Lucy Bennett
Political Reporter
Lucy Bennett is a political reporter for the New Zealand Herald
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Check out Lucy’s latest content
Capital Gains Tax: New push to target property owners
Nationwide campaign pushing for CGT is being launched today by Tax Justice Aotearoa NZ.
Ardern to gun owners: Surrender your weapons now, before law changes
Guns and social media in the site of the Government following mosque shootings.
Peters visiting Pacific nations this week
Visits reflect New Zealand's commitment to Pacific Reset policy
Jacinda Ardern's scorecard: The snag that's delayed Government's progress
Opposition says nothing has happened; Govt says good things take time.
Shane Jones' dig at Tamaki in Waitangi Day sermon
Minister called in to give Anglican sermon at Treaty Grounds.
Watch: Protester removed from Waitangi welcome after shouting at MPs
PM tells crowd 'there is still more to do' with helping Māori but work has started.
Getting the nephs off the couch: The plan
Today's announcement is the second big cash pledge from the PGF in as many days
$100m for regional employment scheme
Another day, another large Provincial Growth Fund announcement
Ministry denies taking eye off the ball over MenW
National MP says there were seven red flags indicating a meningococcal outbreak.
DHB boss hopes anti-vaxxers will get kids MenW jab
Northland DHB hopes outbreak will lead to more children being immunised
NZ faces a 'rising tide' of mental distress and addiction
Report charts a new direction for mental health and addiction services.
Meningococcal outbreak criteria met in October
Northland DHB asked whether threshold for vaccination campaign should be assessed.
Regions spared from 'big city' union practices: NZ First
Changes make bill more palatable to business but still areas of concern.
Faster M. bovis recovery for farmers
Government says its eradication attempt is progressing well.
Secondary teachers reject pay offer
The Post Primary Teachers' Association has voted to reject a pay offer.
Don't like our values? 'Go home': Peters weighs in on Respecting NZ Values bill
New Zealand First bill will force refugees and migrants to sign up to NZ values.
Winston Peters reviews the past year in Government
Peters on the 'second longest-surviving political party that has not changed its name'.
HNZ tenants to be paid back for meth evictions
Housing NZ releases report into its response to meth contamination of state houses.
PM cancels weekend media appearances
Jacinda Ardern says a "diary issue" is behind the cancellation of weekend appearances.
Family violence victims to get more protection
Amendments to bill aim to improve early intervention and risk assessment
More post-quake powers for officials proposed
Minister, territorial authorities and MBIE to have more control during emergencies
Treasury suggested stopping bowel screening expansion
Advice warned of 'negative outcomes' for patients and reputational damage to Government
Striking won't work, Peters tells teachers
Peters reiterates that not everything can be fixed in one Budget
Regulated drugs market could stop deaths: Drug Foundation
Not knowing what's in synthetic drugs is part of the problem
Synthetic cannabis: Fly spray and grass clippings
Police Minister says engagement with the disaffected and disengaged is needed
Waka-jumping would destroy democracy, Peters says
All of Parliament will be scrutinising the controversial bill, Peters says
Another pay claim looms for Govt: Police predict 'torrid' negotiations
Police union expects 'torrid' negotiations in new pay round.
No more money for nurses: Government
Government ministers say the nurses' offer could be re-cut but there will be no more money
Kelvin Davis apologises for 'hysterical' comment
The Tourism Minister says he should have remained calm during committee appearance.
Shane Jones' select committee 'booty' call
Regional Economic Development Minister says "first up best dressed" in fund allocation.
New Zealand's health, disability system to be reviewed
Health Minister David Clark is keen for a "fresh" look at the way DHBs operate.
Government to try eradicating cow disease
150,000 + cattle will be culled in a world-first bid to eradicate Mycloplasma bovis.
Nurses, midwives threaten to strike for two days over pay
Nurses say they will strike for two days if latest pay offer not acceptable
DHBs turn over medicines budgets to Pharmac
Pharmac takes over DHB medicines budgets to increase buying power for drugs.
Labour accused of breaking promise to Māori
The Labour Party has been called out over a broken funding promise on Whānau Ora.
Hipkins: $1.1b needed for school property
National did not invest enough when it was in Government, says minister.