Stories by Charlie Dreaver

A former top civil servant has defended his investigation that forced the Auditor-General Martin Matthews to resign three years ago.

Auditor General John Ryan says there is no clear vision across local and central government for water management, and no clarity about what the main issues are.

The Abortion Legislation Committee has delivered its much anticipated report on the Abortion Legislation Bill.

Leaders across the political spectrum have paid tribute to former Prime Minister Mike Moore who died in early February, in Parliament's first sitting day of the year.

National Party leader Simon Bridges has added the Waitangi Tribunal to the list of what he thinks New Zealand should eventually do away with.

The government is buying land to build a rail line to Northport and it comes as ministers consider NZ First policy to move the bulk of Auckland's freight operations there.

The government is being criticised for keeping the future of public broadcasting a mystery.

The political year officially kicks off tomorrow with politicians' annual pilgrimage to Rātana and being an election year the stakes are even higher.

An elderly woman who has mobility issues has been told "housework is a great way to maintain a good level of health" while being informed she is no longer eligible for housework help by her DHB.

Green Party defence spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman says New Zealand needs to be able to stand up to its allies if the situation between the US and Iran continues to escalate.

More than 56,000 banned firearms have been handed in under the government's buyback scheme, and opposition MPs have criticised it as a failure.

The National Party wants to repeal the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax and start a congestion charge instead. It is also promising to revive its Roads of National Significance programme.

Parliament's Justice Select Committee has released its results of its inquiry into the 2017 General and 2016 Local elections and it covers issues around combating foreign interference in elections.

The long-awaited and much-delayed Parliamentary report into the 2017 general election is expected to be published in the coming days.

A bill cracking down on foreign political donations has passed its third reading in parliament, with MPs using it as an opportunity to air the dirty laundry of other parties.

The defence against Winston Peters' superannuation privacy lawsuit has cost taxpayers more than half a million dollars so far, documents obtained by RNZ show.

A group of lawyers are striving to win over climate change sceptics, who have previously brushed off young advocates pushing for radical action.

National is questioning those in charge of the Provincial Growth Fund after it was revealed a NZ First-linked forestry company made an application to the fund, headed by NZ First MP Shane Jones.

The government says it has now fixed the visa application problem for those with culturally arranged marriages.

The privacy commissioner is recommending a bill that prepares for the potential return of foreign fighters from Syria does not proceed.

The government's firearms prohibition order proposal - to keep high-risk individuals away from firearms - is being met with both approval and alarm bells. Audio

The Greens and Labour seem unconcerned by environment-focused contender Sustainable New Zealand, while National has welcomed the newcomers. Audio

The framework for New Zealand to reach net zero carbon emmissions by 2050 and meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement will now become law. Audio

The under-secretary to the Minister of Justice says the report doesn't make for happy reading, but it's crucial to have good data to measure progress.

Former Green MPs are unhappy that the party has dropped the tradition of opposing terrorism suppression laws.