We've had a flurry of education news this past week - giving the impression things are actually starting to look up.

Numeracy and literacy results are up significantly year on year, attendance is improving, and now - the Government wants to put an end to open plan classrooms.

But today, a damning Government briefing points out significant concerns around the credibility of the NCEA system itself.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced the funidng of $6 billion worth of construction projects to begin by Christmas.

New and improved roads, school renovations, and hospital revamps - it's all been added to the National Infrastructure Pipeline which is now over $207 billion.

These projects are also expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the coming months.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around 700 New Zealand soldiers and personnel are in Australia for the largest war-fighting and military training exercise in the Southern Hemisphere.

35-thousand soldiers from 19 nations are taking part in it.

The Defence Force says a key goal for them is to be able to integrate its capabilities into Australian and US relations.

The Government also announced ramping up defence spend earlier this year - but as it stands now, and with tensions abroad - how prepared are we?

Tim Beveridge talks to Senior National Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Tuatini for more.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With rising global tensions, market volatility, and an unpredictable international landscape, having a strong and credible foreign voice is becoming more important than ever for New Zealand.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters travelled to Malaysia for a summit with his South East Asian counterparts, where he worked towards a comprehensive strategic partnership by October.

But what does that actually mean for us? What would that relationship deliver in real terms? How are we positioning ourselves in an increasingly contested region?

He’s just come back from his trip — Winston Peters chats to Tim Beveridge.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is also stopping in Houston, Texas to look at how they've implemented affordable housing.

He's speaking to local experts about their planning, funding and tools that have allowed them to deliver effective housing.

Can the same elements be brought to New Zealand?

ZB Political Editor Jason Walls speaks to Andrew Dickens...

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is visiting New York to see the success of their congestion charging.

He's proposing a similar pricing strategy back here, but is it plausible for our roads?

What can be done to solve our traffic issues?

Andrew Dickens is joined by Martin Glynn, AA Policy Director...

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IRD reports that New Zealand will need to restructure the tax system to fund the superannuation.

Capital gains tax could be on the table, and even a GST hike from 15%.

What sort of adjustments should we expect? Is there any other way to fund the super?

Tim Beveridge talks to PwC Tax Policy Leader, Sandy Lau...

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is implementing new sentencing reforms to prevent soft punishments and place victims at the centre of the justice-system.

Will these changes bring back faith in our judicial system? What other work needs to be done

Tim Beveridge is joined by Ruth Money, Chief Victims Advisor to the Government...

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.