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Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters says

NEW ZEALAND

Winston Peters: No correction necessary on China

11 Jul, 2018 1:48pm
3 minutes to read

Winston Peters does not accept China's criticism of NZ's position.

Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters speaking about China at the post cabinet press conference. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

China ambassador registers concern over NZ's strategic defence

10 Jul, 2018 7:20am
3 minutes to read

Winston Peters says the difference is with the former Govt, not between him and Ron Mark.

Acting PM comes under unexpected attack from Opposition. Illustration / Guy Body

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: National not amused by 'the Winston show'

7 Jul, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: National steps up attacks on Peters as the "Winston show" rolls on.

The potential for loss of life was high but the HMNZS Otago's commanding officer managed to manoeuvre the vessel through mountainous seas and floating ice. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Navy ship in Southern Ocean capsize near-miss

6 Jul, 2018 4:08pm
3 minutes to read

Climate change is creating new weather challenges for the Defence Force.

Defence Minister Ron Mark presented the policy statement, the first strategic update since 2016's White Paper.

NEW ZEALAND

Govt explicit about Great Power rivalry

6 Jul, 2018 11:00am
4 minutes to read

Government's sets out position on New Zealand's place in turbulent times.

Police Minister Stuart Nash says he would have done things differently. Photo / Andrew Warner

NEW ZEALAND

Top cop appointment: What Police minister would have done different

4 Jul, 2018 7:28pm
3 minutes to read

Police minister says he may have acted differently if he known then what he knows now.

Winston Peters backs Tracey Martin to oversee the Wally Haumaha inquiry. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Bridges wants probe into top cop's role broadened

3 Jul, 2018 7:22am
4 minutes to read

Peters must answer serious questions to ensure public confidence in police, says Bridges.

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis says ministers had worked from prisoner projections when it made the Waikeria decision. Photo / John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Kelvin Davis sets the record straight

2 Jul, 2018 11:16am
3 minutes to read

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis has clarified confusion over what he knew and when.

Simon Bridges says a responsible Government would act on the advice it received. Photo / Warren Buckland

NEW ZEALAND

Bridges: Fewer beds for more prisoners

2 Jul, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The 10-year projection of NZ's prison population has surged in the past two years.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins says he was 'a little disappointed' with the open letter from principals.

NEW ZEALAND

Hipkins responds to 'fail' for NCEA review

1 Jul, 2018 2:56pm
4 minutes to read

Principals are miffed that 5-year-olds have been asked for views but not them.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Exemption saga for iwi by no means over

30 Jun, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: The Govt should insist on getting more information before deciding on next steps.

NEW ZEALAND

Peters: Time for some original thinking

29 Jun, 2018 6:38pm
4 minutes to read

Winston Peters says New Zealand is sticking with "Asia Pacific" rather than "Indo Pacific"

Former Prime Minister Sir John Key and former US president Barack Obama playing golf at Tara Iti in March this year. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NEW ZEALAND

Parker lets rip over conflict suggestions

27 Jun, 2018 7:56pm
5 minutes to read

David Parker says simply knowing someone does not constitute a conflict of interest.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Winston Peters for about 15 minutes. Photo / Getty Images/Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Peters talks tariffs with US counterpart

27 Jun, 2018 10:58am
2 minutes to read

The treatment of children on the US southern border was raised by Peters today.

Health Minister David Clark's sudden decision to drop national health targets is at odds with Labour's previous insistence on the value of specific targets to measure progress on child poverty. Photo / 123RF

NEW ZEALAND

Young: Labour's dumping of health targets is just bizarre

26 Jun, 2018 8:37pm
2 minutes to read

COMMENT: Jacinda Ardern built a case for child poverty targets. What's changed for health?

David Parker has responsibility for the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill as Associate Finance Minister. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Parker: Cabinet approved iwi exemption

26 Jun, 2018 6:14pm
3 minutes to read

Winston Peters launches fierce defence of David Parker over Te Arai exemption.

Winston Peters made a reasonable fist of it in all aspects except his own portfolio. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: NZ too deferential to US

23 Jun, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The Emeritus foreign minister Helen Clark said what had to be said this week.

European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom speaks during a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Canberra this week. Photo / AP

NEW ZEALAND

EU trade chief on a mission down under

20 Jun, 2018 8:51pm
2 minutes to read

EU and New Zealand have a similar approach to FTA deals says David Parker.

The Trump administration announced its departure from the United Nations' main human rights body. Former PM Helen Clark wonders if it could get worse. Photos / AP / File

NEW ZEALAND

Helen Clark thinking about 'the unthinkable' after US move

20 Jun, 2018 6:38pm
4 minutes to read

Former PM has wondered aloud whether the US could withdraw from the United Nations.

