This week we're joined by the big cheese himself - Phil O'Reilly. Join us as we whiz through the year in policy and politics.

For the Iron Duke Podcast's penultimate episode for the year of 2025, the team discuss whether our long summer break is too long, whether the RMA reform consultation period will not be long enough, and the state of the darn New Zealand media. The more positive stories of the day include the potential of growth of our economy going from green shoots to shrubs, Wellington Regional Council launching its own ticketing system and the role that solar panels can play for improving the resilience of our rural communities.

Tune in next week for our final episode with a long-time-no-see special guest.

Welcome to your weekly roundup of the biggest stories shaping New Zealand’s political and policy landscape. This week, we dive into the Green Party’s bold move on mining consents and what it means for investment confidence, dissect the Supreme Court’s game-changing ruling on Uber drivers and the ripple effects for the gig economy, and go inside the explosive police corruption report that’s rocking trust in law enforcement. We’ll also break down the government’s shift on clean car standards and what it means for EVs, give you the latest on Wellington’s big tunnel news, and unpack the ongoing drama within Te Pāti Māori. From constitutional controversy to quickfire takes on sustainability and party polls, we’ve got your peaks, your pits, and plenty in between.