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The Education Act does not specify that religious instruction in school must be Christian, but most of it is based on Bible stories.

NEW ZEALAND

Losing our religion: Is this the end of religious lessons in schools?

13 Jan, 2020 5:31am
4 minutes to read

Education Minister Chris Hipkins says NZ is not ready for ban on religious instruction.

The Education and Training Bill will combine laws regulating the education system from early childhood education to university and vocational studies. Photo / Warren Buckland

NEW ZEALAND

Education changes planned across the board

13 Jan, 2020 5:00am
11 minutes to read

Parliament is considering one education act to rule them all.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern showed the anguish and strength of a broken-hearted country. Photo / Dean Purcell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: And my politician of the year is ...

21 Dec, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

This may be as good as it gets for Simon Bridges, writes Audrey Young.

Sean Topham (left) and Ben Guerin, founding partners of Topham Guerin. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Meet the Kiwi digital whizzes behind Boris Johnson's landslide victory

17 Dec, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Sean Topham is coy about whether his team will be helping Simon Bridges.

NEW ZEALAND

Simon Bridges draws lessons from UK landslide

15 Dec, 2019 4:22pm
4 minutes to read

Labour's feedback loop seems stuck in Grey Lynn and Wadestown, says Simon Bridges.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Peters takes the driver's seat with media nod

14 Dec, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Why Winston Peters changed his mind this week.

Grant Robertson and Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Marty Melville

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Robertson sets up Govt nicely for election year

11 Dec, 2019 1:00pm
3 minutes to read

Grant Robertson is leaving the big reveal for him and Jacinda Ardern in election year.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Why election 2020 is going to be ugly

7 Dec, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

The cannabis referendum is likely become more enmeshed in party politics than euthanasia.

Winston Peters has accused his former party president Lester Gray of having

NEW ZEALAND

'Appalling': Peters accuses ex-NZ First president of having 'mental health issues'

5 Dec, 2019 7:56pm
5 minutes to read

Nick Smith says he is appalled at Winston Peters.

Alicia Wright and Marie Shroff from he Electoral Commission at the justice select committee. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

Electoral Commission wants more muscle

5 Dec, 2019 11:55am
3 minutes to read

National's Nick Smith was prevented from asking questions about donations bill.

NEW ZEALAND

Ex-NZ First officials seek private hearing on donations

4 Dec, 2019 2:48pm
5 minutes to read

The justice committee is due to make a decision tomorrow, according to Nick Smith.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Labour needs to move with or without NZ First permission

3 Dec, 2019 2:10pm
4 minutes to read

Willow-Jean Prime's surest way to promotion is to lose support to NZ First.

Jacinda Ardern talks to reporters after her final conference speech. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Jacinda Ardern ends year delivering the dosh

1 Dec, 2019 4:31pm
3 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern plays Mother Christmas in the Labour conference finale.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson with his mother, Yvonne, from Dunedin at the Labour conference in Whanganui. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Revealed: Schools set to benefit in massive Government spend up

1 Dec, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

CTU president Richard Wagstaff delivered a veiled message to New Zealand First.

New Labour party president Claire Szabo with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Meet Labour's new president: A working mum and daughter of refugee

30 Nov, 2019 5:10pm
2 minutes to read

Claire Szabo beat two other contenders including Māori Vice President Tane Phillips.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and former party president Nigel Haworth fronting media about the 2017 sexual assault complaints. Photo / Greg Bowker

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: The Labour party president Ardern is hoping for

30 Nov, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Ardern found the spine that was missing last year and forced out the president.

NEW ZEALAND

NZ First breaks rank to oppose cigarette price rise

29 Nov, 2019 3:06pm
4 minutes to read

Winston Peters says the price rise will disproportionately "gouge" the poor.

BUSINESS

Labour Party cashes in on party gathering to fill campaign coffers

28 Nov, 2019 7:21pm
3 minutes to read

The PM speaks to other groups who charge attendees - Labour is doing the same.

Green MP Chloe Swarbrick has made a new commitment. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Chloe Swarbrick on why she has turned a corner

28 Nov, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

A new seat and a new sense of direction for Green MP Chloe Swarbrick.

Successful contender for Palmerston North selection William Wood, aged 17.

NEW ZEALAND

Political humiliation at the hands of a schoolboy

25 Nov, 2019 7:04pm
4 minutes to read

Schoolboy candidate was super-confident in his presentation.

Jacinda Ardern and Winston Peters in Parliament this week. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Ardern wise to keep distance from NZ First murk

23 Nov, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Jacinda Ardern's opponents are goading her to get closer to the donations saga.

