Politics NZ
If you follow New Zealand politics, you'll want to follow Politics NZ. Get Nine to Noon Politics, The Whip, Morning Report's politicians panel, Focus on Politics, The House, & Context all in one feed.
Episodes
The rise of AI politics, who gets on the phone November 8, & National's front bench risk
Are the polls starting to move? Has Christopher Luxon painted himself into a corner or does he still have an opportunity with Opportunity? Who picks up the phone to whom on November 8? And win or lose, who's left from National's front bench?Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 21 October
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Penny Hulse, Tim Wilson and Corin Dann. Up for discussion tonight: the third and final leader's debate: who won and are there just too many debates now to follow? The latest on what the political polls are saying. the attack on Australian MP Helen Heines and what it says about political violence and ou
Morning Report Health Debate: Simeon Brown and Ayesha Verrall
National and Labour's health spokespeople talk about the issues facing the sector, and their plans to fix it. National's Simeon Brown and Labour's Ayesha Verrall spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Dale Husband and Liam Hehir
Kathryn, Dale and Liam discuss recent events in politics including how the leaders have fared in recent TV debates. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Winding up Winston, the rule of ruling things out, Peter Dunne's heir, and the boring work of saving democracy
The debates this week told us a heap about the state of the nation and the vibe of the campaign. We discuss how Opportunity took its chance, why New Zealand First feels boxed in, and where National and Labour are getting it wrong... and what they're doing right.Photo credit Harley Peters - TVNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 14 October
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Tracey Martin, Stephen Parker and Annebelle Lee-Mather. They discuss Tuesday's TVNZ multi party debate, criticism some parties are getting for meeting with the Mongrel Mob, New Zealand's abstention of a UN vote on global pandemic preparedness and more.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Morning Report Political Panel: Ricardo Menéndez March and James Christmas
Green Party MP Ricardo Menéndez March and ACT candidate James Christmas spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss about their policies and the focus on minor parties this election.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Neale Jones and Brigitte Morten
Kathryn, Neale and Brigitte discuss recent events in politics, including latest polling that suggests NZ First is gaining support. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
National’s panic and pivot as it tries to win back its fractured base
Major parties try new policies to reconnect with their bases, National re-writes its risk pitch, fiscal frustrations, & what stuck from the first leaders debate.Image credit: Harley Peters - TVNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 7 October 2026
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Heather Roy, Ben Thomas and Ruwani Perera.
They discuss last night's TVNZ leader's debate, the very latest polls that seem to show a slump for the main parties, Te Pāti Māori and their "one person" strategy, cuts to foreign aid to boost Pharmac and why doesn't Auckland's CRL have a plaque yet?Go to th
Morning Report Finance Debate: Barbara Edmonds and Nicola Willis go head-to-head
Labour’s Barbara Edmonds and National’s Nicola Willis face-off in Morning Report’s finance debate with John Campbell.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Lianne Dalziel and Jonathan Ayling
Labour's fiscal plan release has re-ignited the battle of the finance spokeswomen and polling trendsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
How's this election different? Disgruntlement, Opportunity, & First-termitis
The campaigns are launching and it's time to lock into politics New Zealand. Caucus returns to set the scene for Election 2026, discussing why incumbency sucks, strategic voting is controversial, and the minor parties are major players.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 30 September 2026
Join Wallace for a special '3 Under 30' edition of The Whip. Panellists Andie McCombs, Tyler Oroanu and Eve McCallum give their scores of the campaigns so far, unpack the latest 1 New Verian poll which has the Green party surging in popularity, and assess Labour's student loan policy.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Morning Report Political Panel: Paul Goldsmith and Arena Williams
National's Paul Goldsmith and Labour's Arena Williams spoke to John Campbell on Morning Report’s political panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Ben Thomas and Tracey Martin
Ben, Tracey and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The House: Parliament's triennial warrant of fitness
Just about the last thing that happens before a Parliament adjourns for an election RNZ's The House, with insights into Parliament, legislation and issues, is made with funding from Parliament's Office of the Clerk. Enjoy our articles or podcast at RNZ.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
A pre-campaign catchup as parties flee Parliament
The 54th Parliament has adjourned, and politicians have been let loose on the campaign trail. Before they fled the building, political reporter Giles Dexter sat down with the parties and asked what the public could expect from them over the next six weeks.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 23 September 2026
