The Weekend Collective

Former Defence Minister Ron Mark is returning to New Zealand First as a candidate this election, standing for the party in the Wairarapa electorate.

Mark joined the Weekend Collective to reveal what motivated him to return to the party - as well as how NZ First has changed over the years.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is denying National's parental leave pledge was inspired by the Stuart Nash saga - but the controversy enforces the importance of this move.

If re-elected, National plans to gradually extend paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks by 2029, and Willis joined Tim Beveridge to discuss the extent of the planned changes.

Nicole McKee is set to take over as ACT's new deputy leader, replacing Brooke van Velden, who is set to leave Parliament at the election.

Leader David Seymour has described her as 'fearless, principled and ultimately compassionate' and he joined the Weekend Collective to explain what she could bring to the role.