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.
![Budget 2023 breakdown: Massive EV charging expansion among climate change initiatives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
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=798)
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=798)
Budget 2023: What’s in it for you
Free medicines, cheaper transport and childcare among initiatives.
![First National MP in 20 years to run in a Māori electorate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
First National MP in 20 years to run in a Māori electorate
Harete Hipango has been picked to run in Te Tai Hauāuru.
![Live: Lights out tonight! Govt scraps traffic light system, almost all mask rules](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Live: Lights out tonight! Govt scraps traffic light system, almost all mask rules
Government moves to new phase of Covid-19 response.
![Ardern hints traffic light system could be shelved post-winter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Ardern hints traffic light system could be shelved post-winter
Hospitalisations remain elevated and pressure on the health system continues.
![Watch: Standing ovation as Dr Ashley Bloomfield signs off for the last time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
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.
![Auckland daily case numbers drop below 1000 first time in 4 months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Auckland daily case numbers drop below 1000 first time in 4 months
Meanwhile hospitalisation and mortality rates tell another story.
![23 deaths, 14,120 Covid cases reported today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
23 deaths, 14,120 Covid cases reported today
There are 692 people in hospital, including 30 patients in intensive care.
![Omicron rules changed: Gathering limits, vax passes - what you need to know](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
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=798)
Covid vaccine passports, mandates may go as NZ woos tourists
It comes after she did a promo interview on the Australian breakfast show Sunrise.
![Borders reopen from Feb 27, travellers to self-isolate, MIQ for unvaxxed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
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=798)
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.'
![Watch: Experts explain 'gamechanger' treatments for Covid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Watch: Experts explain 'gamechanger' treatments for Covid
They've been described as "gamechangers" in the fight against Covid-19.
![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=798)
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.
![Traffic lights on: North Island sees red and orange, all of South Island into orange](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Traffic lights on: North Island sees red and orange, all of South Island into orange
Govt announces support for business under new framework.
![Watch live: NZ's Covid response - and how vaccinations impact hospitalisation rates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Watch live: NZ's Covid response - and how vaccinations impact hospitalisation rates
It comes as vaccine mandates kick in for teachers and health workers.
![Auckland set to ease restrictions next week, Waikato 'step 2' tomorrow - retailers to re-open](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
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.
![Live: Northland female traveller finally found, showing Covid symptoms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
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=798)
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.
![39 new Covid cases, person with virus dies in Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
39 new Covid cases, person with virus dies in Auckland
Auckland today enters day 50 of its lockdown as restrictions ease slightly.
![24 cases, six in Waikato; vaccine pass to be required for summer events, festivals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
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=798)
19 Covid cases today - why officials are expecting another 35 in coming days
It comes as two people tested positive at Middlemore Hospital overnight.
![165,000 migrant workers stranded in NZ due to Covid offered visas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
165,000 migrant workers stranded in NZ due to Covid offered visas
"It will be absolutely life-changing, and well overdue."
!['Golden ticket for NZ' - PM says no level 4 with high vax rates; 15 new cases](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
'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=798)
'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=798)
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=798)
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.
![Live: 13 new cases; truck driver who left Auckland tests positive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
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=798)
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=798)
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=798)
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=798)
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=798)
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.
![Two-day - new alert level for most of NZ, hopes rise for Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Two-day - new alert level for most of NZ, hopes rise for Auckland
New 'Delta 2' rules for gatherings and mask use being taken for a test drive from today.
![NZ outside of Auckland to level 2 at midnight tomorrow - new mask rules; Covid checks at border](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
NZ outside of Auckland to level 2 at midnight tomorrow - new mask rules; Covid checks at border
It comes as 20 new cases were reported today - down from a peak of 84 over a week ago.
!['Working round the clock' to get more vaccines, says Covid Minister](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
'Working round the clock' to get more vaccines, says Covid Minister
Dr Ashley Bloomfield says the bounce in numbers is not unexpected.
![Making the break - areas south of Auckland now in alert level 3; police set up checkpoints; the 'golden rules' to stay safe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Making the break - areas south of Auckland now in alert level 3; police set up checkpoints; the 'golden rules' to stay safe
NZ has now split into two alert-level states as the country battles to eliminate Delta.
![Live: Splitsville- NZ prepares for different alert levels; 'Level 3 does not mean freedom,' PM warns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Live: Splitsville- NZ prepares for different alert levels; 'Level 3 does not mean freedom,' PM warns
Auckland will stay in alert level 4 lockdown for at least two more weeks.
