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: July 2026
The Collective: June 2026
The Collective: May 2026
In this Month's Collective, we're looking at Tall Poppy Syndrome and asking if there's a double standard in how it's applied and are we really a country that as a tall poppy issue. And we'll dig into some of this months biggest news stories and call out some of the biggest issues as we head into the election season. Join us live from 7p, Sunday 19 July!
In this Month's Collective, we're diving deeper than we ever have before! While we're still going to go over the big news of the month, the Collective team is well aware of how our amazing audience is keen to know more about the factors shaping our elections and our politics, so we're introducing a new focus each episode, where we take turns deep diving into specific topics individually. This week, Paul will be looking into Lobbying - after a month where lobbying has been making headlines and a term where the government has made it easier to access government MPs, in a country where lobbying laws are some of the most relaxed in the OECD and influenced by bad faith players from outside the country, we're going to look at what Lobbying looks like in 2026 Aotearoa and how we can clear the view of it going forward. And Jordan will be looking in to the rise of Generative AI in electioneering - As a technology it's everywhere whether we like it or not and it is having an impact on our democracy. Jordan will be exploring what this looks like for democracy going forward. So come join us for a Sunday together with the Collective - 7pm, June 21, right here!
This weekend marks the 6 month line for the General Election this year - and with it, you might have noticed an increase in partisan finger pointing, political gaslighting and straight up lies and misdirection from the coalition parties desperate to hold onto power and with millionaire friends keen to keep them there as well. So in this Mother's Day episode of 'The Collective', we're going to take a look at ways we can all prepare for the upcoming onslaught of BS from the Coalition and their supporters. Where we can find data, see outcomes from their decisions and communicate with those around us to make sure people are not just ready to vote, but know exactly what they're voting for in November. Join us at 7pm, Sunday 10 May as we gear up for election 2026!
Over the last month we've seen FENZ management get payrises while those fighting fires get wages docked for strikes that didn't happen, we've seen Luxon reshuffle his cabinet - demoting one of his most industrious Ministers and showing a real lack of talent in the line up. We've heard Brooke "I'm proud I got rid of Pay Equity" Van Velden is stepping down at the election and seen a heap of new candidates across parties step up to run for the election So join The Collective at 7pm, April 12 as we dissect the month that was and what it means for the election year ahead!
War, huh - what is it good for? In the last month we've seen the winner of the "prestigious" FIFA World Peace Prize attack a sovereign state, we've seen the winner of the "prestigious" Deloitte Top 200 CEO of the Year 2015 declared war on homeless people and the winner of the prestigious" longest time as an MP without nature taking its course on a chain smoking drinker because there is no god award, declaring a culture war on everything. Join us his Sunday as we discuss this and more going into the election year kicking and screaming!