Demelza Leslie
New laws are passed to pull synthetic drugs off shelves
From midnight it will be illegal to sell, supply or possess synthetic drugs. Parliament has rushed through legislation under urgency that will effectively ban all synthetic cannabis and party pills. Audio
Prime Minister accused of being soft on Justice Minister
Political reporter Demelza Leslie with reactions to the PM's stance on Judith Collins' ongoing conduct. Audio
Pressure mounts on Justice Minister Judith Collins
Justice Minister Judith Collins today faces her first Question Time in Parliament since lashing out at a political journalist. Audio
Maori Party no closer to naming female co-leader
The Maori Party is still no closer to naming a female co-leader to replace Tariana Turia despite naming two new candidates to contest this year's election. Audio
Government funding described as bare-minimum
The Government's funding boost to help the victims of sexual violence is being described as the bare-minimum needed to keep the sector afloat. Audio
Testing on animals could be a stumbling block
Testing on animals could be a stumbling block to law changes which would remove all synthetic cannabis from shop shelves. Audio
Green Party pushing for overhaul of defence force
The Green Party is pushing for a complete overhaul of the country's defence force strategy. The Greens say the Defence Force should only be used for peacekeeping, search and rescue, disaster relief… Audio
Some senior Labour MPs say party has a hard job on its hands
The shock decision of list MP Shane Jones to quit Parliament has left some Labour supporters feeling disgruntled. Audio
Inequality
The gap between rich and poor in New Zealand. What are the political parties planning to do to address inequality in the run up to the election? Audio
Rape counselling services say the sector is starving
Rape counselling services have told a parliamentary inquiry that the sector is starved of funding and desperately needs help. Audio
PM denies his presence at ACT fundraiser a nod to voters
The Prime Minister says it's a step too far to say his attendence at an ACT Party fundraiser, is a nod to National voters in Epsom to support ACT's candidate at the election. Audio
Insight for 13 April 2014 - NZ's love affair with China
Demelza Leslie explores if bold trade targets with China are achievable. Audio
Trade Minister says businesses ignorant of China
The Trade Minister says New Zealand businesses will have to stop being ignorant of the Chinese culture if they want to expand trade there. Audio
Free trade deal considered for New Zealand
The Prime Minister, John Key, says he's pulled off a significant feat in Europe in convincing leaders there to consider negotiating a free trade deal with New Zealand. Audio
Our reporter on first day talks at the Hague
The crisis in Ukraine has dominated talks on the first day of the Nuclear Security Summit in the Hague. Audio
John Key arrives in the Hague for security summit
The Prime Minister, John Key, arrives at the Hague today to attend the third Nuclear Security Summit. Audio
John Key says Judith Collins story consistent
The Prime Minister says he doesn't see any inconsistencies with what Judith Collins has said about a dinner she had in China with the dairy exporter Oravida and a senior border control official. Audio
PM explains botulism false alarm on Chinese television
The Prime Minister has spoken live to millions of Chinese in two state media television interviews this afternoon to explain the Fonterra contamination scare. Audio
Direct trading between NZ and Chinese countries
New Zealand's economic ties with China have been strengthened by an agreement to allow direct trading between both countries currencies. Audio
John Key arrives in China
The Prime Minister, John Key, arrives in China today to brief leaders there on the outcome of the Government investigations into the Fonterra botulism scare. Audio
