Jane Patterson
Senior National MPs present united post-shuffle front
National Party leader Simon Bridges has given all his rivals spots in the top ten line-up, except departing MP Steven Joyce. He rolled out his top four MPs on Parliament's steps today, where they… Video, Audio
'Delicate balance' for National with new line-up
Housing is in the Opposition's sights with the appointment of Judith Collins to go up against Housing Minister Phil Twyford in the reshuffle unveiled by the National leader Simon Bridges. Mr Bridges… Audio
Charter schools confused about contract deadline
The Government wants to scrap all 11 charter schools but has given them the option of applying to become designated character state schools. Video, Audio
Focus on Politics: Meet Simon Bridges
The National Party has a new leader - Simon Bridges. He's 41, married with three young children and while brought up in West Auckland, is currently the MP for Tauranga. Mr Bridges was a senior… Audio
Simon Bridges 'certainly got fire in his belly' - analysis
National has a new leader, but Simon Bridges is not flagging any radical reforms within the party. He says the housing situation is a crisis for those who are affected by the housing shortage, but… Audio
National's new leader
Simon Bridges is the new leader of the National Party. He just held his first media conference. With the details we're joined by political editor Jane Patterson. Audio
National caucus to vote for new leader
The new leader of the National Party will be chosen today, when the 56 MPs will lock themselves into a room and conduct a secret ballot. Simon Bridges has been considered a frontrunner right from the… Audio
$1b regional fund ‘a big bloody risk’ - Shane Jones
The government's $60m Provincial Growth Fund will be spent on five regions, and will inject $8m into regional rail, including the return of the Napier to Wairoa rail line for logging trains. Video, Audio
Govt signs off on billion-dollar regional fund
Cabinet has given the final sign-off for the billion-dollar-a-year Regional Development Fund, and the checks and balances that will be put in place for any money allocated. The details of contestable… Audio
National leader race up to five - political analysis
Steven Joyce has just put his hand up to lead the National Party, becoming the fifth candidate going for the leadership. RNZ political editor Jane Patterson discusses the race with Susie Ferguson. Audio
National leadership race: Will Joyce, Mitchell join?
Lobbying for the top job in the National Party will reach fever pitch this week, with Mark Mitchell and Steven Joyce also likely to declare their intentions on Monday. RNZ political editor Jane… Audio
Medicinal cannabis: Police opposed Health Ministry plan
The Health Minister went ahead with a plan to give the terminally ill full legal protection to use cannabis despite opposition from the police. Legislation now before Parliament means anyone… Audio
Free tertiary education scheme 'compromised' now penalty reduced
The penalty for students who try to rort the scheme has been significantly scaled back, to a fine of up to $5000 from an original penalty of up to three years in jail. Video, Audio
National leader race kicks off - political analysis
Three more National MPs are thought to be considering entering the race to replace Bill English. Yesterday Judith Collins, Simon Bridges and Amy Adams put themselves forward. Steven Joyce, Jonathan… Video, Audio
Bill English 'cautiously liberated' - political analysis
So just who will take over as leader of the National Party? MPs have just two weeks to decide who they want to take over the top job - before Bill English walks out the door. RNZ's political editor… Audio
Who will be the next National Party leader?
Power Play - While Bill English was given the courtesy of announcing his own resignation, potential successors have already begun agitating for support, writes Jane Patterson.
What now after Bill English resigns as National leader?
Bill English says he's decided now is the right time to step aside from leadership of the National Party.
His resignation will take effect on Tuesday February 27th. He says he does not have a… Audio
Govt ticks off first 100 days - political analysis
In its first major test, the government has managed to largely tick off the list of actions it promised to take in its first 100 days. Saturday marks the deadline. Labour produced an ambitious 100-day… Audio
International educators react to limits on overseas students
The international education sector is pushing back against moves to crack down on the ability on overseas students to get job and then settle permanently in New Zealand. Immigration Minister Ian… Audio
Bill English's leadership speculation - political analysis
Bill English's first big setpiece speech to give his thoughts on the state of the nation was overshadowed yesterday by speculation about the state of his leadership. The National Party leader… Audio
