Policy

Almost all Covid-19 restrictions have been scrapped after the Government did away with the Covid-19 Protection Framework overnight.

As at midnight, masks are only required in health and aged care… Audio

After more than two and a half years of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government has dropped almost all restrictions.

Masks are now only needed in hospitals or aged care facilities, vaccine requirements… Audio

New Zealand is waking to its first day without major Covid-19 restrictions since March 2020.

Masks, vaccine requirements for incoming travellers, and isolation for household contacts have been axed… Audio

The government is defending high failure rates in trial writing and maths tests - saying the tests are still under development. Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti spoke to Māni Dunlop. Audio

Thousands of New Zealand residents are languishing in a queue for citizenship while some new applicants are being approved within weeks.

Among those waiting are relatives needing a passport to visit… Audio

The retirement village sector is signalling changes to the way it operates.

A raft of reforms are being put to members, which account for ninety-five percent of the country's retirement villages.

… Audio

A ban on intimate relationships between university staff and students at Victoria University of Wellington is a New Zealand first.

Previously such relationships were 'strongly discouraged'.

Provost… Audio

WorkSafe has admitted the mahi it's been doing to prevent construction workers from being killed and injured on the job has not been enough.

The health and safety watchdog is now appealing for… Audio

The government plans to charge GST on top of Kiwisaver fees - as part of a tax bill introduced to Parliament.

It's estimated to bring in $225 million a year in tax from 2026, and is expected to have… Audio

As National calls for tougher consequences on repeat youth offenders due to a spike in ram raids, its also acknowledging the need to invest in social groups supporting youth and in turn stopping the… Audio

Survivors of our biggest national disasters say new guidelines will better supporting families in the wake of future tragedies.

The new "Public Service Commission Model Standards" - to be released at… Audio

The government is bringing in extra checks to stop its cost-of-living payments going to people based overseas.

The changes - which follow criticism from the Auditor-General - will mean some eligible… Audio

The Inland Revenue is racing to ensure New Zealanders living overseas don't get the next cost of living payment due on Thursday.

Thousands of people got the first installment when they shouldn't have… Audio

Frustrated New Zealand-trained migrant nurses are planning to leave the country because they cannot find an immediate path to residency.

They're quitting just as the Government tries to entice… Audio

Efforts are being made to curb what's being described as 'extremist parents' being elected on school boards.

This follows a white supremacist standing for the board of trustees at one of… Audio

National wants to get tough on youth crime.

Party leader, Christopher Luxon, suggests locking the worst young offenders up and throwing away the electronic key. But is it that simple?

Auckland youth… Audio

Opposition MPs are labelling a restructure of the Ministry for Children as disappointing for our most vulnerable children.

Controversial legislation to restructure how Oranga Tamariki is monitored… Audio

Controversial legislation to restructure how Oranga Tamariki is monitored has passed its final hurdle in Parliament.

The Oranga Tamariki Oversight Bill will remove the country's top watchdog for… Audio