What does it mean to find your identity in a world that keeps trying to put you in a box? In this episode of People's Podcast, Bernadette sits down with Alfred Ngaro for a wide-ranging conversation about hope, purpose and identity in modern New Zealand.

Alfred draws on decades of community leadership, pastoral work, politics and fatherhood to speak honestly about the struggles New Zealanders are facing right now, from financial pressure and loneliness to the slow erosion of resilience and the loss of a giving culture.

Together they explore why young people are struggling more than ever, what it looks like to build genuine hope in a community, and why the most important work we do often starts at home, not in public life.

Alfred shares some of the most memorable moments from his journey, including a challenge to a principal who had written off his own community, a workshop with 250 warehouse workers on what it means to be a dad, and a piece of wisdom from his grandmother that reframes what identity and freedom are really about.

Whether you are searching for your purpose, working through a difficult season, or simply trying to figure out who you are in a world full of noise, this episode will leave you with something worth holding on to.

Shubz is one of New Zealand's most recognisable podcasters and public voices, but his journey to get here was anything but easy. Growing up moving between nearly 20 schools, navigating abuse, addiction, and cycles of trauma, Shubz has lived a life that mirrors the reality of countless young New Zealanders who feel unseen and unheard.

In this powerful conversation with host Bernadette, Shubz opens up about the moments that shaped him, the lows that nearly broke him, and the decision that changed everything. From the streets to the studio, this is a story about what it really takes to heal, grow, and choose a different path.

If you've ever felt like your past defines your future, this episode is for you.

NZ First MP David Wilson joins Bernadette on The People's Platform to unpack the real pressures facing small business owners across New Zealand, from rising power costs and supermarket duopolies to banking profits leaving the country. They also dig into the growing skills shortage and why vocational training has been left behind in favour of university degrees, and what needs to change. Topics covered: Cost of living and its impact on small business Supermarket and energy market reform Sovereign wealth and buying back the Bank of New Zealand Regulation and compliance burden on business owners Apprenticeships and vocational training Key industries NZ should be investing in If you run a business, work in trades, or just want to understand where New Zealand's economy is headed, this one's worth a watch. Subscribe and follow The People's Platform for more conversations shaping New Zealand's future.