Focus on Politics

RNZ News
  • 4.6 (9)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. Gas plan derailed by definitional dispute

    5D AGO

    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

    16 min
  2. Minor parties plot major influence on election year

    12/19/2025

    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

    16 min
  3. Luxon and Hipkins give election-year teaser

    12/12/2025

    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

    16 min
  4. Councils prepare to tighten belts with rates relief in sight

    12/05/2025

    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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    16 min
  5. How the council 'reset' aims to spur amalgamations

    11/28/2025

    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.nz for more details

    16 min
  6. Coalition tempers ACT’s influence on gun laws

    11/21/2025

    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

    16 min
  7. IPCA bombshell forces reckoning at top of police

    11/14/2025

    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

    16 min
  8. Introducing: Politics NZ

    11/13/2025 · BONUS

    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

    1 min
See All (238)

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 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
    238
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) Radio New Zealand 2026
  • Show Website
    Focus on Politics

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