Stories by Craig McCulloch

New Zealand's Defence Force will ramp up its readiness for combat, taking a more "proactive and purposeful" approach as part of a new government strategy.

National has accused Labour of "shameful, mean and spiteful" politics after the government party blocked efforts to make paid parental leave more flexible.

National has hit back at Labour's criticisms of its fiscal calculations saying it's 'very telling' Labour never proceeded with plans for an independent policy-costing service.

新西兰总理表示，周日晚上，司法部长Allan在惠灵顿发生车祸后被警方拘留，并被指控鲁莽驾驶和抗拒逮捕。

Allan was taken into police custody on Sunday night and was charged with careless use of a motor vehicle and refusing to accompany a police officer.

A scathing inquiry has criticised Michael Wood for "a worrying and ongoing lack of awareness" over the need to quickly correct errors when managing conflicts of interest.

The Defence Force has conceded the prime minister's trip to China was the first time it had sent along a dedicated backup plane.

Power Play - In letting slip its election-night target of 45 percent this weekend, the National Party revealed some of its inner thinking around its campaign strategy.

In a rousing address to National's rank and file, the party's deputy has warned against "lazy politics of envy", saying "reckless tactics" to punish the wealthy would divide the country.

Labour says this year's Budget was simply "not the time" to overhaul Working for Families.

The 2023 Budget has proven difficult to define: neither the belt-tightening exercise that was promised, nor the blatant bribery sometimes seen in election years.

Certainly, it is no election…

Young families are the clear target of Labour's election-year Budget, but its flagship promise - cheaper childcare - won't kick in until next year.

Under-fire MP Elizabeth Kerekere has resigned from the Greens after earlier hitting out at the party's co-leaders over their handling of an investigation into her behaviour.

Members were unable to reach agreement during an urgent online meeting on Thursday evening.

Green MP Elizabeth Kerekere's bullying included shutting out and belittling other Māori MPs, staff and volunteers, new accusers from within the party say.

The Act Party is demanding Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon be dismissed after revelations he gave financial support to Labour MP Kiri Allan during the 2020 election campaign.

National's ex-candidate Stephen Jack has lashed out at the media after resigning, accusing it of "woke stupidity" and "character assassination" which destroyed his political ambitions.

Neither Kerekere nor the alleged victim of her 'crybaby' remark, Chlöe Swarbrick, would talk to RNZ about the latest claims.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty are to announce their updated strategy for improving the management of drinking, waste and stormwater.

Stuart Nash's rapid resignation from his treasured police portfolio - just two months after getting it back -  is one of the clearest examples of a political own-goal. 

It's highlighted poor…

Consultants and contractors are a favourite punching bag for opposition parties - of all colours - and National is just the latest to land a solid blow, leaving Labour off-balance. 

The numbers show…

Dyson has admitted she has not read the code of conduct governing her position as a Crown entity board member.

While National's solution to the Three Waters problem may please the councils steadfastly opposed to the government's plan, it remains plagued by a financial fishhook. 

But, as journalist Bernard…

The ejection of Health New Zealand's chair is becoming a larger headache for the government as it faces calls to punish him further, as well as claims it has overreacted.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has declined to express confidence in the chair of Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ Rob Campbell after he made "inappropriate" political comments online.