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Violet being dispatched to the naughty corner of Speaker Trevor Mallard's office at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

What's the buzz around Parliament? Claire Trevett reveals all

17 May, 2019 2:17pm
5 minutes to read

A recap of the highlights of the week in politics.

Jacinda Ardern promoted the fees-free policy regularly on the 2017 campaign. Here she is at Victoria University. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: KiwiBuild, fees-free and the merits of U-turns

16 May, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

PM should be asking if KiwiBuild and Fees-Free are solutions or are now costly problems.

Police Minister Stuart Nash was one of the ministers who watched the rugby from Huawei's corporate box. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: The perils of the corporate box for MPs

9 May, 2019 8:08pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Chinese tech giant Huawei appears in MPs' corporate box entries for first time.

A cannabis shop in Poland. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Having lost the CGT, is a stoners' tax the answer?

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

The "binding" nature of the referendum is more by way of pinky promise than by law.

Pro-choice protesters gate-crash a Voice for Life protest at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Exclusive: Breakthrough on abortion reforms

2 May, 2019 2:54pm
6 minutes to read

NZ First gives go-ahead to abortion reform, but rejects referendum on MMP threshold.

A disappointed Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pointed to NZ First as the reason she could not get the tax over the line. NZ First proudly took ownership of that. Photos / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Inside the coalition: Who's really running the country?

2 May, 2019 2:20pm
17 minutes to read

Money, politics and the Deputy PM all stand accused of stalling the change train.

National Party leader Simon Bridges. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Simon Bridges and the enemy within - why he's jinxed

2 May, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The bright side for Bridges is as bright as the latest Game of Thrones episode.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern explains plans to work with other world leaders on social media. Photo / Jason Oxenham

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: PM takes on social-media Hydra

25 Apr, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Comment: PM has been quiet on Facebook since Christchurch attacks, but that will change.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: terrible dilemmas in hostage case

18 Apr, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Government had to grapple with difficult decision while nurse's life was in the balance.

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: PM's hostage no comment says everything

16 Apr, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: PM made it clear she disagreed with Red Cross decision to name Louisa Akavi.

NEW ZEALAND

How the story of Isis hostage Louisa Akavi was kept secret

15 Apr, 2019 9:32am
7 minutes to read

Former minister Murray McCully talks about keeping Louisa Akavi's plight secret, and why.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Trevett: Labour's support up after mosque attacks

11 Apr, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Labour is riding high after attacks, but bread and butter issues are returning to debate.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern leaves after a press conference at Parliament on the day of the shootings. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

When the call came: Inside Jacinda Ardern's 72 hours after mosque attacks

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

What was happening behind the scenes for the three days after the mosque attacks?

Act Party leader David Seymour. Photo / Michael Craig.

NEW ZEALAND

Trevett: David Seymour's one-man stand

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

Comment: Act leader David Seymour shouldn't be ignored, despite making a clown of himself.

Act Party leader David Seymour. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: The Mankadding of David Seymour

2 Apr, 2019 5:17pm
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: A cunning Hipkins popped Seymour's principles in a glorious 36-second sprint.

Police Minister Stuart Nash will oversee the gun reforms wanted by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Trevett: Kiwi jokes vs US Constitution in gun debate

28 Mar, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Judith Collins' "bugger off" response to NRA could be turned to all manner of uses.

Photos of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a hijab have gone worldwide. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Jacinda Ardern's kindness a powerful diplomatic tool

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

COMMENT: Turkey's President expects more than gun control to save NZ's reputation.

Religious leaders follow Speaker Trevor Mallard into Parliament for the speeches on the Christchurch mosque attacks. Photo / Claire Trevett

NEW ZEALAND

Religious unity in unprecedented day at Parliament

19 Mar, 2019 5:24pm
4 minutes to read

In an unprecedented move, the leaders of many faiths walked into Parliament together.

A mourner placing flowers on a memorial to the victims of the terror attack across the road from the Linwood Mosque in Christchurch. 17 March, 2019. New Zealand Herald photograph by Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Foreign Governments tell citizens in NZ to 'remain vigilant'

18 Mar, 2019 3:24pm
3 minutes to read

The US, Canada, Australia and Bangladesh have advised their citizens in NZ to be careful.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern meets with the Muslim community at the Kilbirnie Mosque in Wellngton. Photo / Getty

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Solace and steel in PM's terror response

17 Mar, 2019 4:56pm
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Few leaders could imagine a more testing situation - or step up to it so well.

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Shane Jones' fatal attraction

14 Mar, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Jones and Ron Mark need to be more careful not to mix business with campaigning.

Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross says he wasn't at a meeting with a businessman whose donation was split up, but Simon Bridges was. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

National Party donation complaint by Jami-Lee Ross referred to Serious Fraud Office

12 Mar, 2019 6:07pm
4 minutes to read

Donation probe: Bridges says his hands are clean; Ross says he wasn't at donor meeting.

