Chris Bramwell
Trevor Mallard behind idea for more play time at Parliament
A playground with a slide, tunnel, stepping stones and maze will be built on a small lawn in front of the Beehive in a bid to make Parliament more family friendly. Speaker Trevor Mallard tells Deputy… Audio
Jim Bolger to lead working group on collective negotiations
The former prime minister will head a working group aimed at setting up Fair Pay Agreements between unions and employers, and establishing minimum terms and conditions of employment for all workers in… Video, Audio
Focus on Politics: Prisons
New Zealand's prison population has been increasing quite rapidly over the past few years. In 2013 there were just over 8200 people incarcerated in New Zealand, the prison muster as of now is 10,481… Audio
Will Opposition vote 'no confidence' in Mallard as Speaker?
It's been more tense than usual in Parliament over the past week, with an escalating dispute between National Party MPs and the Speaker of the House, Trevor Mallard. On Thursday Mr Mallard ordered… Audio
Speaker refuses to respond to National's demands
A particularly testy session unfolded in Parliament today when National demanded Speaker Trevor Mallard respond to comments about an alleged sexist remark against the Prime Minister. Audio
Specialty producers not happy with EU trade deal
While a free trade agreement could pump billions of dollars into the economy, one cheese producer says a trade deal would hurt the speciality cheese industry. Video, Audio
Govt wants to house bailed offenders in state houses
Justice Minister Andrew Little says people on bail and parole are being routinely told they can't stay in a state houses so have to remain in prison, putting even more stress on an already strained… Video, Audio
Focus on Politics: Budget 2018
The Finance Minister, Grant Robertson, delivered the coalition Government's first budget this week, spreading the spending widely, but also keeping three-billion dollars in the kitty. Our Deputy… Audio
Special coverage of the Budget 2018
Susie Ferguson presents coverage of the 2018 Budget, with expert analysis and commentary from RNZ correspondents. Audio
Focus on Politics: Family violence
The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has promised her Government will bring down the rates of child poverty, and wants to address one of the key drivers of that - family violence. New Zealand's domestic… Audio
PM announces another $76m for family violence services
The Women's Refuge and Salvation Army say it's a huge relief to get a funding boost as its staff and services have been stretched to the limit over the past decade. Audio
Father denied paid parental leave after partner dies in childbirth
A father who wasn't eligible for paid parental leave after his partner died in childbirth says it's an incredible relief that he'll receive an ex-gratia payment from the government. Audio
Passing waka-jumping bill 'irresponsible' - National
The National Party says it would be breathtakingly arrogant for the Government to pass the waka-jumping legislation given the opposition to it in public submissions. The legislation is being… Audio
Waka-jumping bill 'undemocratic', constitutional experts warn
A group of constitutional law experts has warned MPs that the Government's waka-jumping legislation is undemocratic and should not be passed. The bill, which is part of Labour and New Zealand First's… Audio
Shane Jones wants public service to move faster
Whilst acknowledging he has no control over the state sector, Mr Jones says he's been astounded at how long it takes for urgent projects to be rolled out in the regions. Video, Audio
Focus on Politics: Meet Marama Davidson
The Green Party finally has a new female co-leader after several months, but Marama Davidson has her work cut out for her. Since the election there has been fierce debate within the party's membership… Audio
Davidson to focus on communication in Greens
The Green Party is being told it risks losing votes unless it ditches its deal to share parliamentary questions with National. The party has had a rough six months, with members railing against… Audio
Govt to make it harder to build houses on productive land
New Zealand's urban sprawl is eating up some of the country's most versatile land, prompting the government to consider new controls around intensification of land in some areas. Audio
Focus on Politics: Oil and gas ban
From the moment she became leader, Jacinda Ardern, has made it clear that tackling climate change is one of her primary focuses. So it should have been no surprise this week that she announced her… Audio
Labour walks tightrope with coalition partners over exploration halt
The government has announced it won't grant any more offshore oil and gas permits, a move the Green party is claiming as a win. But National says it will send 'a chill down the spine of NZ… Video, Audio