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.
'Absolute rot': New Minister pushes back on 'beneficiary bashing' critics
'It's a disgrace. There have been massive opportunities.'
Analysis: NZ's Israel-Palestine joint statement gives US middle option
The three Five Eyes members have offered the US middle ground amid rising ceasefire calls.
NZ backs UN General Assembly vote for ceasefire in Gaza
The vote also shows the growing isolation of the United States and Israel.
Watch: 21-year-old MP challenges Govt in maiden speech
Maipi-Clarke is Aotearoa's youngest MP since 1853.
Winston Peters' combative Question Time; youngest MP since 1853 gives maiden speech
Luxon is in Australia for his daughter's university graduation.
Winston Peters acting Prime Minister two weeks into new Govt
Luxon is in Australia for his daughter's university graduation.
Fiery and emotional day as Parliament gets back to business
Parliament got down to business with the first Question Time.
Greens, Labour MP claim genocide occurring in Gaza as Parliament debates ceasefire call
Heated debate saw opposition MPs urge Govt call for 'immediate' ceasefire.
Govt 'absolutely' committed to climate targets despite reversing oil and gas ban, says Simon Watts
Minister says it has a different approach to meeting the emissions reduction targets.
'Bunch of losers' - Peters strafes political opponents in fiery first debate
It came as leaders launched into the first Parliamentary debate this term.
Government agenda in Speech from Throne
The speech is expected to have a focus on driving down the cost of living.
Battle lines drawn as parties make their pledges to new Speaker of the House
Hundreds protested outside Parliament as MPs pledged their allegiance to the King.
'Kīngi Harehare': Controversy over Māori MPs' oath to Charles
Tākuta Ferris and Rawiri Waititi did not stick exactly to the script.
Labour calls for visas for family of Kiwis stuck in Gaza
So far 19 NZ citizens and residents have been assisted in escaping Gaza.
Luxon labels protests 'unfair'; Ngarewa-Packer says PM should heed message being sent
Protests important to unite Māori as new Government starts - Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
'Massive fiscal hole'. Finance minister slams previous Govt, Luxon announces tax credit boost
It comes after Luxon's second Cabinet meeting as Prime Minister.
Luxon admits error, speaks to Hosking on other topics
Christopher Luxon said it was not a deliberate attempt to mislead.
'Massive concern' as prison population rapidly increases with hundreds of staff vacancies
Prison population jumps by over 1000 in past year, new Govt says will rise further.
'Heartbreaking': Luxon says Middle East peace won't be achieved through military action
Luxon says break in humanitarian truce 'heatbreaking'.
'Got that wrong': Luxon backs down on claim only one store in Northland will sell tobacco
Christopher Luxon said it was not a deliberate attempt to mislead.
NZ risks being an 'international outlier' over WHO opposition, Helen Clark says
NZ is one of just a handful of 194 member states raising concern over “minor” policy.
'Dangerously close to endorsing conspiracy theories' - Hipkins hits out at new Govt policies
One of Govt's first priorities is 'fringe concern' about WHO, says Labour.
Luxon's 100-day plan - the 49 actions to 'get things done'
New PM facing pressure to rein in deputy Winston Peters over media comments.
Verrall accuses Govt of putting tobacco lobbyists ahead of Kiwis' health
And 'this Government is digging our people an early grave', says Te Pāti Māori.
'Act like a PM': Hipkins hits out at Luxon and 'coalition of chaos'
Hipkins is expected to respond to National's plan to reduce landlords' tax bills.
Reti says ED security will be beefed up before Christmas
The new Health Minister says work is already 'well under way' on the 100-day plan.
'Gang of thugs': NZ On Air board member resigns over Peters criticism
He called Winston Peters 'malicious' over Deputy PMs attacks on media independence.
David Seymour: Pharmac culture 'needs to change'
David Seymour has responsibility for the public drug-buying agency.
'Everyone can get ahead': New Govt's first Cabinet meeting today
It comes after the new coalition Government was sworn in on Monday.
Watch: Peters defines ‘woke virtue signalling’ in first press conference as deputy PM
Peters also reveals his approach as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Major family policy scrapped to give Winston his wish
National got its tax package over the line but concessions had to be made.
Explained: What’s happened with Act’s referendum on Treaty principles
Act's policy was one of the more contentious on the election campaign.
'There’ll be more phone calls this evening' - Luxon lands in Wellington
The contest is now between Winston Peters and David Seymour.
MPs returning to Wellington as National, NZ First, Act close in on deal
All three parties are aiming to have a deal signed by the week's end.
'We’re very close': Luxon reveals plan to meet with Peters, Seymour together in coming days
Peters says a 'few more hours' needed before coalition agreement finalised.
'Sensible and compassionate': 501 deportations slow after policy change
Deportations from Australia last year fell to 18 a month, from about 44 in mid-2018.
Ministry cans $27 end of year party subsidies amid spending cuts
It is also looking into voluntary redundancies.
Pseudoephedrine question reflects failure of meth policy - expert
"We have taken the eye off methamphetamine."
Chris Hipkins to be sworn in as PM again in constitutional oddity
Two other vote recounts - both in Auckland - are due to begin on Monday.
Peters and Seymour emerge from 'productive' second meeting
Three-way coalition handshake 80 per cent there, says Act leader.
