Stories by Chris Bramwell
News
Bain compensation report before lawyers
A report into whether David Bain should be paid compensation for his time in prison is being considered by those involved, the prime minister says.
Tough road ahead for Climate Change Minister
Power Play: The responsibility for New Zealand's approach to climate change now rests in Paula Bennett's hands, writes Chris Bramwell.
Disappointment online-voting pin pulled
The decision to can an online-voting trial for this year's local body elections is a huge disappointment, says the head of an election management company.
'Hot air' carbon credits not Govt's fault - trader
Although there were some dubious carbon credits traded in the past, it is an over-generalisation to say they were all fraudulent, a carbon trader says. Audio
Mossack Fonseca involved in NZ investment application
The Minister for Land Information has ordered a review of an overseas investment application involving the law firm at the centre of the Panama Papers.
Social fabric frayed by Crown's past actions - Finlayson
Historic actions by the Crown frayed the social fabric in the Tauranga area the Treaty Negotiations Minister says.
CYF overhaul 'could make the system worse'
Fears are being raised about the possibility of some services for vulnerable children being privatised.
Kiwibank move 'slippery slope towards privatisation'
The Green Party fears a proposed deal to sell almost half of Kiwibank will lead to privatisation. Audio
Finance Minister stands by NZ Post position
Finance Minister Bill English has ruled out privatising New Zealand Post, either partially or fully.
Thousands affected by payroll problems
About 24,000 public and private sector workers have been underpaid by up to $1800 due to breaches of the Holidays Act, investigations have shown.
No extra protection wanted despite death threats
Senior Cabinet minister Paula Bennett says she does not want to see MPs and ministers made less accessible, despite receiving death threats. Audio
Teapot tapes: PM pressured to reveal legal costs
The Prime Minister is coming under pressure to disclose how much taxpayer's money has been spent on legal costs in so-called 'teapot-tapes' defamation case.
Govt to defend Kermadec sanctuary proposal
The Crown will vigourously defend its right to set up an ocean sanctuary around the Kermadec Islands, says the Environment Minister.
Andrew Little's bad week at the office
Power Play - It has been a rough week for Labour leader Andrew Little after he tested the waters with some populist positions on immigration and interest.
Crown acknowledges 'unfortunate episodes’ in NZ history
Parliament has been sitting under extended hours today to progress three treaty settlement bills.
Labour call on bank OCR cuts 'dumb idea' - English
Labour's suggestion to force banks to pass on Official Cash Rate cuts is a 'pretty dumb idea', finance minister Bill English says.
Green light for zero hours ban
After struggling to get the numbers it needed, the government now has near unanimous support for its employment law changes. Audio
Why has the flag debate become so heated?
Critics of the current flag debate say the process has become too politicised, but keeping politics out of it is impossible, says a civic educator.
Labour may back employment law changes
The Labour Party would be willing to back employment law changes if zero-hour contracts are dealt with, leader Andrew Little says.
Insults fly as Beehive creaks back to life
Power Play - MPs are back in their seats chucking new insults at each other with glee, writes Chris Bramwell.
Key, Little clash on TPP and Waitangi
Parliament's back - with Prime Minister John Key using his opening statement to attack Labour's position on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Audio
TPP protests show confusion over deal
Power Play - Protests against the Trans-Pacific Partnership highlighted the fear and lack of understanding about the deal, writes Chris Bramwell. Video
Will the TPP undermine NZ's sovereignty?
With just one day until the TPP is signed in Auckland, Chris Bramwell considers the arguments around its investor-state dispute provisions. Audio
Government has support to pass any TPP legislation
The Government has the numbers it needs to pass any enabling legislation to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Like it or not, the 2016 political year is well underway
Power Play with Chris Bramwell - The political jostling for 2016 has begun in earnest, with parties setting out their priorities and positions for the year ahead.