Benedict Collins
Businesses report the cost of dealing with govt is increasing
Making it easier for business to deal with the government was one of the Government's Better Public Services goals, set in 2012. More than 1200 businesses are surveyed every six months, and for the… Audio
MoT fraud: "No one was able to predict what we now know"
The Transport Ministry's new chief executive Peter Mersi defends his predecessor Martin Matthews decision to give convicted fraudster Joanne Harrison the benefit of the doubt "No one was able to… Audio
Former MoT boss gave fraudster benefit of doubt on 8 occasions
The Ministry of Transport's former boss gave the fraudster Joanne Harrison the benefit of the doubt on eight occasions while she was in the process of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Audio
Study says parents of migrants not burden government claimed
A report released to RNZ contradicts the Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse who last year said parents of migrants were going on welfare and costing the taxpayer tens of millions of dollars. Audio
Jacinda Ardern hits out at govt over its action on state care abuse
Labour's new deputy leader Jacinda Ardern has attacked the government over its refusal to hold an inquiry into historical abuse claims in Parliament today. Audio
Government departments at odds over social housing numbers
Opposition parties say discrepancies between two departments' tally of social houses is symptomatic of the Government's disarray over housing. Audio
Protestors spill blood outside GCSB
Several dozen protestors poured their own blood on the ground outside New Zealand's spy agency in protest of its five eyes involvement with the United States' drone assassination programme. Audio
English told to ditch drug anecdotes; Immigration and education blamed for unemployment
Prime Minister Bill English is accused of using 'alternative facts' when he says New Zealanders are anecdotally harder to employ than immigrants because too often they're taking drugs. Audio
PM accused of being irresponsible over drug test claims
Bill English denies he's scapegoating a few drug users to try to take attention off record high immigration numbers. Video, Audio
Government aims for 90% swimmable waterways by 2040
The government announced today it wants to make 90% of the country's rivers and lakes swimmably by 2040, but critics say that's meaningless. RNZ political reporter Benedict Collins reports. Audio
250 state houses sit empty as govt waits for buyers
More than 250 state homes have sat empty for more than a year while the Government waits for someone to buy them. Audio
Gov told to hurry up and give prison guards pepper spray
Following an attack on three prison officers over the weekend the Government's being told it needs to hurry up and change the rules so prison guards can have better access to pepper-spray. Audio
Opposition parties rubbish Peter Thiel deal
Opposition MPs are condemning the Government's deal with Peter Thiel, which saw the billionaire's company make an enormous profit while the taxpayer made almost nothing. Audio
Focus on Politics for 3 February 2017
Donald Trump's sudden and sweeping ban on refugees and people from seven Muslim nations entering the United States has had far reaching consequences. The US President's executive order, referred to by… Audio
Public weigh in on whether NZ citizenship is or isn't for sale
What do New Zealanders think about US billionaire Peter Thiel gaining citizenship despite visiting the country only four times. RNZ reporter Benedict Collins hit the streets to find out. Audio
Peter Thiel visited NZ 4 times before gaining citizenship
Department of Internal Affairs has released documents about the citizenship granted to billionaire Peter Thiel. RNZ political reporter Benedict Collins goes through them. Video, Audio
DHBs failing on OIA - State Services Commission
District Health Boards, Police and Corrections have been identified as poor performers in responding to Official Information requests. Audio
Animal welfare assurance wanted for Chinese cow shipment
'Economic treason.' That's how NZ First leader Winston Peters is describing a decision to ship more than 5,000 dairy cows to China. Audio
HNZ praised for medicinal marijuana "mercy"
Housing New Zealand is being praised for showing mercy and compassion, after it allowed a disabled 61-year-old Auckland woman who was growing and smoking marijuana for pain relief to stay in her state… Audio
Corrections needs hundred more staff than expected
An internal Corrections email has revealed the department is looking to hire hundreds more staff than it has publicly disclosed. Benedict Collins spoke with Corrections' Chief Custodial Officer Neil… Audio
