War, cyclones and mayhem everywhere.
Donald Trump has gone within hours from genocidal threats against Iran to talking about a joint venture with Tehran tolling the Strait of Hormuz. A fragile ceasefire is very good news, but the havoc is set to continue to flow down into the New Zealand economy. Now with the perilous Cylclone Vaianu bearing down on New Zealand, perhaps the government should just declare it a force majeure election?
In a new episode of the Spinoff politics podcast Gone By Lunchtime, Toby Manhire, Annabelle Lee-Mather and Ben Thomas gather to discuss the swirling crises, Winston Peters’ encounter with Marco Rubio at the State Department in Washington, and whether the government is getting its response right.
Plus: is it “overthinking” to detect some retribution in Christopher Luxon’s decision to strip the roles of leader of the house and campaign chair from Chris Bishop, how might Simeon Brown adjust the campaign rudder, and did the PM really just forget about Tama Potaka?
In case you missed, it we also recorded a GBL special this week with Anna Fifield on the latest in the war on Iran.



