Anneke Smith
Defence experts sound alarm over new deployment to Middle East
Experts are warning New Zealand's latest deployment to the Middle East could be interpreted as supporting Israel in the Gaza conflict.
A team of six Defence Force personnel are being deployed to… Audio
Foreign Minister rules out expelling the Russian ambassador
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has ruled out expelling the Russian ambassador. This, despite his coalition partners National and ACT calling for an expulsion earlier this year. MPs had their… Audio
Wellingtonians in 2 minds about axing Let's Get Wellington Moving
Wellingtonians have expressed mixed feelings about the axing of the capital's major transport project. The new government and local councils have met and agreed to put an end to Let's Get Wellington… Audio
Labour's Kelvin Davis quits politics, lays down Waitangi challenge for new govt
Senior Labour MP Kelvin Davis has called time on politics so as not to grow "bitter" and "angry" on the opposition benches. The former deputy leader has held ministerial roles in Corrections… Audio
Political panel: Rowdy week in the house
It's been a fairly rowdy week in the house. RNZ political reporter Anneke Smith, and Stuff political editor Luke Malpass spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Big ticket defence spending decisions loom this term
The government will have to make some hard decisions on defence spending this term. A key report - outlining what needs to be spent to make the force fit for purpose - is due back in less than a year… Audio
Government rushes to scrap Reserve Bank's employment mandate
Legislation to scrap the Reserve Bank's mandate to protect jobs is being rushed through Parliament under urgency. It's one of the coalition government's first moves in power - aimed at bringing down… Audio
Opposition pleas for immediate ceasefire in Gaza go unheeded
"No person with any ounce of moral courage can see this as anything but horrific." Labour's Damien O'Connor has made an impassioned speech in the house saying Israel's actions in Gaza constitute… Audio
Dame Rangimārie Naida Glavish split on government's approach to te reo Māori
The government has partially walked back comments that it's looking to put a stop to bonuses for public servants proficient in te reo Māori. Public Services Minister Nicola Willis told RNZ she was… Audio
Prime Minister Luxon to lead first cabinet meeting
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will run his first Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
He says the new coalition government's "number one job" is fixing the economy and he wants to see thousands of public… Audio
Coalition korero: Ministerial jobs the last sticking point
The ministerial jobs is all that's left to debate over, for the three parties stitching together a government. ACT and New Zealand First have agreed to each other's policy documents, but incoming… Video, Audio
Almost three weeks in on negotiations to form Government
The negotiations to form a government are now in the midst of their eighteenth day - and there is no real clue when these ongoing talks might end. The incoming Pime Minister Christopher Luxon says… Audio
Coalition deal imminent, short of a deadline
A coalition deal appears imminent as the partners agree on policy programmes - though New Zealanders remain none the wiser as to what they are.
Incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says National… Audio
Leaders to meet again as pressure mounts on Luxon to form government
The pressure is on Christopher Luxon to crack on and form a new government.
While all three parties agree they are close to a deal - they still haven't got one two weeks after the final election… Audio
Climate activist from Restore Passenger Rail could receive payout after arrest
A climate activist with the 'Restore Passenger Rail' protest group could get a compensation payout after being arrested while putting up posters.
A number of the protestors are before the court… Audio
'Zero' chance of ACT's treaty referendum surviving negotiations - Former National PM
Former National Party Prime Minister Jim Bolger is putting ACT's chances of getting referendum on the Treaty of Waitangi at zero.
ACT has staunchly lobbied for a constitutional rewrite - calling for… Audio
NZ Muslim and Jewish communities on edge as Israel-Hamas conflict escalates
New Zealand's Muslim and Jewish communities are on edge as the Israel-Gaza conflict escalates.
The war's ripple effects have so far been contained to small - and relatively peaceful - protests here… Audio
Spy agency keeping an eye on violence threat as Israel Hamas war worsens
The head of the country's spy agency says it's keeping a close watch for any threats of violence here as the Israel Hamas war worsens.
The Five Eyes bosses have been meeting in San Francisco with the… Audio
MPs arriving in the capital for first day in Parliament
New MPs have been arriving in the capital on Monday, as they begin their first day in Parliament.
But it's not all been all smiles and excitement - many MPs have landed at Wellington airport facing… Audio
National & Labour hold final rallies before wrapping up campaign
The election campaign ends tonight, after a long six weeks on the road for politicians trying to sell their vision to voters. The hoardings have to come down tonight, and from tomorrow, there'll be a… Video, Audio