![Live: Covid case visits West Auckland vege shop three times in lockdown; 'Positive' signs but mystery cases pose challenge - Govt Minister](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Live: Covid case visits West Auckland vege shop three times in lockdown; 'Positive' signs but mystery cases pose challenge - Govt Minister
"The big risks are indoor spaces at the moment" - Dr Siouxsie Wiles
![Live: Auckland factory shuts after positive Covid case; 83 new cases announced; experts predict a plateau](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Live: Auckland factory shuts after positive Covid case; 83 new cases announced; experts predict a plateau
The total number of cases in the outbreak has now gone over 500.
![Live: Alert level D-Day - experts plea for lockdown caution, idea for three zones across NZ; Top adviser: 'I'd love to say Santa exists'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Live: Alert level D-Day - experts plea for lockdown caution, idea for three zones across NZ; Top adviser: 'I'd love to say Santa exists'
Experts want an extension to further stamp out any risk of spread.
![68 new Covid cases in community; Virus detected in Christchurch wastewater](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
68 new Covid cases in community; Virus detected in Christchurch wastewater
The first wave's peak is expected to hit in the next 48 hours.
![Live: Ardern not 'too fussed' by Aussie PM's NZ Covid criticism; More supermarkets named as locations of interest; Critical day in outbreak as cases set to surge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Live: Ardern not 'too fussed' by Aussie PM's NZ Covid criticism; More supermarkets named as locations of interest; Critical day in outbreak as cases set to surge
Experts back NZ's elimination strategy despite criticism from Aussie PM.
![Delta outbreak: 41 community cases, total now 148; Child under 1 youngest case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Delta outbreak: 41 community cases, total now 148; Child under 1 youngest case
The next few days will be crucial in determining the outbreak's spread.
![Live: Expert's worst-case scenario of 1000 cases; Another Auckland high school confirmed as location of interest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Live: Expert's worst-case scenario of 1000 cases; Another Auckland high school confirmed as location of interest
There are now 107 cases in the latest outbreak.
![NZ's lockdown extended until midnight Friday; Auckland's for longer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
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.
!['Things will get worse before they get better' - Deputy PM on latest cases, defends Govt response to testing delays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
'Things will get worse before they get better' - Deputy PM on latest cases, defends Govt response to testing delays
There are now more than 210 locations of interest as NZ spends the weekend in lockdown.
!['Possibly a bigger outbreak': Expert predicts longer lockdown; 'Dangerous' locations of interest; Aucklanders queue to be tested](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
'Possibly a bigger outbreak': Expert predicts longer lockdown; 'Dangerous' locations of interest; Aucklanders queue to be tested
There are now 10 cases of Delta in New Zealand and almost 70 locations of interest.
![New location of interest as four new Delta Covid cases, Auckland Hospital nurse tests positive - all linked to Devonport tradesman](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
New location of interest as four new Delta Covid cases, Auckland Hospital nurse tests positive - all linked to Devonport tradesman
A fully vaccinated nurse at Auckland Hospital has tested positive.
![Live: NZ now in alert level 4 lockdown; Auckland cafe, pharmacy new locations of interest; two close contacts identified](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Live: NZ now in alert level 4 lockdown; Auckland cafe, pharmacy new locations of interest; two close contacts identified
Fifteen locations of interest have been identified so far.
![Delta outbreak would require 'short, sharp' level 4 lockdown - Hipkins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Delta outbreak would require 'short, sharp' level 4 lockdown - Hipkins
A relook at alert level settings comes as countries grapple with escalating Covid cases.
![Covid update: NZ passes 2m jab milestone; 770k fully vaccinated](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Covid update: NZ passes 2m jab milestone; 770k fully vaccinated
Vaccination bookings for the 55 and over age band will open on Friday, ministry says.
![Seasonal workers allowed into NZ, growers 'delighted'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Seasonal workers allowed into NZ, growers 'delighted'
Seasonal workers from Sāmoa, Tonga and Vanuatu can enter NZ from September.
![Revealed: 'Deeply concerning' vaccination rates vary across NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Revealed: 'Deeply concerning' vaccination rates vary across NZ
In one district Māori are being vaccinated at a quarter of the national rate.
