Craig Mcculloch
Govt reviewing covid settings at first Cabinet meeting of 2021
Cabinet ministers meet this afternoon to review the traffic light settings across the country, and decide whether Northland should drop from red to orange.
This meeting - Cabinet's first of the year… Audio
New Year's Eve in orange for Auckland - what you need to know
Auckland is set to shift to the orange light setting - but not before Christmas.
The rules won't relax until the dying days of the year - kicking in from New Year's Eve.
The same is true for every… Audio
Cigarette ban for Smokefree Aotearoa 2025
Young New Zealanders will never be able to legally buy cigarettes.
That is a cornerstone of the latest Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 action plan, launched by the government this morning.
RNZ's deputy… Audio
Health officials advised Auckland border could drop sooner
The government took a harder line than health officials advised when entering the traffic light system, leaving Auckland locked up for an extra 12 days.
The Ministry of Health said the border should… Audio
Luxon to face Ardern in Question Time on Tuesday
National's new leader Christopher Luxon will face off against the Prime Minister in Parliament for the first time on Tuesday.
He and Jacinda Ardern will square off in the House during question time… Audio
Political analysis on PM's traffic light decisions
The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said pulling the brakes off too quickly ono Covid-19 restrictions can backfire.
She says under the traffic light system, it's important we keep using public health… Audio
Luxon appoints Bridges to National's Finance portfolio
The new National leader has made his first major appointment - giving his almost-rival Simon Bridges the much-coveted and high-profile finance portfolio.
Christopher Luxon travelled to Tauranga today… Audio
Luxon runs morning media gauntlet on day 1 as National leader
National's reset means a reshuffle, as Chris Luxon seeks to make his mark on the Opposition Party.
The new leader now has some big decisions ahead of him as his opposition MPs head home after… Audio
Govt deciding traffic light colours for each region
Government ministers are currently deciding which colours each part of the country will be placed in when the Covid-19 traffic light system begins on Friday.
Auckland is to start off in red, the most… Audio
National Party MPs competing for leadership after Collins loses role
The contest is on for who will take over from Judith Collins as Oppositon leader after she was turfed from the position in a torrid and bruising caucus meeting.
National MPs have given themselves… Audio
Covid-19: Traffic light bill's quick passing condemned
Nine days out from the new traffic light system, the Government is scrambling to pass legislation allowing the scheme to operate, bypassing regular scrutiny.
MPs have been called back to Parliament… Audio
Covid: MPs seek protection as threats grow with disinformation
Anger stirred up by Covid-19 has some MPs facing an increase in threats and abuse and looking for more security.
Those opposed to Covid vaccinations, mandates and restrictions are increasingly… Audio
Labour down two percent in latest political poll
The Delta outbreak has nibbled away at Labour's popularity, but National is not exactly benefitting from it.
In the latest One News Colmar Brunton poll, Labour is at 41 percent - down two points -… Video, Audio
More lockdowns likely unless NZ gets vaccination rate over 85 percent, modelling shows
New modelling has painted a bleak picture for New Zealand if it fails to vaccinate more than 85 percent of the population: either continuing lockdowns or the deaths of thousands of people every year.
…Collins refuses to resign, even if National polls below 20 percent
National's leader Judith Collins says she will never resign from her position - even if the party's support sinks below 20 percent.
The declaration comes as dissatisfaction at her performance grows… Audio
Teachers, principals thrilled as school holidays unmoved
The government has decided not to bring forward the school holidays despite calls from exhausted parents and the opposition.
The school break will go ahead from October 2 - meaning Auckland parents… Audio
NZ, Canada not part of new US-UK-AUS security partnership
Three of New Zealand's traditional allies have announced a major security partnership - the US, UK, and Australia - but New Zealand itself did not get an invite.
Opposition parties are asking why New… Audio
Covid-19: Kiwis trapped overseas warned wait will go on
Scientists have a tough message for New Zealanders struggling to come home: it is far too risky to throw open the gates just yet.
The Grounded Kiwis group has been calling for more rooms in managed… Audio
Govt nears deal to speed up vaccine supply
The Government is close to a multi-country deal to boost vaccine supplies. Pfizer had been delivering more doses than promised, but that could slow to the planned rate throughout the month. RNZ's… Audio
Govt extends pause on new MIQ spaces
New Zealanders overseas have been told by the government to adjust expectations and cancel any summer plans, as MIQ spaces are needed for the under-pressure system.
The government has extended its… Audio
