The Collective brings together the voices of political social media from around Aotearoa, into one show to discuss the issues and political decisions that have shaped the news over the previous month. With some of the most recognisable commentators from Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok, it’s a raw look into the lead up and impact of the choices made by those in power.
Paul Barlow is a refugee who escaped Hamilton just before the conspiracy theorists took over, with a background in media analysis and experience in both written and broadcast media. His work focuses on narrative presentations in media, political spin and deconstructing the impact this has on populations and voters with a touch of sarcasm and tase of pop culture thrown in to the mix.
Brie Elliott is a political communicator who brings together community experience, music teaching, and a sociology-driven understanding of inequity. Her work centres on exposing gaps in regulation, calling for transparent political processes, and advocating for fair, community-informed policymaking. She’s passionate about building a better future, and is gradually carving out her own place. Raised on the call to “do justly,” she’s committed to a future centred on serving the public with integrity.
Sean Ackland is a published author, political commentator, and educator with over a decade of experience shaping young minds in New Zealand schools. He examines the news and current events through a historical lens, connecting the past to the present to provide insight and context. Sean is known for his ability to make complex political and social issues accessible, thought-provoking, and mobilising.
Jordan Rivers is an actor turned activist who just wants to go back to being an actor again - but can’t while the Country is falling to pieces. Using his immense creative abilities, he’s the master of social media satirical content, has a knack for strong clear messaging and cutting through the spin like no one else with content that’s relatable, concise and fun in a world where sometimes you need a laugh in the face of everything going on.
The Collective: December 2025
The Collective: November 2025
#BHN Why don't the greens do well in poorer browner areas?
It's time to say good riddance to 2025 and stare down the beast that is 2026! So what have been the big stories that have shaped the year? Te Tiriti, Education, the Treaty Principles or Regulatory Standards Bill, the potential Social Media Ban that might stop the Deputy PM from snapchatting tweens? Join the panel live ths Sunday as we take a look back on 2025, and try to open the curtains on what 2026 might have in store.
Education has been under an onslaught over the past month. The government’s surprise announcement that they were removing Treaty obligations and the substantial pushback from educators, schools and iwi has over shadowed curriculum changes that contain less Maori, and will perpetuate racism and inequity according to Maori education leaders. Alongside this was reversing the School Lunch changes which lead to almost 1000 public complaints and the continued rise of Seymour’s Charter School Projects, which include signing off on a trust that doesn’t exist and claims of cronyism in their set up and questions about their agendas and purpose. We’ll be exploring what these changes really look like overall in terms of what our teachers teach and our young people learn. Trust and democracy go hand in hand - we the voters need to trust the people we elect, we need to trust the institutions and services they provide for the greater good, like police, education, health care, even the processes politicians work through, can be trusted to work for us. Over the last month, we’ve seen major incidents happen which impact that relationship - the fall out from the McSkimming cover up has impacted trust in the police, the coalition forcing through the Regulatory Standards Bill despite 98% opposition to the Bill in submissions - it all impacts how much trust people have in the democratic process, surprise changes to curriculums, arguments between coalition party leaders impacts in trust voters have given them to work together, and surprise changes to bipartisan climate change targets creates distrust for voters that some parties are not concerned about the greater good of us all. Going into the election year, do voters need to have concerns about who they trust to lead the country after 2026? Social Media is a key tool in a modern election, a battleground for campaigns - but also a target for many wanting change. Will a ban on social media for those under 16 really have a positive impact as claimed by those pursuing it, could it lead to young voters being left feeling disconnected to public opinions and views when it comes to shaping how they will vote when they’re eligible? Is it the dreaded nanny state the right seem to vilify or a wide reaching step to protecting young people from harm? Join Sean Ackland, Brie Elliot, Jordan Rivers and Paul Barlow as they dissect, contextualise and probe the issues of the past month
Why don't do the Greens perform well with voters in areas like Mangere and Manurewa asks Shane te Pou?
Scary times in the US when people are being disappeared from the streets for protesting and for offering opinions, not for crimes, for speaking out
When we hear people saying "we need to push back against this government", what does that mean and what can we do?