Stories by Jo Moir

While Dame Iritana Tāwhiwhirangi's tangihanga and the Prime Minister's absence contributed, there was also a snubbing by some.

The Parliamentary pōwhiri is a chance each year for politicians to have their say, and for the hau kāinga - home people - and te ao Māori, to respond.

Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro will also attend the event alongside the Prime Minister.

The newly minted Health Minister says the buck will stop with him on delivering better healthcare for all New Zealanders.

The prime minister has ruled out selling off state houses, but said he is open to having a wider conversation with voters, while Labour says it's a "typical right-wing government playbook" move.

Views ranged from it being an attempt to "oppress iwi Māori" to providing the chance to ease New Zealanders' anxiety over the Treaty. Audio

Analysis - At first glance Christopher Luxon's plan to inject growth in the economy is a hark back to pre-Covid days and the last National government.

从周三起，国家党、工党党团各自在汉密尔顿和北帕默斯顿的非正式会议上进行今年的首次会面，一个新的政治年度也拉开序幕。

Analysis - Coalition parties looks set to try to differentiate themselves, opposition parties may get closer, and Nicola Willis tries to kickstart the economy.

在对各部长的能力进行综合权衡后，总理在刚刚过去的周末（1月19日）对内阁进行改组，不过在责权的重新分配上出现不平衡的现象。

Analysis - The prime minister has taken a close hard look at the varying skills of his ministers, resulting in a portfolio allocation imbalance following Sunday's reshuffle, Jo Moir writes.

The Prime Minister is rearranging his team ahead of their first caucus meeting on Tuesday.

The decision has been criticised by iwi leaders and politicians, who say he needs to show leadership.

TVNZ's chief executive Jodi O'Donnell appeared before MPs at select committee on Wednesday for its annual review and outlined the big costs for the company.

Analysis - The opening of the books at Treasury has revealed a bleak economic outlook, and a new measure to improve that picture.

"The overall cost in my view will be much less if it's rail-enabled," new Minister for Rail says, as he confirms there's no getting out of a break-fee for the iRex project.

The coalition has announced its alternative ferry replacement project, but many questions remain around the specific details.

Ahead of the announcement, transport advocates are divided over whether rail-enabled ferries are needed. Audio

A number of non-Māori were doing the haka from their seats during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill and haven't been referred by the Speaker, Chris Hipkins says. Audio

The announcement is expected on Wednesday. Audio

The coalition is considering extending the time some teenagers spend in boot camp residential facilities if it's likely they'll reoffend when sent back into the community.

The significant job vacancy has been causing concern in the science world since Christopher Luxon has refused to confirm when, or if, a new advisor will be appointed.

Two teenagers on the run from the coalition's boot camp programme is not a reason to end it, the Children's Minister says.

"This tragic accident is bigger than politics and Tamatha Paul should be ashamed of herself", Children's Minister Karen Chhour said.

"We're dealing with complex, high-risk youth offenders," Oranga Tamariki deputy chief says after confirming two out of 10 youths absconded from the trial and a third died in a crash.