Stories by Russell Palmer
News
Former gang member fronts select committee to oppose new laws
While police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members.
Three strikes cops a beating from opposition
The opposition has laid into the government's plan to reintroduce a "three strikes" regime, saying it's inequitable and there's very little evidence it works.
Peters puts off recognition of Palestine despite Labour request
The foreign minister says diplomatic recognition of Palestine is a matter of "when not if", but doing so now could impede progress towards a two-state solution.
Luxon拒绝就“如果新西兰加入AUKUS第二支柱是否会进行公众征询”作出保证
在是否加入AUKUS、以及加入前是否进行公众征询的问题上,总理Luxon始终进行"打太极式"回复。有声音认为本届政府没有未经公众征询就加入AUKUS的默认授权。
Luxon: Waitangi Tribunal comments 'ill considered'
Comments from ACT and NZ First ministers about the Tribunal were "ill considered" and "that message will be underscored" to them, the PM says. Audio
NZ and Philippines pledge defence cooperation amid rising tensions
The commitment came after a sit-down meeting between Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr overnight. Audio
Luxon refuses to guarantee public consultation on AUKUS Pillar 2
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it's "far too premature" to be confirming whether the public would be consulted on joining AUKUS Pillar 2.
'Ambitious' trade pledge headlines Luxon's Thailand stop
The Prime has announced a commitment to triple two-way trade with Thailand by 2045, but it only requires maintaining current growth. Audio
The outcome of Luxon's meeting with Singapore's PM
Singapore's PM has warned small countries cannot solve the Middle East situation but efforts must be made to push for peace, after promising closer cooperation with NZ.
Luxon would consider Singapore drones in NZ airspace
The Prime Minister has talked up the prospect of stronger defence ties with Singapore.
Corrections defends pace of change: 'There is no reluctance'
Corrections is pushing back against claims it's been too slow to make changes after Covid.
Prisons 'like a people storage unit' as Covid culture lingers - Ombudsman
The Ombudsman is warning prisons have not adjusted their approach since Covid lockdowns, with some prisoners left in isolation for 23 hours a day.
Chief Ombudsman to stay, despite resigning over age rule
Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has been asked to continue in his role - despite the law saying he must resign at age 72.
Media Minister had 'more than enough time' to find solutions - opposition
Facing questions over proposals to support the media, the PM and Media Minister only pointed to decades-old economic trends and Labour's legislation.
The six people who will tell ministers what to fast-track
The government has confirmed the group who will recommend developments for fast-tracking.
Govt departments defend staffing increase in late 2023
Government departments that increased their staff numbers towards the end of last year have defended the hiring.
Government's focus on roads 'costly to society', 88 academics warn
From eight countries, the experts in transport, urban planning, health and more raise "major concerns" about the draft policy statement on land transport.
Willis promises tax cuts as late return to surplus revealed
The government's books are in worse shape than thought but the Finance Minister says she will deliver. Audio
'Hypocrisy and incompetence': Opposition denounces Budget Policy Statement
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the delay to announcing the Budget allowance shows the "level of dysfunction that this government seems to be operating under".
Sector issues warning over disability funding changes
Autism NZ's chief executive Dane Dougan says their inboxes have been flooded by people wondering what's next during a "scary time". Audio
Deputy PM Winston Peters attacks media over speech reporting
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has railed against the media again, over the reporting of his speech over the weekend.
Disability funding changes 'callous' and a broken promise, Labour says
The government argues the amount of funding has not been cut - just what it can be spent on.
Councils frustrated as govt refers flood protection project to bureaucrats
Councils say a $200 million investment now would save lives and billions of dollars, and they're frustrated the minister has just referred them to "further conversations" with bureaucrats.
'Unambitious' Luxon vs 'irrelevant' Hipkins
With Labour and National both taking time to reflect after the government's first 100 days, the leaders are looking at next steps - and engaging in a bit of verbal sparring.