Demelza Leslie
Focus on Politics for 13 April 2012
Politicians agree that oral health is one issue that flies under the radar, but they say it is a serious health concern that needs to be tackled sooner, rather than later. Audio
Government accused of being anti-democratic
The Government is being accused of being anti-democratic with its move to block a Labour Party members' bill before it has even been debated in Parliament. Audio
Greens say Govt is hiding the real cost of its new schools
The Green Party says the Government's decision not to release the financial details of its first school public private partnership shows it has something to hide. Audio
Labour confident of numbers to pass parental leave bill
The Labour Party is confident it will have the numbers needed to pass a members' bill that would extend paid parental leave to six months. Audio
Labour confident their parental leave bill will pass
The Labour Party is confident its members' bill to extend paid parental leave will pass. Audio
Short committee process will consider new dairy laws
Parliament has voted to fast-track the public consultation period for legislation paving the way for Fonterra's controversial plan to allow farmers to trade shares. Audio
Country's top foreign diplomats summoned to Wellington
The country's top diplomats have been called to a meeting in Wellington today to discuss the proposed cuts to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Audio
Government defends handling of Christchurch housing crisis
The Government is defending its handling of the housing crisis in Christchurch. Audio
Greens renewing calls for moratorium on fracking
The Green Party is renewing calls for a moratorium on the mining practice known as fracking while an official investigation is carried out. Audio
Controversial search and surveillance bill passes final reading
Opposition MPs says the new laws go too far. Audio
Ministers say they wouldn't have provided a reference
Opposition MPs are demanding the Prime Minister sack Nick Smith over a reference the former ACC Minister wrote for a friend battling the Accident Compensation Corporation. Audio
Government warned to handle reforms carefully
The Government is being warned not to pare back the activities of local councils too much, as it tries to rein-in spending and keep rates under control. Audio
Politican dismiss Chinese Embassy warning
Politicians are dismissing as an empty threat a warning by the Chinese Embassy that future investment in New Zealand hinges on the outcome of a bid to buy the 16 Crafar dairy farms. Audio
Prime Minister says merit in merging a number of Ministries
The Prime Minister, John Key, says the Government is using the newly formed Ministry for Primary Industries as a blueprint for bringing compatible portfolios together. Audio
Parliament's Speaker to continue to pay for MP's note-takers
Money for the technology to assist the profoundly deaf MP Mojo Mathers will continue to come from the Speaker's budget, for now. Audio
Opposition say state-owned assets sale legislation a con
Opposition parties say the Government's legislation to partially sell four state-owned energy companies is a con. Audio
Labour says government's asset sales legislation flawed
The opposition Labour Party says the Government's legislation to sell shares in four state-owned energy companies is full of holes. Audio
Straterra seeks debate on mining
A mineral industry group, Straterra, hopes a new Government report on how to promote environmentally sustainable economic growth will spark further public debate on which resources should be mined… Audio
Focus on Politics for 2 March 2012
The Government's been accused of trying to push people off welfare at a time when there are no jobs. Audio
Education Minister grilled on sex offender teacher
Parents at a primary school where a convicted sex offender worked undetected for two years are shocked and angry at the Government. Audio
