Focus on Politics
Focus on Politics is a weekly podcast from RNZ's gallery team, offering insight into the political issues that matter in New Zealand. Each episode examines the latest developments in politics, providing analysis and context from the country's parliamentary press gallery.
Episodes
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
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
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
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
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
Officials in firing line over $30m immigration failure
A failed immigration technology project has left taxpayers more than $30 million out of pocket. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says officials misled Cabinet. Now an independent investigation is being launched into what went wrong. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has more.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Labour joins election race with fare cap promise
Labour has finally joined the election campaign, unveiling its first major policy of the year: a public transport fare cap. But questions remain over the numbers, the funding, and whether already-stretched bus and rail networks can cope. RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch takes a look. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Penk's verbal nuclear bomb inflames defence debates
In Focus on Politics, Russell Palmer recounts how and why a debate about nuclear free policy ended before it began, links to defence spending, and the impact on the relationship with Australia.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The deliberately boring election-year Budget
The government has delivered its third Budget pointing to an earlier return to surplus, but with no election-year lolly scramble. Political reporter Giles Dexter pores through the books, and looks at the looming debate over superannuation.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Public service cuts spur debates on AI, shorts and flying
In Focus on Politics, Russell Palmer asks if the government's public service cuts are made to measure, whether AI will help, and what it means for the election and beyond.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Te Pāti Māori's shrinking caucus: "No story here"
Te Pāti Māori's internal turmoil has exploded again - with MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi quitting to launch her own party and fresh questions swirling around the loyalties of two more MPs. Lillian Hanly unpacks the fractures in this week's Focus on Politics.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The GP crisis politicians can't ignore
GPs say the system is at breaking point - and they want politicians to listen. RNZ's deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes the temperature of primary care in this week's Focus on Politics.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Coalition parties trade blows over India agreement
The Free Trade Agreement with India has been signed, with National and New Zealand First continuing to disagree over what's been signed up to. Political reporter Giles Dexter examines how free the trade agreement actually is, and the coalition clash over investment and immigration.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Confidence call: Luxon's uneasy victory
Christopher Luxon has stared down his critics in caucus, forcing his MPs to demonstrate their loyalty with a dramatic vote of confidence. He survived the week - but still faces an almighty challenge in turning around poor polling and keeping together an increasingly fractious coalition. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Vaianu: better safe than sorry?
Cyclone Vaianu has resurfaced difficult questions around resilience and retreat. And did New Zealand dodge disaster - or just over-do the warnings? RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch examines the fall-out from the latest weather bomb. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Iran war dominates Winston Peters’ US trip
In Focus on Politics, political reporter Lillian Hanly takes a look at a meeting between Foreign Minister Winston Peters and his US counterpart Marco Rubio, as President Donald Trump ramps up his threats toward Iran.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Fuel crisis forces rationing plan revisions - just in case
The fuel crisis has forced responses from the government on supply and cost, but the problem must be handled with care - and perceptions of a lack of support could see National's own support suffer. Labour is refusing to help by offering solutions, a strategy that may backfire. Political Reporter Russell Palmer gauges the parties' handling of a hot-button issue.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz fo
Fuel fears rise as government shifts tone
The coalition is urging calm in face of the war in the Middle East, insisting New Zealand has ample fuel supplies, while quietly exploring targeted cost-of-living relief. But as the price at the pump climbs, so too are the political stakes. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch breaks down the government's response in this week's Focus on Politics. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more de
Peeni Henare farewells Parliament after 12 years
Former Labour MP Peeni Henare has called time on his 12 year career in Parliament. He sits down with political reporter Lillian Hanly to discuss his resignation, and the balancing act of "being Māori" and "being a politician." Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Prime Minister flubs his lines as Iran conflict reignites
As the government "acknowledges" the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, opposition parties are questioning their legality. Political reporter Giles Dexter looks at the response to the latest conflict, and the Prime Minister's struggle to articulate the government's position.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Move-on powers move safety nets into the spotlight
Police will be able to tell rough sleepers and 'disorderly' people to move on, with the government announcing new powers and penalties. But move on to where? Political reporter Giles Dexter looks at how these powers would work in practice, whether the government has adequately resourced the safety nets, and what a 'reasonable distance' looks like.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Coalition pulls a U-turn on Auckland housing plans
The coalition has weakened housing intensification plans in Auckland after backlash from proponents of heritage homes. Political reporter Anneke Smith lays how the government got here and why there's still uncertainty about how Auckland will grow. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Gas plan derailed by definitional dispute
