Jane Patterson
Councils can now decide if businesses trade on Easter Sundays
Local councils now have the power decide whether businesses can open in their area on Easter Sunday. Parliament has passed law on what it acknowledges is a contentious issue, but says allowing… Audio
Another mass killing in NZ likely, police association says
MPs considering a review of gun laws have been told it's very likely there will be another mass killing in New Zealand, like the one that happened at Aramoana in 1990. Audio
Govt questioned over drinking water fund
The government has faced questions in Parliament about why money to help small councils deliver clean drinking water is no longer available. Audio
Security or privacy - what matters most?
Power Play - While new powers to spy on New Zealanders have received attention, the new intelligence legislation addresses an issue that has flown under the radar for years.
Focus on Politics for 19 August 2016
In a law change that had its genesis in the illegal spying operation against Kim Dotcom in 2012, the Government Communications Security Bureau will be given an explicit mandate to spy on New… Audio
Pacific Steel wants govt to act against steel dumping
Pacific Steel says there's a massive over-supply of steel from China, and the government should do something about it. The company is understood to have laid an anti-dumping complaint against China. Audio
Pacific Steel wants govt to act against steel dumping
Pacific Steel says there's a massive over-supply of steel from China, and the government should do something about it. The company is understood to have laid an anti-dumping complaint against China. Audio
Labour questions latest unemployment rates
Unemployment has declined for the sixth straight quarter but Labour is skeptical about whether changes to the way employment is measured are masking the true state of joblessness. Audio
Calls for broader representation on security committee
Only National and Labour are set to sit on the Intelligence and Security Committee, but the Greens say more voices are needed. Audio
Legislation gives spy agencies mandate to spy on Kiwis
Legislation giving the country's spy agencies an explicit mandate to spy on New Zealanders has been introduced to Parliament. RNZ political editor Jane Patterson joins Checkpoint. Video, Audio
The political risks of soaring immigration
Power Play - Immigration numbers are at record levels, but new arrivals put stresses on the nation, and that can cause dangerous resentments, writes Jane Patterson.
English unwilling to push banks to pass on OCR cuts
The Prime Minister says he expects retail banks to pass on any official cash rate cut to their customers, where possible, but his Finance Minister is taking a much more hands off approach.our… Audio
Record levels of migration prompt calls to rein in immigration
Record numbers of work visas and a sharp increase in new residents have put renewed pressure on the government to rein in immigration. Audio
Trade dispute concerns first discussed with China in May
Just when did the trade dispute concerns come to the Trade Minister's attention? It's a moveable feast as our political editor Jane Patterson reports. Audio
NZ aware of China trade concerns in May
The government was aware of China's concerns about trade back in May, Trade Minister Todd McClay now says. Audio
Helen Clark still in UN Sec-Gen contest: McCully
The Foreign Minister Murray McCully says it's too early to write off Helen Clark's bid for the United Nations Secretary-General job. Audio
Focus on Politics for 5 August 2016
While National is the main governing party, it could not do so without support arrangements with other, much smaller, political parties. Since being elected in 2008 National has had agreements with… Audio
Justice over Bain proves to be bane of Justice
Power Play - Was Justice Minister Amy Adams right to sign off a nearly $1 million payment to David Bain, asks Jane Patterson.
Government criticised for handling of Bain compo claim
The way the government has handled David Bain's compensation claim has come in for heavy criticism from opposition parties, with Labour saying the whole process has been botched. Video, Audio
Feet of McClay stumble in steel and kiwifruit
Power Play - Rule number one for a successful political career: do not make your leader look bad, writes Jane Patterson.