Politics Central Newstalk ZB

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Simeon Brown unveiled their new water plan for the city, which will see an increase of rates by 7.2 percent, rather than the 25.8 percent proposed by Watercare. Simeon Brown joins the Weekend Collective to explain further.

Later, Julie Anne Genter has been accused of 'intimidating' behaviour after a disagreement saw the Green MP leave her seat to confront a Government minister during a transport debate. Former Speaker of the House, Sir Lockwood Smith, joins the Weekend Collective to explain why 'standards have slipped'.

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The standard of Parliament has been called into question as Green MP Julie Anne Genter undergoes disciplinary action.

Ms Genter confronted Minister Matt Doocey on Wednesday.

She has until midday Monday to make any representations to the Speaker, before he decides if she will be referred to the Privileges Committee.

Former speaker of the house Sir Lockwood Smith says Parliament standards have slipped.

"Members of Parliament are meant to be seen as leaders, if you like. How they behave is important, because they should behave in a way that you'd expect of leaders."

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A deal between Auckland Council and the Government has helped Aucklanders avoid the projected 25.8 percent increase in water rates.

Auckland Council will retain local control of water assets, as part of the Local Water Well Done plan.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says councils will have more control over their water assets under their scheme.

Local councils will be asked to put forward their water service delivery plans for the next 12 months.

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Politics Central, former Te Whatu Ora chairperson Rob Campbell criticises the organisation's decision to make savings at the country's hospitals, saying they are 'extraordinary' and signal poor management.

Later, five academics and public figures were set to debate free speech at Victoria University in Wellington last Monday, but backlash within the university has seen the event postponed. Both Victoria University's Students' Association president and the university's Vice-Chancellor offer their takes.

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria University's Vice-Chancellor has his own concerns over an infamous free speech panel event.

A selection of public figures and academics were set to debate free speech, but backlash within the university led to the event being postponed.

Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith says it's a 'travesty' that people are no longer willing to listen and draw their own conclusions.

"That's an issue that I've seen across multiple media - we create bubbles where everyone wants to agree with each other and shout in these polarised extremes."

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's debate over Victoria University's decision to call off a discussion on free speech.

It comes after outrage within the university, with claims the panellists didn't represent a balance of views.

600 people had registered to attend before the university's Vice-Chancellor postponed the event, saying they were going back to the drawing board.

Students' Association president Marcail Parkinson says some speakers would've made students uncomfortable, and have a history of hate speech.

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.