Stories by Giles Dexter
Audio and features
Swarbrick opens up about a tense AGM and the Green dream
The Green Party is trying to find ways to grow for the future, while doing its best to leave this year's problems in the past.
That laundry list of challenges has been thoroughly aired - but the… Audio
501 deportations: The thorn in the Trans-Tasman relationship returns
New Zealand has been hit by a 501 boomerang, with Australia this month backtracking on its commitment around deportations.
Audio
From lobbyist to legislator: Andrew Hoggard's vision for reform
Andrew Hoggard might be new to Parliament, but he's certainly not new to New Zealand's screens and airwaves.
The Manawatū dairy farmer was president of Federated Farmers from 2020 to 2023, and one of… Audio
Aim and fire? Public service targets return amid job cuts
Public Service Targets are set for a comeback but with job cuts looming over ministries and agencies, unions fear public servants are only being asked to do more with less.
Originally introduced by… Audio
Shaw's message for his successor as he prepares to bow out
Green Party co-leader James Shaw talks about his decision to step down, his time in the role, and the message he has for whoever succeeds him. Audio
Te Pāti Māori plans for future as it reflects on success in Māori seats
After its most successful election - taking all but one of the Māori seats - Te Pāti Māori is amping up for the next three years as "the only true opposition".
It's a dramatic turnaround for a party… Audio
Labour sells its vaping crackdown - but is it too late?
The government's pointed to vapes as a key weapon in the war against cigarettes.
In the rush to reach its smokefree targets, however, there are fears the horse has bolted - with children exposed to… Audio
Green co-leader Davidson touts party's 'healing' ahead of AGM
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson says this election is the final chance to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, curb environmental degradation, and reduce inequality.
Following bruising… Audio
New Police Minister Ginny Andersen in opposition's sights
Police Minister is a tough gig: focusing on social issues leads to 'soft-on-crime' criticism while going too hard can look like populism.
With four ministers in eight months it's ended up a… Audio
Under-fire Labour turns sights on bank profits and fuel
Labour faithful were in fine form at the party's annual conference last weekend, but an unflattering political poll on Sunday soon soured the mood.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - roused by… Audio
Queen's death reignites discussions over constitution and Te Tiriti
In today's Focus on Politics podcast NZ Political Reporters Katie Scotcher, Anneke Smith and Giles Dexter explore what the debate about the role of the monarchy in New Zealand - and the possibility of… Audio
How government's youth crime rhetoric misses the bigger picture
In today's Focus on Politics podcast Political Reporter Giles Dexter reviews the government's approach to youth crime, and examines what is missing from the debate. Audio