Stories by Benedict Collins
News
Seafood NZ in damage control after revealing report
Seafood NZ has swung into damage control mode, contacting top customers like McDonalds after revelations of fish dumping and other illegal behaviour in the sector.
Government, industry doubt study claiming NZ catch grossly under-reported
The government and seafood industry are sceptical of a report which claims New Zealand's commercial fish catch has been grossly under-reported for decades.
Bill to detain addicts 'needs more funding'
Addiction experts have told MPs a planned law change allowing drug addicts and alcoholics to be detained for treatment will not work without more funding.
MPs were 'salespeople' for dairy co: Labour
A National MPs' trip to China was a sales pitch for the dairy company which paid the fares - and a $25,000 donation to National, Labour says.
More questions around OIO approvals
An Australian company has been allowed to buy sensitive land in Wellington - despite its parent company being sued for overcharging the United States government. Audio
NZ First calls for more action on velvetleaf
New Zealand First is urging the government to boost its biosecurity response and do more to search for invasive pest weed velvetleaf.
Millions of Kiwis left underpaid - expert
Up to 2 million New Zealanders may be getting underpaid by their employers for their holidays, a payroll systems expert has estimated. Audio
School trustees oppose parental leave bill
Opposition to a bill that would extend paid parental leave to 26 weeks came from an unlikely source today - the School Trustees Association.
No plans to sell Landcorp farms
The government has rejected ACT's call for it to sell off the farms it owns and use the funds to establish a network of native wildlife sanctuaries.
Agency questioned on suspension of Saudi sheep deal spending
The government suspended all spending on its controversial Saudi sheep deal just days after the Auditor General launched an investigation, documents show. Audio
Muslim leader slams Saudi abattoir gift
A Muslim community leader has likened the government's gifting of an abattoir to Saudi Arabia to lavishing goods on Hitler or Saddam Hussein.
Flag bridge decision disgraceful, says Winston Peters
The Government's decision to fly the alternative New Zealand flag from the Auckland Harbour Bridge has infuriated New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.
Anne Tolley wanted to pay CYF panel chair $3000 a day
Revelations of a $2000 a day fee for the chair of a panel reviewing CYF caused outrage - but correspondence shows MP Anne Tolley was pushing for more. Audio
Govt agency's silence on the lambs
A government agency is being investigated for its role in the Saudi sheep scandal and its refusal to release an official report on the farm.
Sex abuse register under fire from support groups
There is no evidence the government's planned child sex offender register will help protect children, MPs have heard.
Minister, WorkSafe at odds on farm safety
The Government's decision to classify sheep, beef and dairy farming as low-risk for health and safety flies in the face of advice from WorkSafe NZ.
Flag referendum 'waste of money'
The New Zealand flag referendum has been criticised as a waste of money and an insult to the country's heritage by members of the public at Parliament.
Greens offended at spy committee snub
The Green Party is accusing the Labour leader of breaking the law by not consulting it about who he's chosen to go on a government spy oversight committee.