News
Green Party leaders: 2022 went 'phenomenally well'
In their end-of-year interview with RNZ, the duo reflect on 2022, and lay out their plans for election year and beyond.
Covid-19 inquiry: Govt looks for 'lessons' as Opposition seeks to expose flaws
The government hopes a Royal Commission into its Covid-19 response will provide the strongest possible playbook for any future pandemic.
Government considering extension to healthy homes deadline
The government has confirmed it is considering extending the deadline for landlords to comply with its Healthy Homes standards.
Kiwis' rights in Australia: No mention of 501 policy in 'family' lecture
Australia's Home Affairs minister Clare O'Neil has ignored its controversial 501 deportation policy when speaking about the rights of New Zealanders living in Australia.
Groundswell group delivers petition calling for stop to farm-level emissions scheme
A petition calling on the government to stop its farm-level emissions pricing scheme has been delivered to Parliament. But a minister who received it says its aims are at odds with the sectors own…
'Great day for democracy' - Government reaches compromise on electoral law change
The government has reached a compromise with National in order to get its new electoral legislation over the line.
Under-fire Labour turns sights on bank profits and fuel
Labour faithful were in fine form at the party's annual conference last weekend, but an unflattering political poll on Sunday soon soured the mood.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - roused by…
AudioNational confirms Uffindell's new roles after MP makes Instagram announcement
National MP Sam Uffindell appears to have gazumped both his party and his leader in announcing his new portfolios.
Govt pledges existing firearms licence holders won't be penalised by application backlog
The government will ensure existing firearms owners don't get caught out in a predicted backlog of new licence applications. Audio
Luxon: Barbara Kuriger's position was 'untenable'
National Party leader Christopher Luxon says his MP Barbara Kuriger's position had become "untenable," something Kuriger herself also admitted.
'No regrets' from Minister over $15m loan to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
The government went in eyes-wide-open when it loaned Ruapehu Alpine Lifts $15 million and it has no regrets, the minister of economic and regional development says.
'They effed up': Poverty report stokes demands for stronger action
The government is hailing the latest child poverty report as evidence its approach is working, but critics on the front line say it's a reminder of how much more needs doing.
Faafoi rejects criticism over new lobbying boss role
Less than three months after leaving Parliament, former government minister Kris Faafoi is heading up a new PR and lobbying firm.
Could the monarchy be replaced on NZ money?
A Wellington tauira has launched a petition calling for the Reserve Bank to replace the monarch in the next redesign of coins and notes, with images that better represent New Zealand.
Queen's death reignites discussions over constitution and Te Tiriti
In today's Focus on Politics podcast NZ Political Reporters Katie Scotcher, Anneke Smith and Giles Dexter explore what the debate about the role of the monarchy in New Zealand - and the possibility of…
AudioHow government's youth crime rhetoric misses the bigger picture
In today's Focus on Politics podcast Political Reporter Giles Dexter reviews the government's approach to youth crime, and examines what is missing from the debate.
AudioHipkins defends Crime Prevention Fund: 'I expect the programme to ramp up'
Police Minister Chris Hipkins is defending the $6 million Crime Prevention Fund which has only helped five businesses and remains - for now - entirely unspent.
'We just don't want anyone to ever end up having to go through what we did'
Families of men killed in the 2010 Pike River Mine explosion say new public service standards will ensure no families have to go through what they did.
Broadcasting Minister open to discussing independence of new public media entity
With less than a year until its launch, Broadcasting Minister Willie Jackson says he is willing to address opposition concerns over the independence of the new government funded public media entity.
Petition to expel Russian ambassador delivered to Parliament
A petition has been delivered to Parliament, calling for the Russian ambassador to be expelled, and for New Zealand to sever diplomatic relations.
Ngāi Tahu gains right to appoint two Environment Canterbury councillors
Ngāi Tahu will get guaranteed representation and decision-making powers on Canterbury's regional council Ecan.
PM announces $15m to support Samoa with climate change priorities
The government is also pledging $12m to rebuild Apia's Savalalo Market, a historic market which was destroyed by a fire in 2016.
PM stresses unique nature of New Zealand-Samoa friendship
Jacinda Ardern has acknowledged New Zealand's unique relationship with Samoa, as the two countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship.
Mayors celebrate govt's 'eyewatering' infrastructure contribution
Seven mayors around the country are toasting securing government funding, which will take care of crucial infrastructure in their towns or districts, and allow them to build more houses.
'The toughest term': Mayors grapple with pace and scale of reforms
Mayors say the speed and scale of local government reforms are challenging local councils whose staff are "flat out" dealing with all the changes required by government.