The Country

The Country 30/10/26: Shane Jones talks to Jamie Mackay

The Country

Summary

Shane Jones, self-proclaimed "Matua" and political figure, addresses recent comments about his shopping habits, clarifying that he has only one wife, Dot, who humorously corrected him on his plural reference. He reflects on the absurdity of being questioned about grocery prices during a political debate, emphasizing that such gimmicks distract from more pressing campaign issues.

Jones discusses strategic voting patterns observed in past elections, particularly in the South Island, where voters split their ballots between parties. He asserts that for a center-right government to be restored, voters must support New Zealand First, as he believes the National Party will secure their seats regardless of broader public sentiment.

The conversation shifts to the challenges of fast-track legislation, which Jones admits has faced criticism for not delivering the intended outcomes. He acknowledges some missteps in housing developments but insists that future projects will require proper infrastructure solutions. Jones also expresses concern over the potential impact of immigration policies on youth unemployment and the economy, warning against the dangers of unfettered immigration.

As the election approaches, Jones remains optimistic about his party's chances, reflecting on past experiences and the importance of addressing economic growth and development challenges. He concludes with a light-hearted acknowledgment of the pressures of political life and the support he receives from his family.

Show Notes

The self-proclaimed Prince of the Provinces, the Mighty Matua, says his controversial comments on his wives (plural) and shopping was on brand, even if his one wife Dot had to sternly correct him. We also traversed strategic split voting, fast track consenting, bottom trawling, youth unemployment and whether he has a Plan B? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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