Stories by Daniela Maoate-Cox

The Drug Foundation says overseas models for medicinal cannabis means New Zealand shouldn't fear changing cannabis law.

Ministers are facing up to select committees to justify the government's spending following the reveal of Budget 2017 in May. 

A two billion dollar settlement bill which took years to reach has made its way through Parliament in just two weeks - with the help of a little rule bending.

It sounds like the blurb for a Dan Brown novel – ‘a small group pre-determines what will happen in Parliament’. But real life is less thrilling, and better written.

What's in a name? Submitters and MPs say it matters a lot especially when it comes to the title of a bill on family and whanau violence.

A settlement bill which would give care and support workers pay rises to suit their qualifications and experience could cost the government more in the long run warn care providers.

A bill to give victims of domestic violence better protections at work could encourage more men to open up but lawyers warn the bill's current drafting still needs work.

The Government's budget was a popular topic in the House last week but how are decisions made on where the money will go and what does Parliament have to do with it? The House explains what stage the…

The presentation of the Government's budget sparked a debate of optimism and pessimism in the House.

The Ministry for Vulnerable Children says women who were forced to adopt out their children had "very little choice" but the state is not responsible.

When your home is unsafe and your violent partner is controlling your every move, how do you escape? Parliament is exploring a pathway.

Healthy home advocates say a bill requiring tougher standards for rental properties needs more incentives to get landlords on board.

The leader of the House gives a heads up to the week and the MPs debate mental health and corrections in the House.

The government’s support for its Pacific neighbours has been praised in the House by members during a debate on government spending.

The visiting Speaker of Samoa's Parliament says Samoa and New Zealand have much to teach each other.

Young Pasifika in Christchurch have set up their own Parliament to make sure their voices are heard by the real Parliament in Wellington.

Paramedics, students, and funeral directors tell the Maori Affairs Committee  their views on how tupapaku (deceased) should be managed. 

A women’s loan fund says New Zealand should align its law with other countries and cap the rate of interest on borrowing.

Former Labour leader and departing MP David Cunliffe says goodbye to Parliament with a reminder of the role of an MP.

Almost two years ago 19-year-old Alex Renton was given special approval to use medicinal cannabis now his mother is fighting for others to have access.

New Zealand's government monitors issues of human rights in West Papua as closely as possible a select committee has been told.

The Ministry of Health says media reports of autistic man Ashley Peacock being locked in seclusion for almost half his adult life are inaccurate and the ministry is asked to look at how tongue tie are…

Children and family advocacy groups say a bill aimed at creating a child-centered model risks ignoring the significance of family to a child.

The first most people hear of new legislation is its first reading in the House but who does the months of grunt work to get it to that stage? Daniela Maoate-Cox finds out how an idea becomes law.  

The government is urged to act on human rights infringements in West Papua and a lack of pathologists, coroners, and resources is causing issues for Maori desperate to get their deceased family…