Stories by Russell Palmer
News
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.
Hipkins unapologetic over Charlotte Bellis disclosures
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins is now refusing to comment on the case of Charlotte Bellis, after ignoring ministerial advice not to share details about her.
Three waters: Analysis will test proposals' viability - Minister Mahuta
Three waters proposals will be subject to independent financial analysis before being introduced as law, the minister says, as opponents urge an apology for the reforms' handling.
Three waters reforms: working group urges govt financial backing
Councils should have shares in three waters entities - with the government on the hook financially, a working group of mayors and Māori representatives says. Audio
Ukraine artwork unveiled at Beehive
A Ukrainian artwork has been brought out of Parliament's vaults, and the Ukraine flag is flying from Parliament, in a show of solidarity with the country's fight against invading forces.
Three waters working group stymied by government bottom lines
Three waters feedback going to the minister on Monday seems unlikely to sway the government, whose latest model appears to fall short of its own demands.
Political parties condemn Parliament protesters, praise police actions
All political parties have supported a motion in Parliament to recognise the "safe restoration of Parliament's grounds" and the selfless service of emergency services. Video
Bloomfield misled public over testing capacity, says opposition
Dr Ashley Bloomfield's apology over testing delays is just the latest example of misleading the public, National says, and ACT's David Seymour wants the Director-General removed.
National urges visa for Ukrainians fleeing 'unhinged' Putin's war
National is calling on the government to fast-track Ukrainian visas and bring in a humanitarian visa category for close family members of Ukrainians living in New Zealand.
Omicron phase three: What you need to know
Explainer - The government has announced the country is moving to phase three - but what does that mean? RNZ is here to clear it all up.
ACT calls for end to mandates, contact tracing, QR codes
Party Leader David Seymour has called for a cost-benefit analysis of Covid-19 interventions, saying the current settings are a "mish-mash of rules that don't make sense".
MIQ rules begin to loosen as border opens and Omicron spreads
More people are expected to be able to leave MIQ early under a new risk assessment, and some travellers may be able to go into self-isolation before borders open.