Focus on Politics

MPs are moving swiftly to implement a gun ban and buy-back scheme in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings. But some have criticised the pace of change, arguing it risks making mistakes or going too far. RNZ's John Gerritsen takes a closer look at the legislation and the debate around it.

As New Zealanders try to make sense of the Christchurch terror attack, questions persist about the role of the intelligence agencies, both past and future.

On 15 March 2019, a gunman opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch, killing 50 people, and changing New Zealand forever. RNZ political reporter Craig McCulloch looks back on how politicians responded to New Zealand's darkest day.

NZ First MP and government minister Shane Jones has found himself in the hot seat this week, facing accusations of a conflict of interest, "pork-barrel politics", and general buffoonery. But while the Prime Minister's patience may be wearing thin, Mr Jones has proceeded for the most part unrepentant. RNZ political reporter Craig McCulloch breaks down how this week's events unfolded.

News the so-called Kiwi jihadi Mark Taylor had been discovered in a Kurdish jail in Syria has prompted a broader debate about an issue many countries are grappling with - should citizens who left their home countries to fight for ISIS be allowed to return home?

This week the Opposition has put the boot into the government over the increasing costs being imposed on landlords. Our Political Reporter Jo Moir looks at the effect of new rental property standards and a potential capital gains tax on residential property owners.

Recommendations for an overhaul of the tax are out, but it will be at least two months before the plan the coalition government intends to adopt is made clear.

The spotlight has sharply turned this week on to the relationship between New Zealand and China after a series of apparent snubs by the rising superpower towards this country. Our Deputy Political Editor, Chris Bramwell, asks whether the relationship is deteriorating.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has kicked off her so-called year of delivery with another extended trip to Waitangi. A year ago she told Maori to hold her and her Government to account on whether they were delivering for Maori - so how was the reception this year? Deputy Political Editor Chris Bramwell has this week's Focus on Politics.

The political year is picking up pace with the caucus retreat for Labour this past week, a State of the Nation speech from National's Simon Bridges and the first Cabinet meeting of 2019. The problems dogging the Kiwibuild programme have continued to feature high, while Mr Bridges has fired his opening salvo on the government - tax policy.