Political Playback - 12 February 2026

In this episode of Political Playback – Bob and Simon analyse the latest political polls and also discuss the latest stories relating to each of the political parties since the beginning of the year, including possible coalition matchups, surprise retirements and disunity in Te Pati Maori; what should “Christian” political parties do this election year; the latest Salvation Army State of the Nation report reveals increasing child abuse and family violence rates but have they pointed the blame at the wrong (but politically convenient) issue; radical gender activists are still wanting to chemicalise confused children with puberty blockers and are trying to persuade the High Court despite all the growing evidence of harm overseas; why do the media hate X (formerly Twitter); a new poll on a social media ban in NZ but how is the Australian one going; and what’s the modern slavery bill all about?