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.
![Final election results to be announced – here's what could change in special votes count](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Will National and Act need NZ First? Special votes to be revealed
The political fortunes of half a dozen MPs will also be unveiled.
![How Te Pāti Māori caused two of the biggest election upsets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
How Te Pāti Māori caused two of the biggest election upsets
Be prepared for more of a shake-up in Parliament, new MPs say.
![Māori electorate seats ‘wide open’ as Māori Party surges, Labour walks ‘tightrope’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Māori electorate seats ‘wide open’ as Māori Party surges, Labour walks ‘tightrope’
The political environment is very different compared to 2020.
![Luxon claims 'we have become a country of bureaucrats in NZ'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Luxon claims 'we have become a country of bureaucrats in NZ'
The two big party leaders are going head-to-head tonight in a TV debate.
![National MP stripped of portfolios for ‘threatening’ Labour member](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
National MP stripped of portfolios for ‘threatening’ Labour member
The Privileges Committee recommended he be censured over the incident.
![Koroneihana: Politicians urged not to use Māori as 'political football'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Koroneihana: Politicians urged not to use Māori as 'political football'
Leaders of major parties attempted to woo Māori - Luxon even put on his dancing shoes.
![Live: Bloomfield - 'Don't panic'; Te Awamutu wastewater tests positive again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Live: Bloomfield - 'Don't panic'; Te Awamutu wastewater tests positive again
Māori vaccinations are surging, but experts say more time is needed to catch up.
![Live: Covid a 'flame thrower'; no jab, no entry for events of 100+, says expert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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.
![Yacht feared missing found, two sailors safe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Yacht feared missing found, two sailors safe
A major search operation had been under way since last night.
![Goldie work could become 'underworld currency'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Goldie work could become 'underworld currency'
Experts estimate its value at about $1 million.
![Arrests over art heist of Goldie painting worth 'over $1m'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Arrests over art heist of Goldie painting worth 'over $1m'
Three men have been arrested.
![Goldie painting stolen in Waikato burglary worth 'well over $1m'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Goldie painting stolen in Waikato burglary worth 'well over $1m'
Goldie's most expensive piece has sold for over $1.3m.
![Aerial photos show dozens of sharks off Coromandel beach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Aerial photos show dozens of sharks off Coromandel beach
The bronze whalers and hammerheads are seen enjoying the sparkling waters.
![Rain, thunderstorms on the way - which drought-affected areas will get relief](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Rain, thunderstorms on the way - which drought-affected areas will get relief
Not a "drought-breaker", but at last some relief.
!['Polite burglar' does dishes before ransacking home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
'Polite burglar' does dishes before ransacking home
The victims believe macaroni cheese and steak were on the menu.
![Hamilton mosque opens door to the public to mark Christchurch shootings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Hamilton mosque opens door to the public to mark Christchurch shootings
A two minute silence will be held today to mark the Christchurch Mosque shootings.
![The heavens will open: Torrential rain, flood warnings for east coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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.
![Peters: Govt 'unable' to help get sick Kiwi mum home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Peters: Govt 'unable' to help get sick Kiwi mum home
The Royal New Zealand Air Force has been suggested as one way to get Abby home.
![Kiwi mum in coma in Bali: Family's plea to get her home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Kiwi mum in coma in Bali: Family's plea to get her home
Hamilton family must raise $160,000 for special flight to fly seriously ill mother home.
![Dairy owner installs cage after machete attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Dairy owner installs cage after machete attack
After a robbery which left him with a fractured skull, a shop owner has upped security.