Focus on Politics

RNZ News
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Weekly insight into the political issues that matter from RNZ's gallery team.

  1. Confidence call: Luxon's uneasy victory

    4D AGO

    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

    16 min
  2. Vaianu: better safe than sorry?

    APR 17

    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

    16 min
  3. Iran war dominates Winston Peters’ US trip

    APR 10

    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

    16 min
  4. Fuel crisis forces rationing plan revisions - just in case

    MAR 27

    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 for more details

    16 min
  5. Fuel fears rise as government shifts tone

    MAR 20

    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 details

    16 min
  6. Peeni Henare farewells Parliament after 12 years

    MAR 13

    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

    16 min
  7. Prime Minister flubs his lines as Iran conflict reignites

    MAR 6

    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

    16 min
  8. Move-on powers move safety nets into the spotlight

    FEB 27

    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

    16 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Weekly insight into the political issues that matter from RNZ's gallery team.

Information

  • Channel
    RNZ News
  • Creator
    RNZ
  • Years Active
    2006 - 2026
  • Episodes
    247
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) Radio New Zealand 2026
  • Show Website
    Focus on Politics

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