Focus on Politics

The latest parliamentary vote on voluntary euthanasia featured emotional and thoughtful speeches from MPs as they grappled with fundamental questions about the right to choose life or death, and the protections for some of New Zealand's most vulnerable.

An investigation by Newsroom catapulted the practice of removing babies from their parents into public awareness, and created a political debate about how it was being carried out by the agency responsible for the welfare of some of the most vulnerable New Zealanders.

It's been a big week for defence, with the release of the long term plan including the billion dollar price tag for the new 'Super Hercules" and confirmation of an end date for the Iraq deployment.

Young people are often criticised for not participating in politics, but as was seen in the recent strike for climate action, they also face criticism when they do. Political Reporter Yvette McCullough speaks to teenagers and experts about the barriers young people face in engaging in politics, and what can be done to change that.

Focus on Politics for 31 May 2019

A dark shadow passed over Parliament this week with revelations of bullying, a toxic workplace environment and allegations of serious sexual offences. Independent reviewer Debbie Francis found a normalised culture of abuse of power and harmful behaviour. But what really rocked those in Parliament were allegations of sexual harassment, assault and even rape.

With less than two weeks until the so-called 'Wellbeing Budget' is revealed, RNZ Political Reporter Yvette McCullough takes a look at what's new in the process, who's backing the approach, and who thinks it's a woolly PR exercise.

Voters will have the chance to say yes or no to legalising cannabis for personal use at the 2020 election. While that appears to be a relatively straightforward question, it covers a potentially complex legislative and regulatory regime.

After a strong nine years in government, the National Party is now experiencing the trials and tribulations of life in opposition - that often centre around the leadership.

This week New Zealand and France joined forces as world leaders try to put an end to the use of social media for acts of terrorism. Next month Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with world leaders and tech companies in Paris, to seek a commitment to eradicate violent extremist content online. Political reporter Jo Moir takes a look at what a social media crackdown might mean and whether it can be achieved on the world stage.