Stories by Katie Scotcher
News
Mandatory vaccinations announced for health, education sector workers
School staff who work with children and students must be fully vaccinated by 1 January 2022.
Govt awaits Auckland Light Rail recommendations
The government will soon receive a business case for Auckland Light Rail from the working group tasked with reviving the project.
Immigration Minister set to expedite residence visa applications
The government is set to expedite thousands of residence visa applications, RNZ understands.
'We know Oranga Tamariki has not lived up to its name' - Kelvin Davis
Oranga Tamariki has been described as not fit for purpose and in need of transformative change by the panel appointed to be the Children's Minister's eyes-and-ears on the agency.
Vaccination campaign needs to move away from 'one-size-fits-all' approach
Businesses are launching their own vaccination campaigns to reach people they say are being overlooked by the government's messaging.
Banning unvaccinated people from Parliament grounds could set precedent - expert
In an interview with media outlet Newsroom, Trevor Mallard revealed staff, the public and the media may not be allowed on the Parliamentary precinct if they were unvaccinated. Audio
Govt fails to front for Afghan interpreters outside Parliament
A group of interpreters stood outside Parliament for hours on Monday, hoping to meet with the minister of immigration. No-one from the government showed.
How Covid-19 left Auckland with a man on bail - a timeline
Why could a recently released prisoner cross the Auckland boundary and how was he infected? Political reporter Katie Scotcher traces his steps.
Kindergarten relief teachers go without pay during lockdown
Kindergarten relief teachers aren't being paid in lockdown because their government-funded employers can't afford it.
Opposition parties want Parliament to resume
Opposition parties want Parliament to resume but it is still not clear when exactly that will happen.
Act leader wants border restrictions eased at start of 2022
ACT leader David Seymour wants border restrictions to begin easing at the start of next year, even if rates of vaccination aren't high enough.
Vaccine rollout key to reducing MIQ for NZers - expert group
New Zealanders returning from a short overseas holiday could spend less time in managed isolation once most of the population is vaccinated.
Conversion therapy ban legislation passes first reading
New Zealand is a step closer to banning gay conversion therapy, with legislation criminalising the practice passing its first hurdle in Parliament this afternoon.
Young Nats break with party over conversion therapy vote
Youth wing are "deeply disappointed" National's caucus has decided to vote against legislation banning conversion therapy.
Clark didn't influence Fiji medevac decision - Mahuta
The Foreign Affairs minister says she spoke to former Prime Minister Helen Clark about the evacuation of a United Nations official infected with Covid-19 from Fiji to New Zealand.
Conversion therapy legislation to cover religious groups
The government's ban on conversion therapy will cover religious groups, but they will still be able to freely express their beliefs.
Abuse in care costs: Govt considered asking churches for money
The government considered asking churches to help pay for the Royal Commission into historic abuse in care as it grappled with the inquiry's skyrocketing spending, new documents show.
Abuse in Care inquiry: 'We don't want the job only three-quarters done'
The Children's Commissioner is warning the inability of the the Royal Commission to look at recent cases will result in the need for a second Abuse in Care inquiry.
Shaw's challenger says Greens must stop being 'Labour's little helper'
Green Party co-leader James Shaw is being challenged for his job by a climate activist, but says he's "quietly confident" he'll retain it.
Ex-Abuse inquiry director quit to head Ministry for Ethnic Communities
The head of the Royal Commission into historic abuse in care has left the inquiry to take up the role of chief executive at the new ministry.
Royal Commission into Abuse in Care asked to be more transparent about finances
Minister of Internal Affairs Jan Tinetti has asked the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care to change the way it reports its finances and to be more transparent when doing so.
'It's unacceptable' - Oranga Tamariki to review behaviour at units
Children's Minister Kelvin Davis has asked officials to get to the bottom of unacceptable behaviour exposed at Oranga Tamariki's care and protection units.
Govt intent on new law, harsher penalties for hate speech
Hate speech will become a criminal offence and anyone convicted could face harsher punishment, under proposed legislative changes.
Health Minister calls for faster funding rollout for mental health facilities
The government is facing increasing pressure over how quickly it is rolling out its record $1.9 billion investment in mental health.
NZ First is 'back' and Peters will remain the leader - Shane Jones
Winston Peters is leading his party into the 2023 election in a bid to re-enter Parliament, former New Zealand First MP Shane Jones has confirmed. Audio