Labour joins election race with fare cap promise
Labour has finally joined the election campaign, unveiling its first major policy of the year: a public transport fare cap. But questions re...
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Focus on Politics
A weekly analysis of significant political issues.
Focus on Politics Podcast Guide
Listen to Focus on Politics, a News & Politics podcast by RNZ. Stream 254 episodes in English, follow new audio stories, and play episodes online on Radio and Podcast.
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Episodes
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Penk's verbal nuclear bomb inflames defence debates
In Focus on Politics, Russell Palmer recounts how and why a debate about nuclear free policy ended before it began, links to defence spendin...
The deliberately boring election-year Budget
The government has delivered its third Budget pointing to an earlier return to surplus, but with no election-year lolly scramble. Political...
Public service cuts spur debates on AI, shorts and flying
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 mea...
Te Pāti Māori's shrinking caucus: "No story here"
Te Pāti Māori's internal turmoil has exploded again - with MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi quitting to launch her own party and fresh questions swir...
The GP crisis politicians can't ignore
GPs say the system is at breaking point - and they want politicians to listen. RNZ's deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes the tempe...
Coalition parties trade blows over India agreement
The Free Trade Agreement with India has been signed, with National and New Zealand First continuing to disagree over what's been signed up t...
Confidence call: Luxon's uneasy victory
Christopher Luxon has stared down his critics in caucus, forcing his MPs to demonstrate their loyalty with a dramatic vote of confidence. He...
Vaianu: better safe than sorry?
Cyclone Vaianu has resurfaced difficult questions around resilience and retreat. And did New Zealand dodge disaster - or just over-do the wa...
Iran war dominates Winston Peters’ US trip
In Focus on Politics, political reporter Lillian Hanly takes a look at a meeting between Foreign Minister Winston Peters and his US counterp...
Fuel crisis forces rationing plan revisions - just in case
The fuel crisis has forced responses from the government on supply and cost, but the problem must be handled with care - and perceptions of...
Fuel fears rise as government shifts tone
The coalition is urging calm in face of the war in the Middle East, insisting New Zealand has ample fuel supplies, while quietly exploring t...
Peeni Henare farewells Parliament after 12 years
Former Labour MP Peeni Henare has called time on his 12 year career in Parliament. He sits down with political reporter Lillian Hanly to dis...
Prime Minister flubs his lines as Iran conflict reignites
As the government "acknowledges" the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, opposition parties are questioning their legality. Political reporter Giles...
Move-on powers move safety nets into the spotlight
Police will be able to tell rough sleepers and 'disorderly' people to move on, with the government announcing new powers and penalties. But...
Coalition pulls a U-turn on Auckland housing plans
The coalition has weakened housing intensification plans in Auckland after backlash from proponents of heritage homes. Political reporter An...
Gas plan derailed by definitional dispute
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 pr...
Minor parties plot major influence on election year
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...
Luxon and Hipkins give election-year teaser
RNZ's political team sits down with the leaders of the two major parties - National's Christopher Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins - to refl...
Councils prepare to tighten belts with rates relief in sight
The government is telling councils to 'live within their means' and is introducing a rates cap. It's popular with ratepayers who have seen t...