Stories by Craig McCulloch
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Economists' analysis rubbishes National's foreign buyers tax numbers
Economists analysing National's foreign buyers tax have found it would likely raise $210 million a year - falling well short of the $740m a year National expects to rake in. Audio
'Best thing to do is stand aside' - MP bows out over list standing
Long-serving National MP Michael Woodhouse has announced his surprise "departure from political life" after being unhappy with his ranking in the party list.
Labour's GST-free fruit and vege strategy falls foul of the experts
Set the table for bread and butter - or in this case, fruit and veg: Labour fired its opening election campaign salvo on Sunday with a starkly populist pitch for tax-free produce.
The party is…
AudioCall for review of government contracts awarded to minister-linked firm
National has asked for a review into the handling of government contracts with a company run by Cabinet Minister Peeni Henare's partner.
'Populist' and 'stupid': 12 tax experts respond to GST-free fruit and veges
Labour's GST-free fruit and vegetables tax policy is being widely panned by experts, who say it is betting on voters' ignorance.
Global tensions prompt NZ to ramp up security and defence resources
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.
'What a shameful day': Labour blocks National's paid parental leave bill
National has accused Labour of "shameful, mean and spiteful" politics after the government party blocked efforts to make paid parental leave more flexible.
Willis rejects Labour's criticism of policy costings: 'It will add up'
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.
Kiri Allan charged after car crash, resigns as minister
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.
Ex-minister referred to Privileges Committee
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.
Backup plane for PM Hipkins' trip more 'unusual' than NZDF claimed
The Defence Force has conceded the prime minister's trip to China was the first time it had sent along a dedicated backup plane.
National straddles two strategies as it prepares for nail-biter election
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.
National's Nicola Willis warns against 'lazy politics of envy'
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.
Anti-poverty groups call 'bulls---' on Working For Families overhaul delays
Labour says this year's Budget was simply "not the time" to overhaul Working for Families.
Budget 2023: bare bones, blowout, or both?
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…
AudioCost-of-living Budget centres on cheaper childcare
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.
Green MP Elizabeth Kerekere resigns from party
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.
Bid to delay Green Party list ranking fails
Members were unable to reach agreement during an urgent online meeting on Thursday evening.
More Green members criticise Kerekere, say bullying targeted Māori, Pasifika
Green MP Elizabeth Kerekere's bullying included shutting out and belittling other Māori MPs, staff and volunteers, new accusers from within the party say.
Race Relations Commissioner under fire for financial support of Labour MP
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.
'My kids said I'd be cancelled. They were right': National's ex-candidate Stephen Jack
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.
'People walk on eggshells around her': Green MP Elizabeth Kerekere accused of 'bullying'
Neither Kerekere nor the alleged victim of her 'crybaby' remark, Chlöe Swarbrick, would talk to RNZ about the latest claims.
'One size doesn't fit all'- Mayors anxious about promised Three Waters reset
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.