Our politics podcast sizes up events at Waitangi, the Casey Costello tobacco saga, and the vacancy for a new Green leader.

Get your Gone By Lunchtime Live at Q Theatre Podfest on February 15 in Auckland. More details and tickets here. 

Annabelle Lee-Mather returns from the cauldron of Waitangi to discuss with Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire the rhetorical flames and gently roasted marshmallows at the hugely attended commemorations. Did Christopher Luxon navigate a copy-paste path between his coalition partners and how many tails does it take to wag a dog?

Also on the pod this week, Ben explains why new minister Casey Costello’s explanation for seeking advice on freezing tax on tobacco is consistent with the enigmatic NZ First school of biblical interpretation.

Plus: James Shaw is quitting the Green co-leadership. What legacy does he leave and what difference might Chlöe Swarbrick, the favourite to replace him, make for the party?

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