More work is needed to fully implement recommendations made after Cyclone Gabrielle.
The government has $926m of Covid-19 response and recovery funds to spend.
Long-awaited two-way quarantine-free travel to commence between New Zealand and the Cook Islands.
PM says government will serve NZ’s interests and maintain its independent foreign policy.
Review covers impact net migration increases have on housing market, labour demand, productivity.
Public servants are not elected to make decisions but appointed to give ‘free and frank advice’.
The Climate Change Commission has had to draw on later budgets after ministerial intervention.
Official papers show more KiwiBuild funding and removing development constraints still under consideration.
Officials advise government does have to intervene to make housing more affordable.
Politics: Government is setting up a new Māori health authority.