Politics
ACT proposes criminalising use of pets in family violence coercion
The policy would create a new Crimes Act offence carrying up to seven years imprisonment and strengthen protection orders to prevent offenders removing victims' animals.
NZ First proposes restricting voting to citizens only
Winston Peters says permanent residents and visa holders should lose the right to vote in New Zealand elections under a new policy announced at a Warkworth public meeting.
National pledges trade talks with seven markets if re-elected
Brazil, Nigeria and Switzerland among targets for negotiations if National wins re-election, with talks aimed at markets spanning almost a billion people.
Luxon rejects Peters' discrimination claim over India FTA settings
The Prime Minister has dismissed the Foreign Minister's accusation that immigration rules in the India trade deal discriminate against Indian nationals, saying every agreement is unique.
Michael Laws to stand for NZ First in Waitaki
Broadcaster Michael Laws will contest the Waitaki electorate for New Zealand First in November's general election.
MSD links staff targets to emergency housing reductions
The ministry's chief executive has defended performance measures tied to cutting emergency housing numbers, saying the ministry is implementing government policy.
US Ambassador wants to discuss NZ nuclear policy, ship visits
Jared Novelly says he would welcome the chance to work with New Zealand on its nuclear stance, though he acknowledges changing the law is not his role.
Former Māori Party co-leader Flavell calls for leadership overhaul
Te Ururoa Flavell says Te Pāti Māori has strayed from its founding principles and needs new leadership ahead of November's election.
Parliament passes workplace safety law reforms
New legislation refocuses health and safety regulation on critical hazards, establishing Approved Codes of Practice and proportionate requirements for small businesses, with implementation scheduled for April 2027.
Parliament passes tougher penalties for boy racers
New law introduces presumptive vehicle destruction for fleeing drivers and street racers, with infringement fees for excessive noise rising from $50 to $300.
Building law reforms pass first reading with liability overhaul
The Building Amendment Bill introduces proportionate liability, mandatory insurance and faster consent pathways in what the Government calls the biggest shake-up of construction law in 20 years.
Greens accuse National of misrepresenting tax policy in ad
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has criticised a National Party social media video for incorrectly suggesting earners would pay 45% of their total income in tax.
PSA warns National's KiwiSaver plan carries $4.5bn hidden cost
The Public Service Association says National's compulsory KiwiSaver policy would leave a $4.5 billion funding gap over five years, forcing cuts to public services.
Govt seeks advice on AI risks to electoral systems
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has asked officials for guidance on protecting elections from artificial intelligence threats after cyber agencies issued warnings.
Parliament passes mental health law reforms ending youth seclusion
New legislation prohibits seclusion for young people, introduces protections for mothers and babies, and strengthens patient rights in the biggest overhaul of mental health law in more than 30 years.
Otago wind farm expansion approved under fast-track process
The Māhinerangi Wind Farm near Dunedin will add 44 turbines and 60MW of battery storage, bringing total capacity to up to 190MW.
Parliament scraps five-year ban for real estate agents
Real estate agents will no longer face automatic five-year disqualification for missing continuing professional development requirements or fee payments.
Michael Laws to stand for NZ First in Waitaki electorate
The former Whanganui mayor and broadcaster will challenge National's Miles Anderson in November, and says he wants to be minister of broadcasting or local government.
US ambassador respects NZ nuclear-free stance despite carrier preference
The new US ambassador says he won't push to change New Zealand's nuclear-free laws, though he'd personally like to see aircraft carriers visit.
Indian PM Modi to visit New Zealand for first time
Narendra Modi will spend 24 hours in Auckland next week, marking the first visit to New Zealand by an Indian prime minister in 40 years.
Surcharge ban remains National policy but timing uncertain amid coalition split
Commerce Minister Cameron Brewer says the Government is examining whether merchants have passed on the benefit of earlier interchange fee reductions while continuing work on the proposal.
Former Te Pāti Māori co-leader calls for leadership change
Te Ururoa Flavell says party supporters are frustrated and uncertain after a turbulent period, and urges a return to original values.
Petition with 16,000 signatures delivered to Parliament opposing disability bill
Campaigners [presented a petition to Parliament](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/361000995/nothing-about-us-without-us-16000-strong-petition-calls-scrapping-disability-services-bill) calling for the Disability Support Services Bill to be scrapped.
Veterans support extended to 1300 maritime personnel
Defence personnel who served in Middle East and East African maritime security operations will receive health, rehabilitation and financial assistance for deployment-related conditions.
