Jason Walls is Newstalk ZB's Political Editor and has years of experience working across print and radio.
Cutting my teeth in the world of business reporting, my economics degree served me well in delving into numerous Government budgets and dissecting various political parties' policies. After a stint at NBR and Interest.co.nz, I moved over to the Herald's Press Gallery office, where I covered elections, leadership changes, re-shuffles, riots, pandemics, and everything else in between. But my love of broadcast meant it was only a matter of time before ZB came calling. I started out as the Gallery's Chief Political Reporter, before being made Deputy Editor in mid-2022 and I took over as Editor early in 2023.
![PM’s pay pickle: MPs’ pay rises loom amid public sector cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM’s pay pickle: MPs’ pay rises loom amid public sector cuts
The independent Remuneration Authority will soon decide if MPs should get a pay rise.
![Govt’s $108m spend-up on office renovations and refurbishments](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt’s $108m spend-up on office renovations and refurbishments
$14,200 for a wardrobe unit and $22,700 for a bookcase at the Ministry of Justice.
![Govt spends $1m to 'raise awareness' but not increase school attendance rates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt spends $1m to 'raise awareness' but not increase school attendance rates
Govt's school attendance campaign 'not expected to have a direct, quantifiable impact'.
![Auckland surgeons must now consider ethnicity in prioritising patients for operations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland surgeons must now consider ethnicity in prioritising patients for operations
Health officials said it was an important step in reducing historical health inequities.
![Parents and teachers sound alarm over ‘king of toxic masculinity’ Andrew Tate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Parents and teachers sound alarm over ‘king of toxic masculinity’ Andrew Tate
Education officials have been warned about a possible 'generation of radicals'.
![Fight for Life: National MP calls on ‘Minister of Muscles’ to meet him in the ring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fight for Life: National MP calls on ‘Minister of Muscles’ to meet him in the ring
'Nashy’s worried about his pretty face'.
![Mallard’s final sting in $55k bill over Peters’ case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mallard’s final sting in $55k bill over Peters’ case
It came after former Speaker Trevor Mallard trespassed Winston Peters from Parliament.
![Consultants snap up two-thirds of Govt's $66 million Auckland light rail spend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Consultants snap up two-thirds of Govt's $66 million Auckland light rail spend
Of that, $44 million – or roughly 66% – was spent on 'expert consultants'.
![$45 million in three years: Govt defends speed limit review spend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$45 million in three years: Govt defends speed limit review spend
Millions has been spent on investigating and reviewing speed limits.
![Private Three Waters consultants paid $16m but DIA defends spending](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Private Three Waters consultants paid $16m but DIA defends spending
The price tag is being questioned by the Opposition.
!['Final insult': Mallard's legal bill over Winston's trespass stoush revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Final insult': Mallard's legal bill over Winston's trespass stoush revealed
Mallard rescinded trespass notice soon after it was issued but it still cost taxpayers.
![Taxpayers have forked out $140m for Avatar sequels so far](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Taxpayers have forked out $140m for Avatar sequels so far
Major overseas productions get rebates from the govt – Avatar's set to be the biggest yet.
!['A staggering sum:' $1b spent on emergency housing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A staggering sum:' $1b spent on emergency housing
A large proportion of the money has been spent on housing people in motels.
![Human Rights Commissioner's 110-day wait for 'urgent' meeting with PM](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Human Rights Commissioner's 110-day wait for 'urgent' meeting with PM
Despite an 'urgent' request to meet the PM, Paul Hunt was made to wait 110 days.
![Revealed: The 'ridiculous' amount the Govt spent on two big red props](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Revealed: The 'ridiculous' amount the Govt spent on two big red props
The prop number 'zeros' were commissioned as part of the Govt's 'road to zero' campaign.
![Multi-million dollar road to zero: Govt cops criticism for 'extraordinary' ad spending](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Multi-million dollar road to zero: Govt cops criticism for 'extraordinary' ad spending
The Opposition's crying foul at the cost of the Govt's public awareness advertising.
