Politics
US journalist released from custody after arrest over Minnesota church protest
First Amendment advocates and civil-rights organisations argued President Donald Trump was trying to chill press freedom in the US.
Mapuna podcast Jan 31 Bayden Barber
Bayden Barber was one of the iwi leaders who tried to foster peace between factions inside Te Pati Maori last November after two of its MPs were expelled. Bayden Barber talks about being the chair of… Audio
Richard Haass: A tumultuous start to 2026
From Iran to Greenland and Venezuela, it has been a tumultuous start to the year. We look at what that means for geo-political stability. Audio
Health, housing and education the focus of MPP's new strategy
The Ministry of Pacific Peoples have published a new strategy to help deliver on the Governmnent's priorities for Pacific communities in New Zealand. Audio
Circus tent rises on 2026 election
Once the election date is announced, politics can disintegrate into a toxic mess. Don't expect this year to be any different.
Election 2026 - the policies, the politics, the peculiarities
Once the election date is announced, politics can disintegrate into a toxic mess. Don't expect this year to be any different. Audio
PM to go to Waitangi, but not for the whole week
Christopher Luxon opted to stay away from Northland last year.
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 30 January 2026
Will Labour rescue National from its scrap with New Zealand First and support the Free Trade Agreement with India? We talk to Labour's trade man Damien O'Connor; Thanks Donald but no thanks ... New… Audio
Guyon Espiner and Patrick Gower talk politics
Paddy Gower joined Guyon Espiner to talk politics as election year gets underway. Audio
What are the rules for ads in election year?
Explainer - Soon politicians will blanket the internet and airwaves with pleas for your vote. What are they allowed to do? Video
NZ declines invitation to join Board of Peace
New Zealand has declined the invitation to join Donald Trump's Board of Peace. Audio
FTA deal with India dependent on Labour support
The Free Trade Agreement with India has National at loggerheads with its coalition partner New Zealand First, which is opposing the agreement, claiming it could lead to 20,000 Indians coming into New… Audio
Transport Minister provides update on roading repairs
More than 40 slips in the Waioeka Gorge have seen some residents still isolated after the recent heavy flooding. Transport Minister Chris Bishop spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Are we stuck in a 'crisis and response' pattern?
Experts say the bill for disasters will only continue to rise unless we make changes.
ACT's refusal to back slavery bill prompts Labour and National to team up
A new process to skip the 'biscuit tin' lottery is being used for the first time - because ACT refused to support a government bill.
Prime Minister expected to return to Waitangi
Last year, Christopher Luxon opted to go to Canterbury instead, spending the 'political day' in Christchurch to announce a roading upgrade.
Labour, National team up to tackle modern slavery
In a Parliament first, National and Labour are teaming up to tackle modern slavery. Backbench MPs from the rival parties have put forward new legislation, and they are using a new rule to fast-track… Audio
NZ First pulled support for India FTA before it was secured, minister reveals
National and New Zealand First have been clashing over the deal.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 29 January 2026
Winston Peters has intensified his attack on his own government's Free Trade Agreement with India claiming up to 20,000 Indians will be able to come into the country and the agreement will result in… Audio
