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.
!['Bit of a mess': Labour's election hopes on the line](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Bit of a mess': Labour's election hopes on the line
Kiri Allan resigned as Justice Minister after crashing her car and being arrested.
![Kiri Allan on mental health leave after 'hitting the wall'; PM faces questions, admits 'issues raised'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kiri Allan on mental health leave after 'hitting the wall'; PM faces questions, admits 'issues raised'
The report refers to matters from over a year ago.
![National MP denies 'mother and father' comment homophobic as Kiri Allan hits out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
National MP denies 'mother and father' comment homophobic as Kiri Allan hits out
Speech came amid child support debate, claims comment aimed instead at 'deadbeat dads'.
![All the reaction to Budget 2023: ‘blowout’ says National, Greens want stronger action on poverty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
All the reaction to Budget 2023: ‘blowout’ says National, Greens want stronger action on poverty
National has accused the Government of 'wasteful spending'.
![Budget 2023: $160m to gaming sector, rebate for video game developers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Budget 2023: $160m to gaming sector, rebate for video game developers
The sector contributed $7 billion towards New Zealand’s GDP in 2021.
![Budget 2023 breakdown: Massive EV charging expansion among climate change initiatives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Budget 2023 breakdown: Massive EV charging expansion among climate change initiatives
New climate-focused initiatives include expanding the electric vehicle charging network.
![Budget 2023: Massive boost for Te Matatini kapa haka festival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Budget 2023: Massive boost for Te Matatini kapa haka festival
Te Matatini gets an additional $34 million in funding over the next two years.
![Budget 2023: What’s in it for you](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Budget 2023: What’s in it for you
Free medicines, cheaper transport and childcare among initiatives.
![Government ups fight against ram raiders with $9 million boost to retail support](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Government ups fight against ram raiders with $9 million boost to retail support
Ram raids have steadily declined from a peak mid-last year.
![Three Waters reset: Govt to create 10 new entities; Luxon calls rebrand a 'dumb policy'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Three Waters reset: Govt to create 10 new entities; Luxon calls rebrand a 'dumb policy'
The Government will announce its Three Waters replacement today.
![Govt announces six new bridges; new Minister of Police confirmed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Govt announces six new bridges; new Minister of Police confirmed
Hipkins announced Cyclone Gabrielle measures and a new Police Minister.
![Govt to spend $2 billion in welfare boost: Are you eligible?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Govt to spend $2 billion in welfare boost: Are you eligible?
It will see Govt support increase in line with inflation of over 7 per cent.
![Cabinet reshuffle: Little, Mahuta demoted; range of new ministers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Cabinet reshuffle: Little, Mahuta demoted; range of new ministers
Hipkins reveals a refreshed Cabinet team as one if his first tasks as PM.
!['Greatest privilege of my life' Ardern says in final words as PM at Rātana](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Greatest privilege of my life' Ardern says in final words as PM at Rātana
It is Ardern's last public outing as Prime Minister.
![Watch: Luxon hits out at Labour, confronts co-governance at Rātana](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: Luxon hits out at Labour, confronts co-governance at Rātana
It is Ardern's last public outing as Prime Minister.
![Ardern’s last act as PM: Emotional farewell at Rātana, battle of the Chrises ignites](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Ardern’s last act as PM: Emotional farewell at Rātana, battle of the Chrises ignites
The traditional start to the political year is tipped to be more explosive than usual.
![New Year Honours: Doctor, ‘saint’, and now Sir Ashley Bloomfield](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New Year Honours: Doctor, ‘saint’, and now Sir Ashley Bloomfield
“I look back at that with a sense of pride, in what we achieved as a country.”
![Police investigating after reports more Te Urewera huts destroyed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Police investigating after reports more Te Urewera huts destroyed
Fires are believed to have occurred sometime between November 19 and 29.
![High Court orders halt to Te Urewera hut demolitions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
High Court orders halt to Te Urewera hut demolitions
The demolitions had been the subject of numerous protests.
!['Rip the guts out': Fed farmers condemns Govt's rural emission plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Rip the guts out': Fed farmers condemns Govt's rural emission plan
Govt says it is largely based on sector's own suggestions with some 'tweaks'.
