Podcasts about here's rnz

It was a big day on the campaign trail today, with politicians pumping out policy on the eve of advance voting. Labour revealed its largely unchanged plan for housing in Auckland, while National pledged to save every tourism job. Here's RNZ political reporter, Katie Scotcher with a wrap up of the day.

Judith Collins has been out on the campaign trail with a bold call today - claiming Jacinda Ardern hates farmers. It's part of National's fierce attempt to put agriculture back on the agenda - accusing Labour of taking farmers for granted. National is promising to unwind much of Labour's reform this term. It unveiled its plan in Gisborne while Jacinda Ardern was in Christchurch. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

New Zealand has officially fallen into its first recession in a decade - with the economy shrinking by the largest amount on record. Official numbers show GDP - the broad measure of growth - shrank by 12.2 percent in the three months ended June - battered by the Covid-19 pandemic. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

New Zealand's domestic spy agency is reviewing the huge leak of data believed to be used by China's intelligence service. The Security Intelligence Service has obtained the information relating to New Zealand that's part of the Zhenhua dataset - which contains the personal details of 2.4 million people from around the world. Despite the concern, the SIS says at this stage, the information appears to have been collected from public sources, like social media and news reporting. Here's RNZ reporter Katie Doyle with today's developments.

New Zealand has emerged from this year's lockdowns better than expected but it's a much gloomier picture for the longer term recovery, with the country facing years of large deficits and ballooning debt. The government has opened the books for the traditional pre-election update and it makes for grim reading. House prices are predicted to keep rising - but that's raising concerns about the widening inequality gap with more and more New Zealanders heading for the unemployment queue. Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.

National wants to put a smile on your face - promising free toothbrushes, toothpaste and supervised brushing for schools in high need areas. But the $30 million programme has left dentists underwhelmed and calling for more drastic help from all parties. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

The National Party is resurrecting its 'War on P' but with a surprising new arsenal - care and compassion. Judith Collins unveiled the party's plan to tackle the harms of methamphetamine on her first campaign stop this week in Napier. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

The Prime Minister wants New Zealand to be the best place in the world to grow up - but UNICEF's latest child wellbeing rankings have the country among the worst performing in the developed world. Jacinda Ardern insists progress is being made and she points out that some of the data used in the damning UNICEF report is out of date. But organisations on the front line say progress has been slow and in some cases, things are actually getting worse. Here's RNZ social issues reporter, Sarah Robson.

Education Minister Hipkins has been dragged into the Green School controversy after a video was leaked of James Shaw saying he had given "verbal sign-off" for the bid. Mr Hipkins has been actively distancing himself from the proposal, saying publicly it's not something he'd spend education money on. James Shaw, the co-leader of the Greens, has been working to repair the damage after infuriating party supporters, schools and unions with his strong advocacy for the nearly $12 million application for the private school. Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.

The election campaign has swung back into action, with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters taking a crack at his Labour colleagues. He has talked down the government's response to Covid-19, and put the blame for mistakes squarely on Labour ministers. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Greens' co-leader James Shaw has fronted up with a massive mea culpa over the Green School fiasco, but no solution. One may be on the horizon though, with the school breaking its silence to tell RNZ it is open to much of the nearly $12 million it was promised being treated as a loan. RNZ can also reveal one of the major reasons Treasury opposed the initial decision - the school has yet be fully registered. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Greens co-leader James Shaw is scrambling to fix a storm of controversy over his decision to give millions of taxpayers' dollars to a private 'green' school. Mr Shaw, who's also associate finance minister, is under increasing pressure for signing off on the cash - allocated from the $3 billion "shovel-ready" projects fund. The Green Party position is that they do not support giving them taxpayer funding - a policy that seems to have escaped Mr Shaw. But his coalition colleagues say the deal's been done and won't be reneged on. Here's RNZ political reporter, Katie Scotcher.

A Covid-19 vaccine for New Zealanders could still be up to two years away, but the government is shelling out hundreds of millions of dollars to make sure the country doesn't miss out. The exact amount of funding - which will come out of the $50 billion Covid-19 war chest - is being kept secret to ensure New Zealanders get the best possible deal. It will go towards helping New Zealand join and further develop global partnerships, as well as boosting science efforts and manufacturing capacity in this country. Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.

