Q+a

Interviews with Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, educator Welby Ings, think tank researcher Max Rashbrooke, and NZ First MP Jamie Arbuckle.

Full interview: According to the latest quarterly figures, unemployment is sitting at just over 5%. New research from new think tank The Institute for Democratic and Economic Analysis recommends a range of policies to get people off a benefit and into work, faster.

Full interview: Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds is overseeing huge changes to New Zealand's vocational education system. But after years of reform, could training providers stand alone as Te Pūkenga is dismantled? Q+A also asks Simmonds about her absence from major environmental policies — from freshwater management in farms to the fast-track approvals regime — as Environment Minister.

What counts as intelligence? Educator Welby Ings, labelled a "naughty" student all his life, could barely read and write until he was 15 years old. He went on to become a renowned speaker, filmmaker, teacher, and author. His new book Invisible Intelligence argues New Zealand's education system fails to recognise intelligence and ability beyond a narrow definition. Ings argues for a more "sophisticated" assessment system in an increasingly complex world.

Full interview: Community housing groups are sounding the alarm on increasing rates of homelessness. Q+A asks Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka if the Government's social housing policies have contributed to the issue.

Full interview: Andrew Browne is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who was the China Editor for the Wall Street Journal and the Asia-Pacific Editor for Reuters. While in New Zealand for the China Business Summit, he spoke with Q+A about the China-US relationship and how New Zealand can make the most of global uncertainty.

Q+A asks Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka if the Government's social housing policies have contributed to increasing homelessness. Q+A also speaks to China expert and journalist Andy Browne on US President Donald Trump's trade policies. Labour MP Jan Tinetti talks about her members' bill aimed at helping new parents.

With Dame Susan Bagshaw, Dr Philip Bagshaw, Bowen Pan, Karen Boyes and Ryan Hamilton

With Paul Goldsmith, Haehaetu Barrett, David Wilson and Cameron Luxton

With Rohan O'Neill Stevens, Tina Nixon, Paula Southgate, Campbell Barry and Nīkau Wi Neera

With Ruth Richardson, Ben Picton, Steve Abel and Cameron Brewer

With Brooke van Velden, Willie Jackson and Tākuta Ferris

With Nicola Willis and Stan Grant

With Chlöe Swarbrick, Andrew Coster, Marcel Dirsus and Suze Redmayne

With Richard Chambers, John Ryan, and Steve Abel

With Brian Roche, James Meager and Tanya Unkovich

With Shaun Hendy, David Seymour and Malcolm Turnbull

With Judith Collins, Anna Fifield, Paris Marx and Laura McClure

With David Parker, Eru Kapa-Kingi and Sir Ron Young

With Chris Bishop, Shamubeel Eaqub and James Marape.