Focus on Politics

As New Zealanders try to make sense of the Christchurch terror attack, questions persist about the role of the intelligence agencies, both past and future. Audio

On 15 March 2019, a gunman opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch, killing 50 people, and changing New Zealand forever. RNZ political reporter Craig McCulloch looks back on how politicians… Read more Audio

NZ First MP and government minister Shane Jones has found himself in the hot seat this week, facing accusations of a conflict of interest, "pork-barrel politics", and general buffoonery. But while the… Read more Audio

News the so-called Kiwi jihadi Mark Taylor had been discovered in a Kurdish jail in Syria has prompted a broader debate about an issue many countries are grappling with - should citizens who left… Read more Audio

This week the Opposition has put the boot into the government over the increasing costs being imposed on landlords. Our Political Reporter Jo Moir looks at the effect of new rental property standards… Read more Audio

Recommendations for an overhaul of the tax are out, but it will be at least two months before the plan the coalition government intends to adopt is made clear. Audio

The spotlight has sharply turned this week on to the relationship between New Zealand and China after a series of apparent snubs by the rising superpower towards this country. Our Deputy Political… Read more Audio

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has kicked off her so-called year of delivery with another extended trip to Waitangi. A year ago she told Maori to hold her and her Government to account on whether they… Read more Audio

The political year is picking up pace with the caucus retreat for Labour this past week, a State of the Nation speech from National's Simon Bridges and the first Cabinet meeting of 2019. The problems… Read more Audio

KiwiBuild was supposed to be the coalition government's answer to the housing affordability crisis, but it has hit the rocks before the end of its first year. Housing Minister Phil Twyford this week… Read more Audio

As Parliament closes for Christmas MPs have been reflecting on a turbulent political year, and the first year under the coalition government. At the helm is Jacinda Ardern, who as well as becoming… Read more Audio