Stories by Benedict Collins

Eugenie Sage has been accused of ministerial interference and sticking her nose into staff matters at an independent authority.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has told a conference at Parliament that decriminalising drug use reduces the harm they cause.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was warned the behaviour of its chief scientist was damaging trust in the organisation shortly before she resigned.

Chatham Islanders are hoping their new wharf will make life on the island much smoother sailing.

The new leader of the opposition is hoping he'll rattle the government on housing by appointing Judith Collins as National's housing spokesperson.

New Zealand has failed to completely stop foreign corporations from being able to sue the government through the new Trans Pacific Partnership.

It's not just a "free lunch" for tourists as politicians get responsible around camping.

Transport Ministry fraudster Joanne Harrison has been denied parole for a second time because she remains an undue risk to society.

The government has put one of its new initiatives on hold after realising it is linked to a businessman in the sights of the Serious Fraud Office.

The government's new regional development programme is funding a project connected to a businessman who has been referred to the SFO over CERA property deals.

The number of alcohol breath tests being carried out by police is plummeting despite the rising road toll.

The police are concerned about a rise in the number of crimes being committed by women.

The government is refusing to condemn as racist the law that allows Māori wards to be contested with referendums.

Lobby group Hobson's Pledge is confident it has the numbers today to force referendums in four districts considering introducing Māori wards. Audio

The National Party is trying to drive a wedge between two ministers over their positions on whether to introduce roadside saliva testing for drugs.

The minister in charge of road safety is unimpressed with a recommendation from her officials to introduce roadside saliva testing of motorists for drugs.

The government is considering scrapping the rollout of cameras on commercial fishing vessels altogether.

A report into the state of housing in New Zealand paints a "sobering picture" of the crisis and its effects, particularly on children, Housing Minister Phil Twyford says.

The government will unveil the findings of its housing crisis report today.

The impact of recent major storms demonstrate the government's huge responsibility to prepare the country for the impacts of climate change, the Prime Minister says.

The Green MP whose medicinal marijuana bill was heavily defeated at Parliament says politicians have demonstrated how out of touch with the public they are.

The late Helen Kelly's son Dylan says his mother would have been deeply disappointed with the government's "woefully inadequate" medicinal cannabis bill.

National MPs say there's no need to rush through legislation banning overseas buyers from purchasing existing homes.

The government's $22m rural highway programme of safety barriers and rumble strips will be a "dramatic improvement" in road safety, a campaigner says.

Parliament erupted in hangry scenes this afternoon when MPs weren't allowed to go on their lunch break at 1pm.