Focus on Politics

Following revelations the Ministry of Social Development had implemented performance measures related to cutting the number of people in emergency housing, political reporter Lauren Crimp takes a look at the reaction and asks the top boss whether they've left more people sleeping on the streets. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

National made its first major election year policy announcement this week. If elected, it would make KiwiSaver compulsory, including for those over 65 still working, automatically enroll babies and provide government contributions to those on parental leave. The suite of changes would cost more than a billion dollars over four years. New Zealand First said National had copied its own policy, and others are asking what the changes might mean for Superannuation.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A failed immigration technology project has left taxpayers more than $30 million out of pocket. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says officials misled Cabinet. Now an independent investigation is being launched into what went wrong. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has more. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Labour has finally joined the election campaign, unveiling its first major policy of the year: a public transport fare cap. But questions remain over the numbers, the funding, and whether already-stretched bus and rail networks can cope. RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch takes a look. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Focus on Politics, Russell Palmer recounts how and why a debate about nuclear free policy ended before it began, links to defence spending, and the impact on the relationship with Australia. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The government has delivered its third Budget pointing to an earlier return to surplus, but with no election-year lolly scramble. Political reporter Giles Dexter pores through the books, and looks at the looming debate over superannuation.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Focus on Politics, Russell Palmer asks if the government's public service cuts are made to measure, whether AI will help, and what it means for the election and beyond.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Te Pāti Māori's internal turmoil has exploded again - with MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi quitting to launch her own party and fresh questions swirling around the loyalties of two more MPs. Lillian Hanly unpacks the fractures in this week's Focus on Politics.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

GPs say the system is at breaking point - and they want politicians to listen. RNZ's deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes the temperature of primary care in this week's Focus on Politics. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The Free Trade Agreement with India has been signed, with National and New Zealand First continuing to disagree over what's been signed up to. Political reporter Giles Dexter examines how free the trade agreement actually is, and the coalition clash over investment and immigration.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Christopher Luxon has stared down his critics in caucus, forcing his MPs to demonstrate their loyalty with a dramatic vote of confidence. He survived the week - but still faces an almighty challenge in turning around poor polling and keeping together an increasingly fractious coalition. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Cyclone Vaianu has resurfaced difficult questions around resilience and retreat. And did New Zealand dodge disaster - or just over-do the warnings? RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch examines the fall-out from the latest weather bomb. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Focus on Politics, political reporter Lillian Hanly takes a look at a meeting between Foreign Minister Winston Peters and his US counterpart Marco Rubio, as President Donald Trump ramps up his threats toward Iran.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The fuel crisis has forced responses from the government on supply and cost, but the problem must be handled with care - and perceptions of a lack of support could see National's own support suffer. Labour is refusing to help by offering solutions, a strategy that may backfire. Political Reporter Russell Palmer gauges the parties' handling of a hot-button issue. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The coalition is urging calm in face of the war in the Middle East, insisting New Zealand has ample fuel supplies, while quietly exploring targeted cost-of-living relief. But as the price at the pump climbs, so too are the political stakes. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch breaks down the government's response in this week's Focus on Politics. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Former Labour MP Peeni Henare has called time on his 12 year career in Parliament. He sits down with political reporter Lillian Hanly to discuss his resignation, and the balancing act of "being Māori" and "being a politician." Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

As the government "acknowledges" the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, opposition parties are questioning their legality. Political reporter Giles Dexter looks at the response to the latest conflict, and the Prime Minister's struggle to articulate the government's position.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Police will be able to tell rough sleepers and 'disorderly' people to move on, with the government announcing new powers and penalties. But move on to where? Political reporter Giles Dexter looks at how these powers would work in practice, whether the government has adequately resourced the safety nets, and what a 'reasonable distance' looks like.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The coalition has weakened housing intensification plans in Auckland after backlash from proponents of heritage homes. Political reporter Anneke Smith lays how the government got here and why there's still uncertainty about how Auckland will grow. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