Children to cycle on footpaths with adults under new rules
Cabinet has confirmed transport rule changes letting children aged 12 and under ride on footpaths when accompanied by an adult, and allowing e-scooters in cycle lanes.
Andre van der Walt named Administrator of Tokelau
The Foreign Minister has appointed a former High Commissioner to lead New Zealand's relationship with Tokelau as the territory enters its centenary year under NZ administration.
Peters to visit Singapore and Japan for regional talks
The Foreign Minister will spend a week in Asia meeting leaders in both countries, with discussions on linking ASEAN and Pacific diplomacy ahead of New Zealand hosting the Pacific Islands Forum in 2027.
Conservation Bill submission deadline extended 10 days
The Environment Committee has pushed back the deadline to 13 July after the minister asked for broader discussion on controversial provisions.
Government digital services 'underperforming', review finds
A Public Service Commission review has found fragmented investment, duplication across agencies and limited coordination are hobbling digital transformation efforts.
Business backs health and safety reforms despite Labour repeal threat
[Amended workplace safety legislation will take effect in April 2027](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/653108/business-to-back-health-and-safety-changes-despite-labour-s-repeal-threat), but Labour has pledged to reverse the changes if it wins the next election.
Ministry staff on school lunches spent $130k on travel
An Official Information Act request reveals 37 full-time equivalent staff at the Ministry of Education work on the programme, with travel costs including more than $17,000 for one manager's Wellington-Rotorua trips.
Building Amendment Bill passes first reading with liability changes
Legislation introducing proportionate liability for building defects and mandatory home warranties has cleared its first parliamentary hurdle, with only the Greens opposing.
Labour vows to scrap disability support bill after 16,458-signature petition
The opposition has committed to repealing the legislation if elected, as disability minister Louise Upston defends the bill as strengthening support services.
Immigration's $336 million IT rebuild misses first milestone
A Public Service Commission review has been ordered as Immigration New Zealand's visa processing overhaul failed to deliver group visitor visas on schedule.
MSD defends staff targets tied to emergency housing cuts
Chief executive Debbie Power says performance measures reflect government policy, while social services leaders warn the targets create incentives to decline help.
Parliament's first reading passes bill blocking climate lawsuits against emitters
Legislation halting Mike Smith's Supreme Court case against major emitters has cleared its first reading, with Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith claiming it will protect business certainty and Labour promising repeal.
Peters dismisses concerns over China ethnic unity law
The Foreign Affairs Minister says Beijing's new legislation has no legal force in New Zealand, despite concerns from ACT and Australia about extraterritorial reach.
Councils must adopt risk-based road cone rules from 30 June
New requirements tie National Land Transport Funding to councils using flexible temporary traffic management guidance rather than prescriptive spacing rules.
Public submissions open on Nelson Tenths land return bill
A parliamentary select committee is seeking views on legislation to return 3068 hectares to Māori customary owners, following a 2017 Supreme Court ruling.
Greens accuse National of tax policy misinformation
A National Party Facebook advertisement claimed someone earning $160,000 would pay 45% of their total income in tax under the Greens' proposal, but the rate applies only to income above that threshold.
Climate activist launches High Court challenge to Govt law change
Mike Smith has filed proceedings against a proposed Government law change that would affect climate change litigation.
Pacific ministers gather in Wellington for tuna talks
Fisheries ministers from 17 Pacific nations are meeting to discuss sustainable management of tuna stocks worth $9.9 billion annually.
ACT proposes cutting government departments to 19, welfare payment cards
ACT leader David Seymour has outlined welfare reforms and a plan to slash government departments from 43 to 19 at a party rally in Auckland.
Treasury's economic policy advice rated 'weak' in performance review
A performance review has found ministerial confidence in the Treasury declining, with the agency's economy-wide policy advice receiving the lowest possible rating and warnings its window to rebuild reputation is closing.
ACT candidate quits Wellington race over undisclosed group link
The candidate stepped down after it emerged she had not revealed prior membership in a [Chinese political organisation with ties to the ruling communist party](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360999965/act-candidate-resigns-after-chinese-political-group-link-revealed).
SafetyNet Critical Communications replaces NGCC
A new Crown company with an expanded mandate will oversee emergency communications infrastructure, offering services to the wider public safety sector.
Single AML regulator takes over all 6,100 reporting entities
The Department of Internal Affairs has become New Zealand's sole anti-money laundering supervisor, with 1,200 businesses moving from the Financial Markets Authority and Reserve Bank.
All mainland councils now have approved water delivery plans
Waitaki District Council's plan to join Southern Water marks the completion of mainland water delivery planning under Local Water Done Well.
School lunch programme saved money but half of meals failed nutrition standards
An Auditor-General report finds the government's school lunch programme delivered cost savings but lacked adequate monitoring, with 50% of meals not meeting nutrition requirements last year.
National picks Coral Raukawa for Te Tai Hauāuru seat
The Rangitīkei District Councillor will contest the Māori electorate seat held by Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngārewa-Packer with 62% of the vote in 2023.
MBIE unable to confirm $422.5 million immigration revenue after audit
Audit New Zealand has directed the ministry to strengthen its financial systems after reconciliation revealed unexplained variances in immigration revenue for the 2023/24 year.
Labour pledges to reverse state housing rent rises
The party says it will roll back rent increases and repeal at least some move-on orders for state housing tenants if it wins the next election.
Labour vows to end homelessness criminalisation as move-on bill advances
Auckland City Mission says 200 beds would be needed in central Auckland alone if police move-on powers for rough sleepers become law, with the Prime Minister backing the legislation despite learning the city has no night shelter.
PM defends homelessness approach after night shelter remark
Christopher Luxon has defended his statement that New Zealand does not have night shelters, following criticism from Labour that he is out of touch with the homeless.
Game animal bill passes amid conservation criticism
Parliament has passed legislation allowing pest species to be protected as 'herds of special interest', with Forest and Bird warning the change prioritises trophy hunting over native biodiversity.
Defence minister received no advice on nuclear policy comments
Chris Penk's late May remarks about New Zealand's nuclear-free policies were not backed by any official briefing material, an OIA response shows.
Parliament debates court ruling on preventive detention regime
MPs have considered only the second declaration of inconsistency under the current process, following a Supreme Court finding that public protection orders breach the Bill of Rights Act.
Treasury urged govt to hold off on fuel relief, opposed excise cuts
Officials warned implementing immediate support would lock in large fiscal costs during uncertainty, and argued excise duty reductions would benefit high-fuel users rather than those facing the greatest cost-of-living pressures.
PM to release second Z Energy lobbying document after Ombudsman ruling
Christopher Luxon has accepted an Ombudsman finding that his office unreasonably withheld documents, and says a second lobbying record will be made public.
Parliament passes street racing crackdown with vehicle crushing default
New law makes vehicle forfeiture or destruction the presumptive sentence for street racing and fleeing police, while creating a fresh offence targeting intimidating convoys.
PSA warns of $4.5 billion funding gap in National's KiwiSaver plan
The public sector union says National has not budgeted for higher employer contributions for existing KiwiSaver members, creating a multibillion-dollar hole in public service funding.
Parliament opens NZ waters to offshore wind and tidal energy
New legislation establishes a permitting regime for offshore renewable energy, with the first tender round expected within months and a single South Taranaki project potentially powering 650,000 homes.
Parliament passes health law refocusing system on patients
The Healthy Futures Amendment Act creates a statutory duty for timely quality care and mandates that health entities work towards government targets.
NZ First wins concession in health and safety dispute with ACT
New Zealand First has secured a concession from ACT in a disagreement over the Government's health and safety legislation changes, as David Seymour establishes ground rules for future coalition arrangements.
Health and safety law passes, Labour vows repeal
Parliament has passed legislation rolling back Pike River-era workplace protections, with the law now set to take effect in April 2027 after coalition tensions forced a five-month delay.
Conservation Minister scraps land-sale clause after public outcry
Tama Potaka has removed a provision from the Conservation Amendment Bill that would have allowed sale of 2.8 million hectares of conservation land, saying the legislation's wording did not match the Government's intentions.
Hipkins vows to scrap MSD emergency housing targets
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he would abolish Ministry of Social Development emergency housing targets revealed in internal documents, calling them morally and ethically bankrupt.
National proposes solar loan scheme funded through rates
The party's Home Energy Fund would offer households low-interest loans for solar panels and efficiency upgrades, repaid via council rates over 10 years or more.
Luxon commits to social media ban despite Australian hurdles
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says New Zealand will push ahead with plans to ban children from social media, despite Australia's implementation challenges.
ACT proposes halving government departments from 43 to 19
The party's restructure plan would abolish MBIE and create a Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport and a Department of Home Affairs, with leader David Seymour saying the public service needs a trim.
Govt shelves KiwiSaver rental bond policy for under-30s
Housing Minister Chris Bishop says the 2023 election promise proved too complex to implement and will not be progressed.
