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Palestinian protesters carry an injured man who was shot by Israeli troops on the Gaza Strip's border with Israel, east of Khan Younis, on Monday. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra).

NEW ZEALAND

Israel chides NZ Govt over Gaza comments

18 May, 2018 6:25pm
2 minutes to read

Israeli - New Zealand relations strained over response to killings at Gaza.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during her Budget speech in Parliament, Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: A budget with a promise of better to come

18 May, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: A budget with a bit of something for everyone, except Simon Bridges.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson is congratulated by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Budget Live: What's in it for you and your family

17 May, 2018 3:20pm
5 minutes to read

Simon Bridges goes on the attack after Grant Robertson's first Budget.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson is congratulated by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and his government colleagues after reading the Budget in Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Robertson has given himself more options

17 May, 2018 3:07pm
2 minutes to read

COMMENT: Robertson resisted calls to blow the windfall in this Budget.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern say it will be a Budget that makes New Zealand stronger. Photo / Mark Mitchell

BUSINESS

Robertson promises more inclusive Budget

16 May, 2018 7:37pm
3 minutes to read

Winston Peters says his party will add the "heart and conscience" to the Budget.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson with his 2018 Budget hot off the press at PrintLink in Petone. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Robertson: Kiwis don't want a spend-up

15 May, 2018 5:10pm
3 minutes to read

The Finance Minister's big choice on Thursday will be about ties, not pies.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks at a press conference in the Beehive. Photo / Marty Melville

NEW ZEALAND

Jacinda Ardern builds a budget script

14 May, 2018 7:29pm
2 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern is building strong foundations for Government messaging.

Winston Peters and Jacinda Ardern say they drafted the letter together. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Jacinda Ardern is about to take maternity leave. Here's the letter she's left Winston.

14 May, 2018 5:06pm
3 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern will continue to receive Cabinet papers while on leave.

National's counter-attack is that this Labour Government will borrow more, tax more and spend more. Illustration / Guy Body

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Bridges faces daunting test

12 May, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Odds are stacked against the National leader as Ardern exudes confidence.

Simon Bridges, the new National leader, says Labour has National's economic management to thank for it being so flush. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Budget 2018: What's in it for you?

12 May, 2018 5:00am
10 minutes to read

Herald political editor Audrey Young takes a look at what will be announced on Thursday.

In February, Ardern surprised media by suddenly announcing a policy change on the Bill of Rights Act. Illustration / Guy Body

NEW ZEALAND

How Ardern caused trouble for the Greens

5 May, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: The Greens have been given a sweetener for backing the party-hopping bill.

Dissent is a valuable part of the political process, former Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says. Photograph by Dean Purcell

NEW ZEALAND

Fitzsimons 'distressed' at waka-jumping support

3 May, 2018 11:20am
2 minutes to read

A former Green co-leader says she is distressed by her party's position on waka-jumping.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford at home in Auckland after announcing that they are having a baby. Photo / Doug Sherring

NEW ZEALAND

Young: Few leaders spared false rumour mill

3 May, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Simon Bridges denied that any National MPs are behind the false rumours.

The Disarmament and Arms Control portfolio has been revived and added to the responsibilities of Foreign Minister Winston Peters. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Winston Peters shares the SOE workload

2 May, 2018 5:01pm
3 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern rearranges jobs, workloads and titles in a small cabinet reshuffle.

National leader Simon Bridges has told his MPs of a zero tolerance for peddling rumours or innuendo. Photos / Mark Mitchell, Doug Sherring

NEW ZEALAND

Bridges denies any Nats involvement in false Gayford slurs

2 May, 2018 1:13pm
4 minutes to read

Bridges has told his MPs of a zero tolerance for peddling rumours or innuendo.

Rumours circulating about Clarke Gayford have been a distraction for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her office, in terms of time, energy - and emotion.

NEW ZEALAND

Comment | Low-life gossipers a distraction for PM's office

2 May, 2018 10:30am
2 minutes to read

COMMENT: Low-lifes peddling rumours are trying to inflict maximum damage on the PM.

