Azaria Howell
Political Reporter
Azaria Howell is a Newstalk ZB political reporter based in Wellington.
Azaria is a Wellington-based multimedia reporter with an eye across the region. She joined NZME in 2022 after multiple years as a student journalist. She has a keen interest in city council decisions, social housing, and transport. You can contact Azaria at azaria.howell@nzme.co.nz.
Check out Azaria’s latest content
Govt considering 'demolition' for Chateau Tongariro, deemed a ‘fiscal risk’ in Budget 2025
Options are being investigated for the site, 'including demolition'.
Inside texts between Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche and Minister Judith Collins
Collins shared a UK article titled 'under-peforming civil servants to be pushed out'.
Health Minister intervenes as ministry reduces posting on social site X
Simeon Brown said it makes no sense not to use X, formerly Twitter, to reach people.
170 formal complaints from schools about lunches programme in first month
Complaints included missed deliveries and menu problems.
Andrew Little formally launches mayoralty campaign
The former Labour leader earlier said he wanted at least two terms in the city's top job.
Collins eyes scrapping ‘woke’ diversity requirements for public sector bosses
A draft bill is expected to be before the Cabinet in July.
Inside Health NZ’s million-dollar spend on restructure consultants
The agency said there was a "strong focus" on reducing the use of consultants.
New Zealand’s declined baby names of 2024 revealed
Names must not be offensive, resemble a rank, or be 'unreasonably long'.
No OT social workers assigned to more than 1000 at-risk children
As at March 31, 2025, there were 1319 children overdue for allocation to a social worker.
Health NZ paid for Margie Apa to do governance course as she was leaving the role
The Health NZ Te Whatu Ora chief executive announced her resignation in February.
Why Director-General of Health was hand-picked, not traditionally hired
Ex-Transport Secretary Audrey Sonerson was appointed to the role in April.
Health NZ to cut more than $200m from its contractor and consultant spend
Health New Zealand has been using contractors to fill vacancies.
Social groups respond to Green MP saying they told her of police throwing away homeless items
The Sallies say they would raise any concerns with police directly.
Green MP under fire for ‘nonsense’ police comments
The MP says she's had 'nothing but complaints' about police beat patrols.
Public servants asked whether their work provides value for taxpayers
The topics in the 2025 Public Service Census 'reflect the Government's priorities'.
Jesus ‘very well might support Act’: David Seymour
The party would endorse a mayoral candidate if Christ hypothetically came back to stand.
Health NZ used single Excel spreadsheet to track $28b of public money
Deloitte financial review of health agency lays out 'significant concerns'.
‘Not good enough’: Police slammed for non-emergency call delays
The average wait time is now six minutes and 36 seconds.
Revealed: Mega-ministry’s 63% cut to ‘Big Four’ consultancy spending
The agency's "big four" spend went from $7.1m to $2.6m in a financial year.
‘Embarrassing’: Tinetti removes social post criticising school lunch made when Labour in power
'I think that this is a hamburger. I am not certain.'
Te Pāti Māori co-founder Dame Tariana Turia dies after suffering stroke
Turia first entered Parliament in 1996 and left politics in 2014.
NZ Defence Force admits cost-cutting could affect 'fitness to deploy'
The New Zealand Defence force has a budget shortfall of $130 million.
Proposal to rename Petone and Auckland suburb thrown out
The Petone proposal was put forward as a correction to a historical 'misspelling'.
'Queer House': NZ's most rainbow-friendly neighbourhood revealed
Last year's Census was the first time Kiwis were asked about their sexual orientation.
Public servants offered support to retire or move to Australia amid job cuts
An internal document describes retirement as 'your next work-life balance adventure'.
Housing development plans confirmed for old Wellington church site
A previous development fell through because of rising costs.
What government agencies are spending on Christmas parties, if anything
One ministry has opted for a karaoke machine, but for many there's no celebration.
Review suggests hiring fewer new cops for further cost savings
The review, published by Treasury, said police were facing cost pressures.
Former top cop ready to shake-up spending on social services
Andrew Coster sees his role as building a fence at the top of the cliff.
'Shameful': Health NZ planning to cut nearly 1500 more jobs, union claims
Staff have been called into meetings today to discuss the proposal.
Some schools won't have resources to teach new maths curriculum in time for Term 1
The Ministry of Education says there has been "high demand" for the new resources.
Public sector cuts: More job losses considered before Christmas
A senior leader tells staff he doesn't feel 'in the least bit Christmassy'.
Public sector wages growing faster than private sector
Around 18,500 public servants received a pay rise in the quarter.
Cockatoo believed to be stolen from wildlife reserve
Staff at the sanctuary are 'very upset'.
Charter school provider has 'significant concerns' about application process
Announcements about the first new schools are expected next month.
'Ability to drive change': Why top cop Andrew Coster was appointed Social Investment boss
The outgoing Police Commissioner starts his five-year term in the new role on Monday.
NZDF workers taking escalated strike action after pay increase refusal
Union members are refusing to work overtime and will reduce work output.
WorkSafe plans second major restructure, job losses proposed
40 net roles are proposed to be cut.
Report finds Govt lacks information on student achievement in primary, intermediate
The audit says better information is needed to improve student achievement.
