Jane Patterson

National MPs have chosen Todd Muller to lead the party into the general election. RNZ's Political Editor, Jane Patterson, speaks to Jesse Mulligan.  Audio

National MPs are meeting on the third floor of Parliament, ready to cast their votes for the party leadership.

Simon Bridges called the vote after it became clear Todd Muller and Nikki Kaye wanted to… Audio

It's high noon for the National Party and MPs decide at midday who will lead them into the September election.

Simon Bridges called the bluff of contenders Todd Muller and Nikki Kaye, forcing a vote… Audio

National MPs will be asked to decide between the current leadership team and challengers Todd Muller and Nikki Kaye next week.

Simon Bridges has confirmed a vote for both leader and deputy will be… Audio

The future National Party leadership will be decided at Parliament next Tuesday.

Simon Bridges has admitted his leadership will be on the line next week when a vote for both the leadership and Paula… Audio

The latest Newshub Reid-Research poll has Labour on 56.5 percent and National falling to 30.6. On these poll results Labour would easily be able to govern alone.

To add to Simon Bridges' woes - his… Audio

Yesterday's Budget prompted a range of views, after the Government revealed how it plans to spend to dig New Zealand out of the financial hole left by Covid-19.

RNZ political editor Jane Patterson… Audio

Political journalist Corin Dann, co-host of Morning Report on RNZ presents a 2020 Budget special with expert commentary. Audio

Political journalist Corin Dann, co-host of Morning Report on RNZ presents a 2020 Budget special with expert commentary from RNZ's Political Editor Jane Patterson and RNZ's Business Editor, Gyles… Audio

As the country emerges from a frozen economy, the government must decide how much to tax and how much to spend.

In today's budget, Finance Minister Grant Robertson will lay out his plan to get New… Audio

Urgent debate will resume at Parliament this morning over legislation that would give authorities sweeping powers under alert level 2. National is not supporting the Covid-19 Public Health Response… Audio

The promise not to get political over Covid-19 has gone out the window, with tempers running high in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

The Prime Minister was forced to defend a controversial memo her… Audio

Today we'll find out what life will look like if Cabinet agrees to loosen lockdown restrictions next week, and move to Level Two.

There are existing guidelines about what would be allowed - but the… Audio

Parliament is back today and with it several MPs, including a large chunk of National's caucus.

National will hold a phone conference with the whole caucus at 9am, as the rumbles over Simon Bridges'… Audio

The phones are running hot in the National Party caucus as MPs frantically try to figure out whether to replace Simon Bridges as leader.

It comes after a massive backlash to a Facebook post and media… Audio

The Small Business Minister, Stuart Nash, has been criticised for failing to present analysis to Cabinet on how businesses would fare under an extended lockdown.

This morning, Mr Nash appeared before… Audio

RNZ political editor Jane Patterson joins Lisa Owen to discuss Jacinda Ardern's announcement of changes to New Zealand's Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Video, Audio

In about four hours, New Zealanders will find out if the country will be moving out of lockdown.

Ministers started Cabinet early at 10.30am to give them time to make the decision that will affect all… Audio

The lockdown decision will be taken by Cabinet ministers in an online meeting.

It will start at the earlier time of ten thirty to give them plenty of time before they make such an important decision.

Small businesses will get a $3 billion boost through tax breaks to help them ride out the worst of the impending economic crisis.

There will also be law changes to ease pressure on businesses… Audio