Anneke Smith
Government told Rob Campbell sacking a blow to health reforms
The government's being warned sacking outspoken Te Whatu Ora health boss Rob Campbell is a blow to its big health reforms.
Others say it is a golden opportunity to put a doctor in charge.
The Health… Audio
Covid-19 Omicron booster for all over 30yo available from April
The government is poised to roll out a new Covid-19 booster for everyone over the age of 30.
The Pfizer bivalent vaccine will be available from the start of April - a move described by one… Audio
Health NZ bracing for more pressure over winter
Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand - is bracing for another tough winter with eight hospital 'hotspots' coming under increasing pressure.
It will use emergency provisions to ease the burden -… Audio
Luxon, Hipkins take election campaigns to Tauranga
Voters in Tauranga got a taste of the 2023 election campaign today - with both of the 'Chrises' out and about in the electorate.
The leaders of both major parties hit the road - talking to locals… Audio
PM Hipkins' first international trip to Aus to meet Albanese
The Prime Minister hopped across the Tasman today to say 'gidday' to his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese. The day-trip to Canberra marks Chris Hipkins' first international trip since he took… Audio
Fuel tax subsidy extension 'bonkers', 'extremly dumb' - critics
"Bonkers" and "extremely dumb" are just some of the words critics are using to describe the Government's U-turn on transport subsidies.
The fuel tax cut - and half price public transport - are being… Audio
'Boy from the Hutt' stops Labour's poll slide
Two new political polls show 'the boy from the Hutt' may have what it takes to turn around Labour's election fortunes.
The party's leader Chris Hipkins appears to have put a stop to sinking support -… Audio
Ribbon cut on long-awaited Peka Peka to Otaki expressway
Wellingtonians heading up the Kapiti Coast for the holidays are in for an early Christmas present. The ribbon had been cut on the long-awaited expressway from Peka Peka to Otaki, although it would not… Audio
MPs finish final debate of 2022
With just ten days until Christmas, MPs have completed their final debate of the year.
There were jokes and jabs to bookend another busy year in politics - and a parting gift for all New Zealanders… Audio
National nets a new MP after Hamilton West by-election
The National Party's newest MP, Tama Potaka, will arrive at Parliament this morning for his first day in the job, after he cruised to victory in the Hamilton West by-election on Saturday,
Potaka won… Audio
Opposition claims NZDF facing 'workforce crisis'
The Opposition says a workforce "crisis" is begining to emerge in the Defence Force as personnel leave for better salaries. A ship deployed on a fisheries patrol operation around pacific nations had… Audio
Hamiltonians treated to special debate for by-election
The battle for the hearts and minds of Hamilton West voters is well underway with locals treated to a special debate.
December's byelection was triggered by the fomer Labour MP Gaurav Sharma's… Audio
Govt extends healthy homes deadline for private landlords
Private landlords have been given an early Christmas present - an extra year to bring their rentals up to healthy homes standards.
The government has extended the deadline, saying supply chain… Audio
Youth workers unimpressed wth National's boot camp plan
Those working on the frontlines with youth offenders are putting the boot into National over its proposal for military-style camps.
The party wants to send recidivist teenagers to special 'academies'… Audio
Victim's advocate labels sentencing discounts 'lolly scramble'
A victim's advocate is describing sentencing discounts for offenders as a courtroom "lolly scramble" that lets survivors down and offenders off the hook.
There was an outcry when Tauranga teenager… Audio
Banks called to support people under financial strain
Banks are being urged to step up and support families and businesses coming under financial strain as the pressure comes on from rising interest rates.
The plea comes from the Reserve Bank in a… Audio
Government looking at response to Iran now influencers out
New Zealand is sizing up its options in responding to the violent crackdown on protests in Iran, now that a Kiwi couple are no longer in the country.
The Government is seeking advice on what… Audio
Protesters outside the Iranian embassy in Wellington
A group of protesters are picketing outside the Iranian embassy in Wellington, condemning the country's brutal crackdown of demonstrations against the regime.
The protesters say more than 240 people… Audio
Parents of meningitis victim urge Parliament make vaccine free
The parents of a teenager who suddenly died from meningitis have made a heartfelt plea for free access to the vaccine that would have saved their daughter.
Gerard and Claire Rushton appeared before a… Audio
Parliament set to pass 50 percent women
Parliament is on the verge of a significant milestone for women.
In just a few hours' time, women will make up more than fifty percent of seats in the House when Soraya Peke-Mason is sworn in as… Audio
