Focus on Politics

RNZ News
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Focus on Politics

The big political issues unpacked every week.

  1. 19/12/2024

    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

    16 min

  2. 13/12/2024

    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

    16 min

  3. 06/12/2024

    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 is it doing what it was meant to? RNZ Political Reporter Russell Palmer examines a nascent parliamentary process. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    16 min

  4. 29/11/2024

    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

    16 min

  5. 22/11/2024

    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 Luxon decided against meeting the organisers, saying they were affiliated to Te Pāti Māori. RNZ Political Reporter Lillian Hanly takes a look back at the largest protest at Parliament in a generation. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    16 min

  6. 15/11/2024

    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

    16 min

  7. 08/11/2024

    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

    16 min

  8. 01/11/2024

    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 details and his thinking around the government's self-certification scheme aimed at getting homes built faster. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    16 min
See All (191)

About

The big political issues unpacked every week.

Information

  • Channel
    RNZ News
  • Creator
    RNZ
  • Years Active
    2006 - 2024
  • Episodes
    191
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) Radio New Zealand 2025
  • Show Website
    Focus on Politics

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