Former Labour MP Peeni Henare has called time on his 12 year career in Parliament. He sits down with political reporter Lillian Hanly to discuss his resignation, and the balancing act of "being Māori" and "being a politician."

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As the government "acknowledges" the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, opposition parties are questioning their legality. Political reporter Giles Dexter looks at the response to the latest conflict, and the Prime Minister's struggle to articulate the government's position.

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Police will be able to tell rough sleepers and 'disorderly' people to move on, with the government announcing new powers and penalties. But move on to where? Political reporter Giles Dexter looks at how these powers would work in practice, whether the government has adequately resourced the safety nets, and what a 'reasonable distance' looks like.

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The coalition has weakened housing intensification plans in Auckland after backlash from proponents of heritage homes. Political reporter Anneke Smith lays how the government got here and why there's still uncertainty about how Auckland will grow.

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When is a tax not a tax? That question derailed this week's gas announcement, as ministers scrambled to explain a new levy despite having promised "no new taxes". RNZ's acting political editor Craig McCulloch examines the fallout in Focus on Politics.

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The leaders of ACT, New Zealand First, Te Pāti Māori, and the Green Party sit down with RNZ's press gallery team to share their thoughts on 2025, and what they've got up their sleeves for election year.

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RNZ's political team sits down with the leaders of the two major parties - National's Christopher Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins - to reflect on 2025 and look forward to election year.

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The government is telling councils to 'live within their means' and is introducing a rates cap. It's popular with ratepayers who have seen their bills skyrocket, but councils are warning it'll come at a cost of services. Coming hot on the heels of the government's move to abolish regional councils, political reporter Giles Dexter examines what councils and ratepayers may have to learn to live with.

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