Policy
Cabinet signs off late payment rules for government departments
It will soon be mandatory for government departments to pay invoices within ten days, a move the government says will help small businesses and improve productivity. Audio
PM Luxon on advice used to cut excise tax from heated tobacco
Associate health minister Casey Costello is accusing health officials of undermining the government's smoking reforms, after one criticised advice she used to justify cutting excise tax from heated… Audio
Hearing to decide fate of emergency housing motels in Rotorua
Rotorua residents are desperate and despondent as a hearing gets underway on Tuesday to decide the fate of seven emergency housing motels in the city. Natalie Akoorie reports. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 1 November 2024
In today's episode, The Prime Minister is accusing the opposition of playing politics with youth mental health, in its criticisms of Gumboot Friday founder Mike King, both Donald Trump and Kamala… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 31 October 2024
In today's episode, up to 2000 people could lose their jobs as a result of the government's change to the school lunches funding model, the United States presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Donald… Audio
Lake Alice abuse survivors to be reimbursed $2.7 million
A lawyer representing state care abuse survivors says any redress must be equitable and consistent for all victims of abuse. Lawyer Sonja Cooper spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio
Health NZ proposes to cut some chief clinical roles
Senior doctors say Health NZ's proposal to cut some chief clinical roles is "a declaration of war" on rural and regional hospitals. Ruth Hill reports. Audio
Report shows average time spent on benefit decreases slightly
The government says new estimates of how long beneficiaries stay on welfare prove a need for tougher sanctions. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Data shows Auckland rents falling but remain high
Aucklanders say they're still paying steep rent for damp and mouldy homes, and they're not seeing any flow-on benefit from landlords' tax relief. Melanie Earley reports. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 30 October 2024
In today's episode, the Associate Education Minister says he will look for more funding for attendance services, in order to tackle the growing truancy crisis, with the trial of the man accused of… Audio
Submissions on changes to Marine and Coastal Area Act heard
The Justice Select Committee has been hearing submissions on changes to the Marine and Coastal Area Act, which will make it harder for Maori to make customary claims on coastlines. RNZ's Maori News… Audio
Plumbers and builders could sign off own work under proposal
Plumbers, builders, and drain layers could soon have the ability to sign off on their own work, without the need for council inspection. Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio
Govt looks to self-certification for qualified trade professionals
In an effort to reduce consent wait times, the government is looking to swap out some council inspections for a self-certification scheme. Jennian Homes Sales and Franchise Director Aidan Jury spoke… Audio
Polytechs slim down to fit minister's model
Polytechs around the country are cutting staff and courses as they try to prove they are financially viable as stand alone institutions, as Te Pukenga is unravelled. Audio
Patients with diabetes charged for 'free' devices
Some pharmacies have been charging people with diabetes for their free glucose monitors which have been fully government funded since the first of October. Ruth Hill reports. Audio
Hauraki Gulf bill backlash
Professor Simon Thrush weighs in on amendments to the Hauraki Gulf Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill which some describe as a "a kick in the face". Audio
CHOGM: More than just an expensive talkfest
A look at some of the people who turned up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, hoping to advance plans for global change Audio
Gaps in gun laws before March 15, 2019, laid bare in hearing
The glaring gaps in the country's gun laws prior to the Christchurch terror attack have been laid bare at a coroners hearing over the last three weeks. The second-phase inquest into the 51 worshippers… Audio
Police Minister on safety for ambulance officers
The head of the ambulance workers union says stab proof vests should be rolled out widely to first responders once police start withdrawing from mental health callouts. Minister of Police Mark… Audio
Samoan citizenship bill passes second reading
An historic bill to restore entitlement to New Zealand citizenship for people born in Western Samoa between 1924 and 1949 has passed its second reading in Parliament. Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono's… Audio
