Stories by Russell Palmer
News
Fair Pay cabinet paper leak investigation comes up empty-handed
The investigation into leaked Cabinet papers about Fair Pay Agreements has been unable to find evidence of how it got to the media.
'Let's go get this thing done': Luxon sets the scene for his MPs
Speaking at National's caucus retreat ahead of the government's first year in office, Christopher Luxon says he wants his MPs focused on three things.
Mental health experts urge stronger protections at Parliament
Mental health experts are calling for a bipartisan effort to further increase protections for MPs and workers, after Green MP Golriz Ghahraman's resignation.
Who is Celia Wade-Brown, the next Green MP?
With the resignation of Golriz Ghahraman, former Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown is set to enter Parliament as the Greens' newest MP.
Parliament repeals tax principles reporting law under urgency
Parliament has repealed the Tax Principles Reporting Act under urgency. It would have required a report on the tax system to be published by the end of the year.
Russian ambassador will not be expelled, Winston Peters says
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says it's better to talk to people whatever the circumstances, despite previous calls from his coalition partners for the ambassador's expulsion.
Chlöe Swarbrick apologises over 'demonstrable lie' accusation
The Green MP initially refused to apologise after saying in Parliament the prime minister's claim the government was not weakening its action on climate change was a lie.
'Distractions, delays and diversions': Opposition derides Willis' mini-Budget
Labour says the government's books show the Finance Minister's claims of self-funded tax cuts don't add up. The Greens say it's "an exercise in gaslighting New Zealand".
ACT, NZ First hesitant to criticise National over 'Kāinga Ora' name
Coalition partners NZ First and ACT say "Kāinga Ora" should be called "Homes and Communities", but do not appear eager to criticise National over continuing to use the old name.
Government's Kāinga Ora rhetoric may be 'trying to manufacture a crisis' - Chris Hipkins
Labour's leader Chris Hipkins says Kāinga Ora is an efficient house builder and he suspects the government is trying to "manufacture a crisis" and stop the house building programme.
Defence Force plane availability confirmed for PM Chris Luxon's Australia trip
If he is on it, he will be breaking a commitment made in June. He says the 757 will allow him to bring a media delegation, and he has asked the Defence Force to come up with long-term options.
'Really important': More National MPs hail reo Māori lessons as useful
More National Party MPs and ministers say they've taken taxpayer-funded reo Māori lessons, after Christopher Luxon's admission.
NZ First MPs' maiden speeches highlight family and service
Each specifically praised their leader Winston Peters, and spoke of their upbringing and the course that brought them to Parliament.
National, Labour firing broadsides after ferry project founders
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Labour finance spokesperson Grant Robertson are each pointing the finger after the Cook Strait ferry project was cancelled.
Former Health Minister says she'd have resigned if she were in Shane Reti's position
Health Minister Shane Reti has refused to say if he has an obligation to protect Māori health under the Treaty. Labour's Ayesha Verrall says he could have his licence to practise revoked.
NZ Upgrade, Shovel-Ready programmes lacked transparency and rigour - Auditor-General
John Ryan has heavily criticised the $15 billion infrastructure spend-up during the pandemic, saying it should have ensured better transparency and value for money.
Chlöe Swarbrick refuses to apologise for 'demonstrable lie' accusation
She could face consequences meted out by the Privileges Committee if she is found to have accused him of lying - which would be a breach of the rules.
Parliament urgently debates Reserve Bank dual mandate repeal
Legislation to scrap the Reserve Bank's employment mandate is being rushed through Parliament under urgency, with the opposition decrying it as "pointless" and a backward step.
Luxon on immigration 'singing from a different songsheet' after election - Labour
The Labour Party has conceded immigration settings may need to be tightened, but rejects National's criticism of its record.
Russian Ambassador expulsion on hold: Government 'seeking advice'
The government is considering advice about whether to expel Russia's ambassador, the prime minister says, softening his previous position.
Gaza ceasefire debate: Opposition pleas for stronger statement largely rejected
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has continued with National's approach in calling for "steps towards" a ceasefire, saying that must be in place before a ceasefire can begin.
Te reo Māori bonuses acceptable for 'relevant' roles - Minister Nicola Willis
Public Service Minister Nicola Willis is softening her comments to RNZ suggesting the government would prevent bonuses being negotiated for te reo Māori proficiency.
NZ First urges Speaker to enforce rules over Te Pāti Māori behaviour
New Zealand First is asking new Speaker Gerry Brownlee to lay down the letter of the law, after Te Pāti Māori varied the ways they swore in at Parliament.
'My biggest challenge will probably be keeping myself in order'
As expected, National's Gerry Brownlee has been elected Speaker of the House, Parliament's referee and landlord.