23 Feb 2026

Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Ben Thomas

From Nine To Noon, 11:05 am on 23 February 2026

Gareth Hughes is the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa is a former Green MP and is no longer a member of any political party.

Ben Thomas is a former National government press secretary, a columnist and a director of public affairs firm Capital.

Auckland has decided to go with intensification and more medium density terrace housing and apartments.

Gareth, Ben and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the latest on Auckland's housing intensification plans.  Photo: 123rf.com