Politics NZ
Episodes
Officials in firing line over $30m immigration failure
19 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A failed immigration technology project has left taxpayers more than $30 million out of pocket. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says officials mis...
The Whip for 17 June 2026
17 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. With him are panellists Stephen Parker, Holly Bennett and Phil Goff. Topics: The...
Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni
16 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Tim Hurdle and Gareth Hughes
15 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tim, Gareth and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the Labour Party's latest campaign policy, and the first post-Budget poll. Go to t...
Financial scrutiny in an election year
14 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
June's scrutiny week will be the last chance select committees get to do detailed financial scrutiny in the current 54th Parliament, to learn more The...
Labour joins election race with fare cap promise
12 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 Whip for 10 June 2026
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Guyon Espiner, Lillian Hanly and Tracey Martin. First...
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Supuloni
09 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Tracey Martin and Liam Hehir
08 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tracey, Liam and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the post-Budget mop-up. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Politics; starting them young
07 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Parliament hums with activity, teeming with MPs, staffers, petitioners, journalists, officials… and school students. Go to this episode on rnz.co.n...
Penk's verbal nuclear bomb inflames defence debates
05 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Whip for 3 June 2026
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Jonathan Milne, Jenna Lynch and Peter Dunne. First: I...
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Louise Upston and Tangi Utikere
02 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Louise Upston and Tangi Utikere joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The House on Sunday: Chamber blowback & biscuit tin tactics
31 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On The House, Louis Collins considers the motivations that may lie behind governing-side members' bills; and Phil Smith considers the political versio...
House on Sunday: Budget day and its aftermath
31 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Budget Day is a Broadway production with dance numbers (emphasis on numbers), undue laughter and applause, and everyone’s a critic. Then comes the l...
The deliberately boring election-year Budget
29 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The government has delivered its third Budget pointing to an earlier return to surplus, but with no election-year lolly scramble. Political reporter G...
Morning Report: Weekly Political Panel
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni discuss tomorrow's Budget on Morning Report, for our Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more...
The Whip for 27 May 2026
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Ruwani Perera, Stephen Parker, and Wayne Mapp. On the...
Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Tim Hurdle
25 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Gareth, Tim and Susie discuss recent events in politics including the pre-Budget announcements. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Public service cuts spur debates on AI, shorts and flying
22 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Whip for 20 May 2026
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace Chapman for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Andrea Vance, Phil Goff and Tuwhenuaroa Natan...
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni
19 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Dale Husband and Ben Thomas
18 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dale, Ben and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including NZ First policy to buy back BNZ bank. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more detai...
House on Sunday: farewells and funding
17 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
While Judith Collins farewell speech was probably the most notable event in the House this week, a relatively low key motion on Parliament funding was...
Te Pāti Māori's shrinking caucus: "No story here"
15 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Te Pāti Māori's internal turmoil has exploded again - with MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi quitting to launch her own party and fresh questions swirling aro...
The Whip for 13 May 2026
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Jenna Lynch, Corin Dann and Heather Roy. On the show...
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Neale Jones and Peter Dunne
11 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kathryn, Peter and Neale discuss recent events in politics including plans by the Internal Affairs Minister for a citizenship test. Go to this episode...
House on Sunday: Learning on the ministerial job
10 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When an MP becomes a government minister or changes portfolios, how do they transition to the new role? We ask a recently elevated minister, Chris Pen...
The GP crisis politicians can't ignore
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Dale Husband and Liam Hehir
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dale Husband is a long time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Maori focused current affairs programme. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston Nort...
Political commentators Tim Hurdle and Gareth Hughes
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Gareth Hughes is the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa is a former Green MP and is no longer a member of any political party. Tim H...
Anti-slavery law uses new rule to bypass ballot
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In a historic first, Parliament used a new rule to debate slavery legislation that has wide support in the House, but that government coalition partne...
Coalition parties trade blows over India agreement
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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. Politic...
The Whip for 29 April 2026
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Jonathan Milne, Holly Bennett, and Tracey Martin. Fir...
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Web caption: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for m...
House on Sunday: Politics spills over into the House throughout the week
26 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With distracting party politics going on outside the House, MPs were brought back on task by the Speaker on more than one occasion this week. Go to th...
Confidence call: Luxon's uneasy victory
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 Whip for 22 April 2026
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace chapman for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Guyon Espiner, Jacqui van Der Kay and Wayne M...
Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Tangi Utikere
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Tangi Utikere joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Victorian Parliament: Amid slum, disease, fires and illegal demolition
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Step into the past and picture the early days of Parliament and the 1890s Victorian neighbourhood it sat in, with help from historian Elizabeth Cox.Go...
Vaianu: better safe than sorry?
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cyclone Vaianu has resurfaced difficult questions around resilience and retreat. And did New Zealand dodge disaster - or just over-do the warnings? RN...
Sin and Scandals: When the Personal becomes Political
16 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Labour leader Chris Hipkins cries in response to a social media post by his ex-wife. Should we be listening? We chart the history of political scanda...
The Whip for 15 April 2026
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Ruwani Perera, Marian Hobbs, and David Farrar. On the...
Morning Report political panel: Chris Bishop and Vanushi Walters
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
National's Chris Bishop and Labour's Vanushi Walters joined Morning Report for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more det...
Political commentators Neale Jones and Tim Hurdle
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Neale, Tim and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including Winston Peters' recent meeting with Marco Rubio. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz fo...
Citizens assemblies: an alternative to select committees?
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if a group of randomly selected people were put in a room and asked to hammer out national policy? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more detai...
Iran war dominates Winston Peters’ US trip
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Focus on Politics, political reporter Lillian Hanly takes a look at a meeting between Foreign Minister Winston Peters and his US counterpart Marco ...
NZ's Royal Problem: The Power of the Crown
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's arrest for his links to Epstein, questions arise about his place in the line of succession. We explore how New Zeal...
The Whip for 8 April 2026
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace Chapman for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Peter Dunne, Lillian Hanly and Corin Dann. On...
Fish fights and satire rights
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The House saw a dichotomy of tempos this week, from a heated debate about fisheries one day, to a lighthearted, and at times even funny debate on paro...
Pharmac: Bitter Pill or Best Medicine?
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand is the only country with a drug-buying agency like Pharmac - but how did we get here? This episode traces its origins, and through politic...
The Whip for 1 April 2026
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists David Farrar, Sue Bradford, and Luke Malpass. First, ...
Morning Report Weekly Political Panel
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Tangi Utikere joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Brigette Morten and Lianne Dalziel
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brigitte, Lianne and Susie Ferguson discuss recent events in politics including the Government's response to rising fuel prices and shortages. Go to t...
The House of Sunday: MPs debate both local and global issues
29 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With politicians' attention very much looking outward amidst talks of a potential escalation in the conflict, or even a fuel crisis reminiscent of the...
Fuel crisis forces rationing plan revisions - just in case
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The fuel crisis has forced responses from the government on supply and cost, but the problem must be handled with care - and perceptions of a lack of ...
Words Matter: The Speech that Shifted the Polls
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As fresh polling fuels political debate, Guyon and Corin look back on our most explosive poll results - including the one that truly changed the game....
The Whip for 25 March 2026
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Jacqui Van Der Kay, Lyric Waiwiri-Smith and Ron Mark....
Weekly Political Panel: Paul Goldsmith and Carmel Sepuloni
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Wednesday morning's political panel with National's Paul Goldsmith in for Nicola Willis and Labour's Carmel Sepuloni.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz f...
Political commentators Neale Jones and Liam Hehir
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Neale, Liam and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the Government's response to rising fuel prices. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz f...
What to expect when you’re expecting an election
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With an election looming in November, The House sat down with Clerk David Wilson to get a roadmap of what’s to be expected between now and then. Go ...
Fuel fears rise as government shifts tone
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The coalition is urging calm in face of the war in the Middle East, insisting New Zealand has ample fuel supplies, while quietly exploring targeted co...
NZ's Free Trade Hustle
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As New Zealand closes in on its first trade deal with India, we look back at the agreements that shaped the country: from Britain’s betrayal in the ...
The Whip for 18 March 2026
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for an explosive half-hour of politics. He is joined by panellists Jonathan Milne, Maria Slade and Sue Kedgley. They begin with the turm...
Weekly Political Panel for 18 March 2026
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Dale Husband and Ben Thomas
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dale, Ben and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including Mariameno Kapa-Kingi being officially reinstated to Te Pāti Māori.Go to this episo...
Long term debates and departing reflections
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week at Parliament we heard a debate all about the future that ended up being mired in the past. We also heard a goodbye speech from one of Parli...
