Demelza Leslie
Mandatory registration for social workers on the cards
Mandatory registration for social workers seems likely from next year. Our political reporter, Demelza Leslie, explains why some are welcoming the change from the current voluntary system. Audio
US to end 30 year stalemate
After a 30 year stalemate, the United States says it will send a naval ship to New Zealand to take part in the Navy's 75th anniversary celebrations in November. Video, Audio
US To Send Ship To NZ's Navy Anniversary
US Vice President, Joe Biden, has just announced his country will send a navy ship to New Zealand later this year. Joe Biden confirmed the move a short time ago as he emerged from a two hour meeting… Audio
Biden in Akld for talks, business leaders function
The United States Vice President Joe Biden has landed in Auckland for a whirlwind 24-hour visit, which will include official talks and a community and business leaders' function. Audio
Australians not sure what to think after election
Australians have had six PMs in the past decade - and some expected that the weekend's election would usher in a seventh. Now, after a hung result, Melbourne voters are no clearer as to their… Audio
A buoyant Labor party out of election
The Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, is quietly confident of delivering a majority Coalition government, despite the weekend's cliffhanger election not yet producing a clear winner. Our… Audio
The Australian Election - commentary from across the ditch
RNZ political reporter Demelza Leslie has been covering the Australian election and she joins Wallace from Melbourne, then broadcaster Ian Henschke phones in from Adelaide, South Australia - the state… Audio
Australian voters head to polls tomorrow
Political Reporter Demelza Leslie talks to Checkpoint from Sydney about the Australian election campaign ahead of voters going to the polls tomorrow. Audio
Same sex marriage back in Australian spotlight
Today is the final day of campaigning before Australians go to the polls on Saturday. And one of the main debates has been over same sex marriage. The two leaders agree it should happen, but they are… Audio
Kiwis speak out ahead of Aus election
New Zealanders living in Australia are hoping they'll get a better deal following the result of this weekend's federal election. Audio
Pundits hope poll will end Australia's leadership churn
This weekend Australia could elect its seventh Prime Minister in nine years. After leadership spill after leadership spill, analysts have told our reporter Demelza Leslie they're hoping the leadership… Audio
Battleground seats must-wins in Aussie election
With less than four days until the Australian federal election, the fight for key marginal Western Sydney seats, such as Parramatta, is ramping up. Audio
Social Agency says low income people forgotten
With the median house price in Sydney topping a million dollars, the Australian dream of owning your own home is fast fading. Demelza Leslie talks to social agencies who are dismayed housing… Audio
Australian political parties nervous after Brexit vote
Australians head to the polls this weekend to decide who will govern for the next three years - and the Brexit result has some political parties nervous of a similar protest vote. Video, Audio
Australian PM officially launches bid
With just one week to go before Australians go to the polls, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull officially launches his bid for reelection. Our reporter Demelza Leslie reports from Sydney on the… Audio
Prime Minister happy to take the flak for Iraq extension
The Prime Minister says he's happy to take flak for a decision to extend New Zealand's military involvement in Iraq for another 18 months. Audio
Focus on Politics for 17 June 2016
The numbers of refugees New Zealand will accept was boosted this week to one thousand people, to take effect from 2018 - the first increase in 30 years. The annual quota of 750 has not been raised… Audio
Pora's legal team disappointed at $2.5m compensation
Teina Pora's legal team is disappointed the Government has awarded him just over two-and-a-half million dollars in compensation for being wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. Audio
Government rejects suggestions banks are doing its job
The Government says it's not shirking its responsibility to control the housing market, after two banks moved to limit lending to foreign home buyers. Audio
Defence Minister wades in to rising tensions
The Defence Minister, Gerry Brownlee is calling on China to explain its island building programme in the South China Sea. Audio