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.
![PM responds to National claims Govt planning to remove GST from fruit, vegetables](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
PM responds to National claims Govt planning to remove GST from fruit, vegetables
Hipkins has had a busy day of diplomatic meetings.
![Green Party vows to return stolen land to Māori](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Green Party vows to return stolen land to Māori
'The Aotearoa we know today has been built off of Māori land' - co-leader Marama Davidson.
![Pothole Repair Fund: National's $500m pledge to fix 'shocking state' of roads](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Pothole Repair Fund: National's $500m pledge to fix 'shocking state' of roads
Govt says National created problem by freezing road maintenance.
![Govt unveils inquiry into wild weather response; $240m to finance rebuild](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Govt unveils inquiry into wild weather response; $240m to finance rebuild
It has also launched an inquiry into the response to the cyclones.
![Auckland, Northland to go first in new water reforms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Auckland, Northland to go first in new water reforms
The Government has introduced new legislation to cover revised Three Waters model.
![NZ, Aus ministers hit back at ‘greenwashing’ claims as climate partnership signed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
NZ, Aus ministers hit back at ‘greenwashing’ claims as climate partnership signed
New arrangement could pave way for electric car manufacturing Downunder.
![Nats say Govt-farming emissions group is 'dead'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Nats say Govt-farming emissions group is 'dead'
Time runs low on getting pricing scheme up before election.
![Govt considering fertiliser tax as time to price emissions runs low](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Govt considering fertiliser tax as time to price emissions runs low
It comes as time runs out on pricing scheme, Govt looks to other funding options.
![NZ Steel to transition away from burning coal with $140 million Govt subsidy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
NZ Steel to transition away from burning coal with $140 million Govt subsidy
The change is equivalent to taking 300,000 cars off the road.
![Explainer: Why Govt is making a big deal of steel emissions initiative](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Explainer: Why Govt is making a big deal of steel emissions initiative
PM Chris Hipkins called it NZ's 'largest-ever emissions reduction project'.
!['Uninspiring': Govt hits back at National's farming policy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
'Uninspiring': Govt hits back at National's farming policy
Chris Luxon's policy overhauls many of Labour's rules on the environment and immigration.
![Nats want to double RSE workers, add residency pathways](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Nats want to double RSE workers, add residency pathways
It also wants to ban foreign investment converting farms to forestry.
![Labour’s last roll of the dice on water reforms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Labour’s last roll of the dice on water reforms
The new model appears to have placated some of the harshest critics, but not all.
![Three Waters reset: Govt to create 10 new entities; Luxon calls rebrand a 'dumb policy'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Three Waters reset: Govt to create 10 new entities; Luxon calls rebrand a 'dumb policy'
The Government will announce its Three Waters replacement today.
!['Three Waters' to become 'Affordable Water Infrastructure'?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
'Three Waters' to become 'Affordable Water Infrastructure'?
PM Chris Hipkins signals Three Waters rebrand, to be announced 'imminently'.
![NZ could face $24 billion bill to hit 2030 climate targets, officials warn](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
NZ could face $24 billion bill to hit 2030 climate targets, officials warn
An expert says it means taking stronger action now could save money in long-term.
![Cyclone Gabrielle: Task force to tackle managed retreat, flood risk and insurance issues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Cyclone Gabrielle: Task force to tackle managed retreat, flood risk and insurance issues
Robertson said affected communities would be at the centre of decision making.
![Cyclone Gabrielle: PM Hipkins to announce forestry slash inquiry on Thursday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Cyclone Gabrielle: PM Hipkins to announce forestry slash inquiry on Thursday
It comes after widespread devastation following two cyclones in a month.
![Cyclone Gabrielle: All parties back review into forestry slash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Cyclone Gabrielle: All parties back review into forestry slash
Momentum builds for major review into forestry practices following devastating cyclones.
![Greens speak on their ' ‘biggest frustration’ - and optimism for 2023](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Greens speak on their ' ‘biggest frustration’ - and optimism for 2023
The party co-leaders say they are committed to being part of the next Government.
![Three Waters passes amid fiery debate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Three Waters passes amid fiery debate
National, Act, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori all raised concerns.
![‘Dangerous precedent’: Lawyers’ concern over entrenched Three Waters provision](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
‘Dangerous precedent’: Lawyers’ concern over entrenched Three Waters provision
Amendment is to protect against privatisation, but many are concerned about the process.
![‘Outrageous’: Industry concerned costs not factored into speed limit proposal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
‘Outrageous’: Industry concerned costs not factored into speed limit proposal
Waka Kotahi says there is no requirement to do a cost-benefit analysis.
![Shaw to look at 1.5C ‘obligation’ in climate law](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Shaw to look at 1.5C ‘obligation’ in climate law
Activist group says need to check if Zero Carbon Act is 'is fit for purpose'.
![Luxon unaware Kuriger met Agriculture Minister over son's MPI dispute](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Luxon unaware Kuriger met Agriculture Minister over son's MPI dispute
She raised the issue with Damien O'Connor several times, and he even met her son.
