Mei Heron
Structural beam in Wellington building has broken
A building has been cordoned off in Molesworth St, Wellington, due to concerns about its structural integrity. RNZ reporter Mei Heron is nearby. Audio
Molesworth St closed due to risky building
RNZ reporter Mei Heron reports from near Molesworth St, which has been closed over concerns about a building. Audio
Ministry of Education won't confirm if seclusion rooms in use
The Green Party says two schools are still using seclusion rooms to discipline children, something the Ministry of Education is refusing to confirm. Audio
Education Minister still under pressure about seclusion rooms
Seclusion rooms and semantics. The political argument over who knew what, and when, about the controversial education practice. Audio
Govt backs Saudi sheep deal despite critical AG report
The Government still backs its controversial Saudi sheep deal, despite the Auditor General finding it lacked transparency. After a lengthy investigation Lyn Provost has cleared the Government of any… Audio
Tributes flow for unionist Helen Kelly after she dies of cancer
Tributes to Helen Kelly, former CTU head and one of New Zealand's most prominent ever trade unionists, have flowed from all corners of the country today following her death. Audio
Petition calls on govt to make medicinal cannabis more available
A petition with 17,000 signatures urging the Government to make medicinal cannabis more readily available was presented to Parliament today. Video, Audio
Controversial spit hoods used over 300 times in last two years
Controversial hoods used to prevent offenders, and alleged offenders, from spitting at police officers have been used more than 300 times over the last 2 years. Audio
Focus on Politics for 7 October 2016
A proposal by the Police Minister Judith Collins to boost front-line officers has been given to the Prime Minister and other senior members of Cabinet. The level of police numbers have been in the… Audio
Private prisons not to blame for fight clubs - govt
The Government says private prisons are not to blame for regular fight clubs at the Serco-run Mt Eden Prison. Audio
Government to look into repatriating soldiers' remains
Weary families who have been fighting for decades to bring home the remains of family members killed in action overseas have finally been given a glimmer of hope. After years of ruling… Audio
MP wants Environmental Protection Authority to assess Triclosan
The Environmental Protection Authority told an MP that assessing the chemical Triclosan, which is found in household products here but has been banned in America, is not a priority. Audio
Protesters oppose Todd Corporation's oil and gas exploration
A group of noisy demonstrators staked out Todd Corporation's headquarters in Wellington today, protesting against the company's oil and gas exploration. Audio
Govt accused of not following through with school funding
The Government has been accused of dragging its feet after only spending less than a fifth of the money promised to address school roll growth pressures in Auckland. Audio
Ambulance services nearing funding crisis
Ambulance services warn the safety of their patients and paramedics are at risk and more funding is urgently needed or they will face a crisis situation. Audio
Homeless waiting longer for homes, Labour says
The Government is defending its record on housing the homeless after figures show it's taking twice as long to find places for those desperately in need compared to six months ago. Video, Audio
Bland plain packaging on way for cigarette packages
Cigarettes will be sold in plain packets from at least next year and possibly sooner - after the legislation past its final hurdle in Parliament. Audio
Govt says homelessness inquiry reveals nothing new
The Prime Minister says the inquiry into homelessness held by opposition MPs has yet to reveal anything the government doesn't already know. John Key says the inquiry is unlikely to prompt a change in… Audio
Govt's social investment strategy comes under fire
Lobbyists used the Child Poverty Action Group annual conference today to argue the government's social investment strategy does more harm than good, and fails to address the root causes of poverty. Audio
Mayors tell MPs changes are undemocratic
More than a dozen mayors turned up to Parliament today to protest against a law change which they say strips away local democracy. Audio