![Live: Lights out tonight! Govt scraps traffic light system, almost all mask rules](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Live: Lights out tonight! Govt scraps traffic light system, almost all mask rules
Government moves to new phase of Covid-19 response.
![Luxon v Ardern in Parliament after MP Sam Uffindell sent back to Tauranga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Luxon v Ardern in Parliament after MP Sam Uffindell sent back to Tauranga
It comes amid new revelations about the under-fire MP.
![Ardern hints traffic light system could be shelved post-winter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Ardern hints traffic light system could be shelved post-winter
Hospitalisations remain elevated and pressure on the health system continues.
![Watch: 'I was a bully, a thug' - Sam Uffindell on schoolboy assault](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: 'I was a bully, a thug' - Sam Uffindell on schoolboy assault
"I've felt remorse and very upset about this for some time."
![Watch: Standing ovation as Dr Ashley Bloomfield signs off for the last time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: Standing ovation as Dr Ashley Bloomfield signs off for the last time
Dr Ashley Bloomfield gives his final Covid-19 briefing before leaving his job.
!['Code red': DHBs warned Govt of 'critical workforce issues' a year ago](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Code red': DHBs warned Govt of 'critical workforce issues' a year ago
It comes amid reports health system is in crisis mode amid 'twindemic' of Covid and flu.
![Auckland daily case numbers drop below 1000 first time in 4 months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Auckland daily case numbers drop below 1000 first time in 4 months
Meanwhile hospitalisation and mortality rates tell another story.
![$6 million Govt support plan to thwart ram raiders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
$6 million Govt support plan to thwart ram raiders
$6 million from Proceeds of Crime Fund used to fight ram raids
![Budget 2022: Nearly $1b to disability sectors and changes to benefits](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Budget 2022: Nearly $1b to disability sectors and changes to benefits
Benefit changes are expected to lift up to 14,000 more children out of poverty.
!['Open for business': NZ's borders fully reopen from July 31](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Open for business': NZ's borders fully reopen from July 31
Despite 'heavy clouds', Kiwis have cause to be optimistic.
![Watch: $230m trades training programme announced - Govt to support 38,000 people into work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: $230m trades training programme announced - Govt to support 38,000 people into work
It comes as the PM isolates at home with her fiance positive for Covid-19.
![Reunited! Border reopens to international visitors from visa-waiver countries](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Reunited! Border reopens to international visitors from visa-waiver countries
International arrivals are slowly starting to pick up again.
![Student took 1914 days to re-engage, get back to classroom](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Student took 1914 days to re-engage, get back to classroom
One student not attending took 1914 days to re-engage and get back into the classroom.
![Govt committed to get Rotorua Māori seats bill 'right'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Govt committed to get Rotorua Māori seats bill 'right'
It comes after the Attorney-General found its current form could breach Bill of Rights.
![23 deaths, 14,120 Covid cases reported today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
23 deaths, 14,120 Covid cases reported today
There are 692 people in hospital, including 30 patients in intensive care.
![New Covid variant could force tougher rules if it arrives in NZ - Bloomfield](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New Covid variant could force tougher rules if it arrives in NZ - Bloomfield
While cases are dropping Auckland remains with the highest hospitalisations per capita.
![NZ to remain at red traffic light, next review on April 14 - PM](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
NZ to remain at red traffic light, next review on April 14 - PM
It comes after nine more Covid-related deaths were reported today.
![Omicron rules changed: Gathering limits, vax passes - what you need to know](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Omicron rules changed: Gathering limits, vax passes - what you need to know
From 11.59pm on Monday 4 April, vaccine passes will no longer be required to be used.
![Covid vaccine passports, mandates may go as NZ woos tourists](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Covid vaccine passports, mandates may go as NZ woos tourists
It comes after she did a promo interview on the Australian breakfast show Sunrise.
![Govt announces 'a start' of $22m for Māori Health Authority](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Govt announces 'a start' of $22m for Māori Health Authority
New Zealand has been "dominated by monocultural thinking", Health NZ chair says.
