Politics
Heated exchange between MPs during scrutiny week session
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has labelled the conduct of Labour MPs "unbecoming" after a fiery scrutiny week appearance which saw accusations of name-calling and conspiracy-thinking. Acting… Audio
Local govt shake-up: A complicated job for a complex system
Regional councils have to find a different way of operating that cuts down on double ups and layers of bureaucracy.
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 2 December 2025
Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report; The mother of a girl who ate a potentially mouldy school meal is disgusted students were served gone off food; The World Health Organisation… Audio
'Incredibly Shakespearean': How political leaders get rolled
Explainer - What happens if National or Labour MPs decide to turn on their party's leaders?
'Eggs in one basket': Commission warns MPs over carbon removal plan
The Climate Change Commission says there are risks with relying on forestry for the country's carbon removal.
'Won't work': Mayor hits out at government's new rates cap
Wayne Brown has taken aim at the policy, suggesting the government should start paying rates on its own properties. Audio
Government announces 4% council rates rise cap
The government's long-awaited rates cap is likely to start with minimum increases of two percent and a maximum of four percent, and would take effect from the start of 2027.
Mayors warn of more charges due to rates rise cap
Mayors are warning we may be charged for libraries and see price hikes for other council services as the Government puts a cap on rates rises. Gisborne District Council mayor Rehette Stoltz spoke to… Audio
Infrastructure Commission suggests phased approach to building new highways
MPs have voiced concerns at the affordability of the government's Roads of National Significance project at the start of Scrutiny Week.
World News Wrap for 2 December 2025
Let's catch up with what's been going on around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins. Audio
Local government's big shakeup
Regional councils have to find a different way of operating that cuts down on double ups and layers of bureaucracy Audio
Budget, City Rail behind proposed rate hike - Auckland Mayor
Wayne Brown says his proposal is focused on delivering smarter services and faster progress to strengthen communities and businesses.
Local councils relieved with govt's rates capping approach
But some want assurance the policy will not affect local councils' ability to invest in core services and infrastructure.
Public Service Commission's social media advertising under review
The Commission purchased the adverts with a small amount of public money and ran them during the public sector strikes.
Details of council rates cap revealed
Councils are once again being told to start living within their means and focus on the basics, with the government releasing details of its long-awaited rates cap. Instead of a fixed cap, the… Audio
Lost Property: How Police Lost Two Houses and an Iwi's Trust
MATA Reports investigates how two rundown police houses in the Horowhenua town of Shannon slipped through the cracks of government process when they were supposed to be protected within a treaty… Video, Audio
Seymour, Bennett defend $357k exit payment to former Pharmac head
A $357,000 payout to the former chief executive of Pharmac was "well beyond the norm in the public sector", says Labour.
Commissioner 'determined' to prevent another McSkimming saga
Richard Chambers wants to ensure there will never be a repeat of the "group think" and closed ranks that blocked an investigation. Audio
Political commentators Liam Hehir and Lianne Dalziel
Kathryn, Liam and Lianne discuss recent events in politics. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 1 December 2025
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report; Doctors will be able to apply for loans of up to half a million dollars to buy into or start a practice under a proposed policy from Labour… Audio