Stories by Russell Palmer
News
Treaty Negotiations Minister defends 5% of coastline comment
Paul Goldsmith says his claim customary title will be reduced to a fragment of the coastline was just part of "free-flowing discussion".
Fast Track bill changes and how it will work: What you need to know
The government has back-tracked on contentious parts of legislation aimed at getting NZ "back on track". Here's what you need to know.
From Manchester to Glasgow - here is how 'regional deals' work
The new regional deals announced by the government have some major differences from some of the overseas cities they're modelled on.
Luxon's speech on waste rubs councils the wrong way
Councillors, mayors and officials could be heard groaning as the prime minister spoke. Audio
Councils call for tourist levies or 'bed tax'
With a poll showing support for a tourism levy or bed tax, councils wanting to "give rates a rest" have set up a bed at this year's LGNZ conference.
Watch: MSD to take over disability services amid Whaikaha budget woes
The Ministry of Disabled People will lose responsibility for support services, after a critical review found inadequate budget controls.
Government benefit sanctions 'waging a war on the poor' - Greens
Opposition parties have slammed the government's move to crackdown on beneficiaries, saying work-for-dole type schemes are a "reheated, failed approach". Audio
Police Association urges PM to strip gun portfolio off ACT MP
The association wants firearms reform taken off Nicole McKee, saying she's a former gun lobbyist and has excluded police from consultation. Audio
Visa fee revenue more than four times Immigration NZ's forecast deficit
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford is refusing to comment on her increased visa fees being far more than is needed to meet Immigration New Zealand's costs.
Water services plan 'doesn't solve the fundamental problem' - Labour
Labour says the government's approach to water reform will only continue pushing up rates.
Willis directs public sector restraint over worker pay, spending
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has unveiled a new directive for the public service, outlining costs - including worker pay increases - be kept within budget baselines.
Clashes in Parliament over MPs' behaviour continue
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins have clashed in Parliament over Luxon's management of his ministers.
Speaker Gerry Brownlee sets out sterner approach to culture
He's advised MPs to take complaints to the Commissioner for Parliamentary Standards, but ACT opposes the commissioner on ideological grounds.
Government shifting the goalposts on maths assessment - Labour
Labour is accusing the government of manipulation by using the wrong data on maths education, saying it's like shifting the goalposts after the ball has been kicked.
Health NZ: Reti defends 'shorter path' for decisions under Commissioner
The appointment of the only remaining member of the Health NZ as Deputy Commissioner makes a farce of the decision to bring in Commissioners, Labour says.
Seymour celebrates school attendance stats - despite drop in rates
David Seymour is celebrating attendance statistics, despite it having dropped compared to the same period last term.
Health NZ re-appoints former board member, crown observer as Deputy Commissioners
Health NZ's Commissioner Lester Levy has appointed as a deputy commissioner the only other board member that remained when the board was scrapped last month.
How the government's view of Health NZ changed in just five days
Health NZ's board went from "receiving the level of reporting it needed", to its financial situation being "suddenly quite different" in just five days, the health minister says.
Flurry of mishaps puts spotlight on Parliament's culture
The culture at Parliament is in the spotlight again with racially charged accusations, another MP to be censured, and criticism over the Speaker's response in recent days.
Councils want to set own fees and fines
A new report shows governments underestimate the effects of their policies on rates.
Reti faces growing pressure over Te Whatu Ora finances
Labour has seized on the confusion surrounding Health NZ's finances and management structure, saying the minister's claims cannot be trusted.
Health NZ changes: 'Everything's on the table' - Luxon
After pointing the finger at senior leadership over Health NZ's finances, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says everything is on the table when it comes to those managers' jobs.
Abuse in Care: What politicians have promised
Politicians have delivered apologies and promises after the massive report on abuse in care was made public. Audio