![Live: Ardern stands by decision not to engage with protesters, heavy police presence remains](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Live: Ardern stands by decision not to engage with protesters, heavy police presence remains
The clean-up continues at Parliament as a heavy police presence remains.
!['Misguided' - Attorney-General pours scorn on protesters; reinforcements set to join today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Misguided' - Attorney-General pours scorn on protesters; reinforcements set to join today
Police have moved into 'enforcement mode' but the occupation could last days yet.
![Borders reopen from Feb 27, travellers to self-isolate, MIQ for unvaxxed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Borders reopen from Feb 27, travellers to self-isolate, MIQ for unvaxxed
The shift to self-isolation will begin from the end of this month.
![Charlotte Bellis returning to NZ in March to give birth to her baby girl](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Charlotte Bellis returning to NZ in March to give birth to her baby girl
'I will be returning to my home country New Zealand at the beginning of March.'
![Omicron in Queenstown; Govt under pressure after 'seizure' of rapid tests](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Omicron in Queenstown; Govt under pressure after 'seizure' of rapid tests
Lack of Māori input and specific details of plan have been criticised.
![New mask rules 'don't go far enough'; Govt to reveal more on plan for Omicron](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New mask rules 'don't go far enough'; Govt to reveal more on plan for Omicron
It comes as testing capacity is boosted and new mask rules introduced.
![36 hospitals to be upgraded in $644 million health boost](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
36 hospitals to be upgraded in $644 million health boost
It is part of plans for operating the health system with Covid in the community.
![More Kiwis support local border restrictions than oppose](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
More Kiwis support local border restrictions than oppose
But Aucklanders had a different view.
![Watch: Experts explain 'gamechanger' treatments for Covid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: Experts explain 'gamechanger' treatments for Covid
They've been described as "gamechangers" in the fight against Covid-19.
![Live: Third of Kiwi parents won't give kids Covid jab - a month from rollout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Live: Third of Kiwi parents won't give kids Covid jab - a month from rollout
Covid-19 Response Minister says he is confident that will change once its approved.
![Watch: NZ secures 60,000 doses of Pfizer's new antiviral drug](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: NZ secures 60,000 doses of Pfizer's new antiviral drug
Announcement comes after the first weekend of the new traffic light system.
![146 new cases, jabs for kids likely to start in Jan; Omicron expected to spread to NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
146 new cases, jabs for kids likely to start in Jan; Omicron expected to spread to NZ
NZ enters the new traffic light system from 11.59pm on Thursday.
!['At red, it will feel a lot like level 2': Traffic light for your region revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'At red, it will feel a lot like level 2': Traffic light for your region revealed
There were 182 cases reported today.
![Live: Vaccine pass site crashes under demand - all you need to know](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Live: Vaccine pass site crashes under demand - all you need to know
It comes ahead of a signalled move to the traffic light system soon after November 29.
![Watch live: NZ's Covid response - and how vaccinations impact hospitalisation rates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch live: NZ's Covid response - and how vaccinations impact hospitalisation rates
It comes as vaccine mandates kick in for teachers and health workers.
![Live: Level 3.2 from midnight, PM sets Nov 29 'freedom day' for Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Live: Level 3.2 from midnight, PM sets Nov 29 'freedom day' for Auckland
Experts say it is a 'risky move' and too soon before vaccination levels are high enough.
![Auckland set to ease restrictions next week, Waikato 'step 2' tomorrow - retailers to re-open](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Auckland set to ease restrictions next week, Waikato 'step 2' tomorrow - retailers to re-open
Today's announcement comes as a record number of new cases were reported.
![How an iwi-led vaccination programme is racing to 90%](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
How an iwi-led vaccination programme is racing to 90%
It comes amid a late boost to Māori vaccination rates across the country.
![90% Project: How many MPs are fully vaccinated?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
90% Project: How many MPs are fully vaccinated?
It comes as the Government introduces mandatory vaccinations in high-risk sectors.
![Live: Northland female traveller finally found, showing Covid symptoms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Live: Northland female traveller finally found, showing Covid symptoms
Currently 87 per cent of eligible Aucklanders have had at least one dose of the vaccine.