![Experts urge caution on halting transtasman travel bubble](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Experts urge caution on halting transtasman travel bubble
It comes with half the Australian population currently in lockdown.
![Covid-infected mariners in hospital; group 4 vaccine invites from next week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Covid-infected mariners in hospital; group 4 vaccine invites from next week
Group 4 people will start receiving vaccine notifications from July 28.
![16 workers fined for refusing tests; mass vaccination event planned](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
16 workers fined for refusing tests; mass vaccination event planned
Hipkins said he warned Kiwis abroad that MIQ demand would increase again.
![PM: At-risk groups should have been contacted over vaccine](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
PM: At-risk groups should have been contacted over vaccine
It comes as 150,000 of the 1 million Pfizer doses expected through July arrived on Monday.
![Travel bubble back on for two states, NSW on pause for 'foreseeable future' - PM](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Travel bubble back on for two states, NSW on pause for 'foreseeable future' - PM
Kiwis stuck in NSW and Queensland will be allowed to come home on Saturday.
!['It's a crisis': Māori vaccination rates dwindling as stocks dive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
'It's a crisis': Māori vaccination rates dwindling as stocks dive
It comes despite expert advice Māori be prioritised due to the inequitable health system.
![Covid update: No new community cases - 'we're not out of the woods yet'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Covid update: No new community cases - 'we're not out of the woods yet'
Of the infected traveller's 1752 contacts, 532 have so far returned a negative result.
![Covid Wgtn scare: Govt believes infected Sydney tourist has Delta variant - Hipkins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Covid Wgtn scare: Govt believes infected Sydney tourist has Delta variant - Hipkins
Key question remains if traveller had 'explosive' Delta variant.
![Covid jabs approved for Kiwi teens aged 12-15](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Covid jabs approved for Kiwi teens aged 12-15
Around 265,000 children are in the 12-15 age group in New Zealand.
![Some Covid vaccine centres could pause to balance supply](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Some Covid vaccine centres could pause to balance supply
There will be an update this afternoon on the quarantine-free travel pause with Victoria.
![Ashley Bloomfield says pandemic 'not even halfway through'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Ashley Bloomfield says pandemic 'not even halfway through'
More than 235,000 people are now fully vaccinated.
![Thousands of travellers from Melbourne now need to isolate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Thousands of travellers from Melbourne now need to isolate
Pause in quarantine-free travel between NZ and Victoria extended for a further seven days.
![PM, Hipkins deny accusations of vaccine roll-out delay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
PM, Hipkins deny accusations of vaccine roll-out delay
Push back comes after Ministry of Health quietly updated its vaccination timeline.
![Education: $761m to build more schools, classrooms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Education: $761m to build more schools, classrooms
Money for school buildings, tertiary students and vocational training announced.
![$1 billion for Māori housing, health, reo initiatives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
$1 billion for Māori housing, health, reo initiatives
It includes nearly $100m for the new Māori Health Authority.
![Budget 2021: $344m for Antarctica's Scott Base redevelopment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Budget 2021: $344m for Antarctica's Scott Base redevelopment
$300m has been announced to accelerate investment in low-carbon technology.
![Government announces $3.3 billion to lift 33,000 children out of poverty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Government announces $3.3 billion to lift 33,000 children out of poverty
Weekly benefit rates will be lifted by between $32 and $55 per adult by April 2022.
![500 extra MIQ spaces for skilled, critical workers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
500 extra MIQ spaces for skilled, critical workers
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will be speaking after Cabinet this afternoon.
![Live: No new community Covid cases, five identified in MIQ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Live: No new community Covid cases, five identified in MIQ
All five returned from India.
![A little taste of summer for some over Easter Weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
A little taste of summer for some over Easter Weekend
The roads are expected to be extra busy this year after last year's lockdown Easter.
![Your weather: New Zealand to see weekend of summer sun](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Your weather: New Zealand to see weekend of summer sun
It's time to hit the beach.
![Covid risk 'almost never been higher' to NZ, 'intense' lockdown possible if new outbreak - expert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Covid risk 'almost never been higher' to NZ, 'intense' lockdown possible if new outbreak - expert
It comes as 31 new cases revealed at the border, 19 of the new highly-infectious variant.
![Covid 19 community outbreak: 25 in isolation after quarantine worker case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=798)
Covid 19 community outbreak: 25 in isolation after quarantine worker case
Health Ministry also reveals historical case - early last month from London via Singapore.