The Prime Minister says she has complete confidence in the border regime, and the government's ability to keep people in isolation facilities if they refuse to be tested as their release date approaches. There's fresh scrutiny on the testing regime, with National claiming not enough is being done to make sure those in managed isolation or quarantine are having a test at day three, which was part of tougher new rules introduced in June. Fifteen people have also refused the day 12 test - while the government can't force them to take the test, it can refuse to release them from the border facilities. Here's RNZ political editor Jane Patterson.

Victims advocates are accusing the Defence Force of a lack of commitment after it left a crucial sexual violence programme leaderless for years. Operation Respect was launched in 2016 with the aim of tackling sexual violence, harassment and bullying behaviours within the armed forces. A scathing independent report released last month found a lack of transparency and accountability and a "code of silence" culture still exists within the military. Here's RNZ defence reporter, Jonathan Mitchell.

The political jousting over the government's handling of Covid-19 continues, with the Opposition demanding more scrutiny and more support for businesses suffering under the continued Auckland lockdown. National called for Parliament's health committee to reconvene so its MPs can grill senior officials and the Health Minister - that will now happen next week. Its leader Judith Collins has also accused Chris Hipkins of being a "part time minister" and the government of failing to properly support Auckland businesses. But the government says the best economic response is a strong health response, and won't be changing course. Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.

As lockdown drags on, the aviation industry has hit more turbulence. Jetstar has today announced it is continuing its suspension of domestic travel because the social distancing requirements make it unfeasible to operate. Air Chathams has joined the chorus, and Air New Zealand says the cost of social distancing will weigh on ticket prices. Meanwhile, with another travel company closing its doors, thousands of travellers who'd booked trips with STA Travel could find themselves out of pocket. Here's RNZ reporter, Sarah Robson on the ongoing battle to get their money.

There will be no early release from lockdown for a third of the country living under Covid-19 alert level 3 restrictions. The message from the Prime Minister today was stay the course. That means the current restrictions, with Auckland at alert level 3 and the rest of the country at level 2, will remain in place until at least Wednesday next week. Here's RNZ political reporter, Katie Scotcher.

A potentially huge increase in postal voting has prompted warnings a failure to properly prepare could lead to an election disaster. Postal votes could number in the hundreds of thousands because of Covid-19 - if the elderly and those vulnerable because of poor health cannot go to public polling booths, and further lockdown restrictions are imposed. There are fears of an electoral crisis if the number of postal votes outstrips the ability of government agencies to handle them. The Justice Minister Andrew Little concedes there's more risk once postal voting's significantly expanded, but says that's been weighed against the need to give people safe options to vote. Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.

As hundreds more soldiers begin to move out to isolation hotels around the country, New Zealand First is calling for the Defence Force to play an even greater role. The call on the military - and on a new team of health advisers - comes after the Health Ministry failed to deliver a Covid-19 testing strategy at the pace required. The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says health officials needed more support. The Opposition says it's an admission of failure. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

New Zealand's pandemic response has been called out by none other than US president Donald Trump in a bizarre speech. Speaking in Minnesota, the leader of the free world described the South Auckland outbreak as "a big surge". Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

A move to make it easier for workers to get sick leave while they wait for their Covid-19 test is being criticised for not going far enough. From Friday employers will no longer have to show their revenue has dropped by 30 percent to get staff who have to self isolate on the government's leave support scheme. Unions and health clinics have been worried people with little or no sick leave are putting off being tested because they can't afford the time off work. Here's RNZ reporter Sarah Robson.

MPs will return to the Capital today - for three weeks at Parliament no one expected. The 2020 general election has been pushed back four weeks to 17 October, which means politicians will reconvene in the House for general debate and question time. Here's RNZ political reporter, Katie Scotcher.

New Zealand will find out at 10am on Monday morning if the election will go ahead on 19 September, or whether it will be delayed because of the Covid-19 outbreak in Auckland . The decision is solely in the hands of the Prime Minister and there's plenty of pressure on her - with parties including her coalition partner New Zealand First lining up to argue for a delay until 21 Novmber. The constitutional clock is also ticking with the dissolution of Parliament scheduled to take place today, after being delayed last week. If dissolution does not go ahead on Monday, a date later than September 19 will have to be chosen. Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.

It's decision day with Cabinet meeting this afternoon to decide whether the country will change Covid-19 alert levels. This comes after a new cluster of community transmission has officially taken grip of New Zealand, with 13 new cases confirmed yesterday in addition to the four announced on Tuesday. Here's RNZ political reporter Jo Moir with details on how things will play out on Friday.