When is a tax not a tax? That question derailed this week's gas announcement, as ministers scrambled to explain a new levy despite having promised "no new taxes". RNZ's acting political editor Craig McCulloch examines the fallout in Focus on Politics.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Minor parties plot major influence on election year
The leaders of ACT, New Zealand First, Te Pāti Māori, and the Green Party sit down with RNZ's press gallery team to share their thoughts on 2025, and what they've got up their sleeves for election year.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Luxon and Hipkins give election-year teaser
RNZ's political team sits down with the leaders of the two major parties - National's Christopher Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins - to reflect on 2025 and look forward to election year. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Councils prepare to tighten belts with rates relief in sight
The government is telling councils to 'live within their means' and is introducing a rates cap. It's popular with ratepayers who have seen their bills skyrocket, but councils are warning it'll come at a cost of services. Coming hot on the heels of the government's move to abolish regional councils, political reporter Giles Dexter examines what councils and ratepayers may have to learn to live with
How the council 'reset' aims to spur amalgamations
Just six weeks after voters elected new regional councillors, their jobs now hang in the balance after a government proposal to abolish them. But do the promises of simplicity and savings hold up, and where does all this lead in the long term? In Focus on Politics, Russell Palmer examines the government's shakeup of councils and the tension points for the government.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.n
Coalition tempers ACT’s influence on gun laws
The Arms Act has been home to New Zealand's gun laws since 1983, though it's had many, many iterations. The coalition has now overhauled the legislation - but it's not exactly the shake-up many were expecting. Political reporter Anneke Smith takes a closer look at the changes and explains why the ACT Party didn't get everything it wanted.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
IPCA bombshell forces reckoning at top of police
The IPCA's blistering report has torn open a years-long saga of misconduct and misplaced loyalty. In Focus on Politics, RNZ acting political editor Craig McCulloch lays out how the scandal unfolded.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Introducing: 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, and Context all in one feed.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
From reset to regret: Te Pāti Māori at war
Te Pāti Māori’s internal conflict has exploded into full public view. RNZ acting political editor Craig McCulloch unpacks how the turmoil unfolded - and whether there's any way back from the brink.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Leaked and launched: Labour debuts its tax plan
RNZ acting political editor Craig McCulloch takes a look at Labour's long-awaited tax plan and the old ghosts now stirring.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Strike and counter-strike: the pitch for public sympathy
The largest strike in decades swept the country this week - or at least tried to, as wild winds blew away rallies.
Behind the picket lines, the government and unions traded accusations of bad faith and misrepresentation.
In this week's Focus on Politics, RNZ's acting political editor Craig McCulloch unpacks the high-stakes fight for public sympathy.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more deta
Farmers celebrate as coalition slashes methane target
Political reporter Anneke Smith looks into the government's plans to soften its targets for methane emissions - and what the farming and scientific communities think it means for the country, and the planet.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Questions linger after Te Pāti Māori reset
Te Pāti Māori has regrouped after the death of an MP, a confronting outburst about multiculturalism and a key ally - Toitū Te Tiriti - severing allegiance. It held a 'reset' at Parliament this week, though it ended in the party's co-leaders storming off when asked about allegations of dictatorial leadership. Our political reporter Lillian Hanly explains why and what the party was trying to achieve
Energy tweaks expose electoral live wire for National
In Focus on Politics this week, the government's struggle to convince with its big energy announcement augurs a stormy election season ahead. With National's coalition partners amping up for the election, political reporter Russell Palmer untangles an issue that promises to electrify the electorate. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Promises of transparency from new Reserve Bank governor
A new Reserve Bank governor has been appointed, and Dr Anna Breman is well aware her first task will be to rebuild transparency and accountability at the central bank. In this week's Focus on Politics, political reporter Giles Dexter looks at the Reserve Bank's tumultuous year, and what fresh challenges await the incoming governor.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Poll paints picture of discontent
The latest RNZ-Reid Research poll showed a deadlocked Parliament and some uninspiring results for Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins. The public is increasingly pessimistic over the way the country's going, and more are blaming the current government for New Zealand's economic struggles. In this week's Focus on Politics, political reporter Giles Dexter digs into the poll results, and what the lat
Coalition partners jostle for votes as polls predict tight race
There were plenty of political attacks flying around New Zealand First's annual general meeting last weekend and it's government partners weren't spared from some friendly fire. Roughly one year out from the election, government parties are making a real effort to differentiate themselves for votes. RNZ political reporter Russell Palmer examines how this is going and what impact it might have on c
Coalition cracks door open to foreign buyers
The door to foreign home ownership was slammed shut by the Labour-New Zealand First coalition in 2018. Now, a slight tweak cracks it open for wealthy investors to buy - or build - one luxury home. What's the case for this carve out in the foreign buyers ban? Why do we have a ban in the first place? And why does Winston Peters' name keep coming up?
