Mei Heron
Govt snipes at Air NZ over regional flights
The government's telling Air New Zealand it could wield influence over the airline when appointments to its board come up for renewal later this year. Shane Jones has publicly criticised the airline… Audio
National apologises for collecting people's email addresses
The National Party has been forced to say sorry to potentially thousands of people who signed up to local petitions, then got emails asking for money. RNZ political reporter Mei Heron explains. Audio
Investigation begins into whether Govt spied on Greenpeace, earthquake victims
The State Services Commission has appointed Doug Martin, a senior public servant, to investigate whether Southern Response spied on its customers, and whether MBIE spied on Greenpeace. Audio
Ardern aims for 'partnership' with Pacific nations
Jacinda Ardern has spent the week on a whirlwind Pacific Mission trip, stopping in Samoa, Niue, Tonga and the Cook Islands. It was her first trip to the Pacific as Prime Minister and she took the… Audio
Ardern pledges support for cyclone-shocked Tongan children
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is promising help for Tongan children traumatised by Cyclone Gita and says New Zealand was too slow responding to children caught up in the Christchurch earthquakes. Ms… Audio
PM Jacinda Ardern unveils $10m in aid for Tonga
It's less than a month since Tonga was battered by the cyclone which destroyed hundreds of houses and its 125-year-old Parliament and damaged more than half of its schools. Video, Audio
NZ PM visits cyclone-damaged Tonga
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has visited cyclone damaged Tonga as part of her whirlwind trip across the Pacific. Audio
Government to review pension rules for Niueans
The Government is looking at its pension rules to see if Niueans living in New Zealand can return home and still collect their super. Audio
Prime Minister lands in Niue to family welcome
The self-described 'daughter of Niue' has arrived home - or to her second home, as Jacinda Ardern calls it - to a catch up with her parents and sister. Video, Audio
Statistics Minister Shaw confident of Census success
It's Census Day today and the man ultimately responsible for its success or failure, won't be filling out a form. Statistics Minister James Shaw is part of the Prime Minister's delegation touring the… Audio
Ardern pledges $10m to Samoa development
Questions are being asked about New Zealand's relationship with China as the Government continues what it calls its Pacific reset. Jacinda Ardern is currently in Samoa where she has said New Zealand… Audio
NZ leader making a whirlwind Pacific tour
The New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is leading her first official tour to Pacific Island nations. Audio
New Zealand gives Samoa $10 million
New Zealand has given $10m to Samoa to help the country tackle climate change and boost its economy. Jacinda Ardern made the announcement on her inaugural visit to the Pacific as prime minister. Video, Audio
Ardern kicks of first Pacific trip with visit to Samoa
The government has kicked off what it calls the "Pacific reset" with Jacinda Ardern beginning her first trip to the region as Prime Minister. It comes after Foreign Minister Winston Peters promised to… Audio
Bill English signs off with emotional speech
The 56-year-old farmer from Dipton has officially signed off with a final emotional speech in Parliament where he spoke about his 27 year-career. Video, Audio
National MPs arrive at Parliament to vote on new leader
The hopefuls in the National Party leadership are arriving at Parliament for the vote on Tuesday to elect a new leader. The RNZ gallery team are there to talk to them. Audio
MPs warned of social media perils after Bishop's Snapchat
Politicians have been warned about the perils of social media after a National MP was forced to change how he used the app Snapchat. Chris Bishop has stopped communicating directly with young people… Audio
Focus on Politics: Medicinal cannabis
Two pieces of legislation on medicinal cannabis have been before Parliament this week, raising questions about who should be allowed to grow and access the drug. A Government bill, which lays the… Audio
Govt announces Royal Commission into abuse in state care
The government has announced it will hold a Royal Commission into state abuse which will be chaired by former Governor General, Sir Anand Satyanand. Video, Audio
MPs debate Chloe Swarbrick's medicinal cannabis bill
Green MP Chloe Swarbrick's medicinal cannabis bill is being debated in Parliament. She says she's been crunching the numbers and it's likely to come down to a handful of MPs. Video, Audio