Purchases under $400 bought online could now be subjected to 15% GST. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

'Amazon tax': Online overseas purchases to incur GST

1 May, 2018 8:32am
3 minutes to read

Government set to announce further measures for Kiwis buying online.

Professor Claudia Geiringer and adjunct Professor Elizabeth McLeay of Victoria University submit on the waka-jumping bill. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

Controversial waka-jumping bill slammed

30 Apr, 2018 10:17pm
4 minutes to read

A controversial bill has been likened to using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Health Minister David Clark says he expects better financial performance from the 20 DHBs and the Ministry of Health will monitor them more actively. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Labour delays cheaper GP visits for all

29 Apr, 2018 5:10pm
5 minutes to read

The Health Minister's admission is evidence that Labour over-promised says National.

Shane Jones' attack on the bureaucracy may be setting up a scapegoat for election year when many of the projects he is funding won't be finished. Photo / NZME

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern's crew: good, bad and surprising

28 Apr, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

When Jacinda Ardern goes on leave, what sort of shape will her crew be in?

Shane Jones, the Minister for Regional Economic Development, has provoked the ire of the Public Service Association. Photo / Andrew Warner

NEW ZEALAND

'Bantam bureaucrats' slam Shane Jones

26 Apr, 2018 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Shane Jones says he wants the power to appoint public servants to speed up processes.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters applauded the efforts being made by Washington towards North Korea. Photo / Nick Reed

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern clarifies Peters' North Korea talk

24 Apr, 2018 7:24pm
2 minutes to read

Parker puts Peters' comments down to the "respectful" way he conducts diplomacy.

Tyson Redman's conviction was quashed after eight people came forward saying he was not present at the Mt Roskill attack. Photo / 123RF

NEW ZEALAND

Govt pays over $500k compo to wrongly imprisoned man

24 Apr, 2018 4:11pm
2 minutes to read

Tyson Redman, who is now about 30, spent two and a half years in prison.

NEW ZEALAND

No need to slavishly follow Five Eyes

21 Apr, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Jacinda Ardern went further on Syria than the previous National Government.

Simon Bridges playing table tennis last month against Herald writer Steve Braunias. Photo / Greg Bowker

NEW ZEALAND

Labour turns focus of poll on Bridges

17 Apr, 2018 8:03pm
4 minutes to read

Brand National is stronger than many in National thought it was.

Acting chief executive of Counties Manukau District Health Board Gloria Johnson emailed the board after the minister's criticisms.

NEW ZEALAND

Leaked email reveals conflicting stories

16 Apr, 2018 8:06pm
3 minutes to read

An email from the Counties Manukau CE raises more questions over who knew what and when.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Simon Bridges makes impressive start

14 Apr, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Ardern beats Bridges in the House but her Govt has had a miserable few weeks.

National Party leader Simon Bridges says he auditioned as Oliver but got the role of the undertaker. Photo / Stuart Munro

NEW ZEALAND

Bridges talks to pupils about murderer

12 Apr, 2018 9:55am
5 minutes to read

Simon Bridges tells students they need to know about him if he is asking for their vote.

Maui offshore gas platform off the Taranaki coast. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

PM bans new offshore oil, gas exploration: 11,000 jobs 'at risk'

12 Apr, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Simon Bridges describes Ardern as "reckless", but environmental groups hail the decision.

Compensation for convictions would be too complicated says Justice Minister Andrew Little. Photo / Stuart Munro

NEW ZEALAND

Clean slate for homosexual convictions

2 Apr, 2018 6:43pm
4 minutes to read

Convictions between 1908 and 1986 may be wiped from the public record.

Chris Finlayson says he does not want to leave Parliament until the contempt laws are sorted out. Photo / John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Contempt of court rules set for overhaul

2 Apr, 2018 3:17pm
4 minutes to read

Andrew Little has some concerns but expects them to be dealt with in select committee.

