Policy
Poor political strategy fans pay equity fury
The government's lightning blitz on pay equity claims has left whole sectors devastated, and the public confused about what just happened. Audio
Queenstown principals, parents push back on bus cuts
The Ministry of Education has signalled it may pull the plug on free buses for eight Queenstown schools. Audio
Principal to use truancy funding to feed, clothe children
Hamilton school has been running their own attendance service for five years. Audio
Urgent debate on redress for abuse in state care
MPs began the week with an urgent debate on redress for abuse in state care, and criticism of the government's change of mind about an independent redress system for survivors.
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 14 May 2025
In today's episode, the Waitangi Tribunal is hearing submissions from claimants concerned about the effect the Regulatory Standards Bill will have on the Treaty of Waitangi, The Foreign Affairs… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 14 May 2025
In today's episode, nearly a quarter of the money spent on National's FamilyBoost policy has been poured into administration costs, Labour says the government's move to quash 33 pay equity claims is… Audio
Waitangi Tribunal already doing what it's intended to do - Treaty law experts
A government review announced last week the Tribunal will be refocused back to its 'original intent', but Treaty law experts say it's already doing that.
Government will be late to hitting police recruitment targets - Winston Peters
In their coalition deal, National and NZ First agreed that by November they would increased the number of police officers by 500.
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 13 May 2025
In today's episode, next week's Budget will include $100 million over four years for expert maths teachers and maths tests at primary and intermediate schools, the government is refusing to reveal any… Audio
Academic on govt's proposed social media ban for under 16s
An academic, whose research focuses on the societal impacts of social media, says the government's proposal to ban social media for under 16s is a step in the right direction. University of Auckland's… Audio
US, China agree to roll back tariffs for 90 days in major trade breakthrough
Announcement comes after a weekend of marathon trade negotiations in Geneva. Audio
ACT leader on proposed social media ban for under 16s
David Seymour says the Prime Minister is being overly optimistic in stating the ACT party had shifted its position on a social media ban for under 16-year-olds. But he told our political reporter… Audio
PSA and govt enter mediation over flexible working arrangements for govt employees
The Public Service Association starts mediation with the government on Tuesday, as the union wants to retain working from home arrangements for government employees. PSA National Secretary Fleur… Audio
Prisoner voting ban highlights Parliament's unchecked power
Analysis - Reinstating a prisoner voting ban ignores court rulings and weakens one of New Zealand's few checks on Parliamentary power. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 12 May 2025
In today's episode, a lobby group is pleased the government is making solid plans to try and ban social media for under-16s, a Banks Peninsula teenager is walking about 45 minutes each way to get to… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 12 May 2025
In today's episode, National has announced it is stepping up its commitment to pursue a ban on social media for under-16s, The New Zealand TV series, After the Party, has missed out on a BAFTA, at the… Audio
Firearms registry: ACT invokes 'agree to disagree' clause
ACT has invoked its coalition agreement's "agree to disagree" clause, citing National's refusal to support a more thorough review of the firearms registry.
Government puts $35m towards keeping drugs out of the country
In a pre-Budget announcement, Customs Minister Casey Costello says the extra funding would boost staffing and improve technology.
Minister assures outcome of Waitangi Tribunal review won't be predetermined
"I am certainly not predetermined, and this government is not predetermined over this outcome," Tama Potaka told Saturday Morning. Audio
Fighting for pay equity
Hundreds of people from Dunedin to Auckland took to the streets this week to protest the government's new Pay Equity Amendment Bill. It was pushed through parliament this week under urgency. Audio