Peeni Henare farewells Parliament after 12 years
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former Labour MP Peeni Henare has called time on his 12 year career in Parliament. He sits down with political reporter Lillian Hanly to discuss his r...
Think Big
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As new tensions in the Middle East rattle global energy markets, we look back at the oil shocks of the 1970s and how they reshaped New Zealand’s ene...
The Whip 4 March 2026
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace Chapman for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Guyon Espiner, Lillian Hanly, and Heather Roy...
Weekly Political Panel: Paul Goldsmith and Carmel Sepuloni
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Goldsmith and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Ron Mark
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kathryn, Gareth and Ron discuss recent events in politics including New Zealand's response to conflict in the Middle East. Go to this episode on rnz.c...
The House: Submission advice, and Infrastructure without politics
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The House Sunday Edition has two stories from Parliament's week. First – advice on convincing a select committee to amend a bill. Then – MPs deb...
Prime Minister flubs his lines as Iran conflict reignites
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As the government "acknowledges" the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, opposition parties are questioning their legality. Political reporter Giles Dexter lo...
The Whip for 4 March 2026
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Holly Bennett, Corin Dann and Marian Hobbs. They beg...
Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Barbara Edmonds
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Barbara Edmonds joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Neale Jones and Tim Hurdle
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tim, Neale and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including New Zealand's response to Israel attacks on Iran.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz fo...
Written Questions: A less frustrating Question Time?
28 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
MPs Ayesha Verrall and Ricardo Menéndez March outline Parliament’s lesser known written version of Question Time, and compare it to its louder, les...
Move-on powers move safety nets into the spotlight
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Police will be able to tell rough sleepers and 'disorderly' people to move on, with the government announcing new powers and penalties. But move on to...
The Whip
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace Chapman for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Wayne Mapp, Andrea Vance and Grant Duncan. On...
Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Tangi Utikere
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Tangi Utikere join Morning Report for the Weekly Political Panel.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Ben Thomas
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Gareth, Ben and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the latest on Auckland's housing intensification plans. Go to this episode on rnz....
Maiden speeches and memorable speeches
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Following the retirement of former Speaker Adrian Rurawhe, Parliament has a new MP in, Labour's Georgie Dansey, a former teacher, and unionist based i...
Coalition pulls a U-turn on Auckland housing plans
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The coalition has weakened housing intensification plans in Auckland after backlash from proponents of heritage homes. Political reporter Anneke Smith...
The Whip 18 February 2026
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Ruwani Perera, Jonathan Milne, and Chris Carter. Fir...
Weekly Political Panel 18 February 2026
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Neale Jones and Liam Hehir
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Neale, Liam and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including Finance Minister Nicola Willis' announcement into an independent review of the Res...
DEI and Employment Relations: The week's contentious bills
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Two bills made strong progress this week against fierce opposition. They aim to end diversity hiring in the public service, and "rebalance" employment...
Gas plan derailed by definitional dispute
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When is a tax not a tax? That question derailed this week's gas announcement, as ministers scrambled to explain a new levy despite having promised "no...
The Great NZ Sell-Off
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From Telecom to Air New Zealand, the BNZ to our power companies why did governments sell our state assets, and what did we get in return? Now the Gove...
The Whip
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Lillian Hanley, Guyon Espiner and former labour MP P...
Weekly Political Panel for 11 February 2026
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Willis and Megan Woods joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political commentators Brigitte Morten and Dale Husband
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dale, Brigitte and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the politics at this year's Waitangi commemorations. Go to this episode on rnz....
Inside the Chief of Staff role: The House chats with Kevin Hague
08 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The House sits down with a former MP to unpack what a Chief of Staff does, and what it’s been like to return to parliament, but in the back office. ...
Pension Wars: The NZ Super Promise That Changed Politics
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's the third rail of New Zealand politics: Touch it and you die. From Richard Seddon's groundbreaking old-age pension, to Rob Muldoon's Dancing Coss...
The Whip 4 February 2026
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Whip for 4 February 2026 Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Andrea Vance, Maria Sla...
Political commentators Tim Hurdle and Lianne Dalziel
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kathryn, Tim and Lianne discuss recent events in politics including the resignation of Judith Collins. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more detail...
How MMP changed politics
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s MMP voting system promised fairness and diversity — but has it delivered? In this episode of Context, Guyon Espiner and Corin Dann l...