Costello rejects 'premise' of questions around $575,000 contract to Chinese vape company RELX

Costello rejects 'premise' of questions around $575,000 contract to Chinese vape company RELX
Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters says RELX's products work 'and all other evidence says so'. (Image: NZME)
Dileepa Fonseka
The Government has rejected the idea corrupt practices were at play during the awarding of a $575,000 vaping contract, adding that tape-recorded conversations at the centre of the allegations took place before the current Government was elected.At Parliament on Thursday afternoon, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello rejected allegations anything improper had happened with a contract awarded to Chinese vaping company RELX for products to be distributed to help people stop smoking.“The inference that this New Zealand Government ha...

More Politics

Luxon says business to be a winner out of Budget
Politics

Luxon says business to be a winner out of Budget

Luxon says there's not much money to spend in the Budget, but business is a priority.

Dileepa Fonseka 08 May 2025
Survey of Aucklanders not a real survey, pollster says
Politics

Survey of Aucklanders not a real survey, pollster says

The communication of the data behind a University of Auckland survey has been criticised.

Dileepa Fonseka 08 May 2025
John Key, Helen Clark united in 'bed tax' support
Policy

John Key, Helen Clark united in 'bed tax' support

The former Prime Ministers are buying what Wayne Brown is selling.

Oliver Lewis 07 May 2025
Govt readies new $30m coastal shipping fund
Policy

Govt readies new $30m coastal shipping fund

The $30m was earmarked last June, but details have remained scarce.

Oliver Lewis 07 May 2025