Stories by Katie Scotcher
News
Single ministry has spent $6.3m for job cut payouts so far
The total cost of redundancies across the public service is not yet known and the Finance Minister has not asked for an estimate. Audio
NZ urged to help evacuate Palestinians from Gaza: 'The difference between life and death'
The government is being urged to create a special humanitarian visa for Palestinians in Gaza with ties to this country. Audio
Warning cuts could hurt police and defence frontline services
The top brass at police and defence have warned MPs the government's spending cuts could see them divest capability or weaken frontline services.
Peters, Willis at odds over potential $5.6b budget hole
And the finance minister says she can't 100% guarantee tax cuts will arrive by July. Audio
Tobacco excise tax: Costello apologises for 'causing confusion'
The Associate Health Minister has apologised in Parliament for "causing confusion" when answering questions about whether she specifically sought out advice on freezing the tobacco excise tax.
Australia pressuring New Zealand to upgrade Defence Force
Air Marshal Kevin Short says Australia is reshaping its Defence Force for "a singular threat from a singular direction" - and is clear about what it wants from NZ.
Public service pay cuts not on table - Willis
The Finance Minister has confirmed she does not intend to reduce public servants' pay as the government trims the sector.
Front-line services could face cut-backs, Willis admits
But Nicola Willis said the bosses of government departments were expected to use "good judgement" when proposing savings.
Ministry offers voluntary redundancies as govt accused of sneaking in more cuts
"All departments" are now being asked to find savings, the Finance Minister has confirmed.
NZDF mission in Red Sea has 'shades of Iraq' - Labour
The Labour Party is condemning the coalition government's deployment of Defence Force troops to the Middle East.
Luxon defends decision not to attend nationwide hui
"It's not actually a political event, per se," the PM says, adding he's "very supportive" as iwi gather to discuss the new government.
What National wants from its annual retreat
The National Party will focus on its first-time MPs, who make up more than a third of its caucus, and discipline. Audio
How will the tax cuts be paid for?
Labour is demanding the coalition government explain how it will deliver its big promise.
Defence Minister claims Labour government had 'anti-American stance'
Defence Minister Judith Collins has described the previous Labour government as somewhat anti-American, but is refusing to explain why she holds that view.
New Zealand to put 'every single effort' into getting free trade deal with India
A trade expert is sceptical about New Zealand's ability to lock in a free trade agreement with India within three years, but the trade minister says it is possible.
Labour's caucus to vote on Chris Hipkins' leadership
Hipkins has indicated he wants to stay on as leader and to do so must receive the backing of 21 of the 34 Labour MPs.
'Very devastated' Labour MPs prepare for spell in political wilderness
Crushed Labour MPs - grappling with the reality of being banished to the opposition benches - will start returning to the capital today.
An afternoon on the campaign trail without Labour's leader
The security guards at The Palms mall in Christchurch were surprised to hear Senior Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni would not need the six car parks they had reserved for her visit.
Receding red wave could wash high-profile names out of Parliament
Analysis - Labour's caucus looks set to shrink dramatically at the election, as the party struggles to turn around waning support.
Mayor wants National, ACT pledge on Wairoa recovery - 'We've got to get the commitment'
Craig Little hopes political parties will offer an assurance on helping his cyclone-damaged town, whose problems are compounded by suffering a natural disaster in an election year, he believes.
The battle for Te Tai Hauāuru: Three wāhine MPs contest the seat
With the incumbent opting to go list-only after being elected Parliament's Speaker, the battle for the electorate has been flung wide open.
'I've done my best' - Todd Muller leaves Parliament
Former National leader Todd Muller admits the prospect of becoming a minister after the election tempted him to stay in politics.