Stories by Russell Palmer
News
Sharma's suspension not predetermined, Labour Ministers say
Suspended Labour MP Gaurav Sharma has - sadly - made things very difficult for himself, Minister Chris Hipkins says.
National Party president admits selection process could be improved
The National Party's new president has admitted its candidate selection process could be improved, after its Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell was suspended over bullying allegations.
Three waters criticism part of the process, minister says
The Auditor-General's submission on three waters legislation is a "constructive suggestion", the minister says, and a normal part of the Parliamentary process. Video
Taiwan visits 'not up to the CCP to decide' - Seymour
National and Labour are toeing the one-China line, but ACT leader David Seymour says he would be happy to visit Taiwan if invited.
Chinese ambassador touts openness, regional 'peace and stability'
Conflict in the Pacific is the last thing China wants, its ambassador says, as he talks up the country's economy, openness and commitment to multilateralism.
Political donations law changes: Clock ticking ahead of election
Opposition parties are crying foul over a donations law change, while the government is considering a separate fix to prevent big foreign funders secretly influencing elections. Audio
A firm maybe: Greens' Teanau Tuiono reflects on leadership
Four days after James Shaw was ejected from the role, Green MP Teanau Tuiono has spoken: He has not decided whether to put his name forward for the party co-leadership.
Three waters IT system project could top $500m, warns National
A new project merging local councils' water service IT systems as part of the three waters reforms could blow out beyond the $500 million upper limit officials have quoted, National says.
Farm emissions pricing plan needs 'critical' changes - Commission
Farm-level emissions pricing must happen without delay, but the He Waka Eke Noa plan needs some critical tweaks to work, the Climate Change Commission says.
Minister 'open' to immigration changes for nurses if new system fails
As new visa rules take effect, Minister of Immigration Michael Wood says he will monitor settings for nurses and will remain open to changes.
Ministry of Disabled People, Whaikaha, launches
The new Ministry of Disabled People, Whaikaha, will be led by a non-disabled person - for now - after complications with recruitment.
'They have a real voice now' - Williams on new Ministry for Disabled People
However, more work is needed to understand the cost of rolling out a new approach to disability support, Minister for Disability Issues Poto Williams says.
O'Connor apologises to National MPs for abortion post
National MP Simon O'Connor has returned to Parliament with an apology to colleagues over a social media post that celebrated the US Supreme Court's overturning of abortion law.
Three waters: If not four entities, then what?
With opponents of the government's three waters reforms saying they're dangerous, wasteful and unpopular, what's their alternative?
Minister Nanaia Mahuta offers three waters co-governance defence
Co-governance in three waters is about the Crown meeting treaty obligations, and maintaining relationships between councils and mana whenua, Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta says.
Politicians cautious over He Waka Eke Noa farm emissions pricing plan
After years of negotiation the plan to price agricultural emissions remains unclear, the Green Party says, but its co-leader says the government has a process to go through before it responds.
Mallard criticised over silence on trespass notices fiasco
Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard has refused to answer questions from MPs about the trespass notices issued earlier this year - reigniting calls for him to go.
Mahuta planning on visits that 'respect the Pacific'
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta says upcoming visits to our Pacific neighbours will have a respectful approach, contrasting it with her Chinese counterpart's whistlestop tour.
Gang law options considered as shootings continue - Police Minister
The government is considering more measures to disrupt gangs after a series of shootings, with Police Minister Poto Williams saying all options are on the table.
Three waters: LGNZ admits poor communications strained council relations
Local Government New Zealand admits it failed to effectively explain its strategy over three waters to its members, which strained relationships and led one council to quit.
First of 'several' three waters bills introduced to Parliament
With local body elections coming in October, the contentious reorganisation of drinking, waste and stormwater can be expected to attract a lot of heat.
Charities law changes to curb admin, boost transparency - Minister
Big charities will need to be more transparent over their funding, after a government review recommended changes to the law.
Rural water schemes should remain in private ownership - working group
Privately owned rural water supplies should be able to keep managing themselves, rather than handing over to the Three Waters entities, a working group has recommended.
Three waters Part II: What you need to know
Explainer - The government is forging ahead with revised water system reform despite criticisms. So what's changed? RNZ is here to clear it all up.
Noughty spending: Minister rebukes agency over zeroes' sum
Transport Minister Michael Wood has had to contact the Transport Agency a second time over costly road safety props, after a further three were found to have been on back order.