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Tāmaki Makaurau by-election
Labour's Peeni Henare and Te Pāti Māori's Oriini Kaipara are vying for the Māori seat made vacant by the shock passing of Takutai Tarsh Kemp. The contest is shaping up as one of a proven track record versus a refreshed movement, a former Labour Minister versus a first time candidate backed by a resurgent Te Pāti Māori. Political Reporter Lillian Hanly travels to Tāmaki Makaurau to meet the front-r
Coalition hopes for a winter thaw after OCR cut
The coalition is under pressure from the cost-of-living crisis, with job losses, soaring food prices and a construction slowdown hitting hard. This week brought some policy changes and a Reserve Bank rate cut. On Focus on Politics, RNZ acting political editor Craig McCulloch looks at whether that relief will be enough to break the government’s winter of discontent. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz
The state of the opposition
With political polls predicting a knife-edge election, what is the opposition promising, how could all three parties work together, and who's really in charge on that side of the house? In Focus on Politics, political reporter Anneke Smith takes a look at the state of the opposition one year out from the 2026 Election. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
NCEA gets failing grade from government, but has it done its homework?
In Focus on Politics, the government's long-expected rework of NCEA morphed into a full replacement - at least, that's how the prime minister sold it. Teachers and students alike are uncertain about the details and worried about the short timeframes, and some think 'scrap' may just mean 'rework'. RNZ Education Correspondent John Gerritsen examines the changes. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for m
NZ resists global push to recognise Palestinian state
As global powers like France, the UK and Canada move to recognise Palestine, New Zealand is increasingly finding itself out on its own. Opposition parties say it's time to act, but the coalition is holding the line - for now. In this week's Focus on Politics, Acting Political Editor Craig McCulloch asks why.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Butter battle fizzles as cost of living war drags on
The debate over butter prices has National on the back foot, and the party is accusing the opposition of having no ideas - a seeming reversal from about this time in the last Parliamentary term. While the rhetoric from politicians has so far resulted in little real action, it all points to a deeper concern about cost of living. Political Reporter Russell Palmer tries to clarify the situation. Go t
ACT’s rallying cry meets reality check
ACT launched its annual rally with a nod to coalition unity - but its leader David Seymour quickly stirred discord with a fiery letter to the United Nations. In Focus on Politics this week, RNZ acting political editor Craig McCulloch examines the three-way coalition dynamic. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Regulatory Standards Bill gets its week of scrutiny
A select committee has heard thirty hours of submissions on David Seymour's Regulatory Standards Bill. The vast majority were opposed, but the minister insists it's a valuable tool for transparency. In this week's Focus on Politics, political reporter Giles Dexter looks at the various criticisms and defences of the legislation, and what impact its passing might have.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz
Moe mai rā: Takutai Tarsh Kemp laid to rest
In Focus on Politics this week, RNZ's Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira goes to Opaea Marae, just north of Taihape, as Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp is laid to rest. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The United States strikes Iran
The United States enters the war between Israel and Iran, and the world calls for de-escalation. By the end of the week there's a ceasefire between the two nations, but it remains unclear what damage was done to Iranian's nuclear capabilities. Political reporter Lillian Hanly takes a look at the New Zealand government's response.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Meth use and organised crime in New Zealand
Methamphetamine use has exploded over the past year and the government is "actively" looking at ways to respond. At the same time, Associate Police and Customs Minister Casey Costello is looking at how to tackle the wider network of organised crime in New Zealand. Political Reporter Lillian Hanly takes a closer look at the Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime an
Coalition turfed out in latest RNZ Reid-Research poll
The latest RNZ-Reid Research Poll shows the left-bloc would have enough seats to govern. Is this a punishment for the pay equity changes? And what about the punishment for a haka? Political Reporter Lillian Hanly goes through the results.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Trading places: Seymour steps up, Peters gears up
In Focus on Politics, RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch sits down with the incoming and outgoing deputy prime ministers to mark the historic handover. David Seymour is vowing to keep speaking freely, while an unshackled Winston Peters shifts into campaign mode. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
A Budget of give and take, cuts and credits
In Focus on Politics this week, the coalition debuts its second Budget - taking the knife to numerous government programmes in order to boost health, education and defence. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes a deeper look at the Budget of trade-offs.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
From urgency to uproar: a House of Chaos?
