Stories by Daniela Maoate-Cox

A petition for the release of an autistic man kept in seclusion for weeks at a time is heard by the Health Committee and departing former prime minister John Key reminiscences to the House.

Ban water exports or charge companies who use water? The issue of commercial water use surfaces in the House again and the Greens ask about government spending on the decommissioning of oil…

Thousands of unwed women forced into adopting out their children from the 1950s to 1980s are now demanding an inquiry into the practice.

Running down the slopes of Mount Tongariro to the Tasman Sea is the Whanganui River which is now legally recognised as a person.

Caravans, dental clinics and gymnasiums as classrooms, and a new law for the national spooks.

Parliament hears from submitters on assisted dying, and captions for broadcast media and a bill that will help victims of abuse makes progress. 

A bill giving victims of abuse paid leave from work has its first reading in the House and the Government foreshadows its budget.

Ten years for wages; 47 for captions. Equality for women, the deaf, and hearing impaired takes center stage at Parliament. 

Only two things are certain in this life; death and taxes, and hopefully a pension but the pension may come later than expected and having a choice about how we die is up for discussion.

Members of Parliament are most recognised for their role in the debating chamber but what do they get up to outside the House?

David Carter never aspired to be Speaker but since 2013 he's been in charge of keeping MPs in check in the House. 

The House has put its support behind Cantabrians affected by a scrub fire which has destroyed homes and scorched 2000 hectares on the Port Hills.

A committee ruckus over Pike River Mine, the Christchurch fires, a confidence vote, and RNZ brings the begging bowl to its annual review.

Inside Parliament's work-horse - the select committee - where Kiwi Rail and the Police front up for their annual reviews.

Andrew Little calls out Bill English on housing, Annette King challenges Jonathan Coleman on mental health and Jan Logie questions the Government on domestic violence.

Parties were painted as serial moaners and ‘stuck in the stone-age’ as insults flew thick and fast in the first week back at Parliament.

Aroha from NZ’s newest MP, improved powers for wildlife officers, and more talk on housing.

In Parliament the minor party leaders marked out their election position during the first debate.

The Prime Minister kicks off a fierce election-year debate by asking the House for its support.

The Pacific has some of the lowest rates of women's participation in politics in the world but some women are taking a stand to lift their numbers.

Weddings, birthdays and funerals could be helping Pacific people claim the title as the highest consumers of sugary drinks in New Zealand.

Recipients of the New Zealand Prime Minister's Pacific Youth awards are focusing on giving back to the community. Audio

Descendants of Cook Islands men who enlisted in the First World War have acknowledged their ancestors' service at Parliament in New Zealand. Audio

Pacific people often feel the pressure to let their artistic talent fall by the wayside in pursuit of other career paths but artists in New Zealand hope their success can buck the trend. Audio

Marchers have taken to the streets in Wellington to show their support of the council paying all staff a so-called living wage.