Wellington City Council has been under scrutiny this week, with the coalition government threatening to intervene. Last week, the capital's councilors voted to stop the sale of its 34 percent stake in the Wellington Airport. The decision has left the council's Long Term Plan in limbo - its investment plan for the next ten years. Political reporter Lillian Hanly breaks down the capital kerfuffle.

Fresh off a trip to the United Nations General Assembly leaders' week, the foreign minister Winston Peters is defending New Zealand's support for a resolution calling for Israel to leave occupied Palestinian territories within 12 months. That decision raised some eyebrows back home, as it was out of step with our Five Eyes partners, and Act leader David Seymour believes it was a big enough change in position to warrant having a conversation at Cabinet - but that did not happen. Political editor Jo Moir sat down with Peters this week and began by asking whether he left New York this year feeling anymore hopeful for change at the United Nations.

Casey Costello is the Smokefree Minister accused of helping Big Tobacco - something she strongly denies. The pressure on her has only grown amid questions about the advice she's relied on to push through tax cuts on heated tobacco products. In Focus on Politics this week, RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch lays out the latest revelations surrounding New Zealand's Smokefree strategy as overseen by the minister and NZ First MP Casey Costello.

In December last year the Coalition government pulled the pin on the Interislander ferry replacement project, saying it was time to get real about what had been a significant budget blowout from $700m to about $3b. More than 10 months on, Cabinet has yet to discuss what will replace the project due to coalition disagreement about the best solution, as the ageing current fleet faces maintenance difficulties. In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Editor Jo Moir examines the government's rocky relationship with its Cook Strait crossing.

The coalition campaigned on a return to law-and-order with a hardline approach emphasising personal responsibility and a crackdown on gangs. Nearly a year in power, many of the numbers seem to be going the wrong way - but statistics on crime and policing are notoriously difficult to draw conclusions from. In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch assesses how the government's tough-on-crime crusade is going, and what's ahead.

Two mill closures in the central North Island this week leave at least 230 people out of work, devastating the local economy. Much of the blame has been placed on power prices and the gentailers raking in big profits. Political Reporter Russell Palmer looks into how the government responded and what the Electricity Authority plans to do next time there's a dry year.

Between 2019 and 2023, groceries went up in price by more than any other common household bill. High hopes were placed on new Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden to boost competition, but he says the current tools are still not enough. In Focus on Politics this week, RNZ's Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch digs into the first report card from the Grocery Commissioner - and considers what is to come.

RNZ's Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch digs into the first report card from the Grocery Commissioner - and considers what is to come.

Tributes are flowing from across Aotearoa and around the world after Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII died early on Friday morning. Moe mai raa e te kiingi.  It ends a fortnight in which the question of whether Māori ceded sovereignty - a question as old as the Treaty itself - saw the major parties in Parliament taking stronger positions in the debate than ever before.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Lillian Hanly closely examines the debate on whether Māori ceded sovereignty and the political parties' views on the matter. 

In the pouring rain and whipping winds, politicians arrived at Ngāruawāhia's Tūrangawaewae marae for te Koroneihana, the 18th anniversary of the Māori King's coronation. The typically apolitical event was instead this year full of challenges to the government and the man at the top, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch examines the wero presented to the coalition at a tempestuous Koroneihana. 

With Parliament in recess this week, the coalition used the clear air to clear the decks, rattling through a laundry list of announcements - congestion charging, genetic engineering, and two separate ministry overhauls.  But the announcement the government tried hardest to highlight was its new hardline approach to welfare. In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch looks at the coalition's plans.

The repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act was front and centre at Parliament this week, with former Minister in charge of the legislation Tracey Martin telling the government to rethink its approach. After the mammoth Abuse in Care report, she and many other voices are calling for 7AA to remain. In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Lillian Hanly examines the coalition policy of repealing section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act, and the resulting backlash. 

The Green Party is trying to find ways to grow for the future, while doing its best to leave this year's problems in the past.  That laundry list of challenges has been thoroughly aired - but the membership still faces a crucial question that goes to the heart of its values, and could yet prove a barrier to its ambitions.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Giles Dexter speaks with Chlöe Swarbrick after the Green Party's AGM about the challenge she gave members to go through some growing pains, and the ongoing fallout of the Darleen Tana party-hopping saga.

The Royal Commission of Inquiry's report into abuse in state and faith-based care unveiled this week lays bare an ugly history, offering damning evidence and denouncing leaders for silencing or ignoring survivors for decades. The government has promised to listen, but how it responds and whether justice is served remains to be seen.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith speaks to Aaron Smale and explores the initial response to New Zealand's inquiry on abuse in care. 

The government's draft emissions reduction plan - out this week - puts New Zealand's ability to meet its climate targets in jeopardy. That was the key takeaway for RNZ's climate change correspondent Eloise Gibson, who pored over the document and gave it a 2 out of 10.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith looks at why New Zealand's ability to meet its climate targets is on shaky ground.

