What happens when political opposites interview the same politician?
Stuff columnists Verity Johnson and Damien Grant bring their sharply different world views and personalities to long-form conversations with some of the most interesting political figures in New Zealand.
No echo chamber. Just two very different perspectives, one politician and wide-ranging conversations that can go anywhere.
Kieran McAnulty, Labour’s campaign chair and Shadow Leader of the House, sits down with Verity and Damien to talk about the Future Fund, taxes, housing, infrastructure, and... gingernuts.
29 Oct 2026
Sir John Key
Sir John Key joins hosts Damien Grant and Verity Johnson to discuss past crises and MMP politics. Defending Christopher Luxon, Key argues the coalition remains well placed to win the election despite soft polling.
28 Oct 2026
Paul Henry
Former broadcaster Paul Henry explains to Damien Grant and Verity Johnson why he wants a career in politics – for at least six years, anyway. They also discuss the minimum wage, red tape, the Government’s performance and working with David Seymour.
26 Oct 2026
Chris Hipkins
Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins joins Verity and Damien in the Polls Apart studio to discuss capital gains tax, education policy, investing in the future, social media bans and the ‘Ming vase strategy’.
21 Oct 2026
Chlöe Swarbrick
Greens co-leader and Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick is in the Polls Apart hot seat to talk KiwiMart, GDP, tax, flirting with libertarianism and Great Barrier Island.
18 Oct 2026
Chris Bishop
Verity and Damien are joined by the “unexpectedly delightful” Chris Bishop to discuss the RMA, renewable energy, solving the housing crisis – and ham sandwiches.
15 Oct 2026
Qiulae Wong
Verity and Damien are joined by the ‘rebound boyfriend’ of NZ politics, Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong, to discuss coalitions and kingmakers, climate change and the economy, universal basic income, electricity, thinking big – and seaweed.
15 Oct 2026
Winston Peters
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters joins Polls Apart hosts Verity Johnson and Damien Grant to discuss, among other things, politics, longevity, wokeness and trackpants.
12 Oct 2026
Polls Apart with Verity Johnson and Damien Grant
What happens when political opposites interview the same politician?
Stuff columnists Verity Johnson and Damien Grant bring their sharply different world views and personalities to long-form conversations with some of the most interesting political figures in New Zealand.
No echo chamber. Just two very different perspectives, one politician and wide-ranging conversations that can go anywhere.
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