Former National minister Alfred Ngaro to stand for NZ First
Alfred Ngaro, who held ministerial roles under Bill English and later formed his own party, says NZ First aligns with his values on sovereignty and social conservatism.
Six new mental health co-response teams for regions
Northland, Lakes, Hawke's Bay, MidCentral, Whanganui and Nelson Marlborough will receive mental health co-response teams pairing police with health professionals.
Tindal reappointed to Infrastructure Commission board
Sue Tindal will continue as Deputy Chair while Natasha Possenniskie joins as a new director.
NZ boosts Pacific fisheries funding to lift tuna returns
New Zealand will provide additional support to the Forum Fisheries Agency to help Pacific nations combat illegal fishing and capture more value from tuna caught in their waters.
Seymour calls for Jones to repay $5k limousine bill
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says NZ First minister Shane Jones should reimburse nearly $5000 in limousine standby charges.
Govt approves $22.4 million loan for Palmerston North freight hub
The Regional Infrastructure Fund will back the rail component of Te Utanganui, a lower North Island logistics project designed to link rail, road, air and sea networks.
Labour pledges two-year apprenticeship subsidy if re-elected
The party would restore the Apprenticeship Boost scheme to a two-year payment from 2028, reversing the current government's reduction to one year.
Investigation underway into Police Commissioner Richard Chambers
The IPCA and Police National Integrity Unit are examining complaints made about Commissioner Chambers, who strongly denies the allegations and says he will remain in his role.
Labour rules out ACT coalition, NZ First 'highly unlikely'
Campaign chair Kieran McAnulty says Labour expects to win back Māori seats from Te Pāti Māori and will reverse social housing rent increases if it forms government.
ACT to name new deputy leader at Auckland rally
The party will unveil Brooke van Velden's successor at its annual meeting today, with leader David Seymour also set to announce a major policy.
Government legal fees defending Māori policies reach $4.4 million
The coalition has faced 10 urgent Waitangi Tribunal inquiries in under three years, compared with six over six years under Labour, as legal costs mount across multiple policy areas.
National proposes low-interest solar loans via Home Energy Fund
The party says a new fund would let homeowners borrow for solar panels and energy upgrades with repayments tied to rates, backed by a Crown equity stake and council participation.
National donor steps down from property firm after projects fast-tracked
Christopher Meehan has left his property development company after ministers approved two of its projects for the fast-track consenting programme.
Govt commits up to $8.6 million for Ngāmotu Marae in central New Plymouth
Ngāti Te Whiti will establish Ngāmotu Marae in Moturoa after more than 150 years without a marae in the city, with construction supporting around 46 jobs.
Edmonds frames election as choice between cuts and growth
Labour's finance spokesperson told the party's annual congress the upcoming election represents a choice between contrasting economic futures.
Peters claims National changed India FTA immigration stance
NZ First leader Winston Peters says the Government is making immigration rules more restrictive for Indian citizens, while Trade Minister Todd McClay accuses the party of spreading misinformation.
Community refugee sponsorship to become permanent pathway
The programme will allow community organisations to sponsor up to 200 refugees annually from July 2027, operating alongside the existing quota system.
Opportunity Party hits 4.6% in poll, nearing MMP threshold
The Opportunity Party has polled at 4.6% in the latest 1News Verian survey, bringing it within reach of the 5% threshold needed to enter Parliament.
Labour and National hit lowest combined support since 1996
Labour has dropped to 32% and National to 29% in the latest 1News Verian poll, marking the weakest combined result for the two major parties under MMP.
Seymour calls on council to approve family's building consent
The Deputy Prime Minister has told council officials to allow a family to build their home on a lifestyle block.
Conservation Minister withdraws land sale provisions from bill
Tama Potaka has removed controversial clauses from conservation legislation following public backlash, accepting personal responsibility for the controversy.
Parliament passes abuse in care redress legislation
The new law establishes a formal compensation system for survivors and extends coverage to state mental health facilities, though those with serious convictions face a default presumption against financial payments.
Opportunity Party at 4.6% prompts coalition pushback
The Opportunity Party polled at 4.6%, just 0.4 percentage points below the parliamentary threshold, drawing responses from National, Labour, the Greens and NZ First.
Left bloc holds 64-60 lead as Labour and National hit MMP-era lows
Labour has fallen to 32% and National to 29% in the latest Verian poll, the lowest support levels for major parties since MMP began in 1996, while the Greens surged to 13%.
