Benedict Collins
Vote on legalising cannabis on cards for 2019
New Zealanders may get to vote on legalising marijuana next year. The government is currently debating whether to hold the referendum next year because it's not sure holding it at the 2020 general… Audio
Cannabis referendum may come sooner than thought in NZ
The government is debating whether to hold the referendum on legalising marijuana next year. The Justice Minister Andrew Little says there's a view holding the referendum at the 2020 General Election… Audio
Govt points finger at Tonga over meth destined for NZ
The government has pointed the finger at Tonga saying it is a key transit route for methamphetamine and other drugs coming to New Zealand. Political reporter Benedict Collins reports. Video, Audio
Air traffic controllers demand toilet breaks
Air traffic controllers are worried there could be a major disaster if they're not allowed to take proper breaks. Political reporter Benedict Collins has more. Audio
Waiting list for state housing hits all time high
New figures show the waiting list for state housing has hit an all time high. And the government has also been forced to hike its maximum prices for Kiwibuild homes in Auckland and Queenstown by… Audio
Iran sanction threat a concern to NZ farmers
US president Donald Trump's threat to impose sanctions on countries that trade with Iran may derail New Zealand's work to rebuild what was once a huge market for farmers. Exports to Iran totalled $120… Audio
Govt not trusted with New Zealanders' personal data
The government admits many people don't trust it to safeguard their personal data. Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says the previous government's ill-fated attempt to demand personal… Audio
Nats: petrol car levy will hurt the poor
Climate Change Minister James Shaw says the Government is weighing up the levy, saying it could be used to help offset the cost of electric vehicles and mitigate New Zealand's emissions. Video, Audio
Govt stole vision for Auckland, National says
The National Party says the government has simply adopted its vision for transport in Auckland. The 28 billion dollar Auckland Transport Alignment Project will fund roads, rail, buslanes and cycleways… Audio
Govt failed to do due diligence on waste energy contract
Government officials failed to do any background checks on the directors of a company they were going to give $350,000 to. The head of the Provincial Development Unit Nigel Bickle tells RNZ political… Audio
Govt dismisses police request for drug driver tests
The government has told the police to catch more drunk drivers and stop pushing to saliva test drivers for drugs. Documents obtained under the Official Information Act show the Transport Ministry and… Audio
Hit & Run: Hager, Stephenson welcome inquiry
One of the authors of the book Hit and Run is over the moon the government has launched an inquiry into its allegations. Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson claimed innocent Afghan civilians were killed in… Audio
Hager welcomes SAS raid inquiry
Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has welcomed the Government launching an inquiry into the actions of New Zealand's elite SAS soldiers during a raid in Agfghanistan. Mr Hager co-authored the book… Audio
China reported to be looking at Vanuatu
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the prospect of a Chinese military outpost so close to Australia has been discussed at the highest levels in Canberra and Washington. Benedict Collins reports. Audio
Ardern plays down expectations of big-spending Budget
The Prime Minister has been told to stop crying wolf and start governing. Jacinda Ardern is playing down expectations of a big spending budget next month saying her government didn't realise how bad… Audio
Shane Jones forgot he was warned $350K project was a lemon
Officials have contradicted the Regional Development Minister saying he was fully aware experts thought a project he was backing was a lemon. Shane Jones gave $350,000 for a feasibility study for West… Audio
EPA chief insists he didn't mislead MPs over chief scientist
Environmental Protection Authority CEO Allan Freeth returned to Parliament today insisting he hadn't misled MPs about ministers interfering in the removal of the authority's controversial chief… Video, Audio
Green Minister changes tune on EPA meeting
A Green Party Minister accused of ministerial interference is changing her story about meeting with the Environmental Protection Authority. Eugenie Sage now says she didn't meet with the EPA's chief… Audio
Green Party Minister changes story about EPA meeting
A Green Party Minister accused of ministerial interference is changing her story about meeting with the Environmental Protection Authority. Eugenie Sage now says she didn't meet with the EPA's chief… Audio
NZ spy agencies 'asleep and oblivious' to Russian spies - National
The National Party is suggesting New Zealand's spy agencies are asleep and oblivious to the reality of Russian agents. RNZ political reporter Benedict Collins with the latest. Audio
