Stories by Gia Garrick
News
Govts often abuse Electoral Act to stay in power - Nick Smith
Both major parties have changed the law to benefit their own re-election chances, Nick Smith says, as he puts forward some ideas on electoral reform.
Winston Peters to speak for government at Rātana
Politicians are heading to Rātana for the annual celebrations of the founder of the church, Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana.
'The whole country was watching': Jami-Lee Ross apologises
Embattled Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross has apologised to everybody he hurt last year, including the leader he attempted to take down.
NZ government signs up to UN migration agreement
The NZ government will sign up to a United Nations Migration Compact, despite other countries like Australia and the United States pulling out.
Recording of Sroubek's prison call sparked u-turn on decision
It's been revealed a recording of Karel Sroubek calling his wife from prison was the "new information" that prompted the Immigration Minister to reassess his decision not to deport him.
Climate talks: 'The levels of concern are so different' - Shaw
Climate talks are being hampered by some countries more concerned about economic prosperity than people's survival, says the Climate Change Minister.
SIS 'very intrusive' in some requests for bank customer info
When the SIS used voluntary disclosure requests to banks for customers' information, the voluntary aspect wasn't always made clear, the agency watchdog found.
Spying warrants under scrutiny by watchdog
The watchdog of the country's spying agencies has taken issue with aspects of their approach to getting warrants for intelligence gathering, under a new law passed last year.
Mental fatigue becomes major focus in govt's workplace strategy
The government is changing its approach to health and safety, with a greater focus on mental fatigue in its strategy for the next decade.
Waitara land dispute resolved with new law
After 30 years of talks and nearly 160 years of disagreement, a law's been passed to resolve the long dispute over leasehold land at Waitara.
Letting fees come to an end
Renters throughout the country are rejoicing at the official end of letting fees.
Sovereignty concerns shroud NZ's bid to sign UN migration pact
New Zealand is likely going to sign up to a United Nations migration pact this week as long as it can iron out a concern around sovereignty.
Secret recording 'comes down to the harsh reality of humanity'
Some politicians believe a series of secret recordings being made public are more a sign of bad working relationships than a worrying trend.
Landcorp apologises for not telling minister of tax submission
Landcorp has apologised to Associate State Owned Enterprises Minister Shane Jones for not letting him know it was submitting to the Tax Working Group.
New $100m green fund launched by government
The government is encouraging investment in electric vehicles, energy efficient commercial buildings and low-emissions farming with the launch of a new $100 million green fund.
Fuel prices to be investigated by Commerce Commission
The Commerce Commission has been directed to use its new powers to find out if New Zealanders are being fleeced at the pump. Audio
Chronic pain sufferer: 'We've been shown no compassion at all'
More people will be able to use cannabis to alleviate pain without fear of prosecution, but a long-time sufferer says the government is not going far enough.
Coalition compromise gets workplace bill over the line
Labour has struck a deal on its flagship workplace legislation that appeases its coalition partners, businesses, and unions. Audio
Anne-Marie Brady: 'It shouldn't have to be like this'
Canterbury University professor Anne-Marie Brady says she would be concerned if top levels of government were not looking at her case. Audio
Some hospital staff to get pay rises of more than 40 percent
Workers in public hospitals are looking at proper pay rises after years of incremental increases of just a few cents an hour.
Gender equality in sport: 'It's not an easy fix'
Change is being driven from the ground up, but sports bosses believe more women are needed in leadership to champion equality in sport. Video, Audio
Airbnb to open its doors in disasters
The Civil Defence Ministry has teamed up with Airbnb to help hosts make their homes available to displaced people in the case of a disaster.
National's written questions blitz at a new level - professor
A barrage of written questions from the National Party is heaping pressure on ministerial offices, prompting one to restructure and a government agency to hire a new staff member.
Louise Nicholas stands by criticism after report clears Wally Haumaha
Victims' advocate Louise Nicholas says the police should not have assumed she was okay with Wally Haumaha being promoted a second time. Audio
Shane Jones fails to disclose 61 meetings
Shane Jones has had to correct 20 answers to questions from the National Party after he failed to disclose meetings he had earlier this year.