Green MP raises cybersecurity concerns over scrapped $30 million project
A failed immigration IT upgrade that cost more than $30 million has prompted questions about security risks posed by a third-party contractor.
Speaker refers MBIE officials to Privileges Committee
Parliament's Speaker has sent allegations that MBIE officials misled a select committee over a cancelled $35 million IT project to the Privileges Committee for investigation.
Pike River families rally against workplace safety law changes
About 100 protesters gathered at Parliament as families of the 29 Pike River victims warned that proposed changes to health and safety legislation could lead to more workplace deaths.
Two probes launched into claims officials misled Parliament and ministers
Parliament's Privileges Committee and the Public Service Commission have opened separate investigations into whether MBIE officials withheld information about a failing immigration IT project.
Peters urges racing industry to unite on reform path
The Racing Minister has told industry bodies they must collaborate on changes before the Government considers legislative intervention.
Govt launches 24/7 monitoring of NZ's submarine internet cables
A world-first surveillance system will track vessel activity near the cables that carry 99% of New Zealand's data traffic, with ongoing costs met by cable owners rather than taxpayers.
NZ joins NATO space programme as observer amid war-in-space fears
New Zealand has secured observer status in a NATO rapid-launch initiative designed to replace satellites during conflict, with Defence saying the role could open doors for local firms without requiring commitments.
Women hold 50.2% of public sector board roles for sixth year
The latest annual stocktake shows women's representation on state sector boards and committees has remained above the Government's 50% target for the sixth consecutive year.
Bill introduced to return 3000 hectares of Nelson land to original owners
Legislation tabled in Parliament will transfer land held by the Crown since the 1840s to Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust, following a 2024 High Court ruling that found the land was held on trust.
Government completes 2025-26 state highway renewal programme
More than 1,800 lane kilometres of road received new surfaces despite weather disruptions that hit the upper North Island during early 2026.
Campbell appointed to Supreme Court, Johnstone to Court of Appeal
Neil Campbell will join the Supreme Court bench on 16 July, while David Johnstone moves to the Court of Appeal, Attorney-General Chris Bishop has announced.
Charter school sponsors can now run multiple schools
Legislation passed this week enables proven charter school operators to expand across communities without reapplying for each new school.
Labour proposes $950 million Crown guarantee for social housing finance
Opposition housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty says the scheme would cut borrowing costs for community housing providers by around half a percentage point, enabling more homes to be built.
Coalition partners clash over health and safety bill timing
ACT and NZ First dispute whether concerns were raised earlier about workplace law changes, with Winston Peters shifting position twice in 24 hours.
Labour queries scope of public service cuts as 8700 jobs targeted
Opposition says the government has refused to rule out cuts to border security and child exploitation teams, while the minister dismisses concerns as political.
Peters threatens to block health and safety reforms
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters [says he will not support](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/617471/nz-first-looking-very-hard-at-new-health-and-safety-legislation) the government's workplace safety legislation without significant amendments, after meeting Pike River families.
Budget 2026 targets surplus by 2028, a year earlier than forecast
Treasury now forecasts a return to surplus in 2028/29, a year ahead of December's projection, as the Government moves its appropriation bill through Parliament.
Budget 2026 returns NZ to surplus early, cuts borrowing by $6 billion
The Government will return to surplus a year earlier than forecast and borrow $6 billion less, as Budget 2026 redirects spending to roading, police, schools and health.
Budget 2026 delivers infrastructure boost, surplus a year early
The Government's books are forecast to return to surplus in 2028/29, a year earlier than expected, while unemployment is projected to fall to 4.3% and economic growth averages 2.7% over four years.
Budget extends In-Work Tax Credit by $50/week for fuel crisis
The Government has increased the In-Work Tax Credit by $50 a week for up to a year, part of a Budget 2026 package responding to sustained fuel price rises.
Parliament passes welfare automation bill
The Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill will enable broader use of automated decision-making for straightforward welfare decisions, with added safeguards for bias and human oversight.
Budget allocates $106.9 million for Auckland, Wellington rail renewals
The 2028-29 funding is part of a $1.075 billion rail package, but a councillor says it won't solve the backlog of maintenance that has caused cancellations.
SuperGold Card to become official ID with photo by 2028
The Government will provide $36.4 million in operating funding and $6.5 million in capital funding over four years to upgrade the SuperGold Card to function as accepted primary identification, with rollout expected from October 2028.
Central Otago mayor says Budget 2026 leaves South Island short-changed
Tamah Alley welcomed growth funding but said primary industry regions deserved more, while South Island Minister James Meager defended the budget as balanced.
