Stories by Craig McCulloch
News
Woodhouse alleges women with Covid-19 asked for directions
A National MP has dropped a bombshell allegation in Parliament that the two women granted compassionate leave to drive to Wellington stopped for directions, casting doubt on the official story. Video
Nats MP Penk releases book deriding govt Covid-19 response
National backbench MP Chris Penk has released a book criticising the government's "lockdown lunacy" as "incompetent", a position that would seem at odds with that of his party's leadership.
National backtracks on 'Strike Force Raptor' police unit plans
National is distancing itself from its controversial Strike Force Raptor proposal, saying it would not direct the police to set up such a unit if elected.
Trans-Tasman travel bubble trial touted for July by Chambers of Commerce
Business leaders on both sides of the ditch have proposed a trial run of the trans-Tasman bubble which would see flights between Wellington and Canberra take off by July.
Green Party says Labour broke promise to overhaul welfare system
The Greens have accused Labour of breaking a core promise to overhaul the welfare system, a commitment made in 2017 during negotiations to form a government.
Chlöe Swarbrick moves to third place on Green Party list
Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick has been propelled up her party's list to the third place ranking just behind the two co-leaders and ahead of those with ministerial portfolios.
Todd Muller making swift changes to National's front bench
New leader Todd Muller is wasting no time putting his stamp on the National Party's front bench with a caucus reshuffle expected to be unveiled today.
Budget 2020: $50bn rescue fund in 'once in a generation' budget
A $50 billion rescue fund sits at the centre of 2020's "once in a generation Budget" as the country braces for the economic carnage promised by Covid-19. Video
PM's office tells ministers to 'dismiss' interviews on Covid-19 docs
The Prime Minister's office has directed all ministers not to give interviews on a Covid-19 document dump, saying there is "no real need to defend" themselves.
National proposes $100,000 GST refunds for businesses
National is pushing for struggling businesses to be offered GST cash refunds of up to $100,000 to salve the economic damage caused by Covid-19.
Cabinet ministers in hot seat over lockdown extension
National MPs will pursue the case on the Epidemic Response Committee this morning, putting questions to the Ministers for Finance, Small Business, and Employment.
Govt weighs legal suit over Ruby Princess NZ visits
The government is exploring taking legal action regarding the Ruby Princess cruise ship which has proven to be a hotbed of Covid-19 infection in Australia.
Coronavirus: MPs restrict travel, Cabinet to use video-conferencing
Cabinet ministers will put into practice 'physical distancing' in this morning's Cabinet meeting, with half dialling in via video-conference.
Peters says rescue package fit for size of crisis
As New Zealanders brace for a global downturn due to Covid-19, the Deputy Prime Minister is promising a rescue package "more significant" than any other he's seen around the world.
Covid-19 : Robertson tempers expectations over stimulus package
Finance Minister Grant Robertson is tempering expectations about whether he will follow Australia in rolling out a major Covid-19 stimulus package, saying his focus right now is on targeted support.
Mataura dross: Minister targets smelter company in letter
Environment Minister David Parker has written a forthright letter to the owner of the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter, accusing it of passing the buck rather than dealing with its hazardous waste.
Bridges: rental regulations among first National would scrap
Among the first regulations National would scrap, if elected, would be Labour's proposed rental regulations and the newly introduced heating standards, leader Simon Bridges says.
Privacy breach: Tech boss had okayed govt website with no testing
A top tech boss reviewed a website that then exposed private details of 300 young people who applied to take part in Tuia 250 commemorations, correspondence shows.
Covid-19: Govt invites tourism bosses to advisory group
Tourism bosses have been invited to join a new advisory group, allowing them to stay in "constant communication" with the government in their response to the coronavirus.
Universities say they can handle Covid-19 risk
As universities argue for a Covid-19 travel ban exemption, they're trying to convince officials they can handle an influx of students from China.
Bridges says National won't tone down ads after ASA ruling
National has been forced to delete an online ad deemed "misleading" after losing its appeal to the advertising watchdog.
New accusations levelled at Jami-Lee Ross
The former National MP is facing a workplace investigation after complaints which have seen three of the four staff in his Botany office placed on special leave.
'No election unwinnable': Nats take tips from Australia's Liberals
National MPs have been schooling up on the campaign tricks that helped Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison to victory in last year's "unwinnable" election.
Simon Bridges rules out working with NZ First
National Party leader Simon Bridges has ruled out working with New Zealand First in any potential government after this year's election.
Wuhan evacuation plans 'almost wheels up' - Winston Peters
The evacuation of New Zealanders from Wuhan may be just days away with Foreign Minister Winston Peters saying a charter plane is "almost wheels-up" pending final sign-off.