New Zealand has been hit by a 501 boomerang, with Australia this month backtracking on its commitment around deportations.  

Government ministers hoping to bask in a post-Budget glow this week have instead been trying to tamp down the backlash to a big broken promise. The clock is now ticking for the coalition to correct its failure to fund 13 potentially life-extending cancer treatments beginning this year. In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch takes a closer look at National's broken cancer commitment - and considers how the government could put it right.

At last, the tax cut tease is over, the full details on full display. The Budget's headline was only ever going to be tax cuts - and they arrived almost exactly as promised. Finance Minister Nicola Willis kept her promise, but will voters thank her? In this week's Focus on Politics, RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch examines the first Budget of the coalition government.

A law giving ministers sweeping powers to greenlight infrastructure projects has attracted a wave of criticism and responses at select committee. With ministers beginning to soften their language, the bill could yet see changes before progressing through Parliament. In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith explores the government's fast-track legislation and the responses to it.

In Focus on Politics, political reporter Katie Scotcher looks at the latest funding boost for the Defence Force and how much more investment is needed.

In Focus on Politics, RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch chews over the coalition's school lunch announcement, as well as the opposition's somewhat muted reaction.

In Focus on Politics, RNZ's deputy political editor Craig McCulloch whips through a whirlwind week at Parliament.

Successive governments have claimed crack downs on youth vaping but retailers are flouting the law, with just one prosecution on the books.  Retailers have until the end of the year to phase out single-use products, but academics say MPs' fears vape manufacturers will just adapt are justified.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith looks at concerns vape manufacturers will find loopholes in new regulations.

As global tensions escalated this week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was touring South East Asia, strengthening defence and security ties.  Back home, his government was accused of drifting away from New Zealand's independent foreign policy. 

Andrew Hoggard might be new to Parliament, but he's certainly not new to New Zealand's screens and airwaves. The Manawatū dairy farmer was president of Federated Farmers from 2020 to 2023, and one of the more prominent critics of the previous government's agricultural policies. In this week's Focus on Politics, RNZ Political Reporter Giles Dexter sits down with new MP - and new minister - Andrew Hoggard, to discuss the suite of reviews and replacements he's been tasked with.

Public Service Targets are set for a comeback but with job cuts looming over ministries and agencies, unions fear public servants are only being asked to do more with less. Originally introduced by the John Key National government, the targets have led to improvements in the past - but that experience shows there are also risks.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Giles Dexter looks at the impending comeback of Better Public Services targets, one of the points in the government's new action plan.

New Zealand must pull its weight on defence and security, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says in a sit-down interview with RNZ, after talks with both India and China.  While trade was a driving force behind those engagements, it is clear tension points - like the South China Sea, and potential involvement in AUKUS - are becoming more central to foreign policy discussions in the Indo-Pacific.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Editor Jo Moir sits down with Foreign Minister Winston Peters after his visit to India, and a visit from his Chinese counterpart.

In Focus on Politics this week, RNZ's deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes a look at the difficulties and dilemmas facing Labour as it readjusts to opposition.

In Focus on Politics, RNZ's political reporter Anneke Smith looks at the Coalition's 100 day plan.

Summary

Parliament was brought to a standstill on Wednesday, with politics set aside after the sudden and shocking death of  first-term Green MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins. A champion for his people, a tireless advocate, a good man - such were the tributes as Parliament mourned the loss of one its own.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch marks the death of Green MP Efeso Collins, pulling together the tributes and reflections shared this week by those whose lives he touched.

The coalition has ticked off another objective - repealing the troubled Three Waters programme - but in doing so may have just delayed the bigger problem for another day. In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch tests the temperature as the coalition moves to repeal and replace Labour's water reforms.

This year's record-breaking Waitangi celebrations drew 80,000 people to the Treaty grounds over four days, half that on Waitangi Day alone.  With the dust settling on the event's biggest turnout in decades, the sense of unity and anger among many Māori will linger long after the Treaty Principles legislation is gone.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith examines the coalition government's performance at a Waitangi Day for the history books.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw talks about his decision to step down, his time in the role, and the message he has for whoever succeeds him.

Coming hot on the heels of last weekend's Hui-aa-Motu and the Rātana celebrations, Waitangi Day this year promises to be highly emotive and political.  The government's policies have prompted calls for resilience and resistance, and a dramatic show of unity from much of Māoridom. In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch assesses the coalition's response to the challenge laid down by many in Māoridom, as the political year gets back under way.

Three prime ministers, four ministerial scandals, one general election and a three-way coalition: New Zealand's political landscape has been well and truly shaken up in 2023.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Katie Scotcher takes a look back on what was a turbulent year at Parliament and on the campaign trail. 

Summary

The resumption of Parliament this week has been underlined by outcry from Māori, soon matched by fury within the debating chamber. With just two weeks before the Christmas break and Waitangi Day fast approaching on the other side, the government will have plenty to work through.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch examines the start of the 54th Parliament and the racially charged indignation that heralded it.

