Stories by Russell Palmer
News
Line by line: The coalition's Budget cuts in one list
The government has made a virtue of its tax cuts being paid for through 240 savings and reprioritisations, unveiled in Thursday's budget. Here's what's been cut, by how much.
Budget at a glance: Spending and savings - what you need to know
The coalition is confident Budget 2024 is just what was promised: tax relief for the squeezed middle and reduced spending. Here's the main spending and savings.
Parliament's Speaker doubles down on interrupting karakia
He has also criticised the opposition parties for demanding an apology, saying it was "highly disorderly".
Questions over visa fee increases as minister eyes savings
With visa fees expected to rise, the Immigration Minister is refusing to explain where the government will find $100m a year.
'Illegal': Luxon warns against striking to join protest
The Prime Minister and Labour's Chris Hipkins are both warning people not to break the law this week - but some in Labour say it's up to individuals.
The government's 20 trips abroad this month
The government appears committed to overseas visits with 14 ministers and MPs in 18 countries this month.
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.