Stories by Russell Palmer
News
Swarbrick targets drug laws as 49 substances reclassified
Green MP Chloe Swarbrick has used the reclassification of 49 drugs - including Fentanyl - to argue New Zealand's drug laws increase harms and should be replaced.
Self-isolation supports scheme changing tack after Omicron peak
A "return to greater normality" in care of Covid-19 cases in the community will see the government spend $58.1 million to cover services through to June next year.
Parties vote to treat trespassed MPs no differently to public
A cross party committee of MPs has decided former members should be treated no differently when the matter of being trespassed from Parliament is being considered.
Green Party leaders 'proud' of constitution changes
The Green Party constitution no longer requires a male co-leader, instead requiring one woman and one person of any gender, plus a requirement that one must be Māori.
Three waters: Government yet to test financial viability of reforms
It is unacceptable the government has pushed ahead with its three waters reforms before checking if the numbers stack up on debt financing, opposition parties say.
Three waters anti-privatisation entrenchment rejected by opposition parties
Opposition parties should commit to protecting against privatising water assets, and front up with alternatives if they don't like the three waters reform, the government says.
Three waters: Councils to be shareholders, ministers confirm
The government has accepted 44 of the three waters working group's 47 recommendations for changes to its water infrastructure reform programme, with minor changes.
White supremacism biggest source of illegal content - DIA report
White identity-motivated extremism continues to be the leading driver of online content investigated and shut down by Internal Affairs.
Councils, property owners must share costs of climate, Shaw warns
The minister's move to consult on climate change adaptation is welcome, and "better late than never", the National Party says.
Climate change adaptation plan out for consultation
The government is seeking feedback on a six-year plan to account for the effects of climate change like flooding, wildfire, droughts, and sea level rise. Audio
Government begins drafting indigenous rights plan
Indigenous rights, co-governance and He Puapua: the government has started work on a plan and intends to consult widely on it soon.
Rising tensions: Parties clash over inflation and spending
Today's inflation rise cannot be blamed entirely on global effects, National leader Christopher Luxon says, but the finance minister says tax cuts are not the answer.
New Zealand and Singapore add climate to partnership priorities
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong have added a focus on climate and sustainability to the enhanced relationship between the two countries.
Hipkins slipping? Chagrin over mask rules mix-up
The calm, confident visage of Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins slipped into confusion and contrition over mask rules this afternoon.
'A pandemic is not the way to tackle climate change'
Climate Change Minister James Shaw says the latest report shows we cannot rely on a pandemic to cut emissions, and National's Christopher Luxon says more may need to be done.
Russian ambassador continues refusing 'futile' briefings
Russian Ambassador Georgii Zuev has continued to decline to either appear before select committees, or to be interviewed by media, saying that would be futile.
National urges supplying javelin missile weapons to Ukraine
National has joined calls for the government to send missile launchers to support Ukraine, saying the government should at least look at the option.
National launches troll hunt: Online abuse 'unacceptable'
Accusations a Young Nat has been trolling female politicians online has prompted an investigation by the National Party, with the abuse denounced as cowardice on all sides.
Three waters co-governance debate diverts into privatisation
The government has hit back at arguments against co-governance in the three waters reforms, saying ACT's attack is a smokescreen for its privatisation agenda. Video
Luxon backs co-governance debate, shies from referendum
National's leader Christopher Luxon has said no to a referendum on co-governance - for now - something likely coalition partner ACT has said is a bottom-line.
NZ must send strong signal to Pacific over China - Defence Minister
Maintaining a cooperative Defence Force presence in the region - and not solely for humanitarian aid - is a priority for New Zealand, Peeni Henare says.
RNZ-TVNZ public media shake-up: What you need to know
Explainer - What's the government doing with RNZ and TVNZ - and why? RNZ is here to clear it all up. Audio
New Covid-19 plan: 'We need to get back to a life of normalcy'
National would have gone further in removing Covid-19 restrictions but backs the government. The Greens fear for the most vulnerable, and ACT fears for the economy.
National demands more scrutiny over 'freedom convoy'
The government has made no plans as yet to broadly review the Parliament occupation, the police minister says, while a review of police actions is being left to the police watchdog.
Bridges' departure elicits well-wishes and congratulations
Fellow MPs from across the house have paid tribute to Simon Bridges' 14-year tenure in Parliament.