Q+a

With Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, CTU's new president Sandra Grey, and researcher Kali Mercier.

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has slashed New Zealand's methane targets, saying they're more realistic for farmers. Q+A asks him what impact it may have on the country's international commitments and trade deals. . As Energy Minister, Watts is facing calls to do something about the energy industry. It follows the closure of multiple businesses which cited high energy prices as a factor. . Watts is also questioned about the sustainability of the local government sector as it tackles rates rises, infrastructure deficits, and low voter turnout. . Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of New Zealand on Air.

New Zealand is rapidly ageing: Today there are about 870,000 Kiwis who are 65 or older, making up about 17% of the population. In 25 years, that number is forecast to almost double and make up about a third of the population. As well as the pressure on universal superannuation and healthcare, the ageing population will also put infrastructure under strain. Researcher Kali Mercier has considered the implications in her new report, Age-proofing Aotearoa, published by the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP.

About 100,000 workers are planning to walk off the job this week as the Council of Trade Unions welcomes new president Sandra Grey. Meanwhile, Public Service Minister Judith Collins has accused unions of choosing to strike for political reasons. Q+A asks Grey about the Minister's comments, her plans for the CTU, and the state of the union movement.

With 1News reporters Yvonne Tahana, Abbey Wakefield, and Ali Pugh; artist and activist Tāme Iti; former Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse; NZ Initiative local government specialist Nick Clark; and ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar.

Q+A speaks to 1News reporters across the country as another local government election wraps up. . 1News' Yvonne Tahana also reflects on the results of the referenda on Māori wards. On preliminary results, 17 councils have voted to keep them and 25 have voted to remove the wards. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

On preliminary figures, national turnout for the local elections stands at 33%, according to Local Government New Zealand. While numbers are expected to increase as more results roll in, it's likely to fall well short of the 41% recorded just three years ago. . New Zealand Initiative's local government specialist Nick Clark and former Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse joins Q+A to discuss the state of the sector, and why more people aren't interested. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Tāme Iti has lived a life. . From his childhood in Ruatoki, he was on the frontlines of the Springbok Tour protests, the 1975 land march, and even tried to join North Vietnamese fighters during the Vietnam War. . At times, Iti has been a controversial figure. In others, he has been revered. . Q+A visited him at his studio in Whakatāne. Iti reflects on his life as he releases his autobiography: Mana.

With Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk, Race Relations Commissioner Melissa Derby, and global tax expert Michael Keen.

A year into her role as Race Relations Commissioner, Melissa Derby reflects on the threats to social cohesion and race relations in New Zealand. She says social media tends to amplify extremist content, and she worries about people becoming radicalised online. . As an academic, and before her appointment as Commissioner, Derby had publicly questioned the impact of notions of systemic racism, particularly with regards to Māori. Q+A asks her about these views and her opinions of affirmative action. . She also says the Government's approach to the Treaty Principles Bill debate "probably wasn't helpful" given "the unilateral nature of that". . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

The Government has announced an overhaul to the classification of earthquake-prone buildings, introducing a new system that will see thousands of buildings moved out of the regime. . Under the changes, existing New Building Standard percentage ratings for strengthening or demolishing buildings would be removed, in favour of a "more proportionate" system, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. . Q+A asked him what impact it could have on safety. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Full interview: As the Labour Party debates the shape of its tax policy in next year's election, and economists keep an eye on the effect of the Government's Investment Boost tax deduction tweaks, Q+A spoke to global expert Michael Keen. . As the former Deputy Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department at the International Monetary Fund, Keen shaped the institution's policies on tax. He praised New Zealand's broad-based GST system and questioned why that same logic didn't apply when discussing the possibility of a Capital Gains Tax. Keen also said the country needed to consider its relatively high corporate tax rate in any discussions about upping productivity. . He also considered people's ideas of a "fair" tax system, and what taxing wealth and multi-national corporations could look like. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

With former Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations Colin Keating, and Auckland mayoral candidates Wayne Brown and Kerrin Leoni.

Kerrin Leoni: Why I'd be a better Auckland mayor than Wayne Brown by Q+A with Jack Tame

Incumbent Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says his priority, if re-elected, is to "fix" Auckland Transport. . Q+A asks him about his record, how effective he's been influencing central government, and why he has been avoiding some mayoral candidate debates. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

The decision not to recognise a Palestinian state puts New Zealand out of step with the likes of Canada, the UK and Australia. . Colin Keating is New Zealand's former permanent representative to the UN and was outspoken on its Security Council as the Rwanda genocide unfolded. He gives his assessment about what New Zealand's position could mean for its standing internationally. Keating says New Zealand could have made a difference in the longer term had it decided to recognise a Palestinian state. . Meanwhile, the Government argues the time is not right as fighting continues in the Middle East. “With a war raging, Hamas still in place, and no clarity on next steps, we do not think that time is now,” Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in his address to the UN General Assembly. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

With HSBC economist Paul Bloxham, Christchurch mayoral candidates Sara Templeton and Phil Mauger, and 1News US Correspondent Logan Church.

Fifteen years on from the Christchurch earthquakes, the city's population is growing. The city's new stadium, Te Kaha, is set to open, and residents describe a vitality and energy that has been missing for way too long. . But a growing population means new pressure over housing, transport and infrastructure. Q+A speaks to incumbent Mayor Phil Mauger, and challenger Councillor Sara Templeton about their vision for Ōtautahi. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

According to Statistics New Zealand, economic activity as measured by GDP dropped 0.9% in the June quarter for an annual drop of 1.1%. . The Government is pinning the blame on international trade tensions and overseas conflicts. The Opposition says the Government must do more to kick the economy into gear. . A decade ago, HSBC economist Paul Bloxham coined the term “rock star economy” to describe New Zealand's activity. Q+A asks him: What does he make of Aotearoa now? . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

A pivotal diplomatic week looms at the United Nations, with world leaders gathering for the General Assembly. For Foreign Minister Winston Peters, all eyes will be on the announcement of New Zealand's position on recognising a Palestinian state. Cabinet is understood to have made an in principle decision on the matter, though it hasn't yet be revealed. . 1News US Correspondent Logan Church gives his analysis on the days ahead.