The Whip for 27 May 2026

Penk's verbal nuclear bomb inflames defence debates

In Focus on Politics, Russell Palmer recounts how and why a debate about nuclear free policy ended before it began, links to defence spending, and the impact on the relationship with Australia. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details [https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/politics-nz?share=8a6ae9a2-7fcc-4a35-ae8a-80141a8e17b3]

The Whip for 3 June 2026

Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Jonathan Milne, Jenna Lynch and Peter Dunne. First: Is New Zealand "freeloading" off America's military, as suggested by US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth? And how do panellists score the political management of Chris Penk's comments supporting a nuclear "conversation"? Then, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little is unimpressed by the Government's deadline to plan amalgamation, with just 10 weeks to go. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details [https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/politics-nz?share=883553a0-2ed8-4582-9384-d25b5e9bdf92]

Morning Report Weekly Political Panel: Louise Upston and Tangi Utikere

Louise Upston and Tangi Utikere joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details [https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/politics-nz?share=38c43d04-eff8-46f9-ac92-af6665d0c4f4]

House on Sunday: Budget day and its aftermath

Budget Day is a Broadway production with dance numbers (emphasis on numbers), undue laughter and applause, and everyone’s a critic. Then comes the legislating. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details [https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/politics-nz?share=5bf797ee-8f49-4fec-9ff8-daa899a94f0e]

The House on Sunday: Chamber blowback & biscuit tin tactics

On The House, Louis Collins considers the motivations that may lie behind governing-side members' bills; and Phil Smith considers the political version of Newton's Third law of Motion – chamber blowback. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details [https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/politics-nz?share=384cd970-01e0-4f62-b797-1ef560cd17b1]