Stories by Benedict Collins
News
Govt grilled over rethink on police numbers
The government has faced tough questions over its change of heart on increasing police numbers.
Housing NZ loses meth-contamination cases
Housing New Zealand has lost two recent meth-related Tenancy Tribunal cases.
Expert questions meth contamination evictions
A scientist has serious concerns about the tests that lead to fines and evictions for contaminating state houses with methamphetamine.
EU investigation would find NZ tax rules tight - Woodhouse
The government has nothing to fear if the European Parliament investigates New Zealand's tax rules related to foreign trusts, the Revenue Minister Michael Woodhouse says. Audio
Politicians slam deal for more NZ house ads in China
Ray White Real Estate, which is aiming to advertise more New Zealand homes in China, shares the public's concerns about house prices, it says - prompting scepticism from opposition MPs.
Nationwide freedom camping law needed - councils
A bewildering array of bylaws on freedom camping makes it almost impossible for tourists to comply, say local council representatives.
Hone will 'tear them apart' - Labour
Potential co-operation between Mana and the Māori Party is being welcomed by Labour's Kelvin Davis, who believes it will be the last move the Māori Party will make.
Govt 'group amnesia' must concern NZ - Peters
The Trade Minister's changing tune on a trade threat from China is the latest example of the government pretending not to know anything, Winston Peters says.
Big bill for council's legal fight with RNZ
Taranaki Regional Council spent $85,000 unsuccessfully contesting RNZ's coverage of its oil industry waste farms - known as landfarms.
Clark points to UN shortcomings in debate
Helen Clark has spelled out why she believes she should be the next UN Secretary General, in a televised debate broadcast around the world. Audio
Labour Party celebrates 100 years
New Zealand's oldest surviving political party celebrates its centenary this week, reflecting on the past and looking ahead to what's next.
Apologise for gay convictions, govt told
The government has ruled out a mass pardon for men convicted of homosexuality before 1986, but would consider overturning individual cases. Audio
Police concerned at national crime spike
Police are worried about a spike in crime in New Zealand, with the latest statistics showing a rise in the number of burglaries, assaults and robberies.
Rebstock MFAT inquiry errors not terminal, says PM
Despite a damning report into Dame Paula Rebstock's MFAT leak inquiry, her future as a go-to person for the government looks to be unaffected.
90-day trial job claims a fabrication - Labour
The government's claim that the 90-day trial period for workers was boosting employment has been shown to be a fabrication, the Labour Party leader says.
No more refunds for ACC rego blunder
Vehicle owners overcharged for their registrations because ACC didn't have up-to-date safety information will not be refunded, the government says. Audio
Community groups to sponsor refugees
The government has agreed to trial a programme that will see community groups sponsor additional refugees.
Time for Fiji-NZ relationship to move forward - PM
John Key has arrived in Suva for the start of his official visit - the first since Fiji's military coup in 2006.
Motorists distracted by speedo - Minister
An overly strict focus by the police on speeding leaves motorists focussed on their speedos and not the road, the Police Minister has told Parliament.
PM's homeless remarks untrue - Sallies
False statements by the government this week have jeopardised the Salvation Army's ability to work with the homeless, the organisation says. Video, Audio
Rodeos 'part of NZ society' - govt
The Primary Industries Minister has ruled out banning rodeos, saying they're an important part of New Zealand society. Audio
NZ a 'soft touch' on tax avoidance - Greens
The government is a soft touch when it comes to ensuring multinational companies pay their fair share of tax, say the Greens.
Police pressure PwC over IT blowout
Police have put the hard word on the firm in charge of an IT project that is running months late and is now millions of dollars over budget.
Parker streamer: Copyright crook or Robin Hood?
The man who broadcast Joseph Parker's pay-per-view heavyweight bout to tens of thousands of fans for free on Facebook claims he's a modern day Robin Hood. Audio
Little targets National over growing inequality
The Labour Party has challenged the government to deliver a Budget this week that benefits middle New Zealand and stops the squeeze on working families.