Jacinda Ardern, Winston Peters and Stuart Nash at today's graduation ceremony. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

Top brass celebrates police graduation

21 Nov, 2019 2:00pm
3 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern and Winston Peters boast an 11 per cent increase in police numbers.

Jacinda Ardern and Winston Peters at Question Time today. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Comment: The one question the PM could not afford to answer

20 Nov, 2019 7:15pm
3 minutes to read

Speaker Trevor Mallard likened Simon Bridges' face-pulling to Michael Cheika's.

Bidding wars among prospective tenants will be outlawed under Kris Faafoi's changes to the Residential Tenancies Act. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Tenants' rights: Landlords fume over new Govt plans

17 Nov, 2019 4:15pm
6 minutes to read

Landlords will have to go to the Tenancy Tribunal to get rid of anti-social tenants.

Gareth Hughes, the Green Party's longest serving MP came into Parliament in February 2010 on the list after the retirement of Jeanette Fitzsimons. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

MP Gareth Hughes: It feels right to go

17 Nov, 2019 12:15pm
5 minutes to read

Gareth Hughes believes he could have returned to Parliament with a winnable list place.

Associate Housing Minister Kris Faafoi. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Law to make eviction of tenants harder

17 Nov, 2019 10:59am
2 minutes to read

Govt is to set new rules around evictions for anti-social behaviour and rent arrears.

High achievers build relationship defying ideological divide. Illustration / Guy Body

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: The curious collab - a Nat MP and a Labour Minister

16 Nov, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: The two former head prefects were always destined for success.

Speaker Trevor Mallard will get stronger powers under rule changes. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

MPs' veto over video clips to be removed

14 Nov, 2019 8:57pm
3 minutes to read

Parliament is a public place and MPs must be accountable for what they say there - report.

Former TVNZ journalist and now Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Faafoi wants 'sustainable' broadcaster

14 Nov, 2019 4:52pm
3 minutes to read

The advisory group has reportedly recommended winding up TVNZ and RNZ.

Simon Bridges suggested that Trevor Mallard had more

NEW ZEALAND

Trevor Mallard throws Simon Bridges out of Parliament - again

13 Nov, 2019 5:07pm
3 minutes to read

It is the third time that Trevor Mallard has thrown out Simon Bridges.

State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'Compromised' investigation into Budget botch-up ditched

13 Nov, 2019 12:23pm
3 minutes to read

A member of the investigation team had a conflict of interest, says SCC Commissioner.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Why Chris Hipkins is top of the class

12 Nov, 2019 6:56pm
3 minutes to read

Chris Hipkins turns an electoral liability into a presentable plan, writes Audrey Young.

An out-of-control bushfire threatens Johns River on the NSW mid north coast. Photo / Daily Telegraph

NEW ZEALAND

NZ offers help as Aussie fires worsen

11 Nov, 2019 5:47pm
2 minutes to read

A state of emergency has been declared in NSW.

Nicola Grigg, National's candidate in Selwyn. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Ex-press secretary gets nod in safe National seat

10 Nov, 2019 5:45pm
2 minutes to read

Nicola Grigg says working for Simon Bridges and Bill English was a career highlight.

Sustainable NZ leader Vernon Tava said at the party's launch today that a true sustainability-based party can work with either of the major parties. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

NZ's newest political party launched

10 Nov, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

Gene technology could be a powerful tool in reducing predators, says Vernon Tava.

NEW ZEALAND

Party launch tinged with sadness after air-crash tragedy

9 Nov, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Green-turned-Nat set to launch his own environmental party.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Climate change shift enhances Simon Bridges' leadership

9 Nov, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: In subterranean battle between Simon Bridges and Judith Collins, Bridges won.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Minister for Climate Change James Shaw. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Listen live: PM Jacinda Ardern joins Mike Hosking to discuss her 'nuclear moment'

7 Nov, 2019 5:11pm
6 minutes to read

It's time to deliver action, says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

East Asia Summit leaders pose yesterday for their

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern wraps up Bangkok summit with no RCEP

5 Nov, 2019 12:31am
3 minutes to read

The PM's last meeting in Bangkok was about the RCEP trade deal.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Premier Li Keqiang. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: PM entitled to gloat after China trade upgrade

4 Nov, 2019 6:04pm
3 minutes to read

Congratulations from National would not go amiss.

Jacinda Ardern and Premier Li Keqiang at a previous meeting.

BUSINESS

Jacinda Ardern secures upgrade on China free trade deal

4 Nov, 2019 5:07pm
5 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern and Premier Li Keqiang confirmed the upgrade during talks in Bangkok.

Trade is top of Jacinda Ardern's agenda today. Photo / Mark Mitchell

BUSINESS

Ardern gets down to business with movers and shakers

4 Nov, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern has a sense of deja vu about the RCEP.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. Photo / Pool

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern gets surprising words of welcome

4 Nov, 2019 2:59am
5 minutes to read

The Thai PM suggests a very specific area for future co-operation with New Zealand.

