Politics
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 28 January
Simeon Brown and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel; Labour leader Chris Hipkins is getting little clarity from voters on which governing partners he… Audio
Weekly Political Panel: Simeon Brown and Carmel Sepuloni
Simeon Brown and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Audio
Poll provides little clarity for Hipkins on coalition options
Labour leader Chris Hipkins is getting little clarity from voters on which governing partners he should shut out, with a new poll showing the electorate divided on his post-election options. Acting… Audio
Govt announces financial support for regions hit by weather
The Prime Minister has announced financial support for flood hit regions of New Zealand. Lillian Hanly reports. Audio
Prison rates are at an all-time high
The record number of prisoners are bouncing between facilities around the country, stretching court resources and rehabilitation programmes.
'Not enough': Parties respond to funding for weather-hit communities
Marae that provided welfare will receive $1m, but Te Pāti Māori's co-leader says their communities often face severe weather and need money for resilience.
Workplace Relations Minister announces changes to rules around chemicals in labs
Brooke van Velden says the updated hazardous substance regulations for research laboratories will save the industry billions.
Playing Tetris with an ever-growing prison population
The record number of prisoners are bouncing between facilities around the country, stretching court resources and rehabilitation programmes Audio
'Ignoring the basics' - government comes under fire
As it happened: Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori say the PM is catering to the greedy and elite.
Invite to Trump's Board of Peace needs 'measured look'
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says advice from his ministry is being prepared "as we speak".
Labour Party savages government retail crime advisory group
The Labour Party has savaged a government advisory group on retail crime, calling it "dysfunctional, directionless and failing". It comes after Checkpoint yesterday revealed that three of the five… Audio
'Strong case for government inquiry' into Mount Maunganui
There is a "strong case for an independent government inquiry" and families of those missing in the Mt Manuganui landslip "deserve" the facts, according to the Prime Minister. He has appointed Chris… Audio
Poll shows National narrowly beat Labour on trust to manage economy
National has narrowly outperformed Labour as the party voters trust the most to manage the economy. Just over 32 percent of people trust the National Party the most to manage the economy in RNZ's… Audio
Goverment to provide over $1 million to weather affected areas
The government is kicking an extra $1.2 million into mayoral relief funds for areas hit by the severe weather, to help with immediate needs like food and shelter. But it has acknowledged that is a… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 28 January 2026
Political reporter Russell Palmer spoke to Guyon Espiner as the political year gets underway in Wellington; Waikato University Professor Al Gillespie spoke to Guyon Espiner following comments from… Audio
Hipkins hits out at govt as it considers joining Board of Peace
Waikato University Professor Al Gillespie spoke to Guyon Espiner following comments from Labour Leader Chris Hipkins, hitting out at the government for considering New Zealand's possible position in… Audio
Political update as parliamentary year gets underway
Political reporter Russell Palmer spoke to Guyon Espiner as the political year gets underway in Wellington. Audio
Pessimistic voters look to Winston Peters to be the change candidate
Analysis: For a man who claims little regard for the polls, the NZ First leader will surely be feeling more favourably toward their latest offerings. Audio
Calls for PM to reject invite to Trump's 'Board of Peace'
Labour is calling it an "absolute disgrace" the government hasn't ruled out sitting on a committee with Vladimir Putin.
