Demelza Leslie
New Labour leader has first full day in the job
The new Labour leader has had her first full day in the job, and already there's debate around the questions that she's being asked as a young, female leader, such as whether she's planning to have… Audio
Jacinda Ardern faces massive challenge
It took less than two hours for the Labour Party to change the face it's going to present to voters in the general election. But as RNZ political reporter Demelza Leslie reports seven and a half weeks… Audio
Metiria Turei under investigation for benefit fraud
Green Party co-leader, Metiria Turei, is under investigation for benefit fraud. Audio
Todd Barclay makes silent return to Parliament
Embattled Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay has made a low key return to Parliament following allegations he secretly recorded one of his electorate staffers, but he is still refusing to speak to… Video, Audio
Focus on Politics for 14 July 2017
The Prime Minister wants to stick with National's current support partners if the party is in a position to lead the Government for a fourth term. But is that healthy and would it work for another… Audio
Focus on Politics for 14 July 2017
The Prime Minister wants to stick with National's current support partners if the party is in a position to lead the Government for a fourth term. But is that healthy and would it work for another… Audio
Government divvies up $1 billion infrastructure fund
The construction of thousands of houses in Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton will be fast-tracked as five councils will be loaned cash under the fund, to help pay for water, roads and other… Video, Audio
Government called arrogant for wanting to change the law
The Government says it will consider a law change following an unfavourable Supreme Court decision ruling an attempt at a land swap for Ruataniwha Dam is not legal. But opposition parties say the… Audio
New US Ambassador asks New Zealanders to give Trump a 'fair go'
Former senator and National Guard veteran Scott Brown says the US President gave him his first choice of New Zealand, and he's urging Kiwis to also give him and Trump a fair go. Audio
Todd Barclay story dogs National Party conference
The National party held its election year annual conference over the weekend, hoping to concentrate on the coming three months. However, the Todd Barclay affair continues to hang around and has been… Audio
Barclay saga threatens to overshadow National party conference
As National Party members converge on Wellington for their annual conference, senior members of the party say the gathering will not be overshadowed by #DeBarclay Audio
Greens call for a major boost to refugee intake
NZ currently accepts 750 refugees a year - that's set to rise to one thousand next year, but that still isn't enough to satisfy the Green party. Its co-leader James Shaw wants the intake boosted by… Audio
Winston Peters lashes out at Race Relations Commissioner
Winston Peters says he was racially abused at Ratana Pa in January, but Dame Susan Devoy's office didn't want to know about it. Video, Audio
Police Association upset at Govt response to firearms
The Police Association says the Government has rejected every recommendation that would have made a real difference to stopping firearms from getting into the hands of criminals and gang members. Audio
Focus on Politics for 9 June 2017
The controversial voluntary euthanasia debate took another twist this week after a member's bill legalising the right to die was pulled from the ballot. The legislation in the name of the ACT party… Audio
Government to push ahead with mandatory registration
A major shake-up is on the way for social workers, as the Government signals it will introduce new legislation in August, making registration mandatory and requiring social workers to meet performance… Audio
Fears mental health workers will move to rest homes
Mental health organisation Platform Trust wants an urgent meeting with Government amid fears a pay equity deal will lure workers into the aged care sector. Audio
Steven Joyce to dress up his first budget
The Finance Minister, Steven Joyce, will today deliver his first budget. Our political reporter, Demelza Leslie, finds out what's on the wishlist. Audio
Can meth testing industry be trusted to enforce new standards?
The Government's been told there's little point setting new standards for methamphetamine contamination in houses if the meth testing industry itself is not regulated. Our political reporter, Demelza… Audio
Migrants points system in the firing line
Labour leader Andrew Little says if elected, the party would review immigration policy which encourages immigrants to settle in the regions, as they often head to Auckland as soon as they can. Audio