In Focus on Politics, RNZ's deputy political editor Craig McCulloch walks through the week at Parliament, a week featuring C-bombs and unprecedented punishments.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pay equity shake-up: billions saved, trust lost
In Focus on Politics, RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch breaks down the government's shock shake-up of the pay equity regime - the changes, the fallout and what's next. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The pros and cons of public-private partnerships
The coalition is pushing for more public-private partnerships (PPPs) in an effort to boost infrastructure investment. Political reporter Anneke Smith takes a closer look at the government's plan and asks one expert about the pros and cons of PPPs. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Defence Capability Plan spend-up shows the new strategic normal
The government has finally released its Defence Capability Plan, with phrases like 'enhanced lethality' and 'force multiplier' laying bare how much the strategic outlook has changed. For Focus on Politics this week, political reporter Giles Dexter digs into the plan, where the money's going, and how New Zealand's partners might respond.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Razor-sharp race in first RNZ-Reid Research poll
The new RNZ-Reid Research Poll shows the political race has tightened since the election, but the coalition parties are still holding on to a slim lead. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch breaks down the numbers as RNZ ventures into the province of polling.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Politics and the police
There was outrage from across the political spectrum this week, following comments by Green MP Tamatha Paul about police beat patrols making people feel "less safe". It came the same week a Justice Select Committee report stated public trust in the police is at about 68 percent. Political reporter Lillian Hanly looks back at the different perspectives on the issue. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz
Government ups engagement with India, United States during global volatility
In Focus on Politics, Anneke Smith examines the Prime Minister’s performance in India and takes a look at what the Foreign Affairs Minister got out of his talks with top US officials in Washington DC.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The beleaguered school lunches programme battles through another week
In Focus on Politics, RNZ's political editor Jo Moir breaks down a bad poll for the coalition, and the ongoing fallout from the school lunches programme, including new liquidation woes.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The impact of tougher access to emergency housing.
Housing advocates and those supporting homeless youth say it's now near impossible to get into emergency housing. The coalition celebrated reducing the number of households in emergency motels by 75 per cent - a target it's met five years early. But critics say homelessness has increased as a result of tougher rules. In Focus on Politics, RNZ Political Reporter Lillian Hanly takes a look at access
Winston Peters' takes NZ's defence and security concerns direct to Beijing
In Focus on Politics, RNZ's political editor Jo Moir takes a look at New Zealand’s relationship with China as three Chinese warships sit off the coast of Australia, and the Cook Islands signs new agreements with the superpower, without first consulting New Zealand. Foreign Minister was in Beijing this week for high-level meetings, and RNZ's Corin Dann was there to report from the ground.Go to this
Shaken trust in the public service's data safeguards
A damning report has found the safeguards government agencies have to protect data they share with third party providers to be sorely lacking, and wide open for misuse. Allegations Census and vaccination data shared at Manurewa Marae was misused are up for further investigation, but the trust in the public service has taken a hit. For Focus on Politics this week, political reporter Giles Dexter lo
Why the coalition's squabbles are likely to escalate
Facing falling poll numbers and focusing squarely on growth, the prime minister's agenda this week has faced multiple distractions - and they all seemed to have one name. It's a trend that seems likely to continue into the second half of the government's term. Political Reporter Russell Palmer spoke to David Seymour and Mike Munro for Focus on Politics this week about coalition dynamics. Go to thi
Waitangi Day from the Treaty Grounds
In this week's Focus on Politics, Lillian Hanly goes to Waitangi and experiences the manaakitanga, the politics, and the ceremony of New Zealand's national day. Thousands of people make the trip north each year to the place where Te Tiriti was first signed - though this year, the prime minister was notably absent.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Oral submissions begin on the Treaty Principles Bill
ACT leader David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill is being considered by the Justice Select Committee. It received an unprecedented number of written submissions and the committee made a selection to ensure hearing a broad range of views for the first sessions on the Bill. RNZ political reporter Lillian Hanly takes a look back at the first ten hours of oral submissions.Go to this episode on rnz.co
2024 in Politics: Change, Challenge, and Chuckles
The end-of-year has arrived, and with it, the traditional suite of end-of-year reviews and thinkpieces. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch looks back on the ups and downs of politics in 2024. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
All aboard the Winston Peters' rail mission
In Focus on Politics, RNZ's political editor Jo Moir sits down with new Minister for Rail Winston Peters to discuss the future of the Interislander ferries, and what next year will bring for the New Zealand First leader. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Scrutiny week's political fireworks: is it all just for show?
