Stories by Craig McCulloch
News
Pay equity bill pushing care sector 'off a cliff'
A pay equity bill could cripple the care sector with "potentially catastrophic" results if it's not properly funded, MPs have been warned.
Govt u-turn over 'draconian' data grab embarrassing - Labour
The government's move to put its data-for-funding plan on the back-burner in favour of a new system an "embarrassing U-turn", says Labour.
Meth no substitute for weed, Police Minister warns
The Police Minister is warning New Zealanders not to try meth as a substitute for marijuana, with the price of cannabis driven up by poor growing conditions.
Exporters applaud efforts to salvage TPP
Major New Zealand exporters are applauding efforts to salvage a massive trade deal, but a long-time opponent says it is dead in the water. Audio
Foreign owners of Silver Fern Farms 'failed to deliver'
The government talked up the sale of Silver Fern Farms to foreign owners as beneficial to New Zealand, less than a year before the company announced it would slash 370 jobs.
Only one in five homes in govt plan 'affordable'
Most of the thousands of houses the government is promising to build and sell in Auckland over the next decade will cost well over $650,000.
Family First set to lose tax-free status
Family First is expected to be stripped of its tax-free charitable status, with its director vowing to fight any such decision "right to the top".
Māori Party backs Māori-run prisons as 'inevitable'
It is just a matter of time before New Zealand introduces prisons run by Māori applying Māori values, the Māori Party says.
Brownlee walks back Israel resolution comment
Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee has expressed regret over describing a United Nations resolution on Israel as 'premature' last week.
Helen Clark: No regrets over Foreshore and Seabed
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has no regrets over her handling of the Foreshore and Seabed controversy. Video
Facebook cracks down on 'fake news' ahead of NZ election
Facebook is briefing political parties and media in New Zealand ahead of the election as part of its efforts to crack down on "fake news".
NZ spied on Japan to help US - NSA document
Prime Minister Bill English does not expect reports that New Zealand spied on Japan during whaling talks will affect any future visits to the country.
$7000 booze bill for NZ's Trump bash
Taxpayers forked out more than $7000 on alcohol for guests at a glitzy party in Washington celebrating Donald Trump's inauguration.
'This peninsula of war is now a place of friendship'
New Zealand's friendship with Turkey is an example for those in conflict, the Justice Minister has told a dawn service in Gallipoli.
Pharmac rejects request to fund tampons, pads
Pharmac will not subsidise tampons and sanitary pads for all women, saying menstruation is a "normal function".
Meet the Newsmaker: Marama Fox
Newsmaker - Marama Fox is a frequent critic of the government, despite the Māori Party, which she co-leads, being one of its support partners. She sat down for a chat with RNZ.
Time capsule find hailed as 'significant'
A capsule buried in Wellington for more than half a century might be returned to its resting place, after its secrets were revealed today. Video
Govt to bring home bodies of dead soldiers
In an about-turn, the government has promised to bring home the bodies of soldiers who were buried in Southeast Asia.
MPs call for gun ban for gangs
MPs want gang members and prospects banned from owning guns. Audio
Former PMs support compulsory voting in NZ
Three former Prime Ministers want New Zealand to follow Australia's lead and introduce compulsory voting. Video
Data for funding 'excessive and disproportionate'
The government's plan to collect people's private information from community agencies seeking funding could deter those most in need from seeking help, the Privacy Commissioner says. Audio
PM trusting military's word 'a joke' - Hager
Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has accused the Prime Minister of joining "a seven-year cover-up" by refusing to hold an inquiry into claims made in the book Hit & Run. Video, Audio
Pollsters, prophets and politics: On the ball or off the mark?
Analysis - Political polls may not have a sterling reputation - particularly after Donald Trump's largely unexpected victory - but, Craig McCulloch writes, that's more the exception than the rule.
New 111 system 'poorly thought through' - Labour
The Labour Party has accused the government of over-promising and taking too long to deliver a new 111 service.
Nicotine e-cigarettes to be made legal
E-cigarettes with nicotine liquid could legally be sold in New Zealand shops from late next year, with the government saying vaping is less harmful than smoking.