Grant Robertson says golds for Tom Walsh and Valerie Adams in the shot put plus success for Eliza McCartney in the pole vault would be huge for New Zealand track and field. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Robertson to check out how to host Games

2 Apr, 2018 6:34am
4 minutes to read

Robertson says his visit to the Gold Coast will be a good chance to see how it is done.

Team Ardern and Peters needs to show some improvement for Round Two. Photo / NZME

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Coalition looking rattled after bruising quarter

1 Apr, 2018 12:25pm
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Things may get worse for Government before they get better, writes Audrey Young.

Former Green Party leadership contender Vernon Tava is putting his hand in the ring for the National Party nomination in the Northcote byelection. Photo / Greg Bowker

NEW ZEALAND

Former Green candidate seeks National ticket in byelection

30 Mar, 2018 3:08pm
2 minutes to read

Vernon Tava stood for the Greens co-leadership in 2015.

NEW ZEALAND

NZ in no rush to challenge US, says Parker

25 Mar, 2018 8:52pm
3 minutes to read

The trade situation is changing every few days, says David Parker.

There were plenty of photo opportunities for Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Wellington last week but no opportunities to question him. Photo / Marty Melville

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Visiting leaders are showing disrespect

25 Mar, 2018 2:27pm
3 minutes to read

The Indonesians declined a joint press conference. To do so is implicitly disrespectful.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Air NZ attack scores for brand Jones

24 Mar, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

OPINION: Simon Bridges has changed National's approach to NZ First.

GCSB director Andrew Hampton and SIS director Rebecca Kitteridge appear before the Intelligence and Security Committee. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

Terror suspects 'grow up and get married'

21 Mar, 2018 9:33pm
5 minutes to read

SIS director says the plot to blow up a plane from Sydney was uncovered by Israel.

It was Team Bridges vs Team Ardern in Parliament for the first time today since National's reshuffle. Photos / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Team Bridges vs Team Ardern, the head-to-head ratings

20 Mar, 2018 10:03pm
4 minutes to read

Speaker Trevor Mallard ended up pleasing no one in Bridges' team's first outing.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods receiving the End Oil petition from Greenpeace NZ climate campaigner Kate Simcock at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Ardern will have to oil the wheels

20 Mar, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

COMMENT: It may not happen overnight but it will happen, writes Audrey Young.

Rod Emmerson's take on a week from hell for the Labour-led Government.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: A week Jacinda Ardern will want to forget

17 Mar, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Without a doubt, the Prime Minister just had the worst week of her tenure.

NEW ZEALAND

Golf buddy Sir John Key reveals details of Obama trip

17 Mar, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Barack Obama will hit the golf course for a game with John Key and son Max while in NZ.

New Defence Minister Ron Mark boards a B200 in Masterton on October 29 en route to Woodbourne to visit Exercise Southern Katipo 17. Photo / Wairarapa Times Age

NEW ZEALAND

Minister says Air Force recommended flights

16 Mar, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Ron Mark has had 10 one-way flights since becoming minister, four to or from Masterton.

National is accusing Defence Minister Ron Mark of misusing his position by using the Air Force as a taxi service and getting helicopter rides to his home in the Wairarapa. Photo / Wairarapa Times Age

NEW ZEALAND

Defence Minister Ron Mark accused of using Air Force as taxi service

15 Mar, 2018 5:16pm
3 minutes to read

National is accusing Defence Minister Ron Mark of misusing his position.

Jacinda Ardern talks at the Young Labour summer camp near Waihi on February 18. Photo / Facebook

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Ardern should be 'bloody angry' - instead she has been too forgiving

13 Mar, 2018 5:25pm
2 minutes to read

COMMENT: To ignore the assaults' political dimension denies reality, writes Audrey Young.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Able Adams faces hard grind in finance

10 Mar, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: It would be a mistake for Amy Adams to view Grant Robertson as an easy target.

Fletcher Tabeuteau was elected as deputy leader of NZ First last week. Photo / NZ Herald

NEW ZEALAND

Life after Winston: Is this the man to save NZ First?

