User Profile

Sam Sachdeva

Sam Sachdeva is Newsroom's political editor, covering foreign affairs, trade, defence, and security issues.

Agriculture no block to NZ-EU trade deal

Agriculture has often been a sticking point for EU trade talks - but EU agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan says there is goodwill on both sides.

Feb 15 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Best of the Week

NZ-China ‘scheduling issues’ cause for concern

Plausible deniability is often the name of the game when China targets other countries.

Feb 13 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Politics

‘No deterioration’ in NZ-China relationship

As scheduling issues lead to the delay of a major tourism launch, the PM denies ties have gone downhill.

Feb 12 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Comment

Ardern faces big questions at Waitangi

After a successful - but not outstanding - Waitangi, can the PM deliver meaningful change for Māori?

Feb 07 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Māori issues

Waitangi 2019: in pictures

Take a look at some of Newsroom’s best photos from this year’s Waitangi commemorations.

Feb 07 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Politics

Ardern emphasises children at Waitangi Day service

The PM quotes Dame Whina Cooper: “For how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa.”

Feb 06 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Comment

Waitangi pōwhiri highlights task ahead of Ardern

Jacinda Ardern’s second speech at Waitangi lacked the emotion of her debut - but it is work, not words, that are now her priority.

Feb 06 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Government

Ardern: ‘Still more to do’ for Māori

Speaking at Waitangi after a year in government, the PM hailed progress but said more had to be done.

Feb 05 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Māori issues

Sir Hekenukumai Busby honoured at Waitangi

He restored the art of celestial navigation - now Sir Hekenukumai Busby is in the constellation of NZ greats.

Feb 05 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Politics

‘Nephs’ boost as Govt signals targeted funding

The Government has focused on universal initiatives which benefit Māori - but could that change in this year’s Budget?

Feb 05 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Politics

PM announces regional employment initiative

Cross-agency employment hubs will be set up around regional NZ as part of a $82.4m initiative.

Feb 04 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Politics

Ardern’s Waitangi sequel a test of relationship

One year on from the PM’s positive debut, how will her Government be received by Māori?

Feb 04 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Comment

Bridges puts finances to the fore

National leader’s first major speech of 2019 was workmanlike rather than wowing, but his new tax policy has some value.

Jan 31 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Politics

Bridges proposes end to ‘bracket creep’

In his State of the Nation speech, the National leader pledges to tie tax brackets to inflation.

Jan 30 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Politics

Tax working group report headed to Govt

Coalition differences will not halt meaningful tax reform, the Prime Minister insists.

Jan 29 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Foreign Affairs

The year ahead for NZ’s foreign policy

After a turbulent 2018 for geopolitics, what could 2019 bring in foreign policy challenges for NZ?

Jan 28 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Comment

Tobacco ties undermine Taxpayers’ Union

The lobby group may not be doing Big Tobacco’s bidding, but without proper transparency it’s impossible to tell, writes Sam Sachdeva.

Jan 25 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Politics

Taxpayers’ Union backed by tobacco giant

British American Tobacco has financially supported an NZ lobby group critical of tobacco taxes and plain packaging.

Jan 24 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Politics

Military refresh ‘chance for greater diversity’

Suite of new officials will help to open up opportunities for female officers, Defence Minister says.

Jan 21 2019

Sam Sachdeva

Government

KiwiBuild boss resigns after reports of dispute

The head of the Government’s house-building programme has stepped down, following reports of an employment dispute.

Jan 18 2019

Sam Sachdeva