Stories by Craig McCulloch

The race to find a new leader for the National Party is underway with MPs expected to declare their intentions in the coming days.

A report into the state of housing in New Zealand paints a "sobering picture" of the crisis and its effects, particularly on children, Housing Minister Phil Twyford says.

National leader Bill English says he's "not surprised" his MPs have rallied behind him at the party's annual caucus retreat, insisting questions of his support are "not an issue".

The National Party has - for the first time - invited a handful of its list candidates next in line to join Parliament to its annual caucus retreat.

National MPs are heading into a two day caucus retreat about a week after a sudden burst of leadership speculation.

MPs are to vote on whether to ramp up the punishment for people who sell synthetic substances, sometimes referred to as synthetic cannabis.

National Party leader Bill English says he'd be very surprised if any of his MPs raised concerns about the leadership at the party's caucus retreat next week.

The government legislation puts New Zealand among countries such as Rwanda and Uganda when it comes to democracy, the National Party says. Audio

MPs will vote this afternoon on the government's plan to make medicinal cannabis more widely available.

The Green Party will hold a streamlined race for a new female co-leader with the winner to be named in early April.

The fees-free study scheme is vulnerable to students rorting the system due to a gap in the government's records, Treasury officials warn.

The prime minister has been welcomed at Rātana for the church's annual festivities. Video

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will be welcomed at Rātana this morning for the church's annual festivities.

Scrapping a sanction against some solo mums will cost more than $100 million over four years and could result in fewer parents paying child support, ministry officials say.

A rights watchdog has called on police to stop a new cold-calling strategy designed to prevent burglaries, saying it's "creepy".

The National Party is launching petitions for support of major highway projects, but the government argues they were National campaign promises that were never costed.

The government should compensate a murderer who was unlawfully held in solitary confinement, says the UN. Audio

Australia is being overly sensitive over New Zealand's offer to take Manus Island refugees, the Prime Minister says.

The public campaign to legalise euthanasia had a rocky start with a lone protester attempting to derail the launch.

The Ministry for Vulnerable Children is having "vulnerable" scrubbed from its title, with the new government saying it stigmatised young people.

The government is "confident" efforts to re-enter the Pike River Mine are well on track, despite its officials highlighting a host of dangers.

Donald Trump's move to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital will make it more difficult to reach peace in the region, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.

New Zealand is being urged to follow Australia's lead and crack down on foreign espionage and interference in politics.

The government is to release more details this morning about exactly who will be eligible for a year of free tertiary education.

The Green Party has cast doubt on suggestions it can be relied on to support National's bill to create the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary.