Louise Upston
Mobility scooter seizure, verdicts of insanity and waka jumping before Parliament
Non-government bills changing laws around mobility device seizures, the wording of verdicts for insane offenders, and waka-jumping MPs have been worked on at Parliament. Audio
Mobility scooter seizure, verdicts of insanity and waka jumping before Parliament
Non-government bills changing laws around mobility device seizures, the wording of verdicts for insane offenders, and waka-jumping MPs have been worked on at Parliament.
AudioShovel-ready job numbers fall short
The National Party has hit out against the government's shovel-ready scheme, saying the number of new jobs it's created is inadequate. The spend up was announced in July last year, saying it would… Audio
Election 2020: Morning Report social policy debate
About 50,000 people who've lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic are now on the jobseeker benefit.
Treasury projections show unemployment is expected to peak at 7.7 percent next year before… Audio
Members' bills: Defying sad odds
The life of a Member's Bill usually involves years of languishing, minutes of fame and a swift and brutal end. But not always. Audio
Members' bills: Defying sad odds
The life of a Member's Bill usually involves years of languishing, minutes of fame and a swift and brutal end. But not always.
AudioChecking the estimates
Select Committees are in estimates season, quizzing ministers on their budget areas; and everything from Defence spending to girls in sport. Audio
Checking the estimates
Select Committees are in estimates season, quizzing ministers on their budget areas; and everything from Defence spending to girls in sport.
AudioNational Party calls on Greens to vote Covid-19 benefit down
The Opposition has sought to drive a wedge between the Greens and their government partners, saying they've once again been forced to swallow a dead rat.
The Government pushed a proposed law through… Audio
Unemployment surges as Covid-19-focused Budget Day looms
With all eyes on next week's Budget, new figures show the bite of Covid-19 on people's jobs - with about 40,000 people going on the dole since lockdown.
The government is putting the finishing… Audio
A tax bill, last year's performance, and prisoner voting at alert level 3
In the first week of alert level 3 MPs have speedily passed a tax bill, started a performance review of the Government and heard views on prisoner voting. Audio
A tax bill, last year's performance, and prisoner voting at alert level 3
In the first week of alert level 3 MPs have speedily passed a tax bill, started a performance review of the Government and heard views on prisoner voting.
AudioDemand for hardship grants skyrockets
The skyrocketing demand for hardship grants means Work and Income case managers haven't been able to spend as much time getting people into jobs.
The admission has come from the Ministry of Social… Audio
Govt doing a 'lousy' job on welfare reform - Upston
National says the government is doing a "lousy" job with its much vaunted reforms of the welfare system.
Figures released yesterday show the number of people on the benefit is increasing - up five… Audio
Locals near major intersection say it's like a 'war zone'
People living near a major Waikato intersection say it's like living in a war zone. It's the intersection of State Highway One and State Highway 29 at Piarere, south of Cambridge. Traffic congestion… Audio
Taxpayers picking up tab for 'deadbeat' dads - National
Deadbeat Dads are the only ones getting a tax cut this year according to the National Party. Absentee fathers and more petrol prices dominated the political debate today. Audio
Louise Upston advised on access to Matt Lauer's land
The former National Minister who had responsibility for the Walking Access Commission told its members it would not be the best use of its time to try to get greater public access to the Hunter Valley… Audio
Work & Income overhaul: Families in need 'can't wait'
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says an announcement on the promised overhaul of the welfare system can be expected in the next three to four weeks.
Questions have been raised again about… Audio
Pressure mounts over rescue chopper proposal
Pressure is building on the government to step in and ensure rescue helicopter bases remain in Taupo and Rotorua. The central North Island towns - and Te Anau in the South Island - have been left off… Audio
Only so much leeway
General Debates are as 'free-for-all' as Parliament's debating chamber gets - but there are still rules. Audio