The new government's first week in office saw it get straight to work, setting high expectations and unveiling its 100-day plan - but it's not exactly been smooth sailing.  Fixing the economy and making a material difference for New Zealanders is a hefty workload for a Cabinet which has so far been dogged by distractions - driven partly by new Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Katie Scotcher looks back at the coalition's first week in power and the distractions that dogged it.

When ACT's Brooke van Velden won the Auckland seat of Tamaki at the election, it was a triumph of shrewd campaigning. But it was also a failure for Christian conservatism in mainstream politics. In this bonus episode of Focus on Politics, Susie Ferguson takes a close look at the meaning of Tamaki.

It took 40 days and 40 nights - but at long last, the country knows what its new government will look like. New Zealand's first-ever three-way coalition: National, ACT and New Zealand First finally signing on the dotted line in the ultimate Black Friday deal.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch examines the coalition deals and the personalities behind them. 

After its most successful election - taking all but one of the Māori seats - Te Pāti Māori is amping up for the next three years as "the only true opposition".  It's a dramatic turnaround for a party dumped out of Parliament entirely in 2017, but co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says that was a critical part of the party's growth.  They are also looking ahead to their next generation of leaders, she says, and plans are afoot to shake Parliament up and normalise it for Māori.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Giles Dexter asks Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to reflect on what the party did to win all but one of the Māori electorates and what it has planned for the 54th Parliament.

With National's potential partners ACT and NZ First finally getting together in Wellington this week, a sense of momentum is building for the trio to form a government.  Labour's Chris Hipkins meanwhile has survived a vote on his MPs' endorsement of him as leader with Carmel Sepuloni taking the deputy leadership as the party prepares for opposition. In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Editor Jane Patterson examines politicians' progress towards the incoming government and opposition. 

The final act of the 2023 election has reset the calculus, blowing apart National's dream scenario and driving up the price for forming government.  With NZ First's support now a requirement, Winston Peters is sure to demand more in negotiations.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Editor Jane Patterson speaks to Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch, analysing the state of play after the final election result. 

After a devastating collapse in their vote on election night, the Labour Party is examining what went so wrong and who is best to lead them from the opposition benches.  Current and former MPs alike are calling for a wider refocusing on the party's values and relationships to avoid the kind of fracturing that often so plagues parties banished from government.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Katie Scotcher explores the challenge  Labour faces in rebuilding after its clear election defeat. 

The battle for the hearts, minds and votes of New Zealanders is over - nearly - with the preliminary results on Saturday putting National in a position to form the next government and Labour consigned to the opposition benches. National's exact path to government is not fully clear, and depends on the final vote count. Even so, it's far preferable to the position Labour's in, having to put on a brave face despite anger and recriminations at the result. In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Editor Jane Patterson gets the lay of the land as the nation waits on the final election results. 

It has been a rollercoaster campaign, fiscal fights, feisty debates - all with the aim of taking the government benches. In Focus on Politics this week, a look at the campaign as it all comes down to the voters. 

TVNZ's multi-party debate this week illustrated key features of this election campaign: the minor parties' rising popularity, and the complicated role of NZ First.  With polls they would need Winston Peters, National and ACT have been continuing to talk down his appeal - but it remains preferable to defeat.  In Focus on Politics this week, RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch dissects the past week, speaking to Guyon Espiner alongside RNZ and NBR political editors Jane Patterson and Brent Edwards, and RNZ political reporter Anneke Smith.

Call this the week of Winston Peters - with the New Zealand First leader, riding a wave of renewed relevancy.  In not one, but two TV polls, New Zealand First featured above that critical 5 percent threshold - and furthermore in that most pivotal of spots - necessary for National to form a government. In Focus on Politics this week, RNZ's gallery team breaks down the latest week of the election campaign, a week where Winston Peters came to the fore.

The minor parties gave glimpses of their own cooperation styles at the Newshub Nation Powerbrokers' debate, while polls continued to signal Labour on the downturn.  GDP numbers also showed no recession for New Zealand, although inflation remains high. This week's Focus on Politics is RNZ's roundtable discussion covering the major happenings of the 2023 election campaign. RNZ political editor Jane Patterson, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch, and Newsroom and Stuff political editors Jo Moir and Luke Malpass spoke to Morning Report host Corin Dann. 

The second week of the election campaign has been all about the economy. There was the pre-election opening of the books, with National's tax plans and Labour's spending coming under fire. This week's Focus on Politics is RNZ's roundtable discussion covering the major happenings of the 2023 election campaign. Political editor Jane Patterson, political reporter Katie Scotcher, and NZ Herald's political editor and deputy political editor Claire Trevett and Thomas Coughlan spoke to Morning Report host Corin Dann.