10 Mar, 2018 5:00am
10 minutes to read

Audrey Young looks at the rise of deputy Fletcher Tabuteau and the future of the party.

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern: TPP not a perfect deal but good enough

8 Mar, 2018 5:07pm
3 minutes to read

Green MP Golriz Ghahraman accuses her coalition government of "spin" about revised TPP.

There was a time when Joyce was the next guy in line to be leader. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: The rise and stall of Steven Joyce

6 Mar, 2018 5:33pm
2 minutes to read

COMMENT: There was a time when Joyce was the next guy in line to be leader.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, left, and her partner Clarke Gayford arrive in Sydney. Photo / AP

NEW ZEALAND

National is back in the political shade

3 Mar, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

PM becomes an object of fascination across the ditch.

NEW ZEALAND

Could airport departure cards soon be a thing of the past?

2 Mar, 2018 5:54pm
Quick Read

Australian and NZ business leaders have recommended the Government scrap the paperwork.

New Zealnd Prime Minister Jacinda Adern arrives at Kirribilli House with Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Turnbull defends Australia's deportation policy

2 Mar, 2018 5:52pm
4 minutes to read

Malcolm Turnbull has put up a spirited defence of his country's deportation policy.

Jacinda Ardern being welcomed at Admiralty House, Sydney. Photo / Pool

NEW ZEALAND

Watch: Ardern and Turnbull front up

2 Mar, 2018 12:37pm
2 minutes to read

Ardern and Turnbull reiterated the two nations' "partnership" at Sydney press conference.

Jacinda Ardern being welcomed at Admiralty House in Sydney.

NEW ZEALAND

'We don't want Arderned crims' insist Aussies

2 Mar, 2018 10:51am
2 minutes to read

Ardern has been welcomes to Sydney with a clear message.

Jacinda Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford will get to know Malcolm Turnbull and wife, Lucy, over dinner in Sydney.

NEW ZEALAND

Turnbulls host Jacinda and Clarke tonight

1 Mar, 2018 4:52pm
3 minutes to read

It's Jacinda Ardern's first formal visit to Australia as Prime Minister.

National leader Simon Bridges says that unlike National's, the Government's payment was approved after the SFO investigation began and that shows a weakness in the system. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Simon Bridges' first blunder: Attack on Govt rebounds

28 Feb, 2018 8:12pm
3 minutes to read

Bridges attacks payment as 'incompetent' but National paid the same company.

Simon Bridges built up friendships and loyalties in the caucus over the years that he was able to call on when it counted. Photo / Stuart Munro

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Caucus always knows best

28 Feb, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT:Simon Bridges has made an impressive start to his leadership, writes Audrey Young.

Simon Bridges and Jacinda Ardern traded shots at Question Time today. Photos / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Game on: Bridges brings out mongrel in Ardern

27 Feb, 2018 3:05pm
3 minutes to read

Comment: He may be Oxford educated but it was pure Te Atatu.

Jacinda Ardern says the pursuit of disarmament is as vital today as it was in the Norm Kirk and David Lange era. Photo / Greg Bowker

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern's first big foreign affairs speech

27 Feb, 2018 9:47am
3 minutes to read

Ardern spoke of US in terms of difference and China in terms of leadership.

Attorney-General David Parker and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern say Parliament will review laws found to inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act but won't have to change them. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Courts get power to order MPs to rethink

26 Feb, 2018 8:15pm
3 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern says the move will not compromise Parliament's sovereignty.

Steven Joyce has been campaigning for relevancy and using his finest dark arts to run an exceptional campaign. But the best campaign of the National Party leadership tussle has been run by Judith Collins. Photos / NZME

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Joyce, Collins win campaign but not contest

26 Feb, 2018 7:48pm
2 minutes to read

Comment: Conditions of secrecy helped Joyce's campaign to get off the starting block.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges has been ahead from the day he announced his candidacy for Tuesday's vote. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Bridges closest but not close enough yet

25 Feb, 2018 7:34pm
3 minutes to read

Steven Joyce and Amy Adams have been talking over the weekend but no deals done.