Stories by Katie Scotcher
News
Hipkins accused of 'knee-jerk reaction law-making' over police intelligence gathering
The police minister is facing criticism over his suggestion the law could be changed to allow officers to keep photographing people for looking out of place or suspicious. Audio
National calls for cooling-off period before ex-ministers can be lobbyists
The National Party wants to stop former ministers who have just quit Parliament from being able to immediately become political lobbyists.
'TVNZ and RNZ are no doubt trusted broadcasters': Jackson clarifies public media comments
Broadcasting Minister Willie Jackson has clarified comments he made about the media, saying he did not mean to imply the public did not trust RNZ and TVNZ.
'We need a trusted public broadcaster' - Minister defends public media entity
Broadcasting Minister Willie Jackson is defending the mega public media merger between RNZ and TVNZ, saying it is needed because the public does not trust the media. Video
Trade deal with NZ 'gold standard' for future agreements - EU boss
The chair of the European Parliament's International Trade committee is confident the process of ratifying the trade deal with New Zealand will be simple.
James Shaw re-elected as Green Party co-leader
James Shaw has got his old job back, with the majority of Green Party delegates voting to re-elect him as co-leader.
Jacinda Ardern is 'lying' - Labour MP Gaurav Sharma
Rogue Labour MP Gaurav Sharma is accusing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of lying about when the caucus agreed to suspend him. Audio
Bullying allegations: Labour MP Gaurav Sharma claims misspending 'hushed'
Labour MP Gaurav Sharma is doubling down on his claim a colleague misused taxpayers' money despite the Parliamentary Service determining no spending rules were broken.
National Party president admits selection process could be improved
The National Party's new president has admitted its candidate selection process could be improved, after its Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell was suspended over bullying allegations.
Luxon joins Backbencher immortals - some strings attached
National leader Christopher Luxon has been immortalised in puppet form at the Backbencher pub in the capital.
Government in dark over numbers getting cost of living payment overseas
The government doesn't know exactly how many ineligible people have received the cost of living payment.
New Zealand's free trade deal with EU goes down to the wire
Power Play - The Prime Minister travelled to Brussels with two speeches prepared - one detailed a historic trade deal, the other why she would leave Brussels without one.
Ardern and Johnson agree to visa changes to benefit New Zealanders under 35
Young New Zealanders will be able to spend more time living and working in the United Kingdom under changes to a popular visa.
New Zealand and EU secure historic free trade deal
More than 91 percent of tariffs will be removed the day the deal comes into effect, while the value of NZ exports to the EU are estimated to increase by $1.8b a year by 2035.
Ardern speaks to Zelensky, reiterates support and continued sanctions
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has just spoken to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone, expressing solidarity and support for his country.
Don't let war in Ukraine fuel arms race, Ardern tells NATO leaders
Russia's actions in Ukraine are an affront to the world but mustn't be allowed to create a more polarised, dangerous world, the prime minister says.
PM and Spain's leader announce working holiday visa deal
The working holiday scheme between New Zealand and Spain has been expanded to allow more young people to travel and work in each other's countries for up to two years.
PM leaves for Europe with free trade agreement in her sights
The Prime Minister leaves for Europe today, where she will push to nail down a long-awaited free trade deal with the European Union.
Ardern invited to speak at NATO summit
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to participate in the upcoming NATO Leaders Summit, becoming the first New Zealand leader to do so.
PM to raise issue of 501 deportees in meeting with Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will sit down with her Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese today for their first formal talks since his election.
Victim Support hands ministry report under condition of confidentiality
Victim Support has finally given the Ministry of Justice a full copy of a report into allegations of bullying and service failure but under the condition very few people see it.
PM endorses Poto Williams in police portfolio in face of criticism
The police minister is defending her track record in the job as the National Party calls for the prime minister to replace her.
Poto Williams turns up heat over increase in gang violence
The minister of police wants the police to work faster to tackle a surge of gang violence in Auckland.
Noughty spending: Minister rebukes agency over zeroes' sum
Transport Minister Michael Wood has had to contact the Transport Agency a second time over costly road safety props, after a further three were found to have been on back order.
Government accused of neglecting Pacific partnerships
The government is being criticised for letting its relationships with Pacific islands drift, as China tries to boost its influence in the region. Audio