Stories by Craig McCulloch
News
Need for third Pfizer booster jab only 'speculation' - Medsafe
New Zealand is not rejigging its Covid-19 immunisation programme despite predictions people will need a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine within 12 months.
MIQ security guard's testing hiatus: Ardern maintains company, guard to blame
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has conceded her language was "a bit blunt" when she called an MIQ guard a liar, but maintains he and his employer bear some responsibility for the latest testing…
Drug laws overhaul: NZ 'not quite ready for this level of liberalisation'
Health Minister Andrew Little has shot down calls for a swift overhaul of drug laws, saying any major change would first have to go back to a referendum.
Government criticised for 'rolling maul' vaccine strategy
Cabinet ministers have been sitting on advice regarding a nationwide vaccination schedule for weeks, but have yet to finalise or publish a complete plan.
Visa for Green MP's partner 'like any other', Immigration NZ says
Immigration New Zealand is standing by its decision to grant a visa to the partner of Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March and says the application was treated "like any other".
Green MP's partner's visa application under scrutiny
Opposition MPs are questioning whether there had been any special treatment from immigration officials in regards to Ricardo Menéndez March's partner's application.
Govt tells Reserve Bank to take house prices into account
The Reserve Bank is now required to consider the impact on housing when making monetary and financial policy decisions, Finance Minister Grant Robertson has announced.
Ricardo Menéndez March explains reasons for travelling to Mexico
Green Party list MP Ricardo Menéndez March says he travelled to Mexico to visit his terminally ill step-mother and father who is recovering from major surgery.
Green MP in MIQ after travelling to Mexico
The new list MP, who was born in Tijuana, returned to his home country for "serious personal family matters" in mid-December, a party spokesperson said.
Government gives formal approval for Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
Cabinet has deemed the vaccine "suitable for use" for nearly everyone except tamariki and rangatahi younger than 16, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says.
Climate Change Commission plan 'a big challenge' for New Zealand
New Zealand is heading for a major upheaval under a plan to combat the climate crisis, and while some sectors show signs of resistance the Climate Change Minister takes 'a great deal of hope' from the… Audio
Ardern details timeline for housing announcements
With criticism piling on over the property market, the prime minister has detailed when the government will make housing announcements.
Covid focus critical, Jacinda Ardern reminds MPs
Jacinda Ardern has demanded "absolute focus" from her Labour MPs in 2021, noting "on-going vigilance" would be required to avoid another Covid outbreak.
Public housing tops agenda at Labour MPs' retreat
Labour has put the focus on public housing ahead of its MPs' annual retreat, unveiling details of where 8000 promised homes will be built.
Govt optimistic about Rio Tinto talks
The New Zealand government believes its own negotiations with Rio Tinto will be resolved "fairly quickly" now there is certainty about the future of the Tiwai Point smelter.
National backtracks on support for Trump's NZ staffer
The National Party has rescinded its backing for Chris Liddell to take over as secretary-general of the OECD given the recent rioting at the United States Capitol.
'Too strong', 'too weak': Govt's new Covid border measures scrutinised
The new rules announced yesterday mean nearly all New Zealanders living abroad will soon have to show a negative Covid-19 test before boarding their flight home.
Government expands pre-departure Covid-19 testing rules
Travellers from nearly all countries will soon have to provide a negative Covid-19 test before arriving in New Zealand under tough new rules announced today.
Mallard's legal dispute cost more than $330k, National reveals
Taxpayers have had stump up more than $330,000 on a legal dispute sparked by Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard falsely accusing a staffer of rape.
Ardern promises to close 'gaps in hate speech legislation'
The prime minister's hope for political consensus regarding hate speech law is looking doubtful as the report into the Christchurch terror attack reignites the debate. Audio
Speaker apologises to man following 'rape' comments
Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard has apologised for comments he made last year claiming a rapist was working on the premises.
NZ First Foundation defendants lose right to name suppression
The two people charged over the handling of donations to the New Zealand First Foundation have lost a legal bid to keep their names secret.
'Irresponsible' for Labour to rule out capital taxes - Greens
Greens co-leader James Shaw has lashed out at Labour over rising house prices, labelling it "irresponsible" for refusing to entertain a tax on capital gains.
Reti becomes new National deputy leader: 'We're placed here on our merits'
Shane Reti has been elected deputy leader of the National Party, unopposed, in today's caucus meeting.
Election 2020: The low stakes final leaders' debate
Power Play - Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins went head-to-head in a muted final face-off on Thursday night, in what seemed at times to be an exercise in warding off the inevitable, writes Craig…