Jane Patterson
Govt warned of 'chilling effect' of less oil, gas exploration
Cabinet briefing papers reveal the government was warned by officials its plan to curb future oil and gas exploration could have a "chilling effect" on investment if it wasn't handled well. Audio
National continues to dominate political polls
There was no post-Budget boost for the govenrment, according to the latest RNZ Poll of Polls. But even with National's support holding steady, Labour and the Greens would be able to govern alone under… Audio
Border tax could exclude Australia, Pacific
Warning bells are sounding within the tourism and aviation industries about exactly how a border tax will work, with the possibility several countries could be excluded. Alongside that, the… Audio
National chides govt over Kiwibuild income rules
The final criteria for who will be able to buy a KiwiBuild have not yet been settled, including whether there will be an income cap. The Housing Minister Phil Twyford and National's Judith Collins… Audio
Budget 2018: Political, economic analysis
RNZ's political editor Jane Patterson and economics correspondent Patrick O'Meara discuss the Budget with Guyon Espiner. Pressure will really be on the next two years' budgets, as expectations grow… Audio
Special coverage of the Budget 2018
Susie Ferguson presents coverage of the 2018 Budget, with expert analysis and commentary from RNZ correspondents. Audio
Budget 2018: What can we expect?
Thursday is Budget Day, and Finance Minister Grant Robertson will deliver the first Labour Budget in nearly a decade. Health, education and housing will feature large but the government has made… Audio
Defence unlikely a top priority for Budget 2018
Defence is a portfolio involving vast sums of money, but doesn't hit headlines as much as the likes of health, education of housing. But it is important given the increasing demands of disaster… Audio
Budget 2018: Can new govt deliver on education?
This week's Budget is a major test for the coalition government - can it deliver on its promises and meet expectations in the big ticket portfolios? We examine the situation facing primary and… Audio
National govt didn't do enough for schools - Hipkins
The Education Minister and his predecessor are at loggerheads over whether National did enough to plan for major population in growth in coming years, and the increased pressure that would put on… Audio
Has the NZ health system been underfunded?
As part of a special RNZ pre-Budget series, Political Editor Jane Patterson looks at how the previous government funded the health sector, and what we can expect from this current government next… Video, Audio
Focus on Politics: Budget preview 2018
While the Finance Minister Grant Robertson puts the final touches on his first Budget, the blame game has already begun. The government's been dampening down expectations as it comes under scrutiny… Audio
Clarke Gayford never been subject of police inquiry
The National leader Simon Bridges has denied any responsibility for the smear campaign against the Prime Minister's partner. Video, Audio
Finance Minister defends budget, confirms surplus
Grant Robertson says his budget will deliver a surplus and will stick to the Government's Budget Responsibility Rules, including getting debt down to 20 percent of GDP by 2022. Audio
Focus on Politics: Education
Budget day is looming and political parties are starting to position themselves. Coalition government ministers are claiming big funding holes in several portfolios - one of those is education. Our… Audio
GCSB checking whether Russian hackers hit NZ
United States, Britain and Australia have said hackers backed by the Russian government infected computer routers around the world. The GCSB is checking if they have hit New Zealand. Audio
Trump appears to do TPP u-turn amid tariff backlash
Facing a growing backlash over a looming trade war with China, US President Donald Trump wants his officials to look at whether the US can rejoin the Trans Pacific Partnership. Video, Audio
Coleman defends legacy as he leaves Parliament
The outgoing National MP Jonathan Coleman is defending his record as Health Minister, while debate rages on about funding for public services. The coalition government is softening up the electorate… Audio
Former Health Minister defends record as he bows out of Parliament
Jonathan Coleman's last fortnight in politics has focussed on what he knew, and when, about the condition of buildings at Middlemore Hospital. He spoke to Political Editor Jane Patterson. Audio
Carol Hirschfeld's resignation under spotlight in select committee
RNZ has been asked to hand over all communications between the former news boss and the minister, as well as a voice mail the minister left on the phone of its chair, Richard Griffin. Video, Audio
