David Parker

The closure of the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter has raised concerns over what it will mean for the thousands of tonnes of potentially toxic waste stored in the small Southland town of Mataura.  Audio

Iwi are furious the government failed to consult them before quietly recommending two of the country's best food-growing areas be exempt from new water pollution limits.

The government says it's… Audio

In the midst of the worst water shortage in 25 years, Auckland now has a lifeline - its bid for more water from the Waikato River will be heard this year. Video, Audio

The government has "called in" an application by Auckland Council to take an extra 200 million litres of water a day from the Waikato River as the city continues to stare down a severe water shortage.

The Trade Minister says New Zealand is pleased to be among the first countries to begin negotiations on a trade agreement with the United Kingdom post-Brexit.

New Zealand and the UK formally launched… Audio

The Minister for the Environment is promising safeguards will be in place as he moves to fast track major infrastructure plans.

Eleven projects are being rushed through the consent process to speed… Audio

The government is fast-tracking major infrastructure projects - cutting out a large part of the public consultation process - to speed up economic growth in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. The 11… Audio

The Trade Minister, David Parker, has taken a swipe at the European Union's negative and protectionist stance on a proposed free trade deal.

Talks have been going on for about two years, but David… Audio

After a budget announcement the Government normally introduces some legislation under urgency - this year it worked on six. Audio

A bill granting the Government temporary screening powers on some overseas investments has passed its first stage in the debating chamber. Audio

The Government is set to pass legislation under urgency today, giving extraordinary powers to itself and police to combat Covid-19.

The law gives the Health Minister the power to issue orders which… Audio

Parliament continues in urgency this morning so MPs will meet under urgency this morning to continue debating extraordinary legislation granting the government sweeping powers to combat Covid-19.

The… Audio

MPs sat late into the evening last night debating critical legislation which will grant extraordinary powers to both the Government and police to combat Covid-19.

The proposed law allows authorities… Audio

Cabinet has approved the introduction of law changes that could fast-track consent under the Resource Management Act.

The Government says it doesn't want the RMA to stand in the way of the timely… Audio

Cabinet has agreed to put a rocket under the resource consent process to fast-track building projects, but not all three governing parties are on board.

The Green Party is only supporting the changes… Audio

While New Zealand's trade relationship with China is straining during the Coronavirus epidemic - our ties with India are being strengthened.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Trade Minister David… Audio

What are the prospects for the many New Zealand businesses feeling the impact of the Coronavirus? Forestry, tourism, education, primary industries, manufacturing, retail and the restaurant trade are… Audio

There are claims claims Rio Tinto has reneged on an agreement to remove hazardous waste from the Southland town of Mataura.

The government is considering legal action against the company for its… Audio

A furious Environment Minister is considering suing the mining giant Rio Tinto over what he says is the company's failure to deal with hazardous waste from the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter.

David… Audio

Log traders are fearful job losses are on the cards amid trade uncertainty due to the Novel Coronavirus originating from Wuhan, China.

Logs from New Zealand are shipped to China and then transported… Audio