![Live: D-Day as Auckland on 'knife-edge' - cases 'better today'; return to school under review](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Live: D-Day as Auckland on 'knife-edge' - cases 'better today'; return to school under review
Cabinet will be today decide if there are any changes to Auckland's restrictions.
![Live: Covid a 'flame thrower'; no jab, no entry for events of 100+, says expert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Live: Covid a 'flame thrower'; no jab, no entry for events of 100+, says expert
Outbreak now linked to a 'large' gang presence, with calls for more-targeted approach.
![39 new Covid cases, person with virus dies in Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
39 new Covid cases, person with virus dies in Auckland
Auckland today enters day 50 of its lockdown as restrictions ease slightly.
![Vaccine certificates welcomed; expert says Govt should mandate worker jabs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Vaccine certificates welcomed; expert says Govt should mandate worker jabs
The PM says the surest way to get to festivals this summer is to get the vaccine.
![24 cases, six in Waikato; vaccine pass to be required for summer events, festivals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
24 cases, six in Waikato; vaccine pass to be required for summer events, festivals
It comes ahead of Auckland moving to the first step of its road map tonight.
![19 Covid cases today - why officials are expecting another 35 in coming days](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
19 Covid cases today - why officials are expecting another 35 in coming days
It comes as two people tested positive at Middlemore Hospital overnight.
![Oranga Tamariki 'weak, disconnected, unfit' – nearly all child uplifts to stop](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Oranga Tamariki 'weak, disconnected, unfit' – nearly all child uplifts to stop
The Government has accepted all 25 recommendations to "fix" Oranga Tamariki.
!['Golden ticket for NZ' - PM says no level 4 with high vax rates; 15 new cases](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Golden ticket for NZ' - PM says no level 4 with high vax rates; 15 new cases
Modelling also suggests that vaccinations alone won't be enough to keep the virus at bay.
!['Unacceptable': Disparity in DHB staff vaccination levels revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Unacceptable': Disparity in DHB staff vaccination levels revealed
Less than half of all staff at one DHB are fully vaccinated.
![14 community cases today; new $12k fine for rule breakers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
14 community cases today; new $12k fine for rule breakers
Officials have confirmed how Auckland prisoner who sparked mini lockdown became infected.
![Auckland to level 3 for two weeks, rest of NZ to stay at level 2](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Auckland to level 3 for two weeks, rest of NZ to stay at level 2
It comes as three new cases emerged outside the Auckland lockdown overnight.
![How many MPs have been fully vaccinated against Covid?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
How many MPs have been fully vaccinated against Covid?
Which party is leading the way?
![Live: 13 new cases; truck driver who left Auckland tests positive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Live: 13 new cases; truck driver who left Auckland tests positive
It comes as the 'Shot Bro' vaccine buses start doing the rounds.
![15 Covid cases today, unlinked cases fall to 10; 'Mr Whippy' vaccine buses hit streets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
15 Covid cases today, unlinked cases fall to 10; 'Mr Whippy' vaccine buses hit streets
The numbers come as testing and vaccinations in Auckland ramp up.
![Auckland lockdown extended, level 3 'in-principle' in 8 days; rest of NZ stays at level 2](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Auckland lockdown extended, level 3 'in-principle' in 8 days; rest of NZ stays at level 2
There are still 17 'mystery cases', those yet to be clearly linked back to the outbreak.
![Eleven new cases, officials hunt missing link between household cases with different strains](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Eleven new cases, officials hunt missing link between household cases with different strains
29 mystery cases under investigation, vaccination centre a location of interest.
![Delta eliminated in a 'couple of weeks' - NZ response exceeds expectations, says top modeller](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Delta eliminated in a 'couple of weeks' - NZ response exceeds expectations, says top modeller
It follows news an extra 250,000 doses are arriving from Spain this morning.
![Watch: 13 new Covid cases in community; 250k jabs coming from Spain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: 13 new Covid cases in community; 250k jabs coming from Spain
Thirty-one people in hospital, five in ICU or HDU, and three requiring ventilation.