• Labour joins election race with fare cap promise
    Jun 12 2026

    Labour has finally joined the election campaign, unveiling its first major policy of the year: a public transport fare cap. But questions remain over the numbers, the funding, and whether already-stretched bus and rail networks can cope. RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch takes a look.

    Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Penk's verbal nuclear bomb inflames defence debates
    Jun 5 2026

    In Focus on Politics, Russell Palmer recounts how and why a debate about nuclear free policy ended before it began, links to defence spending, and the impact on the relationship with Australia.

    Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • The deliberately boring election-year Budget
    May 29 2026

    The government has delivered its third Budget pointing to an earlier return to surplus, but with no election-year lolly scramble. Political reporter Giles Dexter pores through the books, and looks at the looming debate over superannuation.

    Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Public service cuts spur debates on AI, shorts and flying
    May 22 2026

    In Focus on Politics, Russell Palmer asks if the government's public service cuts are made to measure, whether AI will help, and what it means for the election and beyond.

    Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Te Pāti Māori's shrinking caucus: "No story here"
    May 15 2026

    Te Pāti Māori's internal turmoil has exploded again - with MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi quitting to launch her own party and fresh questions swirling around the loyalties of two more MPs. Lillian Hanly unpacks the fractures in this week's Focus on Politics.

    Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • The GP crisis politicians can't ignore
    May 8 2026

    GPs say the system is at breaking point - and they want politicians to listen. RNZ's deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes the temperature of primary care in this week's Focus on Politics.

    Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Coalition parties trade blows over India agreement
    May 1 2026

    The Free Trade Agreement with India has been signed, with National and New Zealand First continuing to disagree over what's been signed up to. Political reporter Giles Dexter examines how free the trade agreement actually is, and the coalition clash over investment and immigration.

    Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Confidence call: Luxon's uneasy victory
    Apr 24 2026

    Christopher Luxon has stared down his critics in caucus, forcing his MPs to demonstrate their loyalty with a dramatic vote of confidence. He survived the week - but still faces an almighty challenge in turning around poor polling and keeping together an increasingly fractious coalition. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

    Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins