Focus on Politics

Weekly insight into the political issues that matter from RNZ's gallery team.

Produced by RNZ Political Reporters

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Move-on powers move safety nets into the spotlight

Police will be able to tell rough sleepers and 'disorderly' people to move on, with the government announcing new powers and penalties. But move on to where? Political reporter Giles Dexter looks at how these powers would work in practice, whether the government has adequately resourced the safety nets, and what a 'reasonable distance' looks like.
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Focus on Politics: Composite of Paul Goldsmith, Mark Mitchell and rough sleepers

Coalition pulls a U-turn on Auckland housing plans

The coalition has weakened housing intensification plans in Auckland after backlash from proponents of heritage homes. Political reporter Anneke Smith lays how the government got here and why there's still uncertainty about how Auckland will grow.
Focus on Politics: Composite of Chris Bishop with apartment building and Auckland skyline.

Gas plan derailed by definitional dispute

When is a tax not a tax? That question derailed this week's gas announcement, as ministers scrambled to explain a new levy despite having promised "no new taxes". RNZ's acting political editor Craig McCulloch examines the fallout in Focus on Politics.
Focus on Politics: Christopher Luxon and Simon Watts with gas cook top and LNG bottles in background.

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