One week into the official election campaign and the hyperbole is flying thick and fast.  Distractions persisted throughout the week, with protesters at the major parties' campaign launches, outrage over advertising, and MPs spreading blatant misinformation.  This week's Focus on Politics is RNZ's first roundtable discussion covering the major happenings of the 2023 election campaign. Political editor Jane Patterson, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch, and political reporter Anneke Smith spoke to Morning Report host Corin Dann about the first official week on the road. 

The Parliamentary term came to an end this week after a tumultuous term, and Labour and National's election campaigns are launching this weekend - with just six weeks remaining before the big day.  Knowing voters will ultimately decide their future, the parties spoke about their position and plans for the coming campaign - and considerations for any negotiations afterwards.  In this week's Focus on Politics, RNZ's political team speaks to each party in Parliament about their strategy for the campaign. 

The government's pointed to vapes as a key weapon in the war against cigarettes.  In the rush to reach its smokefree targets, however, there are fears the horse has bolted - with children exposed to a whole new addiction.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Giles Dexter explores the conflicting priorities that meant Labour's vaping regulations may have come too late.

Set the table for bread and butter - or in this case, fruit and veg: Labour fired its opening election campaign salvo on Sunday with a starkly populist pitch for tax-free produce. The party is pushing ahead with the pre-announced policy despite hiccups in the reveal and near-universal opposition from experts - including in its own ranks: a clear sign the party is putting polling ahead of principle.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch assesses the political calculus behind Labour's vote-grabbing GST policy. 

ACT has not only held onto the 10-fold increase in voter support it enjoyed last election, it's maintained a stable caucus and gained further traction.  With polls anticipating an even bigger stable of MPs after October, the minor party is lining up for a potentially major say in the shape of the next government.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith interviews the top six on the ACT Party's list, asking about their priorities for the power they could wield.

With recent polling giving both major parties cause for concern and the election less than three months away, the countdown is on - and the policies are starting to roll out. Labour has launched accusations of fiscal mismanagement over one of National's this week, but had to defend against the same after worsening economic forecasts.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Editor Jane Patterson tallies the numbers on Labour and National's economic claims and electoral chances.

Tragic circumstances putting a halt to the political career of one of Labour's rising stars, East Coast MP Kiri Allan, was just the start of the party's headaches this week.  Along with speculation over its tax plans and signs of caucus disunity, leader Chris Hipkins is left with an incredible challenge to refocus Labour on the fast-approaching election.   In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith examines the sudden resignation of a minister and the implications for Labour as the election nears.

In Focus on Politics, RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch breaks down Labour's law-and-order week and the tragic events which brought it to an end.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson says this election is the final chance to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, curb environmental degradation, and reduce inequality.  Following bruising internal ructions over the past year, they will need to use this weekend's AGM to redirect supporters' frustration over lack of climate action into an increased vote.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Giles Dexter sits down with Greens co-leader Marama Davidson ahead of the party's AGM this weekend. 

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' week-long trip to China centred on a meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, one of the world's most powerful men.  Amid tense geostrategic conditions and with a trip to NATO in Europe looming, the stakes were sky high - but his diplomatic dance with the dragon was largely a success.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Katie Scotcher analyses the success of Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' first big overseas trips. 

Politicians went head to head on health equity this week, with opposition parties making a concerted effort to paint a waitlist prioritisation tool as discriminatory.  With accusations flying from both sides of the House, an expert says the clinician-designed tool is in fact a way of correcting bias in the health system, and politicians are just looking for votes.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith examines how ethnicity is a factor in health, and how that spilled into politics this week. 

We look at the fight for the rural vote, and the politics around the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Two senior ministers have this week been under pressure for breaking rules in place to ensure ministerial transparency and accountability. Political reporter Katie Scotcher examines the fall out.

Warnings from those behind artificial intelligence (AI) technology have made lawmakers around the world take notice. The tech sector itself is engaged with the government and is considering six cornerstone principles as the basis of a digital strategy, but there appears to be little urgency from ministers - and no sign of any concrete action before October's general election. In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Editor Jane Patterson explores the world of Artificial Intelligence and looks at whether its use should be subject to regulation.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' whistlestop trip to Papua New Guinea sends a clear message: superpowers may come and go, but New Zealand is here to stay.  The US and PNG signing a security deal is the latest iteration of increasing competition in the region, but strategic studies expert Robert Ayson says New Zealand has ways of staying close to its Pacific neighbours - despite the US-China struggle for influence.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith visits Papua New Guinea and comes to grips with an international struggle for power. 

The 2023 Budget has proven difficult to define: neither the belt-tightening exercise that was promised, nor the blatant bribery sometimes seen in election years. Certainly, it is no election clincher, but it has not lost Labour the election either, and backs National into an uncomfortable corner where the opposition must now explain what policies or services it would do without.