Tory Whanau appears to like Instagram comments suggesting Govt intervention a 'hit-job'
The mayor's account has since un-liked the comments.
Four government departments spend more on consultants in a financial year after order to cut back
The Government has directed agencies to reduce reliance on contractors and consultants.
Ministry for Regulation among public service's highest earners as sector pay jumps
The average manager's salary in the public sector sits at $163,800.
'Haven't broken the law': Wellington councillors challenge Govt intervention threat
Wellington City councillors have emerged from an urgent meeting this afternoon.
Decision to rename Petone to Pito one referred to minister
The New Zealand Geographic Board met on the name change yesterday.
Rare Antarctic penguin spotted in Petone, thousands of kilometres away from home
The Department of Conservation says Adelie penguins are a rare sight in Wellington.
State Highway 3 closed following ‘serious crash’ near Taranaki; two injured
Motorists are told to expect delays.
Resource consent lodged to expand Petone Kmart
The application is currently on hold while impacts on traffic are considered.
Kāinga Ora board member slams Bill English review in resignation letter
Philippa Howden-Chapman served on Kāinga Ora’s board for six years.
Govt considered disestablishing Māori Crown Relations Office
It was decided to retain office as a departmental agency to "minimise disruption".
Multimillion-dollar Wellington cycleway on pause after council cost savings
The council is not planning any investment in the project over the next three years.
Poll: Do Kiwis believe Kim Dotcom should be extradited to the US?
The Justice Minister had previously given 'every' officer the power to arrest Kim Dotcom.
Justice Minister gave 'every' police officer power to arrest Kim Dotcom
The Megaupload founder plans to fight his extradition order.
Highway fire: Emergency services put out two blazes on Bay of Plenty roadside
The road has now reopened.
Nearly half of corporate police staff surveyed 'interested' in voluntary redundancy
An internal survey reveals most were interested in finding out what they'd be entitled to.
‘Terrible’: Councillors unimpressed by Tory Whanau TV interview, being called 'riff raff'
The mayor had to correct statements made on both her car sale and selling airport shares.
Wellington council considering $1500 grants to struggling businesses
One councillor suggested the fund was 'not meaningful'.
Cost to hold Māori ward referendums revealed for 12 councils
Officials have criticised the additional cost as "significant" and a "waste of money".
Wellington mosque wanting to broadcast call to prayer three times a year
One broadcast would be on the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks.
Taste of democracy revealed: Hawke’s Bay big winner in new Parliament wine contract
Four of the seven chosen wines come from Hawke's Bay.
MSD cuts funding for charity working with emergency housing tenants
Emerge Aotearoa provides support for families in emergency housing.
Stats NZ moves Auckland office to Queen St after safety concerns
'The feedback from staff about the new location has been overwhelmingly positive.'
Would you pay $8 for a cup of coffee?
Consumers should pay more for coffee, Flight Coffee company managing director argues.
Acclaimed filmmaker says Govt 'daft' to cut Creatives in Schools programme
Funding was pulled as the programme didn't align with Government priorities.
Health NZ calls for voluntary redundancies following overspend
A commissioner replaced the Health New Zealand board in July.
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Wellington flooding: Trains resume, worst of rain moves north
Another band of rain is forecast to come through in the next 24 hours.
Limited engagement with iwi on Three Waters replacement - officials
'The Government intends to engage with iwi/Māori and report back in late 2024.'
Councillor not sure 'lavish' bus shelters with living roofs would be approved today, minister calls the shelters 'crazy'
A Paraparaumu Community Board member called it 'gold plated'.
Almost 250 police jobs cut, Commissioner promises no impact to front line
The cuts were expected to free up about $53 million over four years.
NZ at ‘high risk’ of measles outbreak - Ministry of Education
'Local childhood immunisation rates are declining,' the ministry said.
What’s for lunch? Samples of new healthy school lunches revealed
Lunches are expected to be delivered at $3 per meal.
'Hugely concerning:' Man allegedly suffered gunshot wound after Palmerston North fight
Police believe two people were involved.
State school teachers could be told to fill in at new charter schools
Cabinet material states charter schools aim to increase choice and enable 'innovation'.
Te Pūkenga boss: Polytech merger to keep cutting costs over next six months
'We will work pretty hard over the next six months to continue to build our revenue base.'
Public sector cuts: $58m so far in redundancy payouts at Govt agencies
Nicola Willis says the cost is small compared to the $6b they're expecting to save.
Council officers recommend using debt to fund raised pedestrian crossings
NZTA advised the council it would not fund "raised safety platforms".
Seymour stands by ECE regulations slash despite major opposition
The Associate Education Minister suggested many stakeholders 'don't want competition'.
'Leave now': Foreign Minister tells Kiwis to flee Lebanon and Iran; consider if staying in Israel necessary
Iran has promised 'severe' revenge after the leader of militant group Hamas was killed.
Government to cut millions in funding for Family Start programme - union
Public Service Association says briefing confirmed 25% of scheme's funding will be axed.
Survivors march to Parliament ahead of Abuse in Care report release
The report will be released publicly this afternoon.
Police quash speculation about progress in Breanna Muriwai case
Breanna's mother Jasmin Gray hinted at a significant update in the case.