Join Wallace Chapman for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Fran O'Sullivan, Andrea Vance and Marian Hobbs. First they discuss Nicky Hager's new book - bombshell or fizzer? Then, is the OIA fit for purpose? It's a question summoned by the leak of an Education Ministry meeting where staff were told to keep certain feedback out of written communication. A
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Tim Hurdle
Tim, Gareth, and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the various policies to do supermarket competition.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The House: Pity the Committee - 48 meeting days, 55 laws
The House on Sunday: The Government has deluged Parliament’s committees with work but starved them of time due to extra debates and urgency. The Justice Committee had it especially tough. Also, Louis looks at some of the bills passed into law during a long week of urgency. *RNZ’s The House, with insights into Parliament, legislation and issues, is made with funding from Parliament’s Office of the
Unexpected item in National's policy area
National is campaigning to 'pursue' breaking up Foodstuffs, as the party of business surprisingly ponders intervening in private enterprise. Political reporter Giles Dexter shops around political parties' pledges to drive down grocery prices, and looks at how likely it is that National's proposal will actually happen.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 16 September 2026
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Andrew Williams, Guyon Espiner and Jenna Lynch.
The discuss the harrowing inquiry into police and Oranga Tamariki's handling of the Tom Phillips case, two new political polls that make the major parties look more like minors, the latest pitches to bring supermarket prices down, and the historic openin
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Neale Jones and Liam Hehir
Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital.
Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.
[picture id="4JIKO0K_Media_2_jfif" crop="16x10" layout="full"] Kathryn, Neale and Liam discuss recent events in politics including wheth
Getting the last word: How MPs farewell Parliament
As MPs prepare to leave Parliament, their valedictory speeches offer a chance to look back. From triumphs and tribulations to political reflections and often a healthy dose of humour, these final words in the House can reveal a more candid side of politicians as they say haere ra.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
National's olive branch: bed tax out, council cash in
National has offered councils a peace deal after rebuffing their calls for a bed tax. Instead, it's offering to give them a share of the revenue raised by an existing "tourist tax". But some councils say it still falls short. RNZ's deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes a look. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 9 September 2026
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Annabelle Lee-Mather, Jonathan Milne and Peter Dunne. On the show tonight: Chris Hipkins new shocking poll result, should Labour give him the heave-ho?; the Greens supermarket policy is to spend billions to create a viable, state-run alternative in the marketplace, is this even possible; how can politi
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Vanushi Walters
Nicola Willis and Vanushi Walters joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Brigitte Morten and Phil Goff
Brigitte, Phil and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
A contempt of privilege: Parliament’s Clerk explains
Parliament’s expert on its rules explains privilege, the inquiry process, and the limited options for punishment in the wake of MBIE officials being found guilty of a contempt this week.*RNZ’s The House, with insights into Parliament, legislation and issues, is made with funding from Parliament’s Office of the Clerk. Enjoy our articles or podcast at RNZ.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more det
Coalition in clean up mode
The government has found itself cleaning up some legislative mess. Beneficiaries and pensioners having payments wrongly suspended forced a double apology from the Prime Minister and Social Development Minister, while a select committee has told the Justice Minister to water down his controversial move-on orders so kids cannot be prosecuted for sleeping on the street. Go to this episode on rnz.co.n
The Whip for 2 September 2026
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Maria Slade, Chris Carter and Jacqui van der Kaay. They look at the damning crown review into Moa Point, and the future of MBIE's chief executive in light of a botched IT project he mislead Ministers on. They also chat to an undecided voter as the election creeps closer.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Louise Upston and Carmel Sepuloni
Louise and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Dale Husband and Jonathan Ayling
Dale, Jonathan and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including parties' various tax policy announcements.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
MPs get brief reprieve from urgency trenches to farewell two colleagues
As the remaining weeks of the 54th Parliament tick over, MPs who have decided to step back from politics have their chance to farewell their colleagues and Parliament as an institution in the form of a valedictory statement.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
National and Labour dance around areas of agreement
In Focus on Politics, the major parties are finding more areas of agreement ahead of the election campaign - often to the frustration of their partner parties. Political reporter Russell Palmer examines the points of tension and the entrenched politicking that seems to keep National and Labour from working together. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 26 August
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Ruwani Perera, Wayne Mapp and Penny Hulse.
