The Elephant

In the final episode of The Elephant for 2025, we ask should the workplace reward fairness or flawless performance? DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusioin) promises opportunity for all. MEI (Merit, Excellence says only the best should rise. Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell bring together Alexia Hilbertidou, Kara Smith, Dr Oliver Hartwich, Katie Bhreatnach, and Yaron Brook to debate the clash dividing bosses, employees, and the culture of success itself. Who wins, who loses,  and what really makes someone succeed? The Elephant is made with support from NZ On AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where’s the line between free speech and hate speech, and who gets to draw it? After years of cultural shouting matches, The Elephant asks the question at the core of it all. Free-speech defenders say cancel culture is killing debate, while others argue some of this so-called “speech” is really just bullying with bigger words. Joining Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell to break it down are filmmaker and actor Awa Puna, Free Speech Union and PILLAR’s Nathan Seiuli, Rights Aotearoa head Paul Thistoll, and Professor Simon Keller, co-author of Victoria University’s free-speech guidelines. The Elephant is made with support from NZ On AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi travel to the United States has dropped by 10%, and it’s not just about airfares. With phones being searched and politics at the border heating up, Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell are joined by expert guests to explore why so many New Zealanders are suddenly uneasy about visiting America. The Elephant is made with the support of NZ On AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drug busts are breaking records. Meth, coke, MDMA, you name it. But no matter how tough the crackdowns get, the flow just doesn’t stop. Now, the Drug Foundation says it’s time to ditch punishment and focus on health. This week a new survey from the Helen Clark Foundation and Otago University shows half of Kiwis agree: we should shift the money from policing to healthcare. Join Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell as they speak to Dr Rose Crossin from Otago University, former police officer and National MP Mike Sabin and journalist Russell Brown for a powerful conversation on whether or not we should legalise recreational drugs in Aotearoa New Zealand. The episode also features a kōrero with Tricia Walsh, who has lived experience as a drug user on the receiving end of a policing approach. The Elephant is made with support from NZ On Air.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A growing international movement is calling for New Zealand to ban children under 14 from playing contact sports, amid mounting evidence of long-term brain damage caused by repeated head knocks.  Join Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell as they thrash out the risks, rewards and realities of kids in contact sport with world champion boxer Mea Motu, former WWE pro wrestler Dr Chris Nowinski, David Graham of the Champions Initiative, and former New Zealand Sevens rep Reverand Onosai Auva'a.    The Elephant is made with support from NZ On AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are men in crisis, or are the rules changing? Join Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell as they dive into the manosphere, red-pill ideas and how online influencers are shaping boys and young men in Aotearoa. Experts working in consent, violence prevention and men’s wellbeing weigh in for a frank and conflicted conversation about what healthy masculinity looks like.   The Elephant is made with support from NZ On AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for The Elephant, New Zealand's boldest new podcast and video series. Hosted by veteran journalists Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell, The Elephant poses the questions we're often too afraid to ask. Coming Thursday 25th September. Follow now so you never miss an episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.