Focus on Politics

Minor parties plot major influence on election year

The leaders of ACT, New Zealand First, Te Pāti Māori, and the Green Party sit down with RNZ's press gallery team to share their thoughts on 2025, and what they've got up their sleeves for election year.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Luxon and Hipkins give election-year teaser

RNZ's political team sits down with the leaders of the two major parties - National's Christopher Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins - to reflect on 2025 and look forward to election year. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Councils prepare to tighten belts with rates relief in sight

The government is telling councils to 'live within their means' and is introducing a rates cap. It's popular with ratepayers who have seen their bills skyrocket, but councils are warning it'll come at a cost of services. Coming hot on the heels of the government's move to abolish regional councils, political reporter Giles Dexter examines what councils and ratepayers may have to learn to live with.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

How the council 'reset' aims to spur amalgamations

Just six weeks after voters elected new regional councillors, their jobs now hang in the balance after a government proposal to abolish them. But do the promises of simplicity and savings hold up, and where does all this lead in the long term? In Focus on Politics, Russell Palmer examines the government's shakeup of councils and the tension points for the government. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Coalition tempers ACT’s influence on gun laws

The Arms Act has been home to New Zealand's gun laws since 1983, though it's had many, many iterations. The coalition has now overhauled the legislation - but it's not exactly the shake-up many were expecting. Political reporter Anneke Smith takes a closer look at the changes and explains why the ACT Party didn't get everything it wanted. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details