When is a tax not a tax? That question derailed this week's gas announcement, as ministers scrambled to explain a new levy despite having promised "no new taxes". RNZ's acting political editor Craig McCulloch examines the fallout in Focus on Politics.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The leaders of ACT, New Zealand First, Te Pāti Māori, and the Green Party sit down with RNZ's press gallery team to share their thoughts on 2025, and what they've got up their sleeves for election year.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

RNZ's political team sits down with the leaders of the two major parties - National's Christopher Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins - to reflect on 2025 and look forward to election year. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The government is telling councils to 'live within their means' and is introducing a rates cap. It's popular with ratepayers who have seen their bills skyrocket, but councils are warning it'll come at a cost of services. Coming hot on the heels of the government's move to abolish regional councils, political reporter Giles Dexter examines what councils and ratepayers may have to learn to live with.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Just six weeks after voters elected new regional councillors, their jobs now hang in the balance after a government proposal to abolish them. But do the promises of simplicity and savings hold up, and where does all this lead in the long term? In Focus on Politics, Russell Palmer examines the government's shakeup of councils and the tension points for the government. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The Arms Act has been home to New Zealand's gun laws since 1983, though it's had many, many iterations. The coalition has now overhauled the legislation - but it's not exactly the shake-up many were expecting. Political reporter Anneke Smith takes a closer look at the changes and explains why the ACT Party didn't get everything it wanted. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The IPCA's blistering report has torn open a years-long saga of misconduct and misplaced loyalty. In Focus on Politics, RNZ acting political editor Craig McCulloch lays out how the scandal unfolded.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

If you follow New Zealand politics, you'll want to follow Politics NZ. Get Nine to Noon Politics, The Whip, Morning Report's politicians panel, Focus on Politics, The House, and Context all in one feed.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Te Pāti Māori’s internal conflict has exploded into full public view. RNZ acting political editor Craig McCulloch unpacks how the turmoil unfolded - and whether there's any way back from the brink.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

RNZ acting political editor Craig McCulloch takes a look at Labour's long-awaited tax plan and the old ghosts now stirring.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The largest strike in decades swept the country this week - or at least tried to, as wild winds blew away rallies. Behind the picket lines, the government and unions traded accusations of bad faith and misrepresentation. In this week's Focus on Politics, RNZ's acting political editor Craig McCulloch unpacks the high-stakes fight for public sympathy.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Political reporter Anneke Smith looks into the government's plans to soften its targets for methane emissions - and what the farming and scientific communities think it means for the country, and the planet.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Te Pāti Māori has regrouped after the death of an MP, a confronting outburst about multiculturalism and a key ally - Toitū Te Tiriti - severing allegiance. It held a 'reset' at Parliament this week, though it ended in the party's co-leaders storming off when asked about allegations of dictatorial leadership. Our political reporter Lillian Hanly explains why and what the party was trying to achieve this week. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Focus on Politics this week, the government's struggle to convince with its big energy announcement augurs a stormy election season ahead. With National's coalition partners amping up for the election, political reporter Russell Palmer untangles an issue that promises to electrify the electorate. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A new Reserve Bank governor has been appointed, and Dr Anna Breman is well aware her first task will be to rebuild transparency and accountability at the central bank. In this week's Focus on Politics, political reporter Giles Dexter looks at the Reserve Bank's tumultuous year, and what fresh challenges await the incoming governor.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The latest RNZ-Reid Research poll showed a deadlocked Parliament and some uninspiring results for Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins. The public is increasingly pessimistic over the way the country's going, and more are blaming the current government for New Zealand's economic struggles. In this week's Focus on Politics, political reporter Giles Dexter digs into the poll results, and what the latest GDP figures mean for the government's growth agenda.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

