Stories by Russell Palmer

Opposition parties should commit to protecting against privatising water assets, and front up with alternatives if they don't like the three waters reform, the government says.

The government has accepted 44 of the three waters working group's 47 recommendations for changes to its water infrastructure reform programme, with minor changes.

White identity-motivated extremism continues to be the leading driver of online content investigated and shut down by Internal Affairs.

The minister's move to consult on climate change adaptation is welcome, and "better late than never", the National Party says.

The government is seeking feedback on a six-year plan to account for the effects of climate change like flooding, wildfire, droughts, and sea level rise. Audio

Indigenous rights, co-governance and He Puapua: the government has started work on a plan and intends to consult widely on it soon.

Today's inflation rise cannot be blamed entirely on global effects, National leader Christopher Luxon says, but the finance minister says tax cuts are not the answer.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong have added a focus on climate and sustainability to the enhanced relationship between the two countries.

The calm, confident visage of Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins slipped into confusion and contrition over mask rules this afternoon.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw says the latest report shows we cannot rely on a pandemic to cut emissions, and National's Christopher Luxon says more may need to be done.

Russian Ambassador Georgii Zuev has continued to decline to either appear before select committees, or to be interviewed by media, saying that would be futile.

National has joined calls for the government to send missile launchers to support Ukraine, saying the government should at least look at the option.

Accusations a Young Nat has been trolling female politicians online has prompted an investigation by the National Party, with the abuse denounced as cowardice on all sides.

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.