![Exclusive: 'Out of control' - Govt's $1b bill for contractors, consultants slammed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exclusive: 'Out of control' - Govt's $1b bill for contractors, consultants slammed
Some 50 official information act requests reveal the extent of Govt's consulting spend
![10k rapid Covid tests 'gathering dust' after Govt withholds approval](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
10k rapid Covid tests 'gathering dust' after Govt withholds approval
Surgical Supplies is calling on the Health Ministry to allow their tests onto the market.
![$36m of MIQ bills not issued due to 'incomplete or inaccurate' data](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$36m of MIQ bills not issued due to 'incomplete or inaccurate' data
The Ministry in charge of MIQ says it takes the recovery of money owed "very seriously".
![Govt granted Mongrel Mob life member Harry Tam essential workers exemption](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt granted Mongrel Mob life member Harry Tam essential workers exemption
He's the second mob boss to be granted an essential workers exemption to come to Auckland.
![PM defends essential worker exemption for Mob boss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM defends essential worker exemption for Mob boss
Sonny Fatupaito, the Mongrel Mob's Waikato chapter president, was given the exemption.
![Amazon's private LOTR MIQ pitch shot down by Govt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Amazon's private LOTR MIQ pitch shot down by Govt
The company wanted to secure hotels, holiday homes and rentals for their own MIQ
![Lockdown breach: More than 50 seen lining Auckland street for tangi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lockdown breach: More than 50 seen lining Auckland street for tangi
Police say they were 'dealing with people visibly going through the grieving process'.
![Housing agency under fire for $30k spend on carving](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Housing agency under fire for $30k spend on carving
But Kāinga Ora has defended the spend, saying it has been received well by the community.
![Waikeria Prison written down to the tune of up to $25m after riots](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikeria Prison written down to the tune of up to $25m after riots
For six days, at least 17 inmates rioted causing widespread damage at the prison.
![Govt ignored Treasury warnings over EV feebate scheme](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt ignored Treasury warnings over EV feebate scheme
The scheme would hurt those in low income households, the advice said.
![$38m in unpaid MIQ fees - despite Govt calling in debt collectors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$38m in unpaid MIQ fees - despite Govt calling in debt collectors
More than $8m is considered 'overdue' – just a fraction of that's so far been recovered.
![National calls on Govt's spending watchdog to probe Mob-related funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
National calls on Govt's spending watchdog to probe Mob-related funding
National wants the Auditor-General to look into some controversial spending decisions.
![Ministry for Primary Industries' priorities questioned after $1m rebrand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ministry for Primary Industries' priorities questioned after $1m rebrand
The Ministry's being called on to spend more money on supporting struggling fruit growers.
![Revealed: Govt sells $30m of seized criminal cryptocurrency](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Revealed: Govt sells $30m of seized criminal cryptocurrency
Money being used for crime prevention services such as preventing aggravated robbery.
![Opposition slams Government for train project 'no one asked for'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Opposition slams Government for train project 'no one asked for'
Opposition slams the Government for train 'project no one asked for'.
!['Insulting, appalling': Human Rights Commission's donation to Mongrel Mob](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Insulting, appalling': Human Rights Commission's donation to Mongrel Mob
Money gifted in May after a controversial speaking event the Commissioner attended.
![Govt secures top Kiwi actress for $3.5m ad campaign slammed as a 'smear'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt secures top Kiwi actress for $3.5m ad campaign slammed as a 'smear'
Rachel House lends her voice to the Government's three waters campaign.
![Forced on to black market: ACC called on to change cannabis rules](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Forced on to black market: ACC called on to change cannabis rules
Critics say ACC's funding of medical cannabis is cruel, outdated and needs to change.
![MoH trying to reach 500 Melbourne returnees; no new cases of Covid today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
MoH trying to reach 500 Melbourne returnees; no new cases of Covid today
500 of the 5000 Melbourne returnees were unable to be reached by email.
![Nash's new, significantly slimmed down, PFG – how it's different](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Nash's new, significantly slimmed down, PFG – how it's different
The Govt's new look PGF tenth the size of the old one – there are some big differences.
![PM: No change in NZ-China relationship despite Mahuta's 'storm' comments](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM: No change in NZ-China relationship despite Mahuta's 'storm' comments
Mahuta was candid when talking to the Guardian about the Australia-China relationship.
