Stories by Russell Palmer

The government has hit back at arguments against co-governance in the three waters reforms, saying ACT's attack is a smokescreen for its privatisation agenda. Video

National's leader Christopher Luxon has said no to a referendum on co-governance - for now - something likely coalition partner ACT has said is a bottom-line.

Maintaining a cooperative Defence Force presence in the region - and not solely for humanitarian aid - is a priority for New Zealand, Peeni Henare says.

Explainer - What's the government doing with RNZ and TVNZ - and why? RNZ is here to clear it all up. Audio

National would have gone further in removing Covid-19 restrictions but backs the government. The Greens fear for the most vulnerable, and ACT fears for the economy.

The government has made no plans as yet to broadly review the Parliament occupation, the police minister says, while a review of police actions is being left to the police watchdog.

Fellow MPs from across the house have paid tribute to Simon Bridges' 14-year tenure in Parliament.

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins is now refusing to comment on the case of Charlotte Bellis, after ignoring ministerial advice not to share details about her.

Three waters proposals will be subject to independent financial analysis before being introduced as law, the minister says, as opponents urge an apology for the reforms' handling.

Councils should have shares in three waters entities - with the government on the hook financially, a working group of mayors and Māori representatives says. Audio

A Ukrainian artwork has been brought out of Parliament's vaults, and the Ukraine flag is flying from Parliament, in a show of solidarity with the country's fight against invading forces.

Three waters feedback going to the minister on Monday seems unlikely to sway the government, whose latest model appears to fall short of its own demands.

All political parties have supported a motion in Parliament to recognise the "safe restoration of Parliament's grounds" and the selfless service of emergency services. Video

Dr Ashley Bloomfield's apology over testing delays is just the latest example of misleading the public, National says, and ACT's David Seymour wants the Director-General removed.

National is calling on the government to fast-track Ukrainian visas and bring in a humanitarian visa category for close family members of Ukrainians living in New Zealand.

Explainer - The government has announced the country is moving to phase three - but what does that mean? RNZ is here to clear it all up.

Party Leader David Seymour has called for a cost-benefit analysis of Covid-19 interventions, saying the current settings are a "mish-mash of rules that don't make sense".

More people are expected to be able to leave MIQ early under a new risk assessment, and some travellers may be able to go into self-isolation before borders open.

ACT's leader David Seymour says he has passed a message to convoy leaders that it's time for a dialogue, but the PM says it is irresponsible for MPs to meet with the protesters.

Vaccine mandates and passes should eventually end and the government should set a timeline for that, opposition parties say, but they do not support today's protests.

A ministry statement admitting rapid antigen tests in the government's order were already in the country has led to incorrect conclusions, the minister says. Audio

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Opposition leader Chris Luxon have launched stinging attacks on their opponents in their opening speeches to Parliament this year. Video

The government announced the new ministry in October, promising a single point of contact for disabled people and others in the sector.

Families Package benefits go to more than half of families with children, but housing costs and Covid-19 income disruption have eroded some of the gains, a government report shows.

Here's 12 up-and-coming bits of legislation you may have missed thanks to the hustle and bustle of Covid-19 last year.