Stories by Russell Palmer
News
'Hypocrisy and incompetence': Opposition denounces Budget Policy Statement
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the delay to announcing the Budget allowance shows the "level of dysfunction that this government seems to be operating under".
Sector issues warning over disability funding changes
Autism NZ's chief executive Dane Dougan says their inboxes have been flooded by people wondering what's next during a "scary time". Audio
Deputy PM Winston Peters attacks media over speech reporting
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has railed against the media again, over the reporting of his speech over the weekend.
Disability funding changes 'callous' and a broken promise, Labour says
The government argues the amount of funding has not been cut - just what it can be spent on.
Councils frustrated as govt refers flood protection project to bureaucrats
Councils say a $200 million investment now would save lives and billions of dollars, and they're frustrated the minister has just referred them to "further conversations" with bureaucrats.
'Unambitious' Luxon vs 'irrelevant' Hipkins
With Labour and National both taking time to reflect after the government's first 100 days, the leaders are looking at next steps - and engaging in a bit of verbal sparring.
Tax question hangs over Labour as Hipkins looks to rebuild
The party's annual retreat has started with Chris Hipkins targeting the government, but Labour faces its own dilemma.
'He's free to do so': Luxon defends Seymour over TVNZ criticisms
Luxon says at this point he does not believe the ACT leader has contravened the law.
100-day plan report card: The 15 items up for debate
Analysis - And four others laws the government pushed through much faster than promised as it aimed for a big start to the term.
Govt announces emergency housing plan shake-up
The government is signalling a stricter approach for those accessing emergency housing.
Defence Force plane replacement or lease 'just so expensive' - Minister
Defence Minister Judith Collins says buying a new plane to replace the ageing 757s - or setting up a lease arrangement - is too costly right now.
Rego cost rises 'can't be a broken promise' - Minister Chris Bishop
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has defended not campaigning on the increase to vehicle registration fees, and says it's not a broken promise.
Warning transport fee increases will impact lower-income families
The government's plan to charge motorists more to fund roading projects is being labelled broken promises that will only worsen the cost of living.
Transport Minister proposes fuel tax, car rego increases
Simeon Brown is proposing a fuel tax increase of 12 cents to hit in 2027 - the same amount Labour suggested through gradual increases by mid-2026.
Seymour plays down TVNZ dividend comments
The ACT leader is playing down his previous comments about TVNZ's profitability, saying people should not "read too much into it".
'Depth and volume and lustre': Reti keeps Māori Health details a mystery
The Health Minister has refused to answer questions about how his replacement for the Māori Health Authority will work, saying he prefers to explain that in Parliament. Video
Labour dismissive of Stuart Nash comments: 'He's got no class'
Labour MP Willie Jackson says his party's former police minister is "grandstanding".
绿党议员Fa'anānā Efeso Collins: “我深知自己站在哪些巨人的肩膀上”
绿党国会议员Fa'anānā Efeso Collins在发表首次国会演讲不到一周后去世。 Video
Fa'anānā Efeso Collins: 'The giants whose shoulders I stand on'
Green MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins has died less than a week after giving his maiden speech in Parliament. Video
Grant Robertson's political history: A contested legacy
Grant Robertson will likely be most remembered as the Finance Minister during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Political opponents, allies offer parting words to Labour's Grant Robertson
Politicians have paid tribute to their colleage Grant Robertson after he announced his departure from politics, but leaders of the coalition parties have also offered some parting shots.
'Bread and butter': Nicola Willis echoes Chris Hipkins
The Finance Minister has purloined one of Labour's favourite phrases in an economic speech.
Four-year terms could mean double-election years
Local Government NZ says a longer council term could be a good test case for Parliament, but it comes with a warning.