The Green Party caucus in Parliament grounds. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: How the Green Party MPs rate

3 Nov, 2019 7:00pm
7 minutes to read

The Green Party has a handicap that no other party has to the same extent - ex MPs.

Rugby will be high on the agenda when Jacina Ardern and Shinzo Abe meet at the East Asia Summit in Thailand. Photo / AP

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern plans to talk rugby in Bangkok

3 Nov, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is preparing to attend her third East Asia Summit.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Jacinda Ardern's one night in Bangkok

2 Nov, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: One way or another, superpower rivalry consumes regional summits these days.

A firefighter battles the fire in Healdsburg, California. Photo / AP

NEW ZEALAND

Maurice Williamson and the LA inferno

30 Oct, 2019 1:44pm
5 minutes to read

The residence is due to shortly host a show by musician Aldous Harding.

Defence Minister Ron Mark in his Beehive office. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Reading between the lines of Pacific paper

29 Oct, 2019 6:42pm
3 minutes to read

China is not mentioned in latest Defence paper, but it doesn't need to be.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announcing details of the Emissions Trading Scheme. Photo / Marty Melville

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Coalition is thriving on PM's talent

26 Oct, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Winston Peters knew his place on Thursday and it was not with Jacinda Ardern.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Climate Change Minister James Shaw, left, and Beef + Lamb chairman Andrew Morrison at today's launch. Photo / Marty Melville

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Is that purring coming from the Beehive?

24 Oct, 2019 1:55pm
3 minutes to read

James Shaw's patience pays off handsomely, writes Audrey Young.

British High Commissioner Laura Clarke took her Kiwi husband and kids to Gisborne with her. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: NZ Govt wise to keep out of iwi-UK events

5 Oct, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: There has been nervousness in successive govts about the James Cook anniversary.

British High Commissioner Laura Clarke makes the statement of regret. Photo / Gisborne Herald

NEW ZEALAND

Māori not blameless either during Captain Cook's landing: Winston Peters

2 Oct, 2019 6:34pm
5 minutes to read

The Government has kept its distance from Britain's statement of regret.

British High Commissioner Laura Clarke. Photo / BHC

NEW ZEALAND

British expression of regret over Cook encounter asked for by iwi

2 Oct, 2019 11:04am
3 minutes to read

The British High Commission says the Gisborne iwi requested the expression of regret.

NEW ZEALAND

UK Govt to atone for Captain Cook's NZ landing deaths

2 Oct, 2019 8:16am
4 minutes to read

Tuia250 commemorations over James Cook's arrival have been dogged by controversy.

Member of the British House of Commons gather on September 25 following the bombshell decision of the Supreme Court. Photo / AP from House of Commons video

NEW ZEALAND

NZ experts mull British Supreme Court Brexit bombshell

1 Oct, 2019 5:00am
8 minutes to read

Constitutional lawyers are riveted to the Brexit roller coaster.

Simon Bridges in his office at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Ministry of Transport apologises to Simon Bridges over blocking 'spam'

30 Sep, 2019 4:48pm
3 minutes to read

Simon Bridges credits the Ministry of Transport for taking steps to correct its error.

National Party leader Simon Bridges says it is unacceptable for the Ministry of Transport to block submissions. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Simon Bridges cries foul over car submissions

29 Sep, 2019 6:31pm
4 minutes to read

Bridges says Ministry blocked at least 1000 objections to so-called car tax-rebate scheme.

Trevor Mallard calls time but Simon Bridges pushes for revision of rules. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: The big battle boiling between Simon Bridges and Trevor Mallard

28 Sep, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Stoush over video use is not just about change, but how fast and on whose terms.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern meets US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations in New York.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: There's a time to zip it Mr Bridges

24 Sep, 2019 5:32pm
3 minutes to read

Winston Peters gave away what Trump said to one of his staff.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. Photo / Marty Melville

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Winston Peters speaks for those who object to victim-led approach

21 Sep, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Three groups are in New Zealand First's immediate sights.

Former Greens co-leader Metiria Turei announcing her resignation in August 2017. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Metiria Turei surfaces in select committee

19 Sep, 2019 3:48pm
3 minutes to read

Former Greens leader makes select committee submission in public session but by telephone.

National's North Shore MP Maggie Barry has apologised to Ruth Dyson, and the House for her outburst. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Maggie Barry apologises for aggressive behaviour during debate

18 Sep, 2019 6:29pm
3 minutes to read

David Seymour suggests that MP Maggie Barry needs to go on gardening leave.