In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson interrogates the ramifications for New Zealand of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Russia's war, New Zealand's sanctions, and the question of China

A weekly analysis of significant political issues.

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In Focus on Politics, political reporter Katie Scotcher looks at the latest funding boost for the Defence Force and how much more investment is needed.

Focus on Politics for Friday 17 May 2024

In Focus on Politics, RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch chews over the coalition's school lunch announcement, as well as the opposition's somewhat muted reaction.

Lunch cuts and cut lunch for secondary schools

In Focus on Politics, RNZ's deputy political editor Craig McCulloch whips through a whirlwind week at Parliament.

Sideshows overshadow substance at Parliament

Successive governments have claimed crack downs on youth vaping but retailers are flouting the law, with just one prosecution on the books. 
Retailers have until the end of the year to phase out single-use products, but academics say MPs' fears vape manufacturers will just adapt are justified. 
In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith looks at concerns vape manufacturers will find loopholes in new regulations.

Vaping regulations battle 'immeasurably harder' under coalition - campaigner

As global tensions escalated this week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was touring South East Asia, strengthening defence and security ties. 
Back home, his government was accused of drifting away from New Zealand's independent foreign policy.

Russia's war, New Zealand's sanctions, and the question of China

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