Focus on Politics

Young people are often criticised for not participating in politics, but as was seen in the recent strike for climate action, they also face criticism when they do. Political Reporter Yvette… Read more Audio

Focus on Politics for 31 May 2019 Audio

A dark shadow passed over Parliament this week with revelations of bullying, a toxic workplace environment and allegations of serious sexual offences. Independent reviewer Debbie Francis found a… Read more Audio

With less than two weeks until the so-called 'Wellbeing Budget' is revealed, RNZ Political Reporter Yvette McCullough takes a look at what's new in the process, who's backing the approach, and who… Read more Audio

Voters will have the chance to say yes or no to legalising cannabis for personal use at the 2020 election. While that appears to be a relatively straightforward question, it covers a potentially… Read more Audio

After a strong nine years in government, the National Party is now experiencing the trials and tribulations of life in opposition - that often centre around the leadership. Audio

This week New Zealand and France joined forces as world leaders try to put an end to the use of social media for acts of terrorism. Next month Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and French President… Read more Audio

MPs are moving swiftly to implement a gun ban and buy-back scheme in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings. But some have criticised the pace of change, arguing it risks making mistakes or… Read more Audio

As New Zealanders try to make sense of the Christchurch terror attack, questions persist about the role of the intelligence agencies, both past and future. Audio

On 15 March 2019, a gunman opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch, killing 50 people, and changing New Zealand forever. RNZ political reporter Craig McCulloch looks back on how politicians… Read more Audio

NZ First MP and government minister Shane Jones has found himself in the hot seat this week, facing accusations of a conflict of interest, "pork-barrel politics", and general buffoonery. But while the… Read more Audio

News the so-called Kiwi jihadi Mark Taylor had been discovered in a Kurdish jail in Syria has prompted a broader debate about an issue many countries are grappling with - should citizens who left… Read more Audio