![PM, Hipkins deny accusations of vaccine roll-out delay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM, Hipkins deny accusations of vaccine roll-out delay
Push back comes after Ministry of Health quietly updated its vaccination timeline.
![Finance Minister defends 'skyrocketing' Crown Entity debt levels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Finance Minister defends 'skyrocketing' Crown Entity debt levels
The debt levels will be close to $13b in 2021 – that's expected to rise to $21b by 2025.
![NZ's travel bubble with Victoria paused, Melbourne outbreak grows](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ's travel bubble with Victoria paused, Melbourne outbreak grows
The pause came into place on Tuesday night and is in place for 72 hours initially.
![The Queen backs NZ's new Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The Queen backs NZ's new Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro
Dame Cindy topped a 'very long list' of candidates but was Ardern's top pick.
![Watch: Dame Cindy Kiro revealed as NZ's next Governor-General](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Dame Cindy Kiro revealed as NZ's next Governor-General
Dame Patsy Reddy finishes her five-year term in September.
![Who will it be? Speculation of new Governor-General begins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Who will it be? Speculation of new Governor-General begins
Dame Sian Elias, Andrew Becroft, Ella Henry … Winston Peters? All names being mentioned.
![The $400,000 question: NZ's next Governor-General to be revealed today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The $400,000 question: NZ's next Governor-General to be revealed today
The Prime Minister has not previously given any indication as to who will get the gig.
![Govt has 'no plans' to implement a rent control policy – Robertson](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt has 'no plans' to implement a rent control policy – Robertson
Finance Minister moves to end speculation the Govt is considering a rent control policy.
!['Shoddy process': MPs forced back to House to fix MIQ charging error](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Shoddy process': MPs forced back to House to fix MIQ charging error
MPs are debating the bill to fix the error under urgency in the House this morning.
![Budget 2021: 'What Kiwis are asking us to do' – PM hits back at criticism](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Budget 2021: 'What Kiwis are asking us to do' – PM hits back at criticism
The Budget spends billions on increasing benefits but keeps a lid on debt increases.
![The 'La La Budget' vs 'Broken Compass Budget' – Opposition battles for unofficial Budget name](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The 'La La Budget' vs 'Broken Compass Budget' – Opposition battles for unofficial Budget name
National and Act disagree on Budget's name but agree there's nothing in it for middle NZ.
![Budget 2021: Govt expects 'very sharp' drop in house price growth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Budget 2021: Govt expects 'very sharp' drop in house price growth
'This is a very sharp adjustment in house prices but a very necessary one' - Robertson.
![Watch: Cheese rolls and a new tie - PM, Robertson on today's Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Cheese rolls and a new tie - PM, Robertson on today's Budget
After sharing a cheese roll with the PM, Grant Robertson will unveil the Budget.
![Govt 'completely playing politics' on gun laws, says Nat's Brown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt 'completely playing politics' on gun laws, says Nat's Brown
Police Minister has been critical of Brown's bill, saying it's 'poorly drafted'.
![Māori housing and child poverty initiatives likely to be biggest Budget winners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Māori housing and child poverty initiatives likely to be biggest Budget winners
Both Robertson and Ardern have dropped hints these areas will get more funding.
![Elton John tickets, investment homes and company owned – MPs' financial interests revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Elton John tickets, investment homes and company owned – MPs' financial interests revealed
The usually interesting list of gifts MPs have received has been decimated by Covid-19.
![Ardern: Govt won't be turning off migration tap in immigration 'rebalance'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ardern: Govt won't be turning off migration tap in immigration 'rebalance'
Critics have called Govt's immigration position confusing; Ardern addressed this today.
![Govt's KiwiSaver moves will apply 'competitive pressure' to funds market](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt's KiwiSaver moves will apply 'competitive pressure' to funds market
Shakeup should lead to lower KiwiSaver fees across the board, says Grant Robertson.
![Ardern tops Fortune's list of world's greatest leaders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ardern tops Fortune's list of world's greatest leaders
The magazine cited her leadership through Covid as the catalyst of her number one status.
![Govt spends $300k on My Food Bag for beneficiaries and food banks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt spends $300k on My Food Bag for beneficiaries and food banks
The Greens have been critical of the scheme, saying the Govt should just raise benefits.
