Politics NZ

If you follow New Zealand politics, you'll want to follow Politics NZ. Get Nine to Noon Politics, The Whip, Morning Report's politicians panel, Focus on Politics, The House, & Context all in one feed.

Politics NZ is RNZ's podcast feed dedicated to the political life of New Zealand

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The Whip 4 March 2026

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. They begin with the second report of the Covid-19 Response Inquiry - how well did the government of the day handle the pandemic? Then, just as the economy looked like it was making a correcting turn... the war in Iran began and oil prices started spiking. What does this mean in an election year? After that, they discuss how things are shaking out for Christopher Luxon the week after a devastating poll. And finally, a lookback on Shane Reti's legacy as he joins a string of Ministers bowing out from politics.

Weekly Political Panel: Paul Goldsmith and Carmel Sepuloni

Paul Goldsmith and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.
Two people, one man and one woman stand together looking forward, wearing tidy but not overly formal clothes and smiling slightly. The text reads "Morning Report" and RNZ's logo sits in the corner.

Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Ron Mark

Kathryn, Gareth and Ron discuss recent events in politics including New Zealand's response to conflict in the Middle East.
The Beehive

Submission advice, and Infrastructure without politics

The House Sunday Edition has two stories from Parliament's week. First, advice on convincing a select committee to amend a bill. Then, MPs debate better infrastructure planning with less politics.
Road sign at speed

Prime Minister flubs his lines as Iran conflict reignites

As the government "acknowledges" the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, opposition parties are questioning their legality. Political reporter Giles Dexter looks at the response to the latest conflict, and the Prime Minister's struggle to articulate the government's position.
Focus on Politics: Composite of Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters, crowd of mourners and bomb blast.

The Whip for 4 March 2026

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 begin with a look at the events in Iran, and New Zealand's stance on it so far. Then, questions over editorial pressure are being raised at TVNZ after Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith spoke to the board chair about a story he was unhappy with.
Host Wallace Chapman in a blue shirt and casual jacket. Text reads "The Panel“ and there is an RNZ logo in the corner. Soft blue background.

Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Barbara Edmonds

Nicola Willis and Barbara Edmonds joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.
Two people, one man and one woman stand together looking forward, wearing tidy but not overly formal clothes and smiling slightly. The text reads "Morning Report with Corin Dann and Ingrid Hipkiss" and RNZ's thus sits in the bottom left corner.

Political commentators Neale Jones and Tim Hurdle

Tim, Neale and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including New Zealand's response to Israel attacks on Iran.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Written Questions: A less frustrating Question Time?

MPs Ayesha Verrall and Ricardo Menéndez March outline Parliament’s lesser known written version of Question Time, and compare it to its louder, less forthcoming, cousin.
The website landing page for Parliament publication of Written Questions.

Move-on powers move safety nets into the spotlight

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 where? Political reporter Giles Dexter looks at how these powers would work in practice, whether the government has adequately resourced the safety nets, and what a 'reasonable distance' looks like.
Focus on Politics: Composite of Paul Goldsmith, Mark Mitchell and rough sleepers

The Whip 26 February 2026

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 the block for discussion tonight: the government's move-on policy for rough sleepers; should politicians use X?; the defence minister Judith Collins halts a NZDF bicultural programme, and the government quietly drops its quarterly action plans - otherwise known as "dashboard crap" by one Winston Peters.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford at an Auckland school  announcing new maths, English and science resources.

Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Tangi Utikere

Nicola Willis and Tangi Utikere join Morning Report for the Weekly Political Panel.
Two people, one man and one woman stand together looking forward, wearing tidy but not overly formal clothes and smiling slightly. The text reads "Morning Report" and RNZ's logo sits in the corner.

Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Ben Thomas

Gareth, Ben and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the latest on Auckland's housing intensification plans.
Auckland has decided to go with intensification and more medium density terrace housing and apartments.

Maiden speeches and memorable speeches

Following the retirement of former Speaker Adrian Rurawhe, Parliament has a new MP in, Labour's Georgie Dansey, a former teacher, and unionist based in Hamilton. She delivered her maiden speech on Wednesday this week.
Labour MP Georgie Dansey delivers her introductory maiden statement in Parliament.

Coalition pulls a U-turn on Auckland housing plans

The coalition has weakened housing intensification plans in Auckland after backlash from proponents of heritage homes. Political reporter Anneke Smith lays how the government got here and why there's still uncertainty about how Auckland will grow.
Focus on Politics: Composite of Chris Bishop with apartment building and Auckland skyline.

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