There were plenty of political attacks flying around New Zealand First's annual general meeting last weekend and it's government partners weren't spared from some friendly fire. Roughly one year out from the election, government parties are making a real effort to differentiate themselves for votes. RNZ political reporter Russell Palmer examines how this is going and what impact it might have on coalition relationships. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The door to foreign home ownership was slammed shut by the Labour-New Zealand First coalition in 2018. Now, a slight tweak cracks it open for wealthy investors to buy - or build - one luxury home. What's the case for this carve out in the foreign buyers ban? Why do we have a ban in the first place? And why does Winston Peters' name keep coming up? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Labour's Peeni Henare and Te Pāti Māori's Oriini Kaipara are vying for the Māori seat made vacant by the shock passing of Takutai Tarsh Kemp. The contest is shaping up as one of a proven track record versus a refreshed movement, a former Labour Minister versus a first time candidate backed by a resurgent Te Pāti Māori. Political Reporter Lillian Hanly travels to Tāmaki Makaurau to meet the front-runners hoping to lead the electorate into the next election. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The coalition is under pressure from the cost-of-living crisis, with job losses, soaring food prices and a construction slowdown hitting hard. This week brought some policy changes and a Reserve Bank rate cut. On Focus on Politics, RNZ acting political editor Craig McCulloch looks at whether that relief will be enough to break the government’s winter of discontent. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

With political polls predicting a knife-edge election, what is the opposition promising, how could all three parties work together, and who's really in charge on that side of the house? In Focus on Politics, political reporter Anneke Smith takes a look at the state of the opposition one year out from the 2026 Election. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Focus on Politics, the government's long-expected rework of NCEA morphed into a full replacement - at least, that's how the prime minister sold it. Teachers and students alike are uncertain about the details and worried about the short timeframes, and some think 'scrap' may just mean 'rework'. RNZ Education Correspondent John Gerritsen examines the changes. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

As global powers like France, the UK and Canada move to recognise Palestine, New Zealand is increasingly finding itself out on its own. Opposition parties say it's time to act, but the coalition is holding the line - for now. In this week's Focus on Politics, Acting Political Editor Craig McCulloch asks why.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The debate over butter prices has National on the back foot, and the party is accusing the opposition of having no ideas - a seeming reversal from about this time in the last Parliamentary term. While the rhetoric from politicians has so far resulted in little real action, it all points to a deeper concern about cost of living. Political Reporter Russell Palmer tries to clarify the situation. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

ACT launched its annual rally with a nod to coalition unity - but its leader David Seymour quickly stirred discord with a fiery letter to the United Nations. In Focus on Politics this week, RNZ acting political editor Craig McCulloch examines the three-way coalition dynamic. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A select committee has heard thirty hours of submissions on David Seymour's Regulatory Standards Bill. The vast majority were opposed, but the minister insists it's a valuable tool for transparency. In this week's Focus on Politics, political reporter Giles Dexter looks at the various criticisms and defences of the legislation, and what impact its passing might have.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Focus on Politics this week, RNZ's Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira goes to Opaea Marae, just north of Taihape, as Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp is laid to rest. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The United States enters the war between Israel and Iran, and the world calls for de-escalation. By the end of the week there's a ceasefire between the two nations, but it remains unclear what damage was done to Iranian's nuclear capabilities. Political reporter Lillian Hanly takes a look at the New Zealand government's response.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Methamphetamine use has exploded over the past year and the government is "actively" looking at ways to respond. At the same time, Associate Police and Customs Minister Casey Costello is looking at how to tackle the wider network of organised crime in New Zealand. Political Reporter Lillian Hanly takes a closer look at the Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime and how the increased availability of illicit drugs in the country is having an impact. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The latest RNZ-Reid Research Poll shows the left-bloc would have enough seats to govern. Is this a punishment for the pay equity changes? And what about the punishment for a haka? Political Reporter Lillian Hanly goes through the results.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Focus on Politics, RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch sits down with the incoming and outgoing deputy prime ministers to mark the historic handover. David Seymour is vowing to keep speaking freely, while an unshackled Winston Peters shifts into campaign mode. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details