\u201cThey blew it out of the water,\u201d said one rugby source.<\/p>\n
The Aotearoa Rugby Pod was accidentally released some seven hours early, revealing details of the 2026 All Blacks squad.<\/p>\n
NZ Rugby works closely with the media to give reporters a heads-up on announcements, often releasing team details and other announcements under a strict embargo. That gives journalists time to get their thoughts and stories together. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s also a common practice in politics and business, and for events such as the Budget, industry awards and New Year\u2019s and King\u2019s Birthday honours.<\/p>\n
Most media organisations\u2019 rugby journalists received the All Blacks team by 10am on Monday, on the understanding that it was under embargo until 12pm. <\/p>\n
In this case, the Aotearoa Rugby Pod \u2013 hosted by Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall \u2013 was given details of new All Black coach Dave Rennie\u2019s team on Sunday, so that the trio could prepare their podcast in time.<\/p>\n
Aotearoa Rugby Pod hosts (from left) James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Ross Karl. Screengrab \/ YouTube<\/p>\n
In a previous life, as NZ Herald managing editor, I know only too well the angst of a rare and accidental breach of an embargo, including, on a couple of occasions, details of the royal honours. Those were also down to human and technical errors – for example, the early release and announcement about Sir John Key\u2019s knighthood in June 2017.<\/p>\n
All Blacks communications manager Juliet Calder said: \u201cThis was an unfortunate human error that was corrected quickly and fortunately did not spread far prior to the All Blacks squad being named.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe try to work with media to help them tell our stories, including sometimes providing details under embargo if that assists. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhile there is always an element of risk in providing information under embargo, we value our positive working relationships with media and will continue to work in the same co-operative ways, including the use of embargoes when beneficial and appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Karl, a respected rugby commentator and observer, did not wish to comment yesterday. <\/p>\n
The podcast, once it was officially released, has so far enjoyed more than 16,000 views on YouTube, as well as downloads on audio platforms.<\/p>\n
Green co-leaders\u2019 voices dubbed into new video<\/p>\n
Green co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chl\u00f6e Swarbrick in the new video.<\/p>\n
The Greens\u2019 tax policy was also accidentally revealed early on Sunday – eagled-eyed NZ Herald chief political journalist Jamie Ensor revealed how it had been hidden in plain sight.<\/a><\/p>\n But that hasn\u2019t been the only issue with the tax announcement.<\/p>\n The party had to re-issue its policy yesterday after RNZ delved into the costings, and found they were out by $800 million. \u201cThere was a typo, which you\u2019ve rightfully pointed out, with net revenue figures,\u201d Greens co-leader Chl\u00f6e Swarbrick told RNZ\u2019s Midday Report.<\/p>\n The Green Party has dubbed its new policy \u201ca tax system for all of us\u201d. It takes aim at inequality and \u201ccorporate greed\u201d.<\/p>\n A video that the Greens have produced to accompany the campaign also has some chins wagging.<\/p>\n The Greens have confirmed they had to dub in re-recorded voices of Swarbrick and co-leader Marama Davidson for parts of the video, which targets the tax structure for the super wealthy in New Zealand.<\/p>\n An expert video producer approached Media Insider yesterday, questioning the audio on the video \u2013 the MPs\u2019 lips are not in sync with their words in part of the video – and whether any of the visual effects were produced using special effects.<\/p>\n \u201cAll our online content is produced inhouse by our small but mighty social media team and we\u2019re super proud of this video,\u201d said Green Party communications director Meg Hubscher.<\/p>\n The video features the two MPs at several Auckland locations, including K Road, the Viaduct and Bastion Point.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was filmed mainly at the Michael Joseph Savage memorial at Bastion Point, and wind conditions on the day meant we re-recorded some of the audio later on \u2013 which you can tell if you listen closely,\u201d said Hubscher.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t have a big budget or flash kit, so we just work with what we have.\u201d<\/p>\n But she reassured Media Insider about the visual effects.<\/p>\n \u201cChl\u00f6e and Marama were together in all the scenes that they appear together in, there are some effects and filters used for artistic effect so the \u2018pop\u2019 look is pretty strong. <\/p>\n \u201cThe video has had a really positive response online \u2013 we love it.\u201d<\/p>\n Kiwi music platform Lume\u2019s start date<\/p>\n Kiwi music start-up Lume will launch on July 17, its founders have announced today. They have also unveiled their starting roster of musicians.<\/p>\nSubstack\u2019s Hamish McKenzie, John Fellet, Lorde and Duncan Greive have all invested in Lume. <\/p>\n