They call it scrutiny week at Parliament - a prolonged political prosecution - where the opposition is given the opportunity to grill ministers and department bosses and sometimes receive a little return fire. Broadly speaking, commentators have not been overly impressed with the opposition's approach. In this week's Focus on Politics, the second ever scrutiny week has launched many headlines, but
The Coalition's First Year: Compromise and Controversy
In Focus on Politics, RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch sits down with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to reflect on his first year in charge. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti arrives at Parliament
Mark this up as a moment in history - as Parliament held court to one of the largest protests it has ever seen - more than 42,000 people descending on the capital - to close out a nine day hīkoi that travelled across the motu. They rallied in opposition to the government's agenda for Māori, but chiefly the Treaty Principles Bill, championed by ACT's leader David Seymour. Prime Minister Christopher
Crown apologises as Cabinet mulls 'complex' redress for abuse in care
Tens, if not hundreds of thousands, of survivors tuned into this week's Crown apology for abuse in care. They came looking for meaningful words and a plan for restitution. The government delivered a sincere apology but survivors will have to wait until 2025 for a new redress scheme.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Trump triumph touches NZ shores
Mark this one down in the history books: Donald Trump, on his way back to the White House after a nail-biter race for the American presidency. No doubt the ramifications will be momentous for the United States - but what for New Zealand? RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch breaks down the consequences.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Minister Chris Penk lays foundations for self-certified building scheme
The government wants to speed up house building, aiming to allow builders to sign off their own work. It would be a risk-based approach, only used for straightforward jobs or by trusted groups - and paired with harsher penalties for rule-breakers. In Focus on Politics this week, RNZ Political Reporter Russell Palmer sits down with Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk to nail down some det
Scandals dog National, the Greens while New Zealand First takes aim at Labour
Multiple parties brushed up against scandal this week as National struggled to defend a bumbling minister and the Greens farewelled a rogue MP. Meanwhile New Zealand First and Labour were at loggerheads over an alleged conflict of interest. It all played out in the same week the Government intervened at Wellington City Council - trying to sort out the capital kerfuffle. Deputy political Craig McCu
Wellington woes - government threatens council intervention
Wellington City Council has been under scrutiny this week, with the coalition government threatening to intervene. Last week, the capital's councilors voted to stop the sale of its 34 percent stake in the Wellington Airport. The decision has left the council's Long Term Plan in limbo - its investment plan for the next ten years. Political reporter Lillian Hanly breaks down the capital kerfuffle.
Winston Peters bangs drum on UN veto reform
Fresh off a trip to the United Nations General Assembly leaders' week, the foreign minister Winston Peters is defending New Zealand's support for a resolution calling for Israel to leave occupied Palestinian territories within 12 months. That decision raised some eyebrows back home, as it was out of step with our Five Eyes partners, and Act leader David Seymour believes it was a big enough change
Tobacco debate getting heated at Parliament
Casey Costello is the Smokefree Minister accused of helping Big Tobacco - something she strongly denies. The pressure on her has only grown amid questions about the advice she's relied on to push through tax cuts on heated tobacco products. In Focus on Politics this week, RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch lays out the latest revelations surrounding New Zealand's Smokefree strategy as ove
