Louise Upston
Unemployment surges as Covid-19-focused Budget Day looms
With all eyes on next week's Budget, new figures show the bite of Covid-19 on people's jobs - with about 40,000 people going on the dole since lockdown.
The government is putting the finishing… Audio
A tax bill, last year's performance, and prisoner voting at alert level 3
In the first week of alert level 3 MPs have speedily passed a tax bill, started a performance review of the Government and heard views on prisoner voting. Audio
Demand for hardship grants skyrockets
The skyrocketing demand for hardship grants means Work and Income case managers haven't been able to spend as much time getting people into jobs.
The admission has come from the Ministry of Social… Audio
Govt doing a 'lousy' job on welfare reform - Upston
National says the government is doing a "lousy" job with its much vaunted reforms of the welfare system.
Figures released yesterday show the number of people on the benefit is increasing - up five… Audio
Locals near major intersection say it's like a 'war zone'
People living near a major Waikato intersection say it's like living in a war zone. It's the intersection of State Highway One and State Highway 29 at Piarere, south of Cambridge. Traffic congestion… Audio
Taxpayers picking up tab for 'deadbeat' dads - National
Deadbeat Dads are the only ones getting a tax cut this year according to the National Party. Absentee fathers and more petrol prices dominated the political debate today. Audio
Louise Upston advised on access to Matt Lauer's land
The former National Minister who had responsibility for the Walking Access Commission told its members it would not be the best use of its time to try to get greater public access to the Hunter Valley… Audio
Work & Income overhaul: Families in need 'can't wait'
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says an announcement on the promised overhaul of the welfare system can be expected in the next three to four weeks.
Questions have been raised again about… Audio
Pressure mounts over rescue chopper proposal
Pressure is building on the government to step in and ensure rescue helicopter bases remain in Taupo and Rotorua. The central North Island towns - and Te Anau in the South Island - have been left off… Audio
Only so much leeway
General Debates are as 'free-for-all' as Parliament's debating chamber gets - but there are still rules. Audio
IHC wants more help for disabled prisoners
The IHC is disappointed new pilot programmes to help mental ill prisoners do not include better services for intellectually disabled offenders. Trish Grant is the director of advocacy at IHC. Audio
New laws to boost drug and alcohol monitoring, treatment
Anklets which detect alcohol in sweat are to be trialled in Northland to monitor offenders' alcohol intake. New laws kicked in last week, including a new drug and alcohol helpline for offenders and 13… Audio
Employers urged to give offenders second chances
The Corrections Minister, Louise Upston, says people are less likely to re-offend if they have a stable job. She's urging businesses to give people a chance. Audio
Keep it in the family
Children and family advocacy groups say a bill aimed at creating a child-centered model risks ignoring the significance of family to a child. Audio
Law change will eradicate dangerous dogs - Louise Upston
Minister says outcome of law change is to ultimately eradicate dangerous dog breeds from New Zealand. Audio
Women's Minister no-show at Council of Women conference
The Women's Minister Louise Upston declined an invitation to speak at the 120th Anniversary Conference of the National Council of Women. Audio
Calls for Minister for Women to resign over Chiefs no-comment
There are calls for the Minister for Women, Louise Upston, to resign, from those who say she should have spoken out more in the wake of the Chiefs stripper scandal. Audio
Ministers can't comment on NZ Rugby investigation
Checkpoint has asked the Minister for Women and the Sports Minister to comment on NZ Rugby's investigation into the Chiefs, but they weren't available or said it wasn't a matter for them. Video, Audio
Upston defends reliability of latest foreign buyer numbers
The Land Information Minister Louise Upston rejects criticisms that land information data is incorrect. Audio
How high is the bar at the OIO?
The Overseas Investment Office is to be the subject of an independent review, following it granting approval for the sale of Taranaki's Onetai Station. Audio