The government wants to use Covid-19's disruption of the stricken $5 billion foreign student industry to bring in permanent change. A Cabinet paper from June reveals a desire for higher-value enrolments, more online courses, a reduced emphasis on associated work visas and less reliance on students from certain countries. The education sector says New Zealand's handling of the outbreak will attract students but is dubious how much change is needed. Here's RNZ education correspondent, John Gerritsen.

Hundreds of principals are urging the government to scrap a divisive education scheme that costs a $100 million a year, most of it in extra pay for teachers and principals. The Principals Federation says Communities of Learning or Kahui Ako are not raising children's achievement and the money would be better spent elsewhere. Here's RNZ education correspondent John Gerritsen.

Three senior National MPs have made their valedictory speeches in Parliament, looking back at the challenges they faced during their tenure. Nikki Kaye and Amy Adams were elected into Parliament 12 years ago and between them have held a plethora of Ministerial portfolios. Former Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy who has been in Parliament 15 years also said his good-byes. Here's RNZ political reporter Charlie Dreaver.

Staff at fifteen Otago schools have reported more than 200 verbal and physical attacks in a five week survey. Teachers, principals and teacher aides say they were punched, slapped, kicked and sworn at. The results come amid rising concern about violence in schools nationally. Here's RNZ education correspondent, John Gerritsen.

The Ministry of Health is refusing to confirm if it supplied the former National Party President Michelle Boag with a daily list of people infected with Covid-19 and their private information. In an explosive 48 hours, Boag confessed to leaking the personal details of 18 people in Covid quarantine to National MP Hamish Walker, who then leaked it to media. Here's RNZ political reporter, Katie Scotcher.

Fishers say the money on offer from the government to help some of them adopt more dolphin friendly methods, falls well short and will put some out of business. The government estimates the cost to the sector of new bans on set nets around much of the South Island and the West Coast of the North Island, is between $30 million and $70 million. A deal is on the table but the government refusing to reveal how much money is on offer. Here's RNZ fisheries reporter, Conan Young.

The hunt is on to find the person responsible for a massive Covid-19 privacy breach, with the government promising to leave no stone unturned. The investigation - into the leak of highly sensitive and personal information of people who've tested positive - was called at the weekend by an "angry" State Services Minister, and new Health Minister Chris Hipkins. The terms of reference could be set as early as this afternoon with senior officials meeting to decide where to from here. Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.

The average amount people owe to the Ministry of Social Development after getting grants or advances to cover basic living costs has doubled in the last five years. Figures released under the Official Information Act to advocacy group Auckland Action Against Poverty also show, on average, women have to pay back more than men. Here's RNZ social issues reporter, Sarah Robson.

Commercial fishers say new rules to protect some of the rarest dolphins in the world are a kick in the guts for a sector already struggling due to Covid-19. The government is beefing up fishing restrictions around much of the South Island and the West Coast of the North Island. Released yesterday, the changes expand the protection area for Maui dolphins but doesn't tackle measures to safeguard Hector's dolphins. Here's RNZ fisheries reporter, Conan Young.

There's bad news for schools struggling with the teacher shortage - the number of new teacher trainees has been falling, despite last year's pay settlements. Education Ministry figures show new primary and secondary teaching enrolments fell in 2019 and enrolments reported to RNZ indicate another drop for primary this year and a small recovery for secondary. The only bright spot is the recession could actually ensure that next year's enrolments will be a lot better. Here's RNZ education correspondent, John Gerritsen.

Community leaders in Bay of Plenty hope police raids targeting the Mongols motorbike gang will reassure the public they are safe after months of escalating tensions. Ten people including the gang's senior leaders were arrested in yesterday's raids and police seized military style assault weapons, AK47s as well as molotov cocktails, vehicles, drugs and cash. Tauranga's mayor and a local iwi leader say more must be done to crack down on the root cause of the tensions: methamphetamine. Here's RNZ reporter Sarah Robson.

A leading public health expert is backing the opposition's attack on Covid-19 border controls, saying a rigorous system is a matter of life or death. It comes as the government unveils its plan to toughen the regime by routinely testing frontline staff who deal with the thousands of people returning from global hotspots. Here's RNZ political reporter, Katie Scotcher.

People travelling to New Zealand may soon have to help cover the cost of their mandatory two-week stay at a quarantine hotel. Cabinet will consider a co-payment scheme in a matter of weeks, as the cost of managing people in isolation facilities climbs. The government is being warned to think very carefully about such a step. Here's RNZ political reporter, Katie Scotcher.

