Demelza Leslie
Government says it's not being mean-spirited
The Government says it's not being mean-spirited in retrospectively changing a law to stop beneficiaries from trying to claim an extra day's pay. Audio
Two main political parties in a stand off over flag
The Prime Minister has told Labour to man-up and be honest with the public over its position on changing the flag. Audio
Russel Norman trades in his seat for Greenpeace
The Green Party MP, Russel Norman, is trading in his seat in parliament to lead the country's biggest environmental organisation. Audio
Insults traded at Parliament over airport occupation
Personal insults are being traded in Parliament over an occupation in Kaitaia which ended up in five arrests for trespass. Audio
Winston Peters says Whanau Ora spending still questionable
The New Zealand First leader, Winston Peters, says a new report into Whanau Ora still doesn't explain what the programme does or where the money goes. Audio
Goverment support parties support refugee increase
All three of the Government's support partners say there's strong case for New Zealand's annual refugee quota to be increased from the current 750 to at least a thousand people. Audio
CYF report 'harsh wake up call' for MPs
An urgent debate took place in Parliament yesterday on the Childrens Commissioner's highly critical report on state care of children with MPs from both sides of the house saying not enough has been… Audio
Opposition MPs call for urgent action to fix CYF
A scathing report by the Children's Commissioner has highlighted a "dump and run" culture at Child Youth and Family where children are neglected by the system, with some having up to 60 care… Audio
Government says workers could refuse to work easter sunday
The Government's giving an assurance employees who don't want to work on Easter Sunday will be able to refuse without giving a reason. Audio
Labour calls for meeting over controversial health and safety bill
The Labour Party leader says the Government's health and safety reform bill is a total mess and it needs a cross-party consensus to get it back on track. Audio
Opposition parties shocked at mouldy house
Opposition parties say it's shocking and utterly unacceptable that an Auckland family was left to live in a state house that is riddled with mould. Audio
Government criticised for blaming assaults on copycats
The government's being criticised for blaming a sharp rise in assaults on Work and Income staff on copycats.
CORRECTION: This story states that there was a surge in assaults on WINZ staff and that 46… Audio
Even with extra security, attacks on Work and Income staff rise
The Government says attention-seekers are behind a huge increase in the number of assaults on Work and Income staff following last year's fatal shooting in Ashburton.
CORRECTION: This story states… Audio
Labour questions value added by foreign investors
Opposition parties are questioning whether foreign investors are adding value to the economy when they buy productive land in New Zealand. Audio
Government worried hit list could encourage lone wolf attack
The Government says an Islamic State hit list which names an Auckland man could encourage a lone wolf attack. Audio
Bill to keep bars open for rugby games passes first step
A members' bill allowing bars to stay open during Rugby World Cup games has passed its first reading in Parliament after a change of heart by the Green Party. Audio
John Key remains adamant Labour at fault on sheep deal
The Prime Minister remains adamant the Government's multi-million-dollar deal with a Saudi businessman was forced upon it because of the previous Labour-led Government. But Labour says the latest… Audio
New health and safety laws are a step closer
New health and safety laws are a step closer to becoming law, with the Government adamant they will make workplaces safer. Audio