![Labour Party donations case: Solicitor and public servant among the accused](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Labour Party donations case: Solicitor and public servant among the accused
The group allegedly created an illusion of five donations to hide true donor's identity.
!['Outrageous;' 'embarrassment': Collins, Ardern trade letters over Mallard saga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Outrageous;' 'embarrassment': Collins, Ardern trade letters over Mallard saga
They've been going back-and-forth over the recent controversial saga in the House.
![Māori Party ejection sparks debate over 'racist rhetoric' in the House](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Māori Party ejection sparks debate over 'racist rhetoric' in the House
It comes after two weeks of National attacking the Government over a 'separatist agenda'.
![Watch: Haka in Parliament, Māori Party MP kicked out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Haka in Parliament, Māori Party MP kicked out
"If we find this attitude acceptable, then I find this in disrepute," Rawiri Waititi said.
![388k Covid vaccines dished out; Hipkins' message to Kiwis abroad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
388k Covid vaccines dished out; Hipkins' message to Kiwis abroad
120,000 people have had their second doses of the Pfizer jab and are fully vaccinated.
!['It's been a rollercoaster': ECE teachers elated at pay parity move](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It's been a rollercoaster': ECE teachers elated at pay parity move
ECE teachers earn on average a third less than their kindergarten counterparts.
![Govt blinks first as unions claim a win in negotiations with Hipkins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt blinks first as unions claim a win in negotiations with Hipkins
The guidance for state sector employers 'will be reviewed next year', union boss says.
![PM warned right-wing extremists using Covid crisis to 'spread hate'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM warned right-wing extremists using Covid crisis to 'spread hate'
PM was told: 'Right-wing extremists are using the crisis to spread hate and conspiracies.'
![Ardern and top ministers emerge from 'constructive' pay freeze union meetings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ardern and top ministers emerge from 'constructive' pay freeze union meetings
PM says negotiations are still underway and more announcements are imminent.
![PM, Robertson forced on defensive over public sector pay freeze](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM, Robertson forced on defensive over public sector pay freeze
The pair doubled down on the decision amid pressure from unions.
![Govt unveils 'monumental' new breast and cervical cancer prevention funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt unveils 'monumental' new breast and cervical cancer prevention funding
Some $118m will be spent on a number of initiatives to fight breast and cervical cancer.
![Major DoC shake-up on cards? National raises questions after leak of documents](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Major DoC shake-up on cards? National raises questions after leak of documents
The draft document has a number of major recommendations that would shake up DoC.
![Govt commits $53m to roll out new HPV self check kit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt commits $53m to roll out new HPV self check kit
The new HPV test is a simple and quick swab that women can choose to do themselves.
![300,000 more women eligible for free breast scans in $55 million IT upgrade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
300,000 more women eligible for free breast scans in $55 million IT upgrade
Another $10m will be spent on scans for those who missed them because of Covid-19.
![Fair pay agreement news staunchly divides factions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fair pay agreement news staunchly divides factions
The issues, perhaps not unexpectedly, have been a political hot potato.
![Union bosses to Govt: We won't take public pay freeze 'lying down'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Union bosses to Govt: We won't take public pay freeze 'lying down'
The PSA has written a letter to the Govt and will be meeting the PM about the issues.
![National received nearly $3m in large donations in 2020 - nearly double Labour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
National received nearly $3m in large donations in 2020 - nearly double Labour
NZ First's failed re-election bid cost it over half a million dollars.
![Govt unveils $200m tourism package to help struggling operators survive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt unveils $200m tourism package to help struggling operators survive
The funding also includes money to help Covid-hit Queenstown to diversify its economy
!['Totally inappropriate': PM ticks off Mallard over sex-assault claims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Totally inappropriate': PM ticks off Mallard over sex-assault claims
Jacinda Ardern has given House Speaker Trevor Mallard a very public dressing down.
![Three new MIQ Covid cases; 87,000 people have both jabs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Three new MIQ Covid cases; 87,000 people have both jabs
Officials will update how many vaccines have been administered in NZ.
![Ron Brierley email: 'I'm the same person as always'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ron Brierley email: 'I'm the same person as always'
These were the words of Ron Brierley - no knighthood now - just months after his arrest.