Wealth, capital gains tax back on Labour's policy table
“We need to take stock, we need to refresh. We start again with a blank page.”
'Sideshow': Peters confirms Seymour meeting will go ahead
Seymour says their frosty relationship 'hasn't changed', but they can work together.
Kingmaker Peters back - how soon can Luxon thrash out a new government?
Final count reveals three parties also secured their best-ever election results.
Te Pāti Māori picks up two extra seats in historic result
Te Pāti Māori is celebrating its most successful election result in its history.
Final election results to be announced – here's what could change in special votes count
One veteran National MP is on the cusp of not getting back in.
Will National and Act need NZ First? Special votes to be revealed
The political fortunes of half a dozen MPs will also be unveiled.
'No military solution': NZ calls for humanitarian pause in fighting in Gaza
Statement to the UN also demands international law be followed by both sides.
How Te Pāti Māori caused two of the biggest election upsets
Be prepared for more of a shake-up in Parliament, new MPs say.
Concern over lack of NZ political response to Israel-Hamas war
“It’s not something we can afford to remain quiet on.”
'Avoid speculation': Winston Peters makes quiet return to Wellington
The NZ First leader is avoiding media ahead of the special vote count.
Greens welcome what could be a record number of MPs
But the co-leaders are uncertain if they will be around for the full term.
Hipkins to battle on as Labour leader as Little departs
Meanwhile, Luxon presided over a celebratory caucus meeting.
'Won't be on the sidelines': Jackson expects an 'attack on our people'
But the senior Labour MP is not committing to staying in Parliament for a full term.
'Still got a bit of fight left in me': Chris Hipkins to remain leader after election drubbing
Labour's caucus is meeting and it is expected Hipkins will discuss his position.
‘You come out angrier': Concerns over prison remand numbers
Over 40 per cent of the prison population is on remand, unable to access rehabilitation.
Bed legs, $60 groceries, Taylor Swift - Hipkins and Luxon spar in fiery debate
The last debate of the campaign kicks off at 7pm, and both Chrises will be on a mission.
Election 2023: Can the Greens hold onto historic result?
'We've run a campaign based on hope,' says co-leader James Shaw.
Analysis: The election issue that has been 'completely missing'
While crime has been a major focus, the biggest component has been absent in campaigning.
Peters says no second election as minor parties face off
Seymour confirms he considers Peters the 'least-trustworthy politician'.
Māori electorate seats ‘wide open’ as Māori Party surges, Labour walks ‘tightrope’
The political environment is very different compared to 2020.
Analysis: Hipkins out of Covid isolation with a new skip in his step
He even took out the checkered flag on the campaign today.
NZers aren't 'fools', says Willis, confirms just 3000 households will get full tax relief
It came after National's Chris Bishop initially called the analysis 'gutter politics'.
Minor parties face off in debate as new poll puts NZ First as kingmaker
Two polls in two days have put NZ First above 5 per cent and back in Parliament.
'Scam': Labour calls out Nats after Willis confirms 3000 households will get $250 relief
Tensions between the two main parties are flaring up again today.
'Winston doesn't know how to build things': Hipkins holds 'town hall' as poll shows Nats/Act need NZ First to form govt
It comes as National repeatedly states it does not want to work with NZ First.
Years of progress or division? Kaupapa Māori election policies compared
Approaches to co-governance and Te Tiriti o Waitangi emerge as key differences.
‘Beneficiary bashing’ or encouraging more people into work? Welfare policies compared
Sanctions and benefit increases key difference between Labour, National.
'Malevolent actors': National says candidates and volunteers targeted by gang members
Carmel Sepuloni is likely to be the public face of Labour while Hipkins is ill.
Labour says Weet-Bix saga shows why duopoly needs to be broken up
Labour pledges to directly support more supermarket companies wanting to set up here.
'Bleak posturing': Greens hit out at ‘two Chrises’, reveal policy priorities
Income guarantee, a wealth tax and warm, dry, clean energy homes top the agenda.
Former Māori Party candidate backing Labour in Ikaroa-Rāwhiti
Labour’s Cushla Tangaere-Manuel has been endorsed by Heather Te Au Skipworth.
Labour says National’s welfare changes will see benefits fall $2621 by 2028
Labour claims the change will see thousands more children in poverty.
Hipkins ‘angry’ at National’s ‘race-baiting’ - says Māori have most to lose
Hipkins says he refuses to stay silent on the issue and will stand up for Māori rights.
A wealth tax 'deal' and Shane Jones on what Winston really meant about 'indigenous'
TVNZ’s Kaupapa Māori debate delivered the expected fiery discussions.
National's focus on benefit sanctions goes against evidence - expert
Welfare expert group found sanctions don't work, "compound social harm".
Luxon vows to meet climate targets, respect Treaty rights in energy policy
National leader says no room for climate change deniers in any government he leads.
Labour promises amnesty for overstayers, new 'Super Visa' for migrants
Labour makes major pre-election immigration announcement.
Govt moves on Dawn Raids, Labour unveils major immigration policy
Plus all the election campaign action.
Analysis: Peters enters Seymour’s hood, raising potential headaches for Luxon
Peters asks crowd it they want politician of 40 years' experience or "imitation".
National's 100-point economic plan; Hipkins addresses MP bullying claims
While Luxon is visiting Auckland, Hipkins has promised to keep free school lunches.