Politics
Luxon rejects idea of visa waivers, extended visas on first trip to China
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has poured cold water on the idea of complete visa waivers, or extended visas for "premium" travellers from China.
Prime Minister in China
The Prime Minister is rattling through a blitz of business promos on his first day in China, showcasing New Zealand's wares, and pitching it as a tourist destination. Deputy political editor Craig… Audio
Traditional Census form to be scrapped from 2030
New Zealanders have filled out their last traditional Census form, with the five-yearly count to be scrapped from 2030. The census, which has existed in a similar format for more than 70 years, will… Audio
Scrutiny Week: Q&A with Lawrence Xu-Nan
It's Scrutiny Week at Parliament, when Ministers face Select Committees to defend their budget plans. We asked Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan about the week and the preparation necessary.
How the govt plans to tackle 'stubbornly high' suicide rates
Explainer - The government announced a new five-year Suicide Prevention Action Plan this week. But what does it include? Audio
Midday Report Essentials Podcast for Wednesday 18 June 2025
The census gets a shake up and takes some pressure off the costs. The governmnet is also more than threatening to step in and over councils when it comes to housing and development - going as far as… Audio
Census scrapped
The Census is to be scrapped, in the biggest change to how New Zealand counts its population in more than 70 years. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 18 June 2025
In today's episode, Health New Zealand has been directed to give private hospitals 10-year outsourcing contracts to perform elective surgeries, Wednesday marks day five of the conflict between Israel… Audio
Government reveals new powers in RMA reform
The government will take back power from local councils if their decisions are going to negatively impact economic growth, development or employment. Audio
Nationwide public transport ticketing system 'not on track', minister says
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says he's worried about 'Motu Move' and "no options are off the table" to get the project back on track.
The House For Tues 17 June 2025 - Shorter
The latest from the House - Lawrence Xu-Nan Audio
Health figures improve, but more work to do
Health Minister admits more needs to be done to address wait times for elective surgeries and specialist assessments.
'There's a policy in place': Domestic violence victims eligible for emergency housing
Minister Tama Potaka says the first he heard of victims being turned away from emergency accommodation was in the House.
Plan to combat 'stubbornly high' suicide rates launched
More than 600 Kiwis died by suspected suicide last year, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. Audio
Government open to multiple Ngāpuhi groupings in settlement
The preference is for one commercial settlement but the government says it's open to recognising cultural groups under that.
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 17 June 2025
In today's episode, the government has launched a "targeted plan" to prevent suicide, outlining a five-year whole-of-government approach, fire crews are responding to a major fire at the New World… Audio
Less security or more flexibility? Employment law changing
The workplace minister has announced the Employment Relations Act is getting a shake-up.
Matt Doocey on new suicide prevention plan
The government has this morning released its second Suicide Prevention Action Plan. Audio
Greens release fiscal strategy that calls for more public investment
Last month, their 'Green Budget' was ridiculed by the coalition government.
Chinese communities optimistic about Prime Minister's visit
Chinese communities leaders are optimistic about the prime minister's visit to Shanghai and Beijing this week. RNZ Asia's Chen Liu reports. Audio