Budget allocates $25m for Defence Force training modernisation
The Government has allocated $25 million over four years to modernise recruit training, with a further $16 million for a new Defence Technology Accelerator unit.
Students march on Parliament over fees-free policy axing
Victoria University students' association says first and second-year students will lose $12,000 in fees-free funding as the government ends the policy and allows 6% fee increases.
Youth advocates criticise Budget 2026 over homelessness support
Budget 2026 has abandoned homeless young people despite homelessness reaching record levels, with more than half of those affected under 24, youth advocates say.
Budget allocates $34.4m for longer postnatal hospital stays
First-time mothers will be prioritised for the first two years of a three-year rollout guaranteeing at least three days in hospital after giving birth.
Brent Impey appointed RNZ chair in board reshuffle
Media Minister Paul Goldsmith has named Brent Impey as the new chair of RNZ, alongside two new governors, in appointments the minister says will bolster the broadcaster's board for the next three years.
Government commits $1.773 billion to extend Waikato Expressway to Piarere
Budget 2026 funding will build a 16-kilometre four-lane road connecting the current expressway terminus at Cambridge to the State Highway 1 and State Highway 29 junction.
Government allocates $294 million for new planning system rollout
Budget 2026 invests $294 million over four years to replace the Resource Management Act with a digital planning system, including New Zealand's first national flood map.
Govt launches $400 million fund over four years to incentivise council housing consents
Councils will receive payments based on the number of new dwellings consented, with higher rates of growth attracting larger payments from 1 April 2027.
Govt allocates $18m for migrant exploitation enforcement
Three new frontline teams will be created to respond to sustained growth in immigration compliance demand since the border fully reopened in 2022.
Budget allocates $69m for up to 2250 social homes from 2028
The Government will invest $69.2 million through the Flexible Fund to deliver between 1800 and 2250 additional social homes over three years starting in 2028/29.
Govt lifts tax-free income threshold for not-for-profits to $10,000
The Government is overhauling tax rules for charities and not-for-profits, including a tenfold increase in tax-free net income and a $100,000 annual cap on donation tax credits.
Budget 2026 shifts R&D tax credits to in-year payments
Research and development tax credits will be paid during the year instead of at year-end, while the threshold for overseas investment tax rises to $100,000.
Budget allocates $48 million for Māori broadcasting over four years
Māori media organisations will receive $48 million to support digital adaptation and new te reo content, with a further $10 million for the Te Māori Tū cultural programme.
ECE services to get $40 million funding boost six months early
Early childhood education centres will receive a 1.5% subsidy increase from July 2026, six months ahead of schedule, providing immediate financial relief to the sector.
Brent Impey appointed RNZ chair, two new governors named
Brent Impey has been appointed to chair Radio New Zealand's board, while Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca join as new governors for three-year terms.
Govt funds feasibility study for grower-led McCain site purchase
The Government has committed $50,000 for Hawke's Bay growers to investigate purchasing the closed McCain Foods processing site in Hastings.
Bill closes loophole allowing children to buy lottery tickets
The Regulatory Systems (Internal Affairs) Amendment Bill has passed its final reading, closing a gap in the Gambling Act that allowed children to purchase some Lotto products.
Budget allocates $34.4 million for longer postnatal hospital stays
Mothers will be able to stay in hospital or a primary maternity unit for up to three days after giving birth under funding announced in Budget 2026.
Budget allocates $4.77b to primary industries over four years
The Ministry for Primary Industries will receive $4.77 billion in baseline funding, with major allocations for biosecurity, emissions reduction technology and land management.
Māori leaders say Budget 2026 fails on unemployment concerns
Māori unions and iwi leaders have criticised Budget 2026 as insufficient to address Māori unemployment, which sits at 11.5% compared to a national rate of 5.3%.
NZ prioritising UK and Australian options for frigate replacement
Defence Minister Chris Penk has confirmed New Zealand is focusing discussions with the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy, with advice to Cabinet expected before the end of 2027.
Select committee hears questions on English Language Bill's purpose
Researchers have questioned the practical need for legislation to make English an official language, saying it already functions as the dominant language without legal recognition.
Researcher questions purpose of English Language Bill
Parliament is reviewing legislation that would give English official language status, with experts questioning what problem the five-line bill aims to solve.
Parliament passes law allowing automated benefit decisions
The Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill was rushed through under urgency on Friday, authorising MSD to use automated systems for benefit decisions with safeguards required.