Benedict Collins
Focus on Politics for 2 June 2017
An investigation is underway into whether the Auditor General Martin Matthews is fit to continue in that role. Audio
KFC's sponsorship of Rugby League World Cup slammed but Govt comfortable
Obesity experts and consumer groups say KFC's sponsorship deal at this year's Rugby League World Cup is a public health tragedy, but sports and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says he's comfortable… Video, Audio
Auditor General stands down during investigation
The Auditor General has stood down and an independent review will decide whether he's fit to remain in the role. The review will consider Martin Matthews conduct during a major fraud that was carried… Audio
Auditor General stands down temporarily
Is Martin Matthews a suitable person to continue in the role as Auditor General? That's the question an independent review will consider as it looks into Mr Matthews' conduct during a major fraud that… Audio
Auditor-General wants to meet skeptical MPs
The Auditor General wants to meet with political party leaders. Some MPs have questioned whether his handling of the Joanne Harrison fraud case makes him unfit for the job. Political reporter Benedict… Audio
Peters positioned as potential Kingmaker
New Zealand First's Winston Peters could become the kingmaker after the general election. Political reporter Benedict Collins spent a day travelling with Mr Peters around his vast Northland electorate
…Transport whistleblowers speak out about losing their jobs
Two former Transport Ministry workers have spoken out for the first time about how they were forced out of their jobs after raising the alarm about the fraudster Joanne Harrison. Our reporter Benedict… Audio
Call for Auditor General to stand down over fraud
A call has gone out for Auditor General Martin Matthews to step down while an independent investigation is held into the massive Joanne Harris fraud is investigated. Audio
Jailed fraudster got friend job at Transport Ministry
The Transport Ministry has launched a fresh investigation after former staff came forward saying they believed fraudster Joanne Harrison forced them out. Audio
More revelations about convicted Transport Ministry fraudster
There are more extraordinary revelations this morning about Transport Ministry fraudster Joanne Harrison who's behind bars for stealing nearly $750,000. After reading through hundreds of documents our… Audio
Housing costs unaffordable for renters, first home buyers
A new government affordability measure has revealed two thirds of renters and 80 percent of potential first home buyers cannot afford their housing costs. Audio
Is NZ an easy route to Australian residency?
The Prime Minister has revealed that Australia thinks New Zealand is a soft backdoor route for migrants entering their country, but he says he doesn't understand why Audio
Brownlee criticised for stance on Australia student fee changes
Gerry Brownlee has made his first visit as Foreign Minister, but critics say he is bowing down to the Australian government by agreeing more Kiwis will get an education if they have access to loans. Audio
School Fees across The Ditch
Australia has announced it will start charging New Zealanders full fees at its universities - which will at least triple the cost of most degrees. Now, education and policy researchers are warning… Audio
Govt trialling new hybrid cars for Crown fleet
Govenrment chaffeurs are trialling new BMW electric hybrids to see whether its up to the job of transporting politicians and VIPs around the country. Audio
Fraudster tricked agency to pay $100,000 salary to husband
The Transport Ministry fraudster Joanne Harrison successfully recommended her husband Patrick Sharp for a role at the Transport Accident Investigation Commission - without ever disclosing they were… Audio
Jailed fraudster appears to have tricked another agency
RNZ News has learned the jailed Ministry of Transport fraudster Joanne Harrison recommended her husband for a job at another government agency, without telling anyone they were married. Political… Audio
Defence Force open to inquiry over Afghanistan raid
Lieutenant General Tim Keating has acknowledged there may have been multiple civilian casualites during Operation Burnham, which was carried out following the death of Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell who was… Audio
Govt paying former PM Jenny Shipley $1100+day for work
Ms Shipley will be paid $28,000 for about 20 days work a year as chair of a committee commemmorating the 250th anniversary of the arrival of James Cook's ship the Endeavour. Audio
Emails show convicted fraudster tried to close investigation
Emails released by the Ministry of Transport show convicted fraudster Joanne Harrison urged the organisation's chief executive Martin Matthews to close down an internal investigation into her… Audio
