General Election 2020. Taking them in alphabetical order, we start with the ACT New Zealand Party. For each of the eight parties, we provide a brief history, look at the key people involved and where they sit on the political spectrum. We also talk about their websites, slogans and what they're offering in the upcoming election in terms of policy. We finish with an assessment of what we m...
VoterTorque Podcast 11 - Parties Contesting the New Zealand 2020 General Election
August 12, 2020 08:46 - 9 minutes - 12.8 MBThis episode is an introduction to the 18 parties registered to contest the New Zealand 2020 general election as well as a brief examination of the 10 "micro-parties." (i.e. those currently polling under 1%. There will be a dedicated episode for each of the other 8 parties. This episode has been posted on the day New Zealand discovered its first community transmission after 100 days COVID free. Watch this space!
VoterTorque Podcast 10 - Listener Questions
August 07, 2020 03:04 - 10 minutes - 13.9 MBWe welcome questions from VoterTorque listeners sent via the contacts page at Torquepoint.co.nz . This episode is the first round of questions covering Parliament's Speaker, media treatment of political polls, big versus small parties and the terms 'Right Honourable' and 'Honourable.'
VoterTorque Podcast 9 - The Dilemma of the Wasted Vote
August 06, 2020 22:02 - 5 minutes - 8.08 MBMany people want to support a new or small party but are concerned that their vote will be 'wasted' if the party doesn't reach the 5% threshold or win an electorate. In this episode, we discuss how we suggest people approach this and what happens when votes are re-distributed. The episode also covers different coalition combinations and Ministers in or out of Cabinet.
VoterTorque Podcast 8 - MMP Pros and Cons
August 04, 2020 00:38 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBNew Zealand's Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system is loved, hated and often poorly understood. This second episode in the VoterTorque MMP series discusses the pros and cons including different types of MPs, reaching consensus, diversity, the 5% threshold and 3 year electoral term.
VoterTorque Podcast 7 - MMP Basics
August 02, 2020 23:04 - 5 minutes - 7.88 MBDespite having had the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system for New Zealand general elections since 1996, many are still unsure about how it works. In this first of several episodes on MMP, we discuss the basics of proportionality in Parliament.
VoterTorque Podcast 6 - Political Polls
August 01, 2020 00:39 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBMedia tend to provide a lot of coverage to political polls and many people are influenced by them. This discussion is about political polls in New Zealand and how to find and interpret them.
VoterTorque Podcast 1 - Introduction
July 26, 2020 10:05 - 5 minutes - 7.74 MBIn this first episode, we discuss the range of topics that we will be covering between now and the New Zealand General Election on 17 October 2020. The election was originally set down for 19 September but, due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Auckland, the date was moved to Saturday 17 October.