Focus on Politics
Weekly insight into the political issues that matter from RNZ's gallery team.
Produced by RNZ Political Reporters
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New episode
New episode
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.
New episode
NZ resists global push to recognise Palestinian state
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.
Butter battle fizzles as cost of living war drags on
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.
ACT’s rallying cry meets reality check
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.
Regulatory Standards Bill gets its week of scrutiny
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.
Moe mai rā: Takutai Tarsh Kemp laid to rest
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.
The United States strikes Iran
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.
Meth use and organised crime in New Zealand
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 and how the increased availability of illicit drugs in the country is having an impact.
Coalition turfed out in latest RNZ Reid-Research poll
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.
Trading places: Seymour steps up, Peters gears up
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.
A Budget of give and take, cuts and credits
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.
From urgency to uproar: a House of Chaos?
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.
Pay equity shake-up: billions saved, trust lost
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.
The pros and cons of public-private partnerships
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.
Defence Capability Plan spend-up shows the new strategic normal
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.
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