Meka Whaiti's defection brings Labour's solid 65-strong majority down to 62, opening it up to accusations of disunity and instability. Lumping in Elizabeth Kerekere's resignation from the Greens, National's Christopher Luxon has been criticising the left as a 'coalition of chaos' - but the story on the right is not straightforward either.  The shifting of the political sands - in the wake of two MPs quitting their parties - has drawn more definitive battle lines regardless - and Luxon's decision to rule out Te Pāti Māori has given prospective partner ACT more leverage for negotiations.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Editor Jane Patterson surveys the battle lines after Meka Whaitiri's defection and National's rejection of Te Pāti Māori.

Covid-19, flu, RSV and other respiratory illnesses are on the rise as we inch towards winter, so Te Whatu Ora launched its winter preparedness plan this week with the aim of easing the pain for already overstretched hospitals.  The government argues its reforms unifying the 20 DHBs have allowed it to better prepare. The plan promises to bring the health system closer to people - into the home, pharmacies and rest homes - but the opposition and health workers alike worry there's too few frontline workers to staff it.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith considers the government's health plan and the workforce challenge it faces.

Expectations are being kept very low for the 18 May Budget, so any surprises can have maximum political impact.  With a tight election looming, Labour will want to offer a proverbial carrot to voters - and could yet campaign on changes to the tax system after that milestone.  But staring down the unavoidable cost of recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle and tackling rising living costs, leader Chris Hipkins is touting this year's spend as "no frills" with a sharp focus on infrastructure.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Editor Jane Patterson examines the impetus and politics behind renewed calls for major tax changes. 

In Focus on politics, we take a detailed look at the report of the police watchdog into last year's parliamentary occupation.

Labour's new PM and new minister this week dumped the contentious Three Waters policy in favour of a rebranded "Affordable Water".  A not-so-subtle attempt to take the heat off and reclaim the narrative, they drove home the message of cheaper rates - but critics have continued to attack the plan as a new veneer of paint over the same unpopular plan. In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Katie Scotcher dives into the government's latest Three Waters refresh and the responses to it.

Police Minister is a tough gig: focusing on social issues leads to 'soft-on-crime' criticism while going too hard can look like populism.  With four ministers in eight months it's ended up a hot-potato portfolio for Labour, and the latest appointee Ginny Andersen has only been in Cabinet since February - raising a few eyebrows.  She evidently wanted the role and says she's more than capable of steadying the ship, but the law-and-order focused opposition will be eager to test her mettle in an election year: she will have her work cut out for her.  In this week's Focus on Politics Political Reporter Giles Dexter assesses how police has proven so challenging for Labour, and the prospects of its latest appointee.

National's leader Christopher Luxon ditched Parliament for the playground this week, touring schools to sell his party's solution to declining student performance with a back-to-basics focus on literacy and numeracy.  Teacher unions have criticised the plan, but the party was unlikely to ever get their backing - instead targeting concerned parents and his political opponent, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.  In this week's Focus on Politics Political Reporter Katie Scotcher grades National on its new education policy.

Stuart Nash's rapid resignation from his treasured police portfolio - just two months after getting it back -  is one of the clearest examples of a political own-goal.  It's highlighted poor ministerial judgement and a pattern of recklessness - and cost his boss no small amount of political capital.  In this week's Focus on Politics Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch recounts the self-inflicted demotion of Stuart Nash. 

Consultants and contractors are a favourite punching bag for opposition parties - of all colours - and National is just the latest to land a solid blow, leaving Labour off-balance.  The numbers show public service spending on consultants and contractors has recently surged, and the prime minister has largely left it to the sector's watchdog to mount a defence.  In this week's Focus on Politics Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch drills into the public service consultant and contractor numbers, the policies and politics.

While National's solution to the Three Waters problem may please the councils steadfastly opposed to the government's plan, it remains plagued by a financial fishhook.  But, as journalist Bernard Hickey warns, Labour's plan is no done deal either, and still faces some complex political and monetary hurdles.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch and Political Editor Jane Patterson tally the relative merits of each policy, and hear from Hickey what a middle ground could look like. 

While somewhat bound politically by Labour's promise of no new taxes this term, Finance Minister Grant Robertson is keeping all options open in his search for a way to fund the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary floods. It's the first big test for his pairing with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins - and they will need to carefully balance the practicalities of on-the-ground response with longer-term preparation for future challenges - all while keeping faith with voters, many of them still traumatised by the crises.  In this week's Focus on Politics, RNZ political editor Jane Patterson assesses the impact of the cyclone and the financial tools the government has for dealing with it. 

In this week's Focus on Politics, RNZ's political editor Jane Patterson parses the co-governance rhetoric of the past few weeks.

In this week's Focus on Politics, RNZ's political team interviews the leaders of National, ACT, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori.

A newly prioritised spending plan and fresh ministerial line-up are part of Labour's plan to reset the political landscape for the start of 2023 - election year. The political headwinds are significant: a cost-of-living crisis only set to worsen; waning support for the governing party and its high profile leader; the murky dynamics of disinformation and social disunity swirling below. In this week's Focus on Politics, RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson sits down with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to run a ruler over the year that's been and the election to come.

