Stories by Anneke Smith
News
'We don't make excess profits' - Bank tells MPs $2b annual profit 'fair'
ANZ's top brass have pushed back against suggestions it's making too much profit.
Watch: David Seymour tries the new free school lunch menu
David Seymour says the beef rissoles dish is "one of the best meals that you're going to have".
Government unveils rebooted school lunch menu
It says the new menu will save more than $130 million a year.
Darleen Tana wants more time
One of the former Green MP's lawyers says she wants the party to wait for a 'definitive' court ruling before booting her out of Parliament. Audio
The final step after Greens vote to oust Darleen Tana
The embattled MP's future now lies in the hands of Speaker Gerry Brownlee after the Greens voted to waka-jump her. Audio
MPs united on divorce law change
Legislation giving family violence survivors the power to quickly dissolve abusive marriages is expected to pass with unanimous support today. Audio
Government hints at capping bank card surcharges
The coalition has hinted at imposing a cap on the surcharges people pay for using their debit and credit cards.
A year of tax cuts, job cuts and fast-paced policy
One year on from Election 2023, we look back on how the government is going. Audio
Former political figure guilty of historical sexual abuse takes secrecy fight to High Court
Interim name suppression the man has now had for 622 days will continue until at least his name suppression appeal hearing.
Alarm over list of fast-track projects
Critics point to a lack of environmental protections while the government calls the 149 projects a key part of rebuilding the economy. Audio
New Zealand calls for veto reform at UN General Assembly
He also used his speech to announce New Zealand would campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council for the 2039-2040 term.
NZ strikes its 'fastest ever' trade deal, with the United Arab Emirates
New Zealand has signed a free-trade deal with the United Arab Emirates - the fastest agreement the country has ever struck.
Reversal of Taranaki oil and gas ban passes first reading
"New Zealand must look after itself before it cares for the planet", Resources Minister Shane Jones said, with the coalition arguing exploration will deliver energy security.
Te Pāti Māori MP referred to Privileges Committee
The referral relates to comments Tākuta Ferris made during last week's general debate.
Charter schools revived as bill passes final reading
'All of our children are not the same," ACT says, as Labour calls it "the worst type of experiment".
120 families lose access to respite care support
Some of the families, who are caring for mentally ill children, are "really struggling to cope", one mum says. Audio
Firearms Minister won't rule out trying to bring back banned guns
Nicole McKee won't promise not to re-introduce banned semi-automatics, saying instead she's committed to listening to stakeholders.
Former political figure asks for further name secrecy
A former political figure found guilty of historical sexual abuse is taking his fight for further name suppression to the High Court.
'Out of line': PM slams doctors for prioritising young Māori and Pasifika
"We have a very simple approach to healthcare which is based off need, not ethnicity or race," Christopher Luxon says after the government stepped in at Hawke's Bay .
Is New Zealand pulling its weight on climate change in the Pacific?
Analysis - The question has been left lingering after the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum, with Aotearoa taking a back seat on a climate and disaster resilience fund and a new report pointing the finger.
Luxon visits Tongan communities to showcase investments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has spent time with communities in Tonga after the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum wrapped up.
What we know from the Pacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Islands Forum has emphasised solidarity in the face of the many challenges confronting the region, with climate change affecting nearly every area of discussion.
PM expects more relaxed chats with Pacific leaders during retreat
The leaders of the 18 member states are spending a day on Vava'u Island - with no officials or media allowed.
Prime Minister defends Peters' climate comments
Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters has been labelled a climate denier by the opposition after downplaying the climate crisis while visiting the Pacific.
Diplomacy on the sidelines: PM promotes women's rugby in Tonga
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stepped out of the Pacific Islands Forum to throw a rugby ball around with some young female players from Tonga.