Craig Mcculloch
Prime Minister joins pantheon of Backbencher puppet
The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been immortalised in puppet-form. The Backbencher pub - just across the road from the Beehive - has revealed the latest figure to join its vast array of political… Audio
Five vie for National leadership, deputy job up for grabs
A big question mark now sits over the deputy spot - with confirmation MPs will also vote next week on whether Paula Bennett should keep her job. Audio
National MPs line up behind preferred candidates
National MPs have begun lining up behind their preferred leadership candidate - with one contender making a bold show of support. The caucus has just two weeks to decide who they want to take over… Audio
Leadership battle brews in National Party
The contest is on to replace Bill English as leader of the National Party. The 56-year old former farmer from Dipton has announced he's stepping down and will leave Parliament. MPs have just two weeks… Audio
Govt 'lacking ambition' around homelessness
Economist Shamubeel Eaqub, of the authors of a damning report into the country's housing sector, says the Government lacks ambition and isn't doing enough to fix the housing crisis. Audio
National looks at common ground instead of deals
National MPs have wrapped up their two-day retreat - after what they say was a free and frank assessment of the party and its future. Audio
Potential MPs invited to National meeting
National MPs have spent the day hunkered down at their annual retreat - and for the first time ever, the party's also invited the candidates next in line to enter Parliament. Video, Audio
Opposition sceptical of govt's 'big talk' at Waitangi
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern asked those at Waitangi to hold her to account, and already the Opposition is promising to do so. Ms Ardern wound up her five-day-visit to Northland on Tuesday, after… Audio
Bill English dismisses National leadership speculation
National's leader Bill English has taken a battering in his return to Parliament on Wednesday as he delivered his 'State of the Nation' speech while being dogged by speculation about his leadership… Audio
Waka-jumping bill will hurt NZ's reputation - National
The National Party is warning the so-called waka jumping bill will see New Zealand join the ranks of Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe when it comes to democracy. The government's legislation - which passed… Audio
Parliament to vote on medicinal cannabis
A Government Bill making medicinal cannabis more available to people who are suffering illness is set to pass its first reading today. However the Green Party hopes its own bill which would liberalise… Audio
Tertiary fees-free scheme at risk of being rorted
Treasury officials have warned the free tertiary study scheme is vulnerable to students rorting the system because of a gap in the Government's records. Labour's flagship policy offers a free year of… Audio
Tale of two powhiri at Rātana Pā
It was a tale of two powhiri at Rātana Pā as Government and opposition MPs turned up to take part in the annual celebrations on Wednesday. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was surrounded by fans… Audio
Politicians congratulate PM on baby news
The announcement's been met with pleasure and delight across the political spectrum. Audio
Scrapping sanction set to cost taxpayers
Scrapping a sanction against some solo mums will cost more than 100 million dollars over four years and could result in fewer fathers paying child support. Audio
UN urges NZ Govt to compensate a prisoner for being unlawfully held
The United Nations Committee Against Torture is for the first time calling on the New Zealand Government to compensate a prisoner for being unlawfully held. OUr reporter Craig McCulloch explains the… Audio
Best of 2017 Music : the charts
Continuing our look at the best music tracks of 2017 series. Audio
National says new families package robs public of tax cut
The opposition says the Government is robbing the public of a promised tax cut, replacing it with poorly targeted support, and jacking up debt. Audio
Ardern says Australia being overly sensitive about Manus offer
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was responding to Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce yesterday when he effectively warned Ms Ardern to mind her own business. Video, Audio
Public campaign to legalise euthanasia off to rocky start
The legislation is set to be debated in Parliament either tomorrow or early next year, and today there was criticism from some National MPs, and a lone protester attempting to derail it. Audio