Hamilton West polling for a new MP closes on 10 December - a litmus test for next year's general election. Crime and the cost of living are top of mind for most voters, but so far they're not rushing to the ballot box. In today's Focus on Politics podcast, RNZ Political Reporter Anneke Smith takes the pulse of the bellwether electorate of Hamilton West.

Dire economic predictions and high interest rates from the Reserve Bank this week have increased the pressure on Labour, and given National a chance to pitch itself as the solution. The opposition party also ditched its politically problematic plan to cut the top tax rate, after weeks of laying the groundwork. In today's Focus on Politics podcast, RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson revisits the interest rate shock that spells trouble for an under-pressure Labour Party.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern returned to the international stage this week, even as the war in Ukraine threatened to spill beyond its borders. The ASEAN, G20 and APEC summits offered chances for conversations with several world leaders, driving home the value of diplomacy. In today's Focus on Politics podcast, RNZ Political Reporter Katie Scotcher appraises the interplay between world leaders in a week of summits and uncertainty.

Labour faithful were in fine form at the party's annual conference last weekend, but an unflattering political poll on Sunday soon soured the mood. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - roused by conference, poll, or both - was quick to question the numbers, and turn attention to banks' high profits. In today's Focus on Politics podcast, RNZ Political Reporter Giles Dexter examines a tough week and a tough poll for Labour - and how it responded.

Labour claims New Zealand's economy is holding up well compared to many others, but global pressures and new policies may threaten its re-election chances. National has been on the attack, with the cost of living crisis cutting deep, over what it says is wasteful spending and unnecessary taxation - but its own tax plans have left it open to criticism too. In today's Focus on Politics podcast, RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson examines how Labour and National are facing turbulence - from their own policies and the global economy.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, RNZ Digital Political Reporter Russell Palmer wades into the three waters debate, assessing the situation ahead of local and general elections.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast NZ Political Reporters Katie Scotcher, Anneke Smith and Giles Dexter explore what the debate about the role of the monarchy in New Zealand - and the possibility of change - could mean for its people.

In Focus on Politics, our political reporter Giles Dexter takes a look at the Government's response to youth crime and talks to those on the ground trying to turn it around.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast Political Reporter Giles Dexter reviews the government's approach to youth crime, and examines what is missing from the debate.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast Political Reporter Anneke Smith exposes the vulnerable state of New Zealand's democracy and examines the political response.

In today's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Katie Scotcher looks back on a trade deal both sides found fault with, and ahead to the challenges it still faces.

Law and order seems a likely hot topic again in next year's election, but experts say many proposed policies would be ineffective, Political Reporter Anneke Smith writes.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast Political Reporter Katie Scotcher examines one of the fastest political downfalls in New Zealand's history.

Investigative journalist Guyon Espiner sits down for an extended interview with National leader Christopher Luxon. Can a man some thought might join the Labour Party lead National to victory at the next election?

In today's Focus on Politics podcast Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch assesses the Prime Minister's American odyssey.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch runs the numbers on the Budget and its political implications.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast Political Reporter Anneke Smith explores the border reopening, immigration changes, and the response.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson sits down with the Finance Minister Grant Robertson and National's Nicola Willis to preview this month's Budget.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Reporter Katie Scotcher assesses where the government's planning is for new and potentially more deadly variants.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson looks past the spectacle of Ardern's first official trip since Covid-19 to the geopolitical tensions beneath.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson examines the state of play in Ukraine, and the legal and political instruments being brought to bear against Russia.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, investigative journalist Guyon Espiner talks to a leading defence lawyer, the chair of the IPCA and the commissioner of police about whether the police watchdog is fit for purpose.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, the government is pressing ahead with its planned mega media merger. Political reporter Katie Scotcher explores what it will mean for RNZ and TVNZ, as well the wider media sector.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson interrogates the ramifications for New Zealand of Russia's war against Ukraine.

National's tax plan, and the highest inflation in decades has the government feeling the pinch. Political Editor Jane Patterson counts the costs for both parties.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch recounts the siege of Fortress New Zealand and reckons with its reconnection to the world.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson assesses the government's readiness for the Omicron variant.

In Focus on politics, RNZ's political team catch up with the minor party leaders to discuss 2021, potential allies, and Covid-19.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch talks with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern about the year that's been.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson talks to National's leader Chris Luxon in his new office to assess what his leadership will look like.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch delineates the nuclear destruction of Judith Collins' leadership and assesses the fallout.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson and Health Correspondent Rowan Quinn examine New Zealand's ICU and health capacity as Covid-19 spreads, and elimination shifts to suppression.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Reporter Anneke Smith looks into the Family Court system as it nears its 40-year anniversary.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson hits the brakes and looks ahead to the traffic light system, and what it means for Covid-19 in New Zealand.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Reporter Katie Scotcher takes a deeper look at New Zealand's free trade ambitions with the UK and Europe.

