The Herald’s Future of NZ election debate: Sir John Key, politicians face off tonight

A collection of our most influential leaders, experts and commentators will share their vision for the future of New Zealand tonight, going head to head with politicians on the best direction for the country.

The live event, hosted by the NZ Herald and broadcast on nzherald.co.nz, the NZ Herald app, Three and ThreeNow, is the first of three debates that will bring the public closer to the candidates, policies and ideas competing for votes, helping New Zealand make an informed decision this election.

Moderated by broadcaster Ryan Bridge, The NZ Herald Future of New Zealand Debate, takes place tonight at 7pm live from NZME’s Auckland headquarters and is centred around one important question: What will Aotearoa look like in the future?

The debate series will be hosted by Ryan Bridge, the host of Ryan Bridge TODAY.

Business leaders, entrepreneurs and academics are among the 24 influential New Zealanders taking part in tonight’s two-hour broadcast, exploring how they hope to harness AI and technology, grow key industries and lift prosperity.

The panellists include former Prime Minister Sir John Key, One New Zealand chief executive Nick Judd, Contact chief executive Mike Fuge, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated chair Bayden Barber, economist Cameron Bagrie, Far North Mayor Moko Tepania and climate change expert Bronwyn Hayward.

The debate will cover topics that include:

• Future of New Zealand (20 years from now)
• New Zealand’s competitive advantage (what we are known for, what puts us on the global stage)
• The future of AI and technology (is AI going to kill us or improve us?)
• Our infrastructure challenge (housing, climate, CRL, extortionate budgets, etc)
• Welfare and our collective prosperity (poverty, homelessness, healthcare)
• Long-term leadership (tales of success – how did you do it?)

The politicians (National’s Nicola Willis, Labour’s Barbara Edmonds, the Greens’ Tamatha Paul, NZ First’s Shane Jones, Act’s Nicole McKee, Te Pāti Māori’s Oriini Kaipara and Opportunity’s Daniel Eb) will then join to discuss what they see as the future of the country and what they want to change.

NZME managing editor multimedia content Sarah Bristow said: “With so much disruption happening now, thanks to AI and technology, the country is at a pivotal time.

“This conversation is about lifting up from the daily political discourse and talking about what’s ahead for NZ, how we can best prepare for our future and how we can build the best possible country for the generations to come.”

Bridge added: “I’ve had a lot of feedback from viewers over the past year specifically asking what AI will do to our jobs and what we should be teaching our kids to prepare them for the future.

“This is an awesome opportunity to try to answer some of those questions. Also, do our politicians have a credible plan to supercharge the economy and grow the industries of the future?”

On October 14, Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins go head-to-head in The NZ Herald Leaders’ Debate, before The NZ Herald Powerbrokers’ Debate, featuring leaders of Act, the Green Party, New Zealand First, Te Pāti Māori and Opportunity, on October 21.

Watch the debates live on the NZ Herald app and website, Three and ThreeNow. Plus, the Leaders’ Debate will be simulcast on Newstalk ZB.