John was joined by Labour Leader Chris Hipkins on the show today for their regular catch up.

John was keen to find out where Labour stands really on oil and gas exploration in New Zealand - if they get back into power will they honour any contracts in place? Does Hipkins agree with the proposed speed limit change on the Southern Motorway, given the Road To Zero campaign it supported? And is it time for a Super City Council in Canterbury in his view? 

Labour's leader is encouraging councils to take a closer look at their governance structure. 

Some councils in the lower South Island have voted this week to continue discussions on creating unitary authorities.  

Chris Hipkins told Canterbury Mornings it's a good thing to talk about amalgamation in the context of improving local government services. 

He says it's a conversation local councils should have with many councils in New Zealand relative to its size.  

Hipkins says if you were to design a local government system on a blank piece of paper you wouldn't design the one we have.  

LISTEN ABOVE