On the show tonight: National's social media ban; frustration is growing around the government's fast track scheme; is a 4 percent cap on local council rates achievable; it was first “no new taxes on working people” now it's just "no new taxes" and what does i
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Barbara Edmonds
Nicola Willis and Barbara Edmonds joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Tim Hurdle and Lianne Dalziel
Tim, Lianne and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including Labour's finance policy.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
House on Sunday: Duncan Webb exit interview
The House sits down with Duncan Webb for an exit interview as the former Minister and Labour Party whip calls time on his parliamentary career. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
An urgent call to fix the aged care crisis
The aged care system is at breaking point. A new report calls for an urgent overhaul. RNZ political reporter Lauren Crimp takes a look at the suggested solutions, and whether politicians are willing to come to the party.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 19 August
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Lillian Hanly, John Boscawen and Jonathan Milne. On the show tonight: the fallout from the Chris Penk affair, is Opportunity's income tax for New Zealanders returning home from overseas fantasy policy? Does National's Paul Goldsmith have a hope in hell of taking Epsom this year?Go to this episode on rn
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Neale Jones and Andrew Ketels
Andrew, Neale and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the failed National leadership coup. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Attorney General: Championing the rule of law
[s] When criticism can get you sacked, one minister’s job is to disagree with impunity. Meet the Cabinet’s oddest role, held by the “most sued man in New Zealand”.RNZ’s The House, providing insights into Parliament, legislation and issues, is made with funding from Parliament’s Office of the Clerk. Enjoy our articles or podcast at RNZ.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
National's nightmare: come again, coup again
A second attempt to oust Christopher Luxon ended much like the first - with the National leader still standing. But this time, the party's internal revolt has dealt more damage. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch maps out the mayhem. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 12 August 2026
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Andrea Vance, Chris Carter and Corin Dann.
Tonight, on The Whip: the continuing saga of Christopher Luxon's leadership of the National Party. Then, the latest polls and what they say about where the vote will go. Finally Stuart Nash and Chris Findayson: BFFS? Or not?Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Wayne Mapp and Janet Wilson
Janet Wilson and Wayne Mapp discuss recent events in politics, with a focus on the speculation around National Party leadership.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Tracey Martin and Brigitte Morten
Susie, Tracey and Brigitte discuss recent events in politics including National's list announcement. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
House on Sunday: potpourri of petitions and a briefing on bird flu
Louis heads along to a select committee briefing on Bird Flu, while Phil looks at the hodgepodge of petitions that came up in a special debate this week. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
House on Sunday: Questions and excuses
Three stories on questions and "answers", including Peters' doppelgänger defence, the Speaker's example on Written Questions, and the MBIE inquiry.RNZ’s The House, with insights into Parliament, legislation and issues, is made with funding from Parliament’s Office of the Clerk. Find our articles or podcast at RNZ.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Sorry, not sorry: Luxon's shocker week
Christopher Luxon spent much of this week putting out fires of his own making. And others set by Winston Peters. RNZ's deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has more.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 5 August 2026
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Jenna Lynch, Poto Williams and Grant Duncan. Winston Peters faces the heat over "racist" comments made in Parliament, Christopher Luxon gets scoffed at for an apology he made, and how are voter enrollments tracking with an earlier deadline this election?Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Liam Hehir and Phil Goff
Liam, Phil and Susie discuss recent events in politics including Winston Peters' comments in the House toward Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
National bolts the door as Opportunity knocks
Christopher Luxon's surprise rule-out of Opportunity may have reshaped the election campaign. So was it a masterstroke or misfire? RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch analyses the move.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 29 July
Join Emile Donovan for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics.
