Stories by Craig McCulloch
News
Overhaul of water system in the pipeline
A major overhaul of how water is regulated and delivered could be on the cards, with the government keen on fewer, larger suppliers.
Payroll mess prompts govt to review Holidays Act
The government has announced a taskforce to tackle a payroll mess which has left potentially hundreds of thousands of workers out of pocket.
Govt announces panel to review welfare system
An 11-person panel has been set up to advise the government on its promised overhaul of the welfare system.
Transport Minister stripped of CAA role after phone call on plane
Transport Minister Phil Twyford has been stripped of some of his responsibilities after making a phone call on a plane after the aircraft doors had shut. Video
National voices concern over Speaker's actions
The National Party has issued a strident letter to Parliament's referee Trevor Mallard, demanding he explain his role in a story about an alleged sexist remark.
Lawyers back minister's claims people on bail blocked from homes
Criminal lawyers are backing up the Justice Minister's claims that people on bail or parole are being routinely blocked from staying in state houses.
Euthanasia bill a 'Clayton's choice for disabled people'
The Disability Rights Commissioner has clashed with MPs over a proposed euthanasia law, claiming it could apply to people with intellectual disabilities.
Waikato mega-prison off the table - Govt
Plans to build a new mega-prison at Waikeria have been dropped, but the government has yet to decide what to do instead. Audio
Christchurch red zone to house thousands of bees
More than 500,000 bees are to make Christchurch's red zone their home as part of efforts to grow the endangered species and make use of the land.
Budget 2018: Money for health, housing, schools
The Labour-led government has delivered a restrained and cautious Budget in its first year, keeping money in the kitty instead of a major spend up. Video
'It divides communities - and no one wins from that'
MPs have been urged to change a "hideous" law which allows the public to challenge and overturn Māori seats on local councils.
Govt puts extra $80m towards eradicating pests
The push for a predator-free New Zealand is set to get a boost in next week's Budget.
M Bovis has 'turned neighbour against neighbour'
Farmers are butting heads and turning on one another as stress takes its toll over the battle to contain the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis. Video, Audio
National urges govt not to forget NZ-based Pasifika
National MP Alfred Ngaro is warning the government not to forget Pacific families living in New Zealand as it dramatically ramps up aid to the wider Pacific region.
Ministers rebuked over te reo Māori stance
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is playing down differences between her ministers over whether to make te reo Māori compulsory in schools.
$714m to be pumped into govt's 'Pacific reset' plan
The government is set to hike foreign aid by more than $700 million over the next four years, as part of its signalled 'Pacific reset' strategy.
Insight: Brexit won't bond New Zealand and UK
New Zealanders should not expect a closer relationship with the United Kingdom after it leaves the European Union, a former top British diplomat tells Insight.
Queen backs Charles for Commonwealth handover
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has had a private audience with the Queen, who has called on Commonwealth leaders to appoint Prince Charles their next head.
CHOGM: Ardern to toast Commonwealth at leaders' banquet
After her private audience with the Queen, Jacinda Ardern has been selected to toast the Commonwealth at a banquet of leaders at Buckingham Palace.
London mayor 'bothered' by tougher rules for Kiwis in UK
London mayor Sadiq Khan says it "absolutely" bothers him Britain has made it harder for Kiwis to live and work in the United Kingdom.
Ardern in London: What was discussed at security meeting?
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says "we cannot allow the use of chemical weapons", following a meeting with four of the Five Eyes security nations.
Merkel, Ardern discuss threats to world order
The Prime Minister says there has been a deepening in the relationship between New Zealand and Germany.
Jacinda Ardern meets German Chancellor in Berlin
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has received a red-carpet welcome with full military honours as she arrived to meet the German chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.
Ardern hails trade 'vision', France's Macron to visit NZ
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hopes any roadblocks to starting negotiations for a New Zealand-EU trade deal have been removed. Video
PM's Europe trip: What's on the agenda?
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has arrived in Paris and will kick off her week-long trip to Europe with a formal meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.