Stories by Craig McCulloch
News
SFO files criminal charges against six people in Labour Party donations case
The six people charged by the Serious Fraud Office over a donation made to the Labour Party are accused of trying to conceal the true identity of the donor.
'Budget for the Battlers': ACT Party reveals its alternative budget
The ACT party has laid out its alternative vision ahead of next week's Budget, proposing to slash spending by $11.2 billion to both reduce debt and cut taxes.
Govt dismisses calls for medicinal cannabis review to be widened
A Ministry of Health document leaked to RNZ shows officials will not even consider extending an amnesty to allow all chronically sick people to use illicit cannabis.
Hipkins tells MPs to 'step back' after unruly scenes in Parliament
Senior Labour MP Chris Hipkins has denounced the unruly scenes in Parliament last night, saying they did not reflect well on anyone involved.
Rent controls: 'We are very much keeping this conversation alive' - Greens
The Green Party is urging the government to keep rent control on the table, as many renters find themselves stretched to their financial limit.
Northland DHB misses Covid-19 vaccination target by nearly 4000 doses
Northland has been singled out as the worst performing district health board when it comes to the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out, falling short of its target by almost 4000 doses.
National proposes fixed rules for its future leadership bids
National is considering setting fixed rules for future leadership bids with more constraints around its MPs to ensure a "fair process" and "acceptable result".
Need for third Pfizer booster jab only 'speculation' - Medsafe
New Zealand is not rejigging its Covid-19 immunisation programme despite predictions people will need a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine within 12 months.
MIQ security guard's testing hiatus: Ardern maintains company, guard to blame
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has conceded her language was "a bit blunt" when she called an MIQ guard a liar, but maintains he and his employer bear some responsibility for the latest testing…
Drug laws overhaul: NZ 'not quite ready for this level of liberalisation'
Health Minister Andrew Little has shot down calls for a swift overhaul of drug laws, saying any major change would first have to go back to a referendum.
Government criticised for 'rolling maul' vaccine strategy
Cabinet ministers have been sitting on advice regarding a nationwide vaccination schedule for weeks, but have yet to finalise or publish a complete plan.
Visa for Green MP's partner 'like any other', Immigration NZ says
Immigration New Zealand is standing by its decision to grant a visa to the partner of Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March and says the application was treated "like any other".
Green MP's partner's visa application under scrutiny
Opposition MPs are questioning whether there had been any special treatment from immigration officials in regards to Ricardo Menéndez March's partner's application.
Govt tells Reserve Bank to take house prices into account
The Reserve Bank is now required to consider the impact on housing when making monetary and financial policy decisions, Finance Minister Grant Robertson has announced.
Ricardo Menéndez March explains reasons for travelling to Mexico
Green Party list MP Ricardo Menéndez March says he travelled to Mexico to visit his terminally ill step-mother and father who is recovering from major surgery.
Green MP in MIQ after travelling to Mexico
The new list MP, who was born in Tijuana, returned to his home country for "serious personal family matters" in mid-December, a party spokesperson said.
Government gives formal approval for Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
Cabinet has deemed the vaccine "suitable for use" for nearly everyone except tamariki and rangatahi younger than 16, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says.
Climate Change Commission plan 'a big challenge' for New Zealand
New Zealand is heading for a major upheaval under a plan to combat the climate crisis, and while some sectors show signs of resistance the Climate Change Minister takes 'a great deal of hope' from the… Audio
Ardern details timeline for housing announcements
With criticism piling on over the property market, the prime minister has detailed when the government will make housing announcements.
Covid focus critical, Jacinda Ardern reminds MPs
Jacinda Ardern has demanded "absolute focus" from her Labour MPs in 2021, noting "on-going vigilance" would be required to avoid another Covid outbreak.
Public housing tops agenda at Labour MPs' retreat
Labour has put the focus on public housing ahead of its MPs' annual retreat, unveiling details of where 8000 promised homes will be built.
Govt optimistic about Rio Tinto talks
The New Zealand government believes its own negotiations with Rio Tinto will be resolved "fairly quickly" now there is certainty about the future of the Tiwai Point smelter.
National backtracks on support for Trump's NZ staffer
The National Party has rescinded its backing for Chris Liddell to take over as secretary-general of the OECD given the recent rioting at the United States Capitol.
'Too strong', 'too weak': Govt's new Covid border measures scrutinised
The new rules announced yesterday mean nearly all New Zealanders living abroad will soon have to show a negative Covid-19 test before boarding their flight home.
Government expands pre-departure Covid-19 testing rules
Travellers from nearly all countries will soon have to provide a negative Covid-19 test before arriving in New Zealand under tough new rules announced today.