Dame Caludia Orange, Dr Michael Sheehan and Graeme Ball after briefing the Māori Affairs select committee on the teaching of history in New Zealand. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

History never repeats: But it should be taught more, MPs told

20 Jun, 2018 6:16pm
4 minutes to read

New Zealand is not alone in thinking its own history is boring.

Human rights spokeswoman Golriz Ghahraman will move a motion in Parliament to mark refugee day. Photo / Doug Sherring

NEW ZEALAND

NZ cannot stand by silently say Greens

20 Jun, 2018 1:07pm
2 minutes to read

US must stop separating parents from their children at the border, says Golriz Ghahraman.

NEW ZEALAND

Govt: Bill restricting house sales will have small effect on prices

19 Jun, 2018 7:50pm
4 minutes to read

National says the bill has been a textbook exercise of bad law-making.

Greens co-leader and Climate Change Minister James Shaw says cabinet will be making decisions in August. Photo / Nick Reed

BUSINESS

James Shaw welcomes 'genuine' approach from Simon Bridges

18 Jun, 2018 2:43pm
2 minutes to read

James Shaw welcomes letter from National seeking bipartisan approach on climate change.

It's the best job in the world says former prime minister Sir John Key. Photo / Greg Bowker

NEW ZEALAND

Stop barking at the media: John Key's advice to acting PM Winston

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

Good Prime Ministers have to watch their temperament, says Sir John Key.

Ardern's faith in Peters being able to manage when she is away must be seriously undermined given that he and his party have caused many of the issues, writes Audrey Young. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: PM will forgive Winston Peters for anything, even the unforgivable

16 Jun, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Peters has never stopped being a lawyer, since the day a court made him an MP.

Winston Peters is poised for a new kind of challenge that may test his temperament. Photo / NZME

NEW ZEALAND

The Accidental PM: Peters poised to take the helm

16 Jun, 2018 5:00am
11 minutes to read

Winston Peters is about to encounter not just one but two new significant milestones.

Peters is not quite in charge just yet but National will be praying that recent events are a sign of messy management to come. Photo/ Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Peters' legal move highlights coalition chaos

11 Jun, 2018 8:38pm
3 minutes to read

In the latest hit to the coalition, Peters will sue the Government he's about to lead.

NEW ZEALAND

Peters taking new legal action against Ministry of Social Development

11 Jun, 2018 5:28pm
3 minutes to read

Winston Peters has begun new legal action seeking $450,000 for alleged breach of privacy.

NEW ZEALAND

Bridges says three strike backdown shows Govt's incompetence

11 Jun, 2018 12:55pm
5 minutes to read

Justice Minister Andrew Little is set to announce an advisory panel to look at reforms.

National Party leader Simon Bridges WITH winner of the byelection Dan Bidois at Northcote Rugby Club. Photo / Chris Loufte

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: National on a roll after byelection

11 Jun, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: It wasn't just the win, it was how they won that thrills National's ranks.

Dan Bidois is keen to settle down, get married and raise a family in Northcote. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Dan Bidois: The complicated life of NZ's newest MP

10 Jun, 2018 1:41pm
4 minutes to read

Dan Bidois says he was like the Fonzie of his school, popular for the wrong reasons.

Leader of the National Party Simon Bridges introduces winner of the byelection Dan Bidois at Northcote Rugby Club. Photo / Chris Loufte

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Bridges has reason to celebrate Northcote win

9 Jun, 2018 9:32pm
2 minutes to read

COMMENT: The 1362 majority for Bidois was a lot tighter than the majority last September.

A Queen St protest against the Employment Contracts Act. Photo / file.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: First hurdle is creating frame for Fair Pay deals

9 Jun, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Proposed labour reforms don't mean a return to militancy of 1970s.

Ron Mark heard US Defense Secretary James Mattis explain why he had un-invited China from naval exercises. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

China gets warm welcome from NZ military

8 Jun, 2018 6:52pm
3 minutes to read

Joint exercises helped New Zealand and China co-operate in the search for MH370.

Labour candidate Shanan Halbert with Prime Minister Jacinda Jacinda Ardern on the campaign trail in Northcote yesterday. Photo / Dean Purcell

NEW ZEALAND

Simon Bridges: We are not playing to lose

8 Jun, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Eight candidates are contesting the first byelection this term.

Jacinda Ardern is accusing Simon Bridges of spreading false information over the number of reviews the Government has set up. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Ardern lashes out at Bridges over reviews

7 Jun, 2018 12:56pm
3 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern says reviews are a way of doing Government differently.

NEW ZEALAND

Audrey Young: Manifesto promises are promises no more

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

COMMENT: National will have a field day on the Budget before Ardern heads off on leave.

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.