Stories by Russell Palmer
News
National brands Labour's Handmaid's Tale tweet as 'appalling'
Labour's campaign chair is standing by a social media post which likens National's prescriptions policy to dystopian TV show and novel The Handmaid's Tale.
Labour and National in standoff over housing density
The main parties both say they are willing to work together on policies to build more housing, but neither seems likely to budge over their approach.
Minister investigated over accusation she deliberately misled Parliament
The Privileges Committee will consider whether Education Minister Jan Tinetti's false statement and delay in correcting it amounts to contempt of Parliament. Video
Budget 2023: The things you might have missed
A week on from the Budget, RNZ has delved into some of the smaller but still noteworthy items in the government's list of spending. Audio
Luxon clarifies prescription comments, recommits to health, education increases
Luxon remains committed to yearly increases to education and health spending, and has clarified comments about bringing the $5 prescription fee back.
Political opponents take aim at Budget 2023: 'Blowout', 'broke', 'Budget for the rich'
National and ACT are warning of massive overspending by the government, while the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are saying more spending was needed.
Budget 2023 at a glance: What you need to know
This year's "no-frills" Budget is spending nearly $11.5 billion more of taxpayers' money over four years. Here's a list of the major spending and projects.
MBIE to monitor building supply prices - Ministers
Land covenants across the entire economy will also be reviewed, as part of the government's response to the Commerce Commission's Building Supplies Market Study.
Parliament marks deadly Wellington fire
Parties in Parliament have made statements acknowledging the fire at a Wellington hostel overnight, and praising the lifesaving work of emergency responders. Video
National, ACT pour scorn on Robertson's $1b-a-year savings
Opposition parties are rubbishing Finance Minister Grant Robertson's cost savings, saying $1 billion a year is nothing in the context of how much extra it's spending. Audio
Left-aligned parties label National's one-person-one-vote system line 'dog-whistling'
They say Luxon's ability to vote in multiple regions in local elections undermines his "one person, one vote" philosophy; he says he would "possibly" look to repeal that.
Politicians urge those affected by weather to listen to official information
Politicians from a variety of political parties have been urging people to heed official communications about the weather.
Whaitiri decries 'censure' after Te Pāti Māori leaders ejected from Parliament
The leaders of Te Pāti Māori have been ejected from the House after welcoming Meka Whaitiri with a whakawātea, without permission from the other parties or the Speaker.
'My door is always open' - Labour rejects Whaitiri's criticism
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Labour's Māori MPs say Meka Whaitiri never raised concerns about not being listened to - and it doesn't match their own experience.
New Zealand increases Defence Force pay rates, funding
The government's Budget this year will boost Defence Force pay rates by $4000 to $15,000, at a cost of $419 million, plus $328m on assets and infrastructure.
Up to Meka Whaitiri to release email, Speaker Adrian Rurawhe says
Parliament's Speaker says he cannot release his correspondence with Meka Whaitiri, but she can if she wishes.
Health NZ Te Whatu Ora unveils winter preparedness plan
Expanding telehealth services and free pharmacy consultations are among 24 initiatives the government hopes will reduce pressure on the health system this winter.
Somehow, Whaitiri avoids 'waka-jumping' law
Meka Whaitiri seems to have avoided the Electoral (Integrity) Amendment Act - but it is not yet clear exactly how.
'Disappointed': Labour reacts to Whaitiri's surprise departure, ministerial roles removed
Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri has announced she has quit Labour and will stand for Te Pāti Māori - a surprise move Labour says has not been explained.
Minister warns Immigration NZ over dawn raids tactics
In a formal letter, Michael Wood has told Immigration NZ it must account for the Dawn Raids apology in policy, and deportations should only occur in extreme cases.
Luxon: Labour's no-frills commitment 'too little, too late'
National Party leader Christopher Luxon is not impressed with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' pre-Budget statements, and neither are ACT and the Greens.
No cyclone levy, capital gains or wealth tax in Budget - PM Chris Hipkins
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has ruled out an additional levy to pay for the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods, and says the upcoming Budget will be "no frills".
Climate Change Commission urges new targets without forestry in new report
The government's plans to cut emissions will not be enough to meet its own targets, the Climate Change Commission says, once again warning we can't plant our way to success.
Scientists urge 'holistic' approach to river flooding, back calls for ongoing funding
Scientists say flood protection works are absolutely needed in the short term, but the government needs to consider funding a more modern, holistic approach to river management into the future.
Councils 'hopeful' over river flood protections Budget bid
Documents - which have since been redacted - have revealed intentions for a multimillion-dollar Budget bid for river flood protection projects.