He is joined by panellists Guyon Espiner, Holly Bennett and Tracey Martin. They discuss the latest with rising star Opportunity, including National's supposed plan to rule out working with them. Then, the Greens came out swinging at their AGM, calling for a moratorium on new consents for AI data centres. And the story tha
Political commentators Ben Thomas and Lianne Dalziel
Kathryn, Lianne and Ben discuss recent events in politics including Stuart Nash's resignation as a NZ First candidate. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Stuart Nash's swan song
Stuart Nash thought he'd found a political lifeline with New Zealand First. Instead, one text message triggered another spectacular downfall. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch breaks down the week. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 22 July 2026
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Maria Slade, Stephen Parker, and Lillian Hanly.
They discuss the growing election issue of energy security, and how parties are trying to manage it, and then: the state of our political language. Are offensive remarks on the rise? After that, National party MPs have taken a low poll result on the chin
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Tim Hurdle
Kathryn, Gareth and Tim discuss recent events in politics including latest poll numbers that show the Opportunity Party has surged to within a whisker of Parliament in the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
House on Sunday: What could a parliamentary budget office look like?
With the recent slew of policy announcements, there has also been renewed calls for the establishment of a parliamentary budget office. But what should be in its remit? The House chatted to economist Dr Eric Crampton. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Three Wise Pol Eds and a Poll
RNZ political editor Jo Moir, Stuff political editor Jenna Lynch and NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan are joined by RNZ's lowly deputy political editor Craig McCulloch to dissect the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Simon Watts and Carmel Sepuloni
Simon Watts and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Brigitte Morten and Dale Husband
Brigitte, Dale and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Leader of the House: Juggling a jigsaw puzzle
Louise Upston gives her take on her new part-time full-time job: managing the Government’s entire legislative programme as Leader of the House.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 8 July 2026
Join Wallace for an action-packed half hour of politics. He is joined by panellists Corin Dann, Jenna Lynch and Sue Bradford.
First, how should we be reading into China's missile test in the South Pacific? Then, as coalition partners opt out of backing a proposed social media ban, could National and Labour join forces to get it through? And what does that say about the state of the coalition? Fina
Political commentators Neale Jones and Tracey Martin
Neale, Tracey and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
House on Sunday: Ministerial responsibility & key bills from a big week
We ask whether ministers can evade questions by claiming operational independence, and note some key bills from a huge week. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Outrage over emergency housing targets
Following revelations the Ministry of Social Development had implemented performance measures related to cutting the number of people in emergency housing, political reporter Lauren Crimp takes a look at the reaction and asks the top boss whether they've left more people sleeping on the streets. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Whip for 1 July
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Jonathan Milne, Annabelle Lee-Mather and John Boscawen. First, they look at a scathing report on the stripped back school lunch programme, and then, National's new Kiwisaver policy. Did they rob Labour's glory? And, are MPs domestic travel bills getting out of hand?Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for m
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Peter Dunne and Andrew Ketels
Peter, Andrew and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the wind-back by National on the Conservation Amendment Bill.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
House on Sunday: Misinforming MPs, and an election-free QT
Allegations that officials kept ministers and MPs in the dark, and MPs as bad examples. Plus, the Speaker quashes Question Time electioneering.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
National converts to KiwiSaver
National made its first major election year policy announcement this week. If elected, it would make KiwiSaver compulsory, including for those over 65 still working, automatically enroll babies and provide government contributions to those on parental leave. The suite of changes would cost more than a billion dollars over four years. New Zealand First said National had copied its own policy, and o
The Whip for 24 June 2026
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Sue Kedgley, Jacqui Van Der Kaay, and Tim Wilson. First, a bombshell poll for both National and Labour, putting their combined numbers at 61. Then, could tax reform be the deciding topic of the election, and is National piggy-backing on other parties with their new policy to make Kiwisaver compulsory?G
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