Policy

In a world first, authorised Australian psychiatrists can now prescribe MDMA and psilocybin. As of 1 July, psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms and MDMA, commonly known as… Audio

An inquiry from Parliament's transport committee has recommended officials begin feasibility studies into four North Island rail routes -- a proposal opposition parties say they won't be supporting.

… Audio

A parliamentary inquiry into regional passenger rail has put four North Island routes on the table.

The inquiry, which received 1752 submissions, looked at the viability of getting passenger trains… Audio

Chief human rights commissioner, Paul Hunt, says extra help is urgently needed to fix the country's deeply flawed housing system.

The Commission released a Housing Inquiry report today in conjunction… Audio

Close to 700 vehicles in Auckland could be on the road illegally after an investigation found that a repair shop has been issuing warrants of fitness not done by a certified inspector.

Waka Kotahi… Audio

The Prime Minister's chief science advisor has warned the country can't arrest its way out of the gang problem.

Dame Juliet Gerrard spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio

The Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor has warned the country can't arrest its way out of the gang problem.

Dame Juliet Gerrard has quietly released a report on gangs that was requested last year… Audio

The head of the government agency that recently took over monitoring of Oranga Tamariki says the current time is a big test of his newly reconstituted office's capacity.

The Independent Children's… Audio

The government is moving to scrap the so-called postcode lottery for surgery, beginning with cataract operations.

Under the old system, district health boards had different thresholds for who… Audio

Eye surgeons are warning they may not be able to cope with an increased demand for cataract operations now that more patients will qualify.

The government is trying to remove the post code lottery… Audio

A former employee of a controversial chemical plant in New Plymouth wonders if the death of his first child from spina bifida was related to his time working there.

The multi-national company Dow is… Audio

Motorists are taking advantage of the last day of the government's fuel subsidy, with long lines forming at some fuel stations.

The 25 cents a litre discount for petrol will end at midnight, as well… Audio

If you have something to say about bilingual road signs, the final deadline for submissions is 5pm this afternoon.

Waka Kotahi and Te Mātawai have a package of 94 bilingual traffic signs they… Audio

Petrol prices will jump up around 29 cents from tomorrow, as cuts on petrol excise duty and road user charges end.

The government's 25 cents per litre discount will be added back on and, when GST is… Audio

We will wave good-bye to another lot of single-use plastics tomorrow.

Plastic produce bags and stickers, plates, bowls, cutlery and straws are being taken off the shelves, and businesses can be fined… Audio

The Government's transport subsidies end tonight.

Both the fuel tax and full priced public transport fares for adults over 25 will then be reinstated from tomorrow, July 1.

Motorists are already… Audio

Young New Zealanders planning to head to the UK on their OE are getting an extra five years to do so, with the age limit being raised from 30 to 35 from July 1.

Also, visas under the Youth Mobility… Audio

Officials are still trying to reach those who haven't done this year's Census, with community events and incentives. The final deadline to complete the Census is tomorrow at 5pm. The unofficial… Video, Audio

The Government has announced it will help businesses affected by recent weather events to secure cheaper loans, rather than giving them cash.

Hawke's Bay growers previously asked for $750 million to… Audio