Demelza Leslie
Renewed calls for an independent criminal cases review body
The Government is ruling out an independent review panel to investigate miscarriages of justice in the wake of the Teina Pora case. Audio
Labour says it needs to lift its game in fundraising
The Labour Party says it needs to become as slick as National in gathering donations if it wants to be in Government. Audio
John Key says MPs pay rates are now about right
The Prime Minister says the pay rates of MPs and Ministers are now about right - despite yesterday saying they didn't deserve any increase. Audio
Iraqi ambassador happy NZ has committed troops
The Iraqi Ambassador to New Zealand says he's happy New Zealand has committed military troops to Iraq to help in the fight against Islamic State. Audio
Prime Minister uses past deployments to justify going to Iraq
The Prime Minister is using past deployments under a Labour Government to justify the imminent New Zealand mission to Iraq. Audio
Political reaction
Our political reporter Demelza Leslie has been following today's developments. Audio
Committee told to scrap vet checks fee from bill
Parliament's law and order committee has been told to dump a Bill that would allow the police to charge community groups for vetting checks. Audio
Labour continues criticism of SkyCity deal
The Labour Party is pushing the Government to say if SkyCity's gambling concessions will be pared back to match any scaling back of the Auckland convention centre. Audio
Government shows no sign of walking away from Sky City deal
The Government's showing no sign of backing out of the Sky City convention centre deal despite a distinct possibility it will have to stump up with more cash. Audio
Key to front up at Waitangi, Little makes debut visit
Our political reporter, Demelza Leslie, is in Waitangi and joins us. Audio
Green MPs emotional at Norman going
As for Russel Norman, his surprise announcement leaves the Greens needing a new male co leader. Audio
Social housing plan called chaotic
The Government's social housing plan has been described as a chaotic policy that will further drive up rents and deliver nothing for those who need it. Audio
John Key to outline plan for social housing in major speech
The Prime Minister will outline the Government's plan for social housing in his first major speech of the year in Auckland today. Audio
Outspoken - Privacy vs Security
Demelza Leslie asks if New Zealanders will have to give up their right to privacy to keep safe. Audio
The balancing act between privacy and security
Parliament is about to begin a review of the security and intelligence agencies in 2015, following rushed law changes which clamp down on so called freedom fighters. Audio
Ministry head told to consider disciplinary action
A scathing report over the case of a Malaysian diplomat charged with attempted rape might still be months away from publication, but it's already causing ripples at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs… Audio
Government advised to cut health funding
District Health Boards may have to cut up to 200 million dollars from their spending next year on official advice to the Government. Audio
Highest paid public servant makes $800,000-plus
The highest paid public servant is making more than 800-thousand-dollars a year. Audio
Parliament goes into urgency to debate new anti terrorism laws
Parliament has gone into urgency to pass new anti-terrorism laws. Audio
Focus on Politics for 5 December 2014
The Government is under continued pressure to defend its response to the threat posed by Islamic State. It was forced to water down its controversial anti-terror legislation this week, and to quash… Audio
