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Politics
Politics headlines with summaries.
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Jim Bolger: The master of the 'smoke-filled room'
16 Oct 2025Analysis: The former prime minister was never afraid of expressing his opinion, even when facing brutal polling and stormy political seas, but he was skilled at picking his fights. Audio
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Science fund shake-up raises potential for political interference - Royal Society
16 Oct 2025However MBIE, which will take over administration of the Marsden Fund, says the board is required by law to be independent.
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Government to cut rules for home-based cake makers
16 Oct 2025It's promising to make it cheaper and easier for hobby bakers to sell their goods.
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'Essential integrity': Bolger believed in doing 'the right thing' by Māori
16 Oct 2025Jim Bolger often stood up to his own team when overseeing the fractious process that led to a Treaty settlement, a Ngāi Tahu leader says. Audio
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Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger dies aged 90
16 Oct 2025A pragmatist who disliked being called a pragmatist, Bolger led the country through a tumultuous '90s and the first MMP government. Audio
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Sometimes Parliament needs plot summaries
16 Oct 2025Parliament is always a story of continuing business, but plot summaries were needed this week to reveal 'the story so far…'.
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Transport Minister Chris Bishop backs calls for harsher driving fines
The Automobile Association told Morning Report many of the penalties had gone unchanged this millennium. Audio
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Sean Plunket calls for Broadcasting Standards Authority to be disbanded
16 Oct 2025The host of The Platform says a decision about a listener's complaint has been made 'completely illegally'.
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'Footnote in history': Constitutional experts shrug off Regulatory Standards Bill tweaks
16 Oct 2025David Seymour says NZ First's changes to his bill are a 'win-win', not a backdown - but experts say the way it's been handled means it is unlikely to have lasting impact.
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'He didn't flinch': Jim Bolger, the Great Helmsman, remembered
16 Oct 2025"He loved the idea of politics," Sir John Key says, as Christopher Luxon remembers a "leader of conviction" and Ruth Richardson applauds his bravery. Audio
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Whanganui elects first Māori ward councillors as voters signal support for seats
15 Oct 2025Whanganui's first Māori ward councillors say their election marks both a milestone for local democracy and a call to strengthen Māori participation in local government.
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Teen accused of threatening to kill MP appears in court
16 Oct 2025The charges relate to threats allegedly made earlier this year to Benjamin Doyle.
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Govt should sell state homes and give tenants rent vouchers, think tank says
16 Oct 2025A New Zealand Initiative report says large-scale government housing ownership is wasteful and not the most effective way to help people into homes.
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Broadcasting watchdog accused of 'Soviet era stasi' censorship
16 Oct 2025Winston Peters, Free Speech Union and veteran journalist Sean Plunket react to BSA's decision to regulate podcasts and online media.
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Greens warn Brownlee over becoming 'fashion police'
15 Oct 2025The Speaker has given MPs a dressing down over falling standards around leave, attendance and dress. Audio
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Kapa-Kingi has 'no regrets' about turning on Te Pāti Māori
15 Oct 2025The prominent activist says he knew he would be "dragged through the mud".
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Free breast screening opens up for thousands more women
15 Oct 2025From this week, women aged 70 and 74 will be able to access free mammograms, the government has announced.
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Polls and trolls: Is violent online abuse turning women away
15 Oct 2025Tory Whanau's candid speech on the relentless online abuse she faced as Wellington mayor would not been reassuring for candidates waiting for local election results.
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The pig welfare reforms that roll back pig welfare
15 Oct 2025Changes announced by the animal welfare minister turn out not to be what they say on the label.
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Should we be cutting taxes on KiwiSaver?
15 Oct 2025New Zealand's pension system has been ranked 17th out of 52 in a new global list, with suggestions for how it could be improved.
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High hopes hospitality review will ease 'frustrations' for operators
The industry is hoping a ministerial review of regulations will cut costs and make it easier for businesses to thrive and grow.
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Where to next for Te Pāti Māori after ructions
15 Oct 2025A former co-leader says the party needs to take stock and have a clear vision for the election. Audio
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Regulations Ministry to review hospitality sector
15 Oct 2025The review will cover regulations for restaurants, cafes, bars, food stalls at markets, food trucks, caterers, and hotels, but exclude gambling regulations.
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Ads can now be broadcast on Christmas
15 Oct 2025It could generate a multimillion dollar annual boost for the industry. Audio
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