Stories by Russell Palmer

It's Nicola Willis' passion project, set to be led by a former top cop. Here's what the Social Investment Agency is meant to do.

However, Nicola Willis says she would not have expected Peters to consult with other parties over a ministerial decision like that.

Two ministers have argued politicians' scrutiny - by Cabinet and Parliament - is enough, and the Attorney-General says it wasn't necessary to examine the changes.

Labour is calling on the government to send the gang patch ban back to select committee for consultation after yet another last-minute amendment.

It's a stark reversal of the government's goal: 20,000 fewer victims by 2030. Audio

The opposition is criticisng the government over two last-minute changes to legislation being added with little or no consultation.

Previously confidential legal advice on the school changes has been revealed.

The first text was sent at 2.38pm, less than an hour before Nicola Willis publicy announced there would be no more funding for the project.

Labour says the focus on big new roads is hypocrisy for a government that came to power promising to cut costs. Audio

Shane Jones says his comments about a judge being a communist were taken out of context, but judicial decisions are "beginning to show elements of totalitarianism".

He says he does believe humans had a role in causing climate change.

The promised National Infrastructure Agency will start operating from 1 December, with the government repurposing and powering up the current Crown Infrastructure Partners.

Paul Goldsmith says his claim customary title will be reduced to a fragment of the coastline was just part of "free-flowing discussion".

The government has back-tracked on contentious parts of legislation aimed at getting NZ "back on track". Here's what you need to know.

The new regional deals announced by the government have some major differences from some of the overseas cities they're modelled on.

Councillors, mayors and officials could be heard groaning as the prime minister spoke. Audio

With a poll showing support for a tourism levy or bed tax, councils wanting to "give rates a rest" have set up a bed at this year's LGNZ conference.

残疾人事务部将被改组，不再负责对残疾人群的具体支持工作，所有支持性服务职能都将移交给社会发展部。

The Ministry of Disabled People will lose responsibility for support services, after a critical review found inadequate budget controls.

Opposition parties have slammed the government's move to crackdown on beneficiaries, saying work-for-dole type schemes are a "reheated, failed approach". Audio

5月份赤字预测显示，移民局赤字水平还不到收费调整所带来的大概每年1.4亿纽元资金的四分之一。

The association wants firearms reform taken off Nicole McKee, saying she's a former gun lobbyist and has excluded police from consultation. Audio

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford is refusing to comment on her increased visa fees being far more than is needed to meet Immigration New Zealand's costs.

Labour says the government's approach to water reform will only continue pushing up rates.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has unveiled a new directive for the public service, outlining costs - including worker pay increases - be kept within budget baselines.