Jane Patterson
Focus on Politics: A mega-media merger?
A leaked plan reignites debate about what should be done to save the news media in NZ. Audio
RNZ and TVNZ could merge into new public broadcaster
The fate of RNZ and TVNZ may soon be in the hands of Cabinet ministers, as they consider a proposal to disestablish both broadcasters and create an entirely new public media entity.
The Government is… Audio
Coalition govt tries to appear united amid immigration rule change
There's still two very different views around the coalition cabinet table over partnership visas, but ministers are trying to appear united in the face of an angry backlash from Indian migrants.
The… Audio
Government split over partnership visa rules
What started as a controversial message to the Indian community from New Zealand First MP and minister Shane Jones, has led to a ministerial split over immigration.
The coalition government recently… Audio
Ardern surprised by question on sheep placenta cream at summit
Sheep placenta cream - ever heard of it?
The Thai Prime Minister has and referenced it while talking with Jacinda Ardern about their respective countries working more closely together on high value… Audio
Jacinda Ardern responds to Shane Jones' immigration comments
Shane Jones has been told to apologise or resign over his comments towards the immigrant community, saying people unhappy should get on the next plane home.
RNZ's political editor Jane Patterson is… Audio
Andrew Little plans to tackle referendum manipulation
With a prediction next year's election will be "pretty rough and pretty ugly", the Justice Minister has plans in place to combat misinformation and manipulation - including campaigns for, potentially… Audio
Online arguments for referendums to be monitored for truthfulness
Voters will have their say on legalising recreational cannabis, and - potentially - voluntary euthanasia in 2020.
A special team within the Justice Ministry has been set up to make sure any campaigns… Audio
Focus on Politics: ETS & Agriculture
Consensus, finally, on a path forward to price agricultural emissions - but is it enough? Audio
Govt lets off farmers from Emissions Trading Scheme, for now
Environmentalists are accusing the government of selling out over its deal with farmers.
Agriculture makes up nearly half of New Zealand's carbon emissions.
But under a new plan unveiled on… Audio
Government to release pricing on agricultural emissions.
The Government will shortly release how it plans to price agricultural emissions. It's understood the Government will not include the primary sector into the ETS from 2025 for now, but will look for… Audio
Focus on Politics: Returning Foreign Fighters
The Justice Minister is under pressure to get enough support for plan to deal with foreign fighters returning to New Zealand. Audio
Anti-terror law change: Justice Minister to talk with National
The Justice Minister will meet with the National Party early next week to see if they can thrash out a consensus on new counter terrorism legislation.
But the two parties continue to trade blows… Audio
Polls show Labour, Ardern slipping in popularity
Two polls two days running have National running ahead of Labour. Both polls showed Jacinda Ardern's popularity as preferred prime minister falling, though she remains well clear of Opposition leader… Audio
National up, Labour down in latest political poll
Labour is down and National up in the latest Newshub-Reid research poll. National's support has received a 6.5 percent boost to 43.9 percent, surpassing Labour. The Labour Party's public support is… Audio
Simon Bridges says the Government can't buy back Ihumatao
Opposition leader Simon Bridges says the Government can't buy back land at Ihumatao, because it would create a regrettable precedent. The Maori king, Kiingi Tuheitia, says mana whenua have made a… Audio
Independent review to look at Labour Party assaults fiasco
The scrutiny of Labour Party officials, and potentially Prime Ministerial staff and Ministers, over the sexual assault allegations has been broadened.
The Prime Minister has outlined a further… Video, Audio
Focus on Politics: Labour's sexual assault complaints storm
The Labour Party has been consumed by a controversy involving serious sexual assault allegations, putting the spotlight directly on the Prime Minister, and her most senior advisors and political… Audio
Storm surrounding Labour showing no sign of abating
The Labour Party has faced a battering this week over its handling of sexual assault accusations levelled at a Labour Party staffer. and the storm surrounding Labour is showing no sign of abating even… Audio
Fallout from sex abuse allegations set to continue
RNZ's political editor Jane Patterson says the fallout from the sex assault allegations will continue with still a lot of questions about what senior staff members in Jacinda Ardern;'s office knew. Audio
