Jane Patterson
National MP under police investigation
National MP Sarah Dowie is understood to be under police investigation relating to a text message she allegedly sent to Jami-Lee Ross in August last year, telling him he "deserves to die". RNZ… Audio
First-home buyer calls for increase to HomeStart cap
A prospective Kiwibuild buyer has highlighted what she sees as an anomoly with the Kiwibuild criteria, that's preventing her and others from achieving the dream of home ownership. Audio
Phil Twyford should lose portfolio – National
Housing Minister Phil Twyford says about 300 Kiwibuild houses are likely to be built by July, far fewer than the 1000 target the government set itself. National says the minister has dropped the ball… Audio
Jami-Lee Ross prepares for return to Parliament
The former National MP, Jami Lee Ross, has apologised to everybody he hurt last year and is vowing to be the best MP for Botany he can be when he returns to Parliament next month. The MP, who has been… Audio
PM looks for certainty in face of Brexit ‘no deal’ outcome
New Zealand businesses exporting to the UK are taking some comfort from a meeting between the two prime ministers, but the spectre of a so-called hard Brexit still looms large. Political Editor Jane… Audio
Ardern, May sign pledge for UK-NZ trade after Brexit
The United Kingdom and New Zealand have signed a mutual recognition agreement, where the UK has pledged trade continuity following Brexit at a meeting at 10 Downing Street. Ms Ardern has used the… Audio
Focus on Politics: Sitting down with Jacinda Ardern
As Parliament closes for Christmas MPs have been reflecting on a turbulent political year, and the first year under the coalition government. At the helm is Jacinda Ardern, who as well as becoming… Audio
Haumaha belittled and humiliated staff, but won’t be sacked
Deputy Police Commissioner Wally Haumaha behaved inappropriately and unprofessionally when he belittled staff from two government departments, IPCA has found. But Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says… Audio
Nothing to see here - National responds to spying report
Former National Party ministers are being forced to defend the activities of private investigators under their watch, saying they didn't know about any unethical activity. Audio
Binding referendum to be held on legalising cannabis
A binding referendum on whether cannabis for personal use should be legalised is expected to be a drawcard for youth voters. New Zealanders will get to have their say on cannabis, along with who they… Video, Audio
Focus on Politics: Sitting down with Simon Bridges
Simon Bridges ends the year as National Party leader, but how secure is his position? Elected after the resignation of Bill English at the start of the year, Mr Bridges inherited a large caucus stung… Audio
National party demand answers over absent Kiwibuild head
Stephen Barclay was appointed in May to lead the flagship programme which aims to build 100-thousand houses in 10 years. Video, Audio
Focus on Politics: Mental health inquiry
The government now has a challenging plan for improving New Zealanders' mental health, having received the 200 page report from the Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction. Audio
Simon Bridges ejected from House, MPs follow
National MPs walked out of the House this afternoon after party leader Simon Bridges was ejected by the Speaker. But Mr Bridges remains defiant, saying he called out Speaker Trevor Mallard for openly… Audio
Parliament staffers weren't ready for govt change - report
Public servants responsible for the transition between governments failed to support new ministers as no-one had planned for a full scale, new administration.A review has found officials were caught… Audio
Police Commissioner welcomes inquiry's findings on his deputy
Police Commissioner Mike Bush says he still has confidence in Deputy Commissioner Wally Haumaha, pending an IPCA report into allegations of bullying. Audio
Paula Bennett: ‘I stand by what we did and how we did it’
National's deputy leader Paula Bennett has spoken for the first time since the leak of another recording involving Jami-Lee Ross. She told RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson she has no regrets with… Audio
Witness in Sroubek’s court case was in police protection
Another revelation in the case of convicted drug smuggler Karel Sroubek played out in Parliament this afternoon after it was revealed a family ended up in witness protection as a result of charges he… Audio
Recording reveals conversation behind Jami-Lee Ross’ leave
A recording released today shows Jami-Lee Ross was being strongly urged to leave Parliament after being confronted with allegations of inappropriate conduct towards four or five women, and disloyal… Audio
New Jami-Lee Ross recording - political analysis
The Opposition leader Simon Bridges is insisting he did not try and cover up the handling of the Jami-Lee Ross saga. Newshub's AM Show has played extracts of a phone conversation between Mr Bridges… Audio
