Stories by Craig McCulloch

Bill English and Jacinda Ardern are studying for tonight's debate in what will be voters' first chance to see the leaders go head-to-head.

National's promising to get tough on freedom campers if re-elected, introducing stricter rules on where they can stay.

National's Brett Hudson has to get used to asking people to vote for him, and Labour's Greg O'Connor is worried his supporters will stay home. Audio

Pike River families are hailing today as a "moral victory" after MPs from four parties pledged to act immediately to re-enter the West Coast mine if in government.

The Māori Party is pitching itself as a potential king-maker in the upcoming election, saying it's open to supporting either National or Labour.

Green Party leader James Shaw is advising his MPs to keep level heads as passions run high following the sudden resignation of Metiria Turei. Audio

Green co-leader Metiria Turei is accusing outside opponents of making "wild accusations" in a bid to bring down the party.

Greens co-leader James Shaw won't say whether he believes it is acceptable to lie to a government agency if a child is going hungry, as the party moves to suspend two of its MPs. Video, Audio

The Green Party is in chaos after the shock announcement by two of its MPs that they have lost confidence in Metiria Turei. Video

National and Labour have started their battle for Auckland voters by laying out their plans to tackle the city's transport woes.

Auditor-General Martin Matthews says he feels "as angry and aggrieved as anyone" over the Transport Ministry fraud that occurred on his watch.

Labour's new deputy leader Kelvin Davis, a former school principal, is known for campaign against private operator Serco's management of Mt Eden prison.

The Transport Minister says a report clearing him of trying to improperly influence officials gave him "some sense of vindication".

KiwiRail has been criticised after it appeared to roll over when Transport Minister Simon Bridges' staff asked for a report to be kept secret, while the minister himself has been cleared.

Labour stresses the party is separate and has its own campaign, while NZ First won't be drawn on whether it would work in a Cabinet with Ms Turei.

New Zealand is "at or near the very front of the queue" for a free trade deal with the United Kingdom once Brexit is complete.

Ministry of Transport whistleblowers suffered "unnecessary hurt and humiliation" in a restructure process involving convicted fraudster Joanne Harrison, an investigation has found. Video

Inland Revenue has refused to reveal how proposed changes to the tax system will affect its take, saying it's a "secret".

The Māori Party's ambitious plan to resurrect rail in the regions is being questioned, with critics worried it is doomed to fail.

Hundreds of disability support workers who initially missed out on a landmark pay claim will now be included in the hefty pay rise.

Two new charter schools targetting Māori students have been given the green light in Rotorua and Taupō.

A lawyer representing victims of historical abuse in state care is worried her clients are being set up for a second-rate solution.

The government has softened its position on whether to launch an inquiry into the historical abuse of children in state care.

ACT's new deputy hopes her "life experience" will complement the party's 'millennial' leader. Audio