Deborah Russell
How MPs cope with strains of the job
MPs have some of the highest pressure jobs in New Zealand, and the stressors aren’t always what you might think. So does anyone help them carry the load, and how do they personally cope? Audio
Parliament begins with money bills on a deadline
This week’s sitting of Parliament began with two finance bills that have deadlines attached. Audio
Titirangi homeowners "we have no idea if we can move home"
Aucklanders are bracing for more rain later today. In West Auckland, the hilly, bush-clad suburb of Titirangi is one of the hardest hit. Days of heavy rain has brought down slips, leaving some homes… Audio
A Members’ Day of two halves
This week four backbencher bills got a shot at glory. Two were gloriously popular, one successful but contentious, and one pipped at the legislative post. Audio
Births, deaths, and genders: a quiet bill goes loud
Four years ago an almost anonymous bill began life in Parliament. This week that quiet bill turned up the volume, went loud and now commands attention. Audio
Who else could be NZ Health Minister?
If David Clark vacated the job of Health Minister, who could or would want to slide into a set of shoes that have made a few missteps?
It's no secret the Opposition's gunning for the minister to be… Audio
Urgency with Budget 2020
After a budget announcement the Government normally introduces some legislation under urgency - this year it worked on six. Audio
Covid-19: Parliament progresses bill on overseas investment
A bill granting the Government temporary screening powers on some overseas investments has passed its first stage in the debating chamber. Audio
On the backbenches: ‘A really weird job’
Labour’s Deborah Russell says she gets two days a month off from being an MP—so what keeps her busy? Audio
'Ignoring democracy' - how much do MPs listen to the public?
Abortion, euthanasia, and firearms bills drew thousands of submissions but their final impact on legislation left many disappointed. Daniela Maoate-Cox asks how MPs weigh up public opinion when making… Audio
A model for RNZ's new youth service?
RNZ's planning a brand new music-based outlet to hook younger people not well served by public broadcasting right now. RNZ's bosses and experts alike point to Triple J as a possible model. Mediawatch… Audio
Notes from the gun debate
Visiting a select committee is always an education. So based on ‘day one’ of submissions on the second arms bill, The House offers a few hints for submitters. Audio
Question Time for 18 June 2019
CLAYTON MITCHELL to the Minister for Regional Economic Development: What recent Provincial Growth Fund announcements have been made? Hon SIMON BRIDGES to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her… Audio
The Defence Force's worm farms
Worm farms, smaller portions, rescuing food and educating marae are some of the methods being used to prevent food waste a select committee has been told. Audio
The other members' bills
Parliamentary Members' Days can be filled with interest and suspense. But not usually. Sometimes MPs have to keep themselves entertained by littering speeches with rubbish trash puns. Audio
Tax and Fairness: What's wrong with the system?
New Zealanders are being taxed too harshly, with KiwiSaver funds paying four times as much tax as property investors, a tax expert says.
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Nights Pundit - Feminism
Deborah Russell says children learn through play, and if we only make some toys available to either boys, or girls, then we limit learning. Audio
Low-paid women are at parliament today for an announcement on pay
Tax specialist Deborah Russell says an announcement today on a reported big pay rise for women in low-paid work. Audio
How will pay equity work for women?
Three prominent women have given their perspectives on law changes that will make it easier for women to file pay equity claims with their employers. Deborah Russell, a lecturer in taxation and former… Audio