Stories by Russell Palmer

The Auditor-General's office wants the government to do long-term planning like councils, who have done well despite "significant uncertainty" over transport and water policy.

New reports show emergency department wait times are suffering, particularly in Auckland.

Labour and the Greens say the government should focus spending on tourism infrastructure like tracks, toilets and protection of nature instead of more advertising.

The government is playing its part to unshackle the energy sector and now, the sector must deliver - or face further action, Simon Watts says.

Simon Watts has met with gentailers to discuss progress and cooperation ahead of the expected winter energy price spike.

A global consultancy will lead the government's review of electricity markets, with a local firm offering advice and two groups of experts providing quality assurance.

New Public Service Minister Judith Collins is calling for a culture of saying 'yes', but being honest enough with ministers to "reconcile the vision with reality".

Survivors can choose to have former High Court judge Paul Davison assess their individual claims to tailor payments to their personal circumstances.

Analysis - The prime minister's attendance at Ōnuku marae saw protest, distraction and delay. And it underlined his absence in the north. Audio

Hundreds of people are expected in Akaroa today with the "surprise" attendance of the prime minister for Waitangi Day celebrations.

The senior NZ First Minister said the pōwhiri had become a circus and was no longer fit for purpose after multiple interruptions.

The government is required under the Paris Agreement to report progress on adaptation and on contributions to reducing emissions today.

But the opposition says it is a smokescreen for digging up fossil fuels.

The PM's scene-setting speech this year has focused on growth, but four economists' say his plans are mixed at best.

"We are going for growth": The prime minister says, announcing a new agency, in his first major speech of the year.

Christopher Luxon says the government wants tourism "turned on big time internationally" in response to a mayor's call for more funding for the sector.

Christopher Luxon发表国情咨文讲话，强调新西兰应更重视竞争、科技创新以及引进外资。

The prime minister says the government's work so far has been "significant". Audio

The government has quietly cancelled plans to improve recycling and roll out a kerbside food scraps composting scheme.

The last two quarterly figures for the economy are the worst since the late 2021 Covid-19 lockdowns.

Te Pāti Māori had to "get past ourselves" to figure out working with Labour. Labour says it's all "casual", but the Greens say they'll meet regularly.

The prime minister not attending Waitangi Day would show he "has no balls and may be a drop-nuts", Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi says.

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is accusing the commission of bowing to "a bit of political heat" after it apologised for using Manurewa marae as a voting place.

The government's latest announcement has prompted calls for Nicola Willis to resign. Audio

A legal academic says the bill has gone through very poor lawmaking, and late changes undermine the select committee.