Jane Patterson

New Zealanders will get a better picture today of the potential economic damage wrought by Covid-19, as the country prepares to move out of alert level 4.

Rest homes will be reminded about the importance of maintaining the strictest standards to prevent the spread of Covid-19, after the second death linked to a facility in Christchurch.

New Zealand is seeking reciprocal transit arrangements with other nations after a decision to allow foreign nationals to use country's airports to get home.

Powerplay - Health Minister David Clark stays in Cabinet after he breaches lockdown rules, but this could compromise the government's Covid-19 response and cause distractions for the prime minister at…

Simon Bridges supports the start of discussions about a possible exit plan from level-4 restrictions, as long as the government remains focused on enforcing an effective lockdown.

The prime minister has pushed back on comments made by an Australian government minister telling New Zealanders to go home if they have no means of support.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says it's too early to claim success against the spread of Covid-19 but 11 days into lockdown, New Zealand has made a good start.

Questions are being raised about what people returning to New Zealand during the lockdown can and cannot do while in self-isolation.

The outgoing Police Commissioner has admitted police have failed to carry out the level of checks on recent arrivals to NZ, supposed to be in strict self-isolation.

Power Play - New Zealanders now have an alert system for Covid-19, giving people more certainty and clarity as the country moves into uncharted territory.

Parliament is becoming increasingly fractious as the government prepares the country for a major economic shock.

Power Play - Big political pressure is on the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister as their legacies will be how New Zealand is shepherded through this crisis, writes Jane Patterson.

The government insists it has everything in place needed to limit the economic damage caused by the Covid-19 outbreak, and to support workers and businesses bearing the brunt.

Power Play - It's an uncomfortable position for a coalition PM - a rogue minister and only two stark decisions: risk collapsing the government or tolerate open defiance, writes Jane Patterson.

Today's Cabinet meeting will be dominated by the country's readiness for more Covid-19 cases, including whether border controls are strong enough. Audio

The government's being accused of 'virtue-signalling' after banning KiwiSaver default funds from investing in fossil fuel companies. Audio

Four men facing Serious Fraud Office charges over donations made to the National Party - including MP Jami-Lee Ross - have pleaded not guilty at their first court appearance.

The four men facing charges over National Party electoral donations - including Jami-Lee Ross - have their first appearance at court today.

The legislation setting up a firearms register and introducing tougher licensing controls is a step closer to becoming law, but negotiations with New Zealand First are still ongoing.

Former National MP Jami-Lee Ross, has been named today as one of the four people facing Serious Fraud Office charges in relation to two $100,000 donations made to the National Party.

The Prime Minister will take no action against Deputy Prime Minister and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, after confirmation of a Serious Fraud Office investigation.

The Serious Fraud Office has today commenced an investigation into the NZ First Foundation.

Grant Robertson is challenging Simon Bridges to say which services a National government would scrap, in order to deliver tax cuts.

Power Play - Both New Zealand First and National go into election year under scrutiny over donations issues, writes Jane Patterson.

National's leader Simon Bridges has talked about a resurgent Māori Party as a potential ally if it is able to get back into Parliament - but it may not be a willing partner.