Politics
Former PM Jim Bolger has died aged 90
Jim Bolger, who was Prime Minister for much of the 1990s, has died aged 90. Bill Hickman has more on the life of the politician nicknamed The Great Helmsman. Audio
Seymour welcomes NZ First changes to Regulatory Standards
David Seymour is welcoming New Zealand First's changes to his Regulatory Standards Bill as a 'win-win'. Political reporter Russell Palmer reports. Audio
'Footnote in history': Constitutional experts shrug off Regulatory Standards Bill tweaks
David Seymour says NZ First's changes to his bill are a 'win-win', not a backdown - but experts say the way it's been handled means it is unlikely to have lasting impact.
Sir Don McKinnon speaks following death of Jim Bolger
Jim Bolger, New Zealand's 35th Prime Minister and National Party leader for 11 years, has died aged 90. Audio
Labour's Willow-Jean Prime on education, polls
Willow-Jean Prime joins First Up for her weekly look at politics from the Labour Party's perspective. Audio
Broadcasting watchdog accused of 'Soviet era stasi' censorship
Winston Peters, Free Speech Union and veteran journalist Sean Plunket react to BSA's decision to regulate podcasts and online media.
Pension Wars: How A Gold-Plated Promise Changed NZ Politics
It's the third rail of New Zealand politics: Touch it and you die. From Richard Seddon's groundbreaking old-age pension, to Rob Muldoon's Dancing Cossacks, to Jim Bolger's "no ifs, no buts, no maybes"… Video, Audio
New Zealand on strike, again
Our workforce has had enough and will down tools on October 23 for a "mega strike", involving more than 100,000 workers Audio
Greens warn Brownlee over becoming 'fashion police'
The Speaker has given MPs a dressing down over falling standards around leave, attendance and dress. Audio
Kapa-Kingi has 'no regrets' about turning on Te Pāti Māori
The prominent activist says he knew he would be "dragged through the mud".
MPs weigh in on Parliament's 'slipping standards'
MPs have been told to smarten up their act, amid supposed slipping standards in Parliament, from no-shows through to no shoes. Politicans from across the political spectrum weighed in with their… Audio
Calls for stricter rules on dress code in Parliament
Speaker of the house Gerry Brownlee has signalled a crack down and wants to change the rules around attendance, dress standards and leave. He said he will make greater use of punishments to ensure… Audio
Polls and trolls: Is violent online abuse turning women away
Tory Whanau's candid speech on the relentless online abuse she faced as Wellington mayor would not been reassuring for candidates waiting for local election results.
Regulations Ministry to review hospitality sector
The review will cover regulations for restaurants, cafes, bars, food stalls at markets, food trucks, caterers, and hotels, but exclude gambling regulations.
Free breast screening opens up for thousands more women
From this week, women aged 70 and 74 will be able to access free mammograms, the government has announced.
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 15 October 2025
This week our political panel is National's Simeon Brown and Labour's Carmel Sepuloni; If you're one of the many who feel the clouds of the winter blues part on the first sunny day, you're not alone… Audio
The pig welfare reforms that roll back pig welfare
Changes announced by the animal welfare minister turn out not to be what they say on the label.
Where to next for Te Pāti Māori after ructions
A former co-leader says the party needs to take stock and have a clear vision for the election. Audio
Weekly Political panel with Simeon Brown and Carmel Sepuloni
This week our political panel is National's Simeon Brown and Labour's Carmel Sepuloni. Audio
