Michael Neilson is a senior political reporter for the New Zealand Herald based at Parliament in Wellington.
Michael Neilson is a political reporter based at Parliament in Wellington. He has been a journalist since 2016, first at the Gisborne Herald before joining the NZ Herald in 2018, covering social issues, the environment and Māori affairs.
'Watching nature catch her breath' - lockdown boon for Hauraki Gulf
"I don't ever remember a calm day here without that multi-pitched whine of boats."
'Voluntary' water restrictions as Auckland dams drop under 50 per cent
The last time dam levels dropped this low was in the drought of 1993/1994.
Hapū fumes at AT bid to shift SkyCity bus terminal to its prime waterfront land
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei says Auckland Transport failed to engage with them over the plans.
Manukau Harbour water quality from bad to worse - report
"The Manukau has borne the brunt of Auckland's waste disposal unfairly for too long."
Lizzo: 'Don't act like you've never seen a** before, Auckland!'
Was the FOMO (fear of missing out) real? Two words: truth hurts.
Ōwairaka dispute not a 'Māori versus Pākehā issue'
A "unity" hui will mark two months since the protest began.
Horses hit the Domain: Urban Polo's hot new summer venue
The "fusion" of music, sport, food and fashion in 2020 promises to be bigger than ever.
Tonga fans take to Auckland streets to celebrate
"Tonga, small island nation, on top of the world."
Bus driver kicks off passenger after racist tirade
"He was swearing, and saying, 'Get out of here, go back to where you came from'."
Revealed: SkyCity fire water testing results
Arsenic and chromium were among the contaminants identified in the run off.
'We need to be better': Biologist's plea after Owha shooting
There are still no leads over who shot Auckland's celebrity leopard seal.
Fire under control but days of disruption ahead
The convention centre's ability to host Apec 2021 is also in doubt.
Fire in the Sky, hell on the roads: 'Avoid the city' - civil defence
'If you can avoid coming into the central city, do.'
Formal warning for Sephora over confetti waste
At the time Mayor Phil Goff called it "unacceptable waste" dumping.
Record rat numbers in Waitākere Ranges threaten kōkako
It comes after "cat-sized" rodents were reported in nearby Titirangi.
What lies beneath? Why builders are under fire for the state of the Hauraki Gulf
"Not only are we losing precious top soil, but it is destroying marine ecosystems."
Auckland's Matariki Festival tells the stories of Waikato-Tainui
A spectacular light display on the Harbour Bridge tells the story of those first arrivals.
Auckland Art Gallery director steps down amid harassment allegation
He withdrew as he awaits "the opportunity to address an unproven allegation against me".
Auckland Art Gallery director breaks silence on harassment claim
Gregory Burke is set to step into his new role next month.
The heavens will open: Torrential rain, flood warnings for east coast
Parts of the east coast could see 120mm of rain in a 24-hour period.
The end of muggy nights: Cool front brings relief from heat
Tonight Auckland is dropping to 14C from an average of 18-19C the past few weeks.
Swamp home eviction could be illegal
Experts say eviction notice issued to family could be classed as 'retaliatory'.
'Swamp house' family evicted after revealing flood woes
The family say they were given the notice after raising issues with media.
'Stay down or I'll shoot you': Auckland pub shot up by masked men
The two men, dressed in black, walked into the bar with a "swagger".
Boatie tells of escape from blast: 'Oh s*** I'm on fire'
"I looked around, I had no roof, no walls on the boat, no cockpit, no dinghy..."
Undies-clad Aucklander lobs onions at 4am rubbish collectors
'I guess a thick skin goes with the job.'
Over $12k donated to support drowning victims' children
The nine siblings are sticking together after losing both their parents in the tragedy.
Fever pitch: Football league warns social players after ref abuse
An Auckland Football league is threatening bans for violence after a ref calls it quits.
Hero bus driver saves little dog
The bus driver's actions have been applauded by the Albert-Eden Local Board.
Watch: South Auckland inferno could burn all day
Witnesses describe huge flames as roads close around scene.