![Luxon says proposed emissions plan will 'decimate' sheep and beef farming, Shaw says criticism 'confused'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Luxon says proposed emissions plan will 'decimate' sheep and beef farming, Shaw says criticism 'confused'
National leader said he will repeal the plan, and support an 'industry-led solution'.
![Govt rejected Shaw's preferred farming emissions plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Govt rejected Shaw's preferred farming emissions plan
The Climate Change Minister feared proposal could be open to political interference.
!['Rip the guts out': Fed farmers condemns Govt's rural emission plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
'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'.
![Forests would need to triple to account for agriculture emissions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Forests would need to triple to account for agriculture emissions
"We cannot simply plant our way out of this problem" - PCE Simon Upton says.
![Govt to block Green bill banning mining on conservation land](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Govt to block Green bill banning mining on conservation land
The Greens say Labour is going back on a 2017 promise.
![Potatoes v property: Govt releases plan to protect productive land](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Potatoes v property: Govt releases plan to protect productive land
It is aimed at protecting the country's best growing soils from urban sprawl.
![Latest poll: Nats and Act can form govt, Labour at lowest since 2017](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Latest poll: Nats and Act can form govt, Labour at lowest since 2017
Also of note will be if recent co-leadership issues have hurt the Greens.
![Govt to push through firearms law as politics heats up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Govt to push through firearms law as politics heats up
Law order looks set to become more of a political issue ahead of next year's election.
![National: FTA with EU a 'step forward' but agriculture 'missed opportunity'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
National: FTA with EU a 'step forward' but agriculture 'missed opportunity'
National's trade spokesman Todd McClay gave the deal a '6 out of 10'.
![$569m to get Kiwis into EVs, gas guzzlers face ban, criticism over ag 'omission'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
$569m to get Kiwis into EVs, gas guzzlers face ban, criticism over ag 'omission'
Clean car EV trial will initially support up to 2500 vehicles.
!['Open for business': NZ's borders fully reopen from July 31](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
'Open for business': NZ's borders fully reopen from July 31
Despite 'heavy clouds', Kiwis have cause to be optimistic.
![Climate change: Nats back emissions budgets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Climate change: Nats back emissions budgets
It continues the cross-party approach behind the Zero Carbon Act.
![One location left to eradicate cattle disease M. bovis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
One location left to eradicate cattle disease M. bovis
Government confirms a more than $100 million investment in biosecurity work.
![Lockdown sees emissions drop, big cuts still needed - report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Lockdown sees emissions drop, big cuts still needed - report
The first emissions reduction plan will be released next month.
![Omicron rules changed: Gathering limits, vax passes - what you need to know](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
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.
![Live: 'Dog and pony show' - John Key lashes Govt's drawn-out Covid announcements](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Live: 'Dog and pony show' - John Key lashes Govt's drawn-out Covid announcements
PM will this morning announce changes to vaccine pass and mandate settings.
!['It's a part of NZ': PM on protesters camped out at Parliament](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
'It's a part of NZ': PM on protesters camped out at Parliament
'The only reason they can move around like this is majority of people are vaccinated.'
![Act Party MP Mark Cameron on why he admires James Shaw](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Act Party MP Mark Cameron on why he admires James Shaw
The "authentic rural voice" also reflects on hardships facing farmers.
![165,000 migrant workers stranded in NZ due to Covid offered visas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
165,000 migrant workers stranded in NZ due to Covid offered visas
"It will be absolutely life-changing, and well overdue."
![NZ's lockdown extended until midnight Friday; Auckland's for longer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
NZ's lockdown extended until midnight Friday; Auckland's for longer
Today the country recorded the highest number of daily cases in more than a year.
![Seasonal workers allowed into NZ, growers 'delighted'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Seasonal workers allowed into NZ, growers 'delighted'
Seasonal workers from Sāmoa, Tonga and Vanuatu can enter NZ from September.
![New poll: Labour plunges, Nats up slightly, Act rises to all-time high](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
New poll: Labour plunges, Nats up slightly, Act rises to all-time high
The last similar poll in May showed a huge drop for the National Party leader.
![Essential skills visas extended due to Covid border restrictions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Essential skills visas extended due to Covid border restrictions
Move recognises the ongoing labour demand pressures faced by some sectors.
![Govt advised against feebate exemptions for work utes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Govt advised against feebate exemptions for work utes
Their rising popularity seen as 'incompatible' with decarbonising the transport sector.
![Migrant labour inquiry in fishing industry aims to boost Kiwi jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Migrant labour inquiry in fishing industry aims to boost Kiwi jobs
Inquiry comes as Covid-19 border restrictions highlight the reliance on migrant labour.
!['I need to prioritise my health and family': Todd Muller to retire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
'I need to prioritise my health and family': Todd Muller to retire
"Being [an MP] is a huge privilege, but it does come at a cost," former party leader says.
![Revealed: New fishing restrictions for Hauraki Gulf](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Revealed: New fishing restrictions for Hauraki Gulf
18 new protection areas to be created under major new environmental plan.
