Katie Scotcher
Politicians respond to Emissions Reduction Plan
The Climate Change Minister James Shaw is sending a strong signal to voters - the plan to slash emissions would have been stronger if his party held the balance of power.
Green Party co-leader says… Audio
Govt unveils $3b Emissions Reduction Plan, focus on transport
The government has unveiled it's first Emissions Reduction Plan of $2.9 billion, with a focus on transport.
The sector is one of the largest sources of emissions in New Zealand - making up 17 percent… Audio
Government unveils $560m funding for police
An Auckland dairy owner wants teenagers who ram raid businesses to face tougher penalties.
It comes as the government signals support is on the way for shops that have been targeted. It's also… Audio
Dunne rebukes Mallard over trespass of Peters from Parliament
Speaker Trevor Mallard has been told to consult other parties over his decision to trespass Winston Peters from the grounds of Parliament for two years.
The former Deputy PM is one of several people… Video, Audio
Health officials planning for pandemic resurgence
Health officials are planning how the country will cope if we're hit by a Covid-19 variant more infectious than Omicron.
The plan could see the re-introduction of vaccine passes and QR scanning - but… Audio
What's behind skyrocketing inflation?
Who is to blame for skyrocketing inflation - problems created overseas or the government due to its economic management?
Annual inflation has hit 6.9 percent - while slightly below expectations, it's… Audio
MPs debating calling Russian Ambassador for questioning
MPs are debating whether to haul the Russian Ambassador before them for questioning, after he's twice rebuffed their requests.
Such a step would be extraordinary - Parliament has only used its power… Audio
Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield quits role
From August, the 1pm press conferences won't be the same, after Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield announced he'll step down at the end of July.
Covid Response Minister Chris Hipkins has… Audio
Dr Ashley Bloomfield resigns from top health job
The Director General of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield will step down from his role at the end of July - a year prior to his term being up.
He indicated to Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes last… Audio
Extra support coming in for low income earners
Low income earners will get more money in their pockets, with a raft of extra support measures kicking in today.
Opposition parties say the government is failing to address the cost of living crisis… Audio
China unlikely to join Ukraine invasion
Experts doubt China will help Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, saying the global superpower has too much to lose and very little to gain.
They say it could be catastrophic for the global economy if… Audio
Covid-19: Not clear what protest cleanup will cost
It's still not clear how much the mammoth restoration of Parliament's grounds will cost.
The Prime Minister has been inspecting the damage left in the wake of the violent end to the 23-day… Audio
Protesters throw bricks at police on Molesworth St
Protesters are throwing bricks at police, as the protest at Parliament turns more ugly by the minute.
In the last few hours, fires have been lit on the lawn outside Parliament.
Protesters have made… Video, Audio
Latest from Parliament as protesters throw bricks at police
RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher is outside Parliament, where protesters have started pulling up pavers to throw at police.
Video, Audio
Ukraine invasion: New sanction legislation considered
The government could have new powers to impose tougher sanctions on Russia as early as next week.
It also already put in place travel and export bans but is under pressure to do more.
Ukrainians in… Audio
Covid-19: Self-isolation at border dropped
The government has scrapped the seven day self isolation requirement for vaccinated New Zealanders returning from overseas from later this week.
RNZ talked to some of those overseas about what this… Audio
Covid-19: Parliament protesters adress media from barricade
Protesters have addressed media from Parliament's front lawn.
An RNZ reporter heard them shouting at the balcony calling for media to "stop lying".
Susie Ferguson got an update. Audio
Vaccine mandates to be lifted after worst of Omicron - PM
Vaccine mandates will be lifted once New Zealand is past the worst of the omicron outbreak.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the commitment this afternoon but wouldn't put a date on when exactly it… Audio
Covid-19: Protestors won't budge despite Parliament ultimatum
The anti-mandate protesters illegally occupying a large part of Wellington's central city are refusing to budge.
This is despite all parties in Parliament setting an ultimatum - we will consider… Audio
Near-unanimous vote passes conversion therapy ban
Conversion therapy will soon be illegal.
Legislation banning the practice of trying to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity has passed its third and final reading at… Audio