PM Jacinda Ardern and NZ First leader Winston Peters in 2017. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: The never-ending capital gains tax headache for PM

7 Mar, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern's hardest job will be convincing voters nothing will change after 2020.

Dame Annette King during her visit to Parliament for the launch of her book. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Insider's look: The rise of Jacinda Ardern, and dealing with Winston

6 Mar, 2019 6:00pm
8 minutes to read

Annette King biography gives insider's peek of Labour through the ages.

Simon and his wife Natalie with Jemima, Harry and Emlyn in December last year. Photo / Andrew Warner

NEW ZEALAND

Natalie Bridges' verdict on her husband: 'A dirty little street fighter'

2 Mar, 2019 5:00am
12 minutes to read

Simon Bridges talks about the 'upsides' of life after his first year as leader.

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Air NZ fare cuts won't shut Shane Jones up

28 Feb, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Comment: It might help temper Shane Jones' ego if Air NZ stopped granting his every wish.

Green Party leader James Shaw is pushing for a capital gains tax but coalition partners Labour and NZ First are likely not so keen. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Tax and pies get Greens going

21 Feb, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: After keeping their heads down, the Greens have started to call to their base.

National Party leader Simon Bridges is stuck in the doldrums in the latest poll. Photo / Jason Oxenham

NEW ZEALAND

Comment: Simon Bridges' perilous poll seesaw

18 Feb, 2019 6:49pm
3 minutes to read

Smaller parties feel the squeeze as Labour and National fight it out in polls

National Party MP Judith Collins looks on as leader Simon Bridges holds a press conference. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Would Judith Collins be saviour or a big mistake?

14 Feb, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Collins is not National's Jacinda Ardern - but could be its David Cunliffe.

Winston Peters speaks at Rātana. Photo / Lewis Gardner

NEW ZEALAND

Peters' words come back to bite at Rātana

25 Jan, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Peters had to defend PM's honour against cads dismissive of her taking off for Davos.

Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters addresses Ratana on Thursday afternoon. Photo/ Lewis Gardner

NEW ZEALAND

Peters says jobs priority as Ratana celebrations kick off

24 Jan, 2019 12:55pm
5 minutes to read

Political year kicks off at annual Ratana celebrations

The tourist family accused of bad behaviour leaving the Hamilton District Court. Photo / Christine Cornege

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Thanks for the memories, unruly tourists

17 Jan, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The unruly tourists deserve a round the world trip, such was the entertainment provided.

Bridges eyeing drum kit but PM says all she wants is sleep.

NEW ZEALAND

Jacinda Ardern and Simon Bridges talk turkey before big day

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

Jacinda Ardern and Simon Bridges on Christmas, and the PM's Christmas Eve recipe.

Sally Dellow says she doesn't want young trans people to suffer as she did. Photo / Marty Melville

NEW ZEALAND

Big Read: A matter of identity

21 Dec, 2018 5:00am
14 minutes to read

Bill which would have allowed trans people to self-identify gender stirred bitter debate.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson. Photo / Mark MItchell

NEW ZEALAND

Trevett: Finlayson put in effort to deliver a better NZ

20 Dec, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Every journalist has favourite politicians, although some will not admit it.

Retiring National MP Chris Finlayson at Parliament, Wellington, this week. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

A final roadie with Chris Finlayson

15 Dec, 2018 5:00am
11 minutes to read

Chris Finlayson leaves quite the legacy but will not bore people by boasting about it.

Opposition leader Simon Bridges in Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Trevett: Air NZ strikes the bad news National wanted

13 Dec, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The Air NZ strikes were timed to cause maximum damage to Air NZ - and the Government.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern meets French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Photo / file

NEW ZEALAND

Trevett: want a fuel tax break? Look to France

6 Dec, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

French President Emmanuel Macron's plight should be an alarm for PM Jacinda Ardern.

One woman interviewed by the Herald says her feeling regarding her abortion is relief and

NEW ZEALAND

Doctors to fight new abortion law

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

Law reform may make doctors refer patients specifically to another doctor for abortions.

Abortion is now back in the spotlight. Photo / 123RF

NEW ZEALAND

Abortion reform - NZ grasps the nettle again

1 Dec, 2018 5:00am
21 minutes to read

Abortion is now back in the spotlight.

Justice Minister Andrew Little. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Little to take plan to Govt for abortion reform

1 Dec, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The content of Little's legislation will determine whether reform becomes a reality.

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Curiosity kills the Nats

24 Nov, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: National stands accused of a fishing expedition by tsunami of 'trivial' questions

NZ First leader Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones plant the first tree at the Ngati Hine Forestry project. Photo / John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Shane Jones' self-inflicted fog

17 Nov, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Shane Jones is suffering from a case of pork barrel at haste, repent at leisure.