![Climate change EV feebate: How green is the ministerial car fleet?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Climate change EV feebate: How green is the ministerial car fleet?
The Government is aiming for a fully-electric Crown fleet by 2025/26.
![Climate goal sees broad support, differing views on how to get there](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Climate goal sees broad support, differing views on how to get there
Policies like no petrol cars from 2035 and fewer cows have copped criticism.
![Climate change report: End petrol car imports by 2032](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Climate change report: End petrol car imports by 2032
New report says petrol car imports would need to be wound down by 2032.
![Budget 2021: $344m for Antarctica's Scott Base redevelopment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Budget 2021: $344m for Antarctica's Scott Base redevelopment
$300m has been announced to accelerate investment in low-carbon technology.
![Horticulture, union welcome Govt's RSE announcement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Horticulture, union welcome Govt's RSE announcement
Meanwhile other industries are disappointed at missing out.
![500 extra MIQ spaces for skilled, critical workers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
500 extra MIQ spaces for skilled, critical workers
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will be speaking after Cabinet this afternoon.
![Would you drink treated sewage? Auckland told to stop relying on Waikato for water](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Would you drink treated sewage? Auckland told to stop relying on Waikato for water
Confidential agreement could see recycled wastewater on the table.
![Revealed: Recreational fishers in the Gulf catch twice as much snapper as commercial - Niwa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Revealed: Recreational fishers in the Gulf catch twice as much snapper as commercial - Niwa
Like anything relating to fish, there are many sides to this story.
![Illegal 120m-long net in marine reserve caught sharks, rays and birds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Illegal 120m-long net in marine reserve caught sharks, rays and birds
The net was attached by a milk bottle float and tied to a mangrove tree on the shoreline
!['Very sorry' anglers caught catching snapper in NZ's oldest marine reserve](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
'Very sorry' anglers caught catching snapper in NZ's oldest marine reserve
It has been protected for 45 years, but the fishers allegedly claimed they did not know.
![Myrtle rust discovered in Waitākere Ranges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Myrtle rust discovered in Waitākere Ranges
The fungus was recently found to be killing mature native trees.
![Aerial photos show dozens of sharks off Coromandel beach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Aerial photos show dozens of sharks off Coromandel beach
The bronze whalers and hammerheads are seen enjoying the sparkling waters.
![Kai Ika: Marae and fishers team up to slash waste](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Kai Ika: Marae and fishers team up to slash waste
They've transformed 84 tonnes of what would have been scraps into delicious meals.
![Dirty water: Auckland golf resort fined over wastewater discharge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Dirty water: Auckland golf resort fined over wastewater discharge
'This... negligent pollution is completely unacceptable, but also completely avoidable.'
![Auckland river and stream faecal contamination 'widespread' - report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Auckland river and stream faecal contamination 'widespread' - report
Rivers in urban catchments had the poorest scores.
![Climate change major disruptor to seafood sector - report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Climate change major disruptor to seafood sector - report
Climate change could see migration of prized Kiwi species such as snapper and kingfish.
![Auckland ports report: 'Give the $2m back' - Manukau preferred over Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Auckland ports report: 'Give the $2m back' - Manukau preferred over Northland
The $2m report eyes up the Manukau Harbour and not Northland as the new port option.
![Hauraki Gulf crayfish take slashed in half - scientists say not enough](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Hauraki Gulf crayfish take slashed in half - scientists say not enough
'A bag limit is pretty meaningless when you can't even catch one.'
![Anzac Day: Listening to the Silence - by Poet Laureate David Eggleton](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Anzac Day: Listening to the Silence - by Poet Laureate David Eggleton
Read Poet Laureate David Eggleton's exclusive Anzac poem for Herald readers.
![New Zealand reviewing its global emissions pledge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
New Zealand reviewing its global emissions pledge
The review is to ensure New Zealand is doing its bit to keep global warming under 1.5C.
![Dire warning for country's lakes, rivers and streams](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Dire warning for country's lakes, rivers and streams
"The path we are on threatens our native species and our own wellbeing."
![New Zealand emissions barely budge, transport cuts urged](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
New Zealand emissions barely budge, transport cuts urged
New Zealand's gross emissions have increased 24 per cent since 1990.
![Coronavirus: What will alert level 4 mean for NZ?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Coronavirus: What will alert level 4 mean for NZ?
New Zealand will move to Covid-19 alert level 4 in 48 hours.
![Rain, thunderstorms on the way - which drought-affected areas will get relief](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Rain, thunderstorms on the way - which drought-affected areas will get relief
Not a "drought-breaker", but at last some relief.
![Hauraki Gulf: Crayfish in peril, snapper just hanging in there - report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Hauraki Gulf: Crayfish in peril, snapper just hanging in there - report
The State of our Gulf 2020 report calls for drastic actions to heal our big blue backyard.
![Milk tankers eyed to assist parched Auckland residents](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Milk tankers eyed to assist parched Auckland residents
Auckland Council is also increasing the number of filling stations for residents.