Stories by Giles Dexter
News
Green MP Elizabeth Kerekere calls Chlöe Swarbrick a 'crybaby' in group chat
Green Party MP Elizabeth Kerekere has been chastised by party leadership after calling colleague Chlöe Swarbrick a "crybaby" in a text message sent to other MPs in error. Audio
Three weeks on: Te Whatu Ora yet to republish pulled health reporting data
Key health reporting data is still yet to be re-published by Te Whatu Ora, nearly three weeks since it was pulled for accuracy and quality assurance checks.
Nearly 2500 under 5s hospitalised for Covid-19
The Green Party says the number of under 5s hospitalised for Covid-19 is "horrendously high".
Zero speed camera warning signs set up since policy announced in 2019
The new police minister says she has recently been made aware of the lack of progress - and has asked for more information.
Govt insists abuse redress a 'top priority' after officials suggested delay
Public Service Minister Andrew Little has rejected the option mentioned in a briefing document, saying the work is high priority.
MSD reports record number of Kiwis moving off benefits and into work
In the year to June 2022 more than 110,000 people moved into work, after a sharp increase in those on a benefit two years earlier when the Covid-19 pandemic began.
Frustrated Greens take aim at 'visionless government'
The Greens have laid down a challenge to potential coalition partners: come to the table with faster and stronger climate action if you want our support. Audio
Ousted health boss unleashes on challenges: 'We've been far too slow'
Ousted health boss Rob Campbell says plans to trim waste and bureaucracy in Te Whatu Ora will need to be sped up, and it will involve re-allocating or cutting hundreds of jobs.
Removal from EPA 'Muldoonism in action' - Rob Campbell
Campbell says his removal from two organisations in a week has little to do with his social media use, but the Public Service Commissioner says it was a clear breach.
National seeks to sway freedom camping law with newfound power
The National Party plans to use its extra place on a select committee to strongarm the government into making a crucial change to its freedom camping legislation.
Climate change minister's legislative balancing act after Gabrielle
When Parliament met to discuss the National State of Emergency, the Green Party co-leader said he had never felt as sad, or as angry.
'Doing it even tougher': Flood assistance payments falling well short for many - Greens
The Green Party wants the government to double the maximum amount it is paying out to flood-affected Aucklanders, through the Civil Defence payments.
Shaw pulls out of Wellington Central race, backs councillor
The decision turns Wellington into a 2023 battleground, with three brand new faces set to contest the electorate - and Shaw has already thrown his support behind Tamatha Paul.
New ministers sworn in following Hipkins' Cabinet shuffle
The government's new ministers have been officially sworn in at a ceremony at Government House.
Hipkins to sit down with business leaders: 'There to ask questions'
Chris Hipkins' first big meetings as prime minister are a series of charm offensives with Auckland businesses, as he seeks to understand what their priorities and issue are. Audio
Retiring MPs reflect, look to the future
Both major political parties will kick off election year with annual caucus retreats this week, and some MPs have already said it will be their last.
Calls for increased focus on diagnosing dyspraxia in children
An advocate for children with dyspraxia says more needs to be done to increase access to diagnostic pathways and funding in New Zealand.
Green Party leaders: 2022 went 'phenomenally well'
In their end-of-year interview with RNZ, the duo reflect on 2022, and lay out their plans for election year and beyond.
Covid-19 inquiry: Govt looks for 'lessons' as Opposition seeks to expose flaws
The government hopes a Royal Commission into its Covid-19 response will provide the strongest possible playbook for any future pandemic.
Government considering extension to healthy homes deadline
The government has confirmed it is considering extending the deadline for landlords to comply with its Healthy Homes standards.
Kiwis' rights in Australia: No mention of 501 policy in 'family' lecture
Australia's Home Affairs minister Clare O'Neil has ignored its controversial 501 deportation policy when speaking about the rights of New Zealanders living in Australia.
Groundswell group delivers petition calling for stop to farm-level emissions scheme
A petition calling on the government to stop its farm-level emissions pricing scheme has been delivered to Parliament. But a minister who received it says its aims are at odds with the sectors own…
'Great day for democracy' - Government reaches compromise on electoral law change
The government has reached a compromise with National in order to get its new electoral legislation over the line.
National confirms Uffindell's new roles after MP makes Instagram announcement
National MP Sam Uffindell appears to have gazumped both his party and his leader in announcing his new portfolios.
Govt pledges existing firearms licence holders won't be penalised by application backlog
The government will ensure existing firearms owners don't get caught out in a predicted backlog of new licence applications. Audio