In Focus on politics, Is New Zealand ready to move to the new Covid future?

In Focus on politics, Katie Scotcher explores the challenges and priorities in the inherently political transport sector.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson takes politicians' temperature on Covid-19 and the economic response, and how that impacts efforts to combat inequality.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson dives into the three waters debate, plumbing the depths of local governments' opposition to the centralisation of water infrastructure.

Focus on Politics, is New Zealand moving away from elimination?

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch details the latest Covid-19 outbreak, the government's response, and how that's been received by the public and politicians alike.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Long Form Journalist Te Aniwa Hurihanganui explores the harm caused when politicians question Māori values and language.

Legislation banning gay conversion therapy, a practice described as monstrous and traumatising, is making its way through Parliament but not everyone is on board.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Māori News Journalist Jamie Tahana and Education Correspondent John Gerritsen look at a suite of new initiatives being brought in to improve Māori achievement, reduce racism in the system and to teach history.

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Reporter Anneke Smith explores how the conversation on hate speech shifted - from an effort to curb terrorism to a political bunfight - and what the minorities the law change aims to protect want to happen next.

The Government is feeling the heat from those left in the cold. RNZ political reporter Charlie Dreaver takes stock of New Zealand's not-so-healthy homes and the standards meant to improve them.

The National Party is back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, with revelations former leader Todd Muller was pressured to retire after being dobbed in for anonymously criticising a colleague. RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson breaks down the latest in a long list of problems for the opposition.

Leaked footage of a young person being manhandled at an Oranga Tamariki care and protection unit has put the agency back under the microscope. RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher examines the events that followed.

In Focus on Politics, RNZ political editor Jane Patterson digs into Labour's plan for the Defence Force, now it is unshackled from last term's coalition constraints.

This week brought some more clarity to the country's Covid-19 vaccine programme as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern revealed the first details of the wider roll-out to the general population. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes a look at the Government's plans for "Stage Four".

About 30,000 nurses, midwives and other health workers have been on a seven-hour strike after nurses voted to go ahead with a strike having rejected a revised pay offer from district health boards.

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison made use of the Trans-Tasman travel bubble, flying into Queenstown for a sit-down meeting with NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - one of her first since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Samoa is in the grips of a constitutional crisis: a bitter power struggle between two competing governments and two political heavyweights. Both sides are claiming power and accusing the other of a coup. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch breaks down the turmoil in a country not used to instability.

Beneficiaries will reap the rewards of this year's Budget with a welfare boost billed as the "biggest in a generation".

Race relations have been a flash point for conflict and reconciliation in NZ politics over the years. National leader Judith Collins reignited the fire this week with her speech to party faithful. RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson has this week's Focus on Politics. RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson

RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson asks: how is New Zealand's relationship with China?

RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson takes a deep look into the state of emergency housing across the country.

Health Minister Andrew Little this week announced an extraordinary overhaul of the health system, scrapping all 20 DHBs and putting a new entity in their place. RNZ health correspondent Rowan Quinn digs into the detail of the announcement no one saw coming.

The Government has placed a temporary ban on all travel from India, leaving Kiwis there stranded, unable to come home. In the same week, it has begun to ease border measures elsewhere, announcing it is now safe for the Trans-Tasman bubble to open.

The Government has announced a raft of measures to try and tackle the housing affordability crisis to tilt the market towards first home buyers and increase supply. But, as RNZ political reporter Charlie Dreaver reports, not everyone is convinced it will be enough to help stop runaway house prices.

RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson asks: what's behind the latest Trans-Tasman tensions? And what do they mean for ongoing relations?

RNZ political reporter Yvette McCullough looks into the details of the government's Covid-19 vaccine rollout plan.

RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson asks: Is the Government being too soft on Covid-19 rule-breakers?

RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson takes a look at what immigration might look like in a post-Covid New Zealand.

Three new cases of Covid-19 in the community forced Auckland back into lockdown for 72 hours this week, but should New Zealand's largest city have stayed in level three longer? Or were the restrictions a false alarm?

The Government is taking on one of the most complex pieces of law in New Zealand - the RMA. It will be replaced with three new laws, with the Environment Minister describing it as a once in a generation opportunity.

RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson looks at the political lead up to the official Waitangi commemorations.

New Zealand prepares for a shake-up after the Royal Commission report into the March 15 attacks.

RNZ political editor Jane Patterson asks: has NZ damaged its relationship with China over the row with Australia?

The Government has been under pressure after ruling out any tax changes to dampen housing demand. Finance Minister Grant Robertson has now recruited the central bank to bring its considerable resource and influence to bear.

The housing market continues to defy predictions of a post-Covid slump, with prices hitting new records around the country and RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson asks: what is the Government going to do about it?

Footage of the attempted removal of a Maori newborn propelled Oranga Tamariki into the spotlight, making it one of the most fraught and challenging areas for Tracey Martin as the Minister for Children. RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher spoke to Ms Martin, who was booted from Parliament with New Zealand First at the election.

While all eyes may be on the volatile US election fallout, the NZ Prime Minister has spent the week quietly assembling her second term government. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes a look at Jacinda Ardern's new Cabinet line-up and breaks down the Labour-Greens deal.

The people have spoken. The provisional referendum results are in. And it's two very different tales on euthanasia and cannabis. RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch breaks down the numbers and the fallout.

A thumping Labour win and a National humiliation. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch checks in with the rest of the gallery team to dissect the 2020 election result and what it means for the various parties.

RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson catches up with the rest of the political team as the election creeps closer.

A poll, policy, debates and Serious Fraud Office charges - it was a big week on the campaign trail. RNZ senior political reporter Jo Moir catches up with the rest of the gallery team who've been following the party leaders around the country.

RNZ's political team gets together for a wrap-up of the week on the campaign trail.

It was a horror week of economic news as the Government opened the books ahead of the election. RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson breaks down the numbers.

The Covid campaign kicked off proper this week and it was Labour's tax plan front and centre. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch talks to the rest of the gallery team who've been following the party leaders around the country.

What seemed at first to be a minor misjudgement ballooned into a major scandal for the Green Party co-leader James Shaw this week, with each day bringing fresh revelations about the Green School funding fiasco. Our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch attempts to make sense of the unfurling story.

Cabinet has agreed to make masks mandatory on public transport at any time the country is in level 2 or above. The move was prompted by the transmission of Covid-19 on an Auckland bus, but some experts and politicians say it should've happened sooner.

The election has been postponed by a further four weeks and will now be held on October 17. The decision to change the election ultimately falls on the shoulders of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, but that didn't stop other political parties trying to force her hand in the lead up to her decision on Monday.

The parliamentary term is over and the campaign begins.

It was a week of poll results - some the Opposition accepted - others they would not. But with the election just seven weeks away there was also policy and as the campaign ramps up, there was some argy bargy amongst party leaders too. RNZ political reporter Jo Moir wraps up the week.

Focus on politics, looks at another week of scandals, sackings and forced resignations.

It was a week of turmoil and tumult for the Opposition with a host of resignations and a reshuffle. And it all ended with an outcome many in the National Party had called an impossibility: Judith Collins in charge. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch wraps up the week none could have predicted.

Parliament was in recess this week, but that didn't stop politicians dominating the headlines. The week started with a confession and ended with another one. RNZ political reporter Jo Moir reports.

Global travel restrictions forced by Covid remain a fact of life.

It doesn't take long for things to unravel when the public gets a whiff of incompetence. This week the breakdown between Health Minister David Clark and Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield coincided with a One News Colmar Brunton poll. RNZ political reporter Jo Moir reports.

A border botch-up this week saw two Covid-19 cases slip through the cracks, shattering public confidence in the quarantine scheme. It sent the Government scrambling to patch the holes in the supposedly "watertight" system and prompted renewed calls for the Health Minister's head. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

New Zealand has averted a health crisis, but could be headed for an economic downturn. RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson talks to Finance Minister Grant Robertson about what's in New Zealand's future.

RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson asks what toll the looming election is taking on the government's creaking coalition.

New National leader Todd Muller talks about the leadership spill, his caucus and the upcoming election.

"In unprecedented times, you make unprecedented decisions" - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern New Zealand has closed its borders. Mass gatherings have been banned. Travelling Kiwis have been told to come home and stay put. And the Government has rolled out "the most significant peace-time economic plan in modern New Zealand history". RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch wraps up an unprecedented week.

The global coronavirus outbreak has continued to escalate this week with the World Health Organisation officially declaring Covid-19 a pandemic. But at home, where the number of cases still sits in single digits, the focus has turned to the economic turmoil being wrought. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch assesses the damage and considers the Government's response.

New Zealand has moved into a new phase of its coronavirus response with the first cases of Covid-19 being confirmed in the country. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch looks at the Government's response on the health and economic fronts so far.

The world has reacted with alarm as the coronavirus causes increasing disruption to individuals and companies around the globe, and is now putting pressure on international economies.

This week Independent MP Jami-Lee Ross was named as one of the four people facing charges in relation to two 100 thousand dollar donations made to the National Party. The Serious Fraud Office also announced it had commenced an investigation into the New Zealand First Foundation's handling of donations Political reporter Yvette McCullough looks at how the week played out.

A political grenade has been lobbed into election year with the secretive NZ First Foundation facing investigation by the Serious Fraud Office over the way it handled donations. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes a look at how the story developed over the week and considers the potential consequences for all parties.

Political parties defend their record on Maori issues at election year Waitangi commemorations.

Government splashes the cash on infrastructure to kick off election year.

The start of the political year begins with a sharp focus on what Government has (or has not) delivered for Maori