What happens if you arrive in New Zealand and have symptoms that could be Covid-19? While the vast majority of arrivals go into managed isolation for two weeks, people who have a cough or a sniffly nose are sent to higher-level quarantine. One man who is almost certain he was on the same flight as the two women who have tested positive for Covid-19 says people have to be upfront if they're feeling even a tiny bit unwell. Here's RNZ reporter, Sarah Robson.

There are calls for Trade Minister David Parker to muscle up to the European Union following a "disappointing" offer on free trade. It's the first formal offer on the table but a far cry from what New Zealand wants. Mr Parker has criticised the EU for taking a negative and protectionist approach, but the Opposition and industry leaders say he's got to sell the country's products better. Here's RNZ political reporter, Katie Scotcher.

All people arriving at the border will now have to be tested for Covid-19 - not only to detect the virus but also to start tracking which countries are going to be the most high risk. New arrivals will also be banned from attending funeral or tangihanga during 14 days of managed isolation. It comes as our run of zero cases continues - at day 18 - and the first day under alert Level 1. While life is pretty much back to normal for most people, the border remains closed, and looks like staying that way for some time. However, the rules for dependents of citizens and permanent residents to travel to New Zealand have just become a bit more relaxed. Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.

The government is committing to buying more than $1.5 billion dollars-worth of new planes for the Defence Force. It is purchasing five new Lockheed Martin Super Hercules to replace the outdated 1960s Hercules fleet. However the Green Party says the country should not be investing in war-making capabilities and should have looked at cheaper options. Here's RNZ defence reporter, Jonathan Mitchell.

New Zealand First is flexing its muscles within the coalition, now publicly criticising some of the commercial rent measures its partner Labour had been pushing for - which it ended up blocking. After two months of wrangling, Labour and New Zealand First have reached agreement on how to help small businesses struggling to pay the rent. A temporary change to the law means from today if tenants and landlords can't negotiate a fair price they go into compulsory arbitration. Here's RNZ political editor Jane Patterson.

For a second day straight, National has found itself in controversy about colour - specifically, the colour white. Tensions over race relations have boiled over again today with one senior National MP saying she was "sick of being demonised for her ethnicity" during a public select committee hearing. The caucus has been valiantly trying to get the conversation back on track - after new leader Todd Muller unveiled his new frontbench line-up with only white faces in his top twelve spots. Here's RNZ political editor Jane Patterson.

The new leadership of the National Party found themselves in an embarrassing tangle over Māori representation at their first caucus today - before they'd even walked into the room. Todd Muller and Nikki Kaye were vigorously defending the lack of Māori MPs on the front bench - when they named senior MP Paul Goldsmith as Māori, which he promptly rejected. It was the first caucus meeting since the swift leadership change on Friday, and the first time Mr Muller went up against Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in the House - a rather low key affair. Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.

Senior National MP Amy Adams has backtracked on her retirement plans after last week's change of leadership and is ranked number three on the party's list following a minor reshuffle. Three days after he defeated Simon Bridges, the new leader Todd Muller announced a conservative reshuffle, with many faces on the front bench remaining the same. He also said Simon Bridges remains unranked for now, having asked for "time to reflect on his future". Shortly after, Mr Bridges shot out a text contradicting that, saying he is not "considering" his future and wants to make it clear he has every intention of staying on and standing for National in the election. Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.

With unemployment expected to grow, beneficiary advocates are hoping Thursday's budget will deliver major changes to the welfare system. Around 40,000 more people have ended up on the benefit since February - and that number is only expected to increase in the coming weeks and months. Here's RNZ social issues reporter Sarah Robson.

New Zealanders have a new date to count down to and the promise of more freedom on the horizon. Come Thursday, the country will drop out of Alert Level 3 and into Level 2. It triggers a major relaxation of the restrictions which have governed people's lives for nearly seven weeks as part of efforts to eliminate Covid-19. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Health fears and lack of demand are likely to keep many early childhood centres shut when schools partially reopen next week. Sector leaders say many centre owners and teachers are still not convinced it is safe to reopen, despite Government assurances the chance of a Covid-19 outbreak in an early learning service is extremely low. Most kindergartens and schools, however, look set to partially reopen on 29 April. Here's RNZ education correspondent, John Gerritsen.

Early childhood services want more evidence it will be safe to reopen next week and some are likely to remain closed. The government says schools and early learning centres will open on 29 April for children who can't learn from home or whose parents are going back to work at Alert Level 3. Meanwhile, school leaders say they will get on with the job of getting ready to reopen. Here's RNZ education correspondent, John Gerritsen.