National Party
Bridges says US is 'pre-eminent' superpower
National Party leader Simon Bridges says he would prioritise New Zealand's relationship with the United States, but shouldn't be tied to a multi-lateral approach. Audio
Government releases plan to tackle plastics recycling
The government is adopting all of the recommendations from a taskforce set up last year to respond to China's ban on importing most types of plastics, that saw recycling stockpiles growing across the… Audio
KiwiBuild, deconstructed
The government's taking a hammering over its flagship KiwiBuild policy after neither the housing minister or the prime minister would confirm outright whether the target of building 100,000 new homes… Audio
Nick Smith suspended and named
In a rare parliamentary move, the Speaker named and suspended National MP Nick Smith for a comment yesterday, he accused Trevor Mallard of being " soft on drugs, like the Government." Audio
Big law firm backs Southern Response class action
Major Australian law firm Maurice Blackburn has agreed to underwrite a class action law suit against Southern Response seeking redress for Canterbury earthquake claimants. Christchurch lawyer Grant… Audio
Slush and burn
National served up the ‘slushies in jail’ story to the media, who then forced it down our throats for two days - then bit the hand that spoonfed them.
Simon Bridges’ constituents on what they think of his leadership
Simon Bridges has survived to fight another day as National party leader, but he's failed to douse speculation that Judith Collins could challenge his leadership. Reporter Nita Blake-Persen asked… Video, Audio
Simon Bridges' leadership in spotlight
Simon Bridges has emerged from today's caucus meeting saying he's confident he's leading a strong and united National party caucus, but that hasn't managed to put speculation about his leadership to… Audio
Port shift: Government looking to expand rail, says National
The National Party says a report into shifting the Ports of Auckland to Whangārei or Tauranga is a thinly disguised attempt to promote rail.
Reporters returning to politics as usual
Normal party politics have been mostly in abeyance since last month’s terrorist attack. But some political reporters are already returning to political reporting as usual - analysing political… Audio
Winston Peters: Jones’ SFO comments didn’t overstep the line
NZ First leader Winston Peters has weighed in in support of MP Shane Jones, who told Parliament he'd "study every single step" the SFO takes in its investigation into National Party donations. Audio
PM backs Shane Jones, ACT calls for him to be sacked
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is backing her Cabinet minister Shane Jones, as he faces accusations of a conflict of interest over a Northland project that's getting millions of dollars from the… Audio
Shane Jones labels PGF conflict story 'a beat up'
Simon Bridges says Shane Jones is "donkey-deep in a conflict" for his role in a decision for the PGF to grant millions to a Northland cultural centre, but Mr Jones says the story is "a beat up". Audio
Govt defends Sir Michael Cullen’s $1000 a day pay cheque
The government is defending still paying Sir Michael Cullen $1000 a day as the head of the Tax Working Group, which delivered its final report last month. Audio
PM rules out lowering MMP threshold - for now
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has ruled out lowering the MMP threshold in time for next year's election after National challenged her to take the option off the table, following Greens' public push to… Audio
MPs split over school strike for climate change
Green and Labour MPs will give the School Strike for Climate a warm welcome when it marches on Parliament next Friday, but National MPs say pupils shouldn't bunk class for it. Video, Audio
Strike! Why industrial action is up under Labour
After last year's stream of strike action, political reporter Gia Garrick explores what this means for the relationship between Labour and the unions and asks will it damage or strengthen this… Audio
National MPs swing behind Sarah Dowie at party retreat
National MP Sarah Dowie has made her first public comments since it was announced she's being investigated by police for allegedly sending a text to fellow MP Jami-Lee Ross telling him he deserved to… Audio
Simon Bridges, National Party Leader
This year National Party leader Simon Bridges has been at Waitangi for events leading up to February 6th. He took part in the powhiri for Parliamentarians for at the Upper Marae on February 5th before… Audio
A potential political party hooks the media
The prospect of a new party for conservative conservationists became big news this past week. Some reporters and pundits reckoned it could change the government in 2020 - even though it isn't even up… Audio