Craig Mc Culloch
Power Play: Breakaway Christian party a gamble, gambit or godsend?
Power Play - For the National opposition, a breakaway Christian party is a 'Hail Mary' of the highest order, writes Craig McCulloch.
2018: The Year in Politics: Part 2
Craig McCulloch takes a look back at the political highs and lows of 2018. Audio
Opposition MPs demand a halt to Ruataniwha Dam process
Opposition parties are calling for a halt to the decision-making process around the proposed Ruataniwha Dam in Hawke's Bay sayng it needs to start from scratch. Audio
Harsher penalties eyed for crimes in front of children
A bill that would allow judges to order harsher penalties on people who commit crimes in front of children is one step closer to becoming law. Audio
Opposition blames govt for ASB cancelling pre-approved loans
Opposition parties are blaming the government for ASB's shock decision to cancel pre-approved home loans for buyers with low deposits. Audio
Creationism to be taught in two charter schools
The Education Minister has conceded there's nothing to prevent two of the country's first charter schools from teaching creationism alongside the national curriculum. Audio
Govt defends itself against "corporate welfare" accusations
The Government has defended its decision to intervene in the economy on two occasions - saying it's about protecting jobs. Audio
Opposition parties put charter schools on notice
Opposition parties have sent a warning to the country's first charter schools that they may not be around for long. Audio
Peters says taxpayers will suffer if Meridian sale goes ahead
The New Zealand First leader, Winston Peters, says taxpayers will suffer if the partial float of Meridian Energy goes ahead. Audio
Report shows SkyCity deal creates fewer than half promised jobs
The Government has been accused of misleading its MPs and the public over how many jobs will be created by SkyCity convention centre deal. Audio
Labour says Govt responsible for Fonterra cock-up
The Labour Party says the Government is responsible for the international scare over contaminated Fonterra products, describing it as a monumental cock-up. Audio
Greens want Govt to rule out military action in Syria
The Green Party says the Government should rule out altogether the possibility of taking military action in Syria without sanction by the United Nations. Audio
Govt softens stance on super
The Government has softened its stance on tinkering with superannuation and says it will consider allowing people to choose when they start collecting their pension. Audio
Maori Party backs flexible superannuation proposal
The Maori Party is backing a proposal from the United Future leader, Peter Dunne, to let people choose to start collecting state pensions before they turn 65, though at a lower rate. Audio
Robertson first to step in the ring for Labour leadership
List MP Shane Jones has this morning said he is putting his hat in the ring for the Labour leadership. Audio
Labour members send warning to its MPs
The Labour Party has sent a clear message to its MPs that its members want a say over who the next leader will be. Audio
Govt rejects claims NZ too reliant on primary sector
The Government is rejecting claims the country is too reliant on the dairy and agriculture sectors. Audio
Opposition parties say ACC has failed to learn from mistakes
Opposition parties say ACC has failed to learn from its mistakes and still has an almost cavalier attitude to its clients' information, after yet another privacy breach. Audio
Opposition say Govt bashing beneficiaries
The Government is rejecting a study's finding that people who owe tax are let off more lightly than beneficiaries who are in debt. The research, from Victoria University, says much more effort goes… Audio
Government to ramp up compensation for landowners
The Government plans to significantly ramp up the amount of compensation it gives landowners when it buys their property for public work - such as to build a highway. Audio