15 Sep 2025

Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Ben Thomas

From Nine To Noon, 11:05 am on 15 September 2025

Gareth Hughes is the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa is a former Green MP and is no longer a member of any political party.

Ben Thomas is a former National government press secretary, a columnist and a director of public affairs firm Capital.

It was a disappointing night for the Labour Party, who held their election function at Te Māhurehure Marae in Auckland's Point Chevalier. Campaign manager Willie Jackson said while the campaign had been "terrific", Labour could not discount the Te Pāti Māori "brand".

Gareth and Ben discuss the week's politics, including Labour not guaranteeing to work with Te Pati Māori.  Photo: RNZ / Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira