• National converts to KiwiSaver
    Jun 26 2026

    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 others are asking what the changes might mean for Superannuation.

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

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    16 mins
  • Officials in firing line over $30m immigration failure
    Jun 19 2026

    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

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    16 mins
  • Labour joins election race with fare cap promise
    Jun 12 2026

    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

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    16 mins
  • Penk's verbal nuclear bomb inflames defence debates
    Jun 5 2026

    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

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    16 mins
  • The deliberately boring election-year Budget
    May 29 2026

    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

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    16 mins
  • Public service cuts spur debates on AI, shorts and flying
    May 22 2026

    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

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    16 mins
  • Te Pāti Māori's shrinking caucus: "No story here"
    May 15 2026

    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

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    16 mins
  • The GP crisis politicians can't ignore
    May 8 2026

    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

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    17 mins