Pike River family members Sonya Rockhouse, Anna Osborne and Bernie Monk embrace as Pike River Re-entry Minister Andrew Little announces he has approved a re-entry plan. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Things turn right way up for Pike River families

14 Nov, 2018 2:53pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: The words "we are returning" marked end of 8 years of dashed hopes and promises.

The National Party leader says he is enjoying proving wrong those who have already written his obituary. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Dead man walking? Simon Bridges on life after Jami-Lee Ross

10 Nov, 2018 5:00am
7 minutes to read

Simon Bridges insists he can prove his critics wrong and survive the Jami-Lee Ross saga.

The Speaker, Trevor Mallard, telling off the National Party's Paula Bennett earlier this year. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Trevett: The Speaker, Gerry Brownlee and the Peace Mission to Japan

8 Nov, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Trevor Mallard spent the equivalent of 34 Winter Warmer payments on a trip to Japan.

National deputy leader Paula Bennett has devised a cunning plan. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Paula Bennett's cunning plan to save Bridges

1 Nov, 2018 1:53pm
3 minutes to read

National's plan to prevent repeat of the turbulent fortnight.

Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway reveals he has new information on Czech criminal Karel Sroubek during Question Time in Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Trevett: Minister red-faced, National in muck over Czech decision

1 Nov, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

The trouble with a lack of facts is it feeds conspiracy theories.

A protest against the Speaker's decision to take Jesus out of Parliament's prayer wound up just before the earthquake hit. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

How Parliament reacted to quake

30 Oct, 2018 5:44pm
4 minutes to read

Parliament is one of the safest places in a quake, but it doesn't make them easy.

The Labour Party, NZ First and the Green Party have sailed smoothly in their first year as a coalition. Illustration / Guy Body

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Ahoy! One year down for PM but pirates ahead

27 Oct, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Likeability is power for a prime minister, but it is not everything.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Kindness and chaos - Ardern and Peters are political odd couple

26 Oct, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Govt's 'odd couple' happy with year, just don't talk 2020.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters in her Beehive office. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Watch: Jacinda and Winston look back - and forward to 2020

25 Oct, 2018 5:00pm
4 minutes to read

Jacinda Ardern and Winston Peters look back on a year of Government - and forward to 2020.

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: PM Jacinda Ardern's John Key moment

24 Oct, 2018 7:06pm
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: PM's announcement on fuel tax thrilled Simon Bridges but surprised Shane Jones.

Judith Collins and Simon Bridges. Photos / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Comment: Simon Bridges' poll rating: Cue the Jaws music - here comes Judith

24 Oct, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: The only thing worse for National than now would be a second bout of disloyalty.

Jami-Lee Ross during his press conference at Parliament on October 16. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Jami-Lee Ross: The MP who is burning Bridges

20 Oct, 2018 5:00am
14 minutes to read

Claire Trevett looks at how the National Party scandal unfolded.

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Simon Bridges' odds after week from hell

20 Oct, 2018 5:00am
6 minutes to read

COMMENT: Ross attacks have shored up support for Bridges but it's up to him to keep it.

An angry National Party leader Simon Bridges responds to Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross' release of taped conversation. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Bridges wins battle, but does death by 1000 tapes await?

17 Oct, 2018 8:05pm
3 minutes to read

Comment: Simon Bridges will survive tape one, but there is no promise of reprieve.

MP Jami-Lee Ross leaves after announcing he was leaving the National Party and hitting out at Simon Bridges. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Singing 'all the burning bridges'

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

COMMENT: In one day, National managed more fireworks than Labour had in nine years.

If Simon Bridges is to survive, he must now discredit Jami-Lee Ross immediately, Claire Trevett writes. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Comment: Ross' revenge could prove fatal to Bridges

16 Oct, 2018 12:55pm
4 minutes to read

If Bridges is to survive, he must now discredit Ross immediately, Claire Trevett writes.

Bridges in troubled waters. Illustration / Rod Emmerson

NEW ZEALAND

Bridges in troubled waters: 'Nats have one choice today'

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

CLAIRE TREVETT COMMENT: A torrent of tweets by Ross has eroded any sympathy among MPs.

National Party leader Simon Bridges sets out findings on Jami-Lee Ross with deputy leader Paula Bennett alongside him. Photo / Doug Sherring

NEW ZEALAND

Claire Trevett: Bridges also faces day of reckoning

15 Oct, 2018 3:20pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: If caucus does not back Bridges over Jami-Lee Ross he'll be a dead man walking.

Prince William and Sir John Key at the Earthquake Memorial Service in Christchurch in March 2011. Photo / NZPA

LIFESTYLE

Prince William's NZ escape bid revealed

13 Oct, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

New book: NZ was responsible for Queen's first public 'walkabout' and commercial flight.