Politics
NZH
Thomas Coughlan: MPs’ accommodation claims are a rort, here’s how they should be changed
OPINION: MPs should take the opportunity to fix the expenses system.
PMs Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese warn of ‘volatile world’ ahead of leaders’ meeting
The two PMs have met in Noosa ahead of tomorrow's meeting.
Fees freeze: Govt says GP visit costs to remain 'stable' under new proposal
But Labour says the Government has failed to bring costs down.
Government agencies urged to consider AI and more transparency to avoid ballooning OIA costs
Requests have soared 394% to nearly 159,000 in the 2024/25 financial year.
NZ risks falling behind as gene editing bill languishes before election
Coalition partners Act and NZ First remain split over key parts of the law.
RN
Australia-NZ relationship should 'never be taken for granted' - Luxon
The Australian and New Zealand prime ministers met on Friday night in Noosa ahead of the annual leader's meeting taking place on Saturday.
Possible disadvantages if NZ doesn't revise nuclear-free stance - expert
Defence Minister Chris Penk last week said it'd be "helpful" for New Zealand to have a "conversation" regarding its nuclear-free policies.
NZ to raise China's 'entirely inappropriate' ban on four MPs directly, PM says
Luxon stressed New Zealand would raise the matter directly with China itself "nation-to-nation."
Govt to spend $62m on new classrooms across South Island
The package includes a new 18-classroom primary school in Lincoln, the expansion of Rolleston College and dozens of classrooms across the South Island.
GP fees won't increase for 12 months under new proposal
The changes have been revealed in an in-principle agreement between Health NZ and the primary care sector.
ACT to campaign on reducing 'absolutely ridiculous' cost of school uniforms
It would limit all state schools to three compulsory branded items and ensure generic items were available from retailers like The Warehouse and Kmart.
'Couple of small reactors': A new pitch for nuclear power in NZ
With the growing interest in smaller reactors around the world, can we make use of the new technology? Audio
Chinese Embassy denies military involvement in recruitment claims
New Zealand's intelligence agency and its Five Eyes partners say the Chinese military used job sites such as LinkedIn to target people who were likely to have access to secret information.
Several Kiwis nearly duped into giving key info to China
There's a warning the Chinese military is targetting people with access to government information with offers that 'sound too good to be true'.
A powerful AI tool with worrying hacking powers has reached our shores
New Zealand's cyber watchdog has been given access to a AI model with some worrisome powers. Audio
1N
Organisers of event where Efeso Collins died took adequate measures - coroner
The former Green Party MP died in February 2024 after suffering a cardiac arrest at a charity event in Auckland's Britomart.
Chinese leader heads to North Korea in first visit since 2019
Xi Jinping will travel to North Korea next week in what will be his first visit in nearly seven years.
NZ will raise China's 'inappropriate' ban on MPs directly, Luxon says
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he appreciates Australia's support over China's "entirely inappropriate" ban of four New Zealand MPs from its shores.
Hundreds trade tents, cars, overcrowded houses for warm, dry homes
Regional New Zealand's biggest social housing development to date has opened in Whangārei, giving more than 300 people stable accommodation.
US sanctions Cuban President in move to pressure island's leadership
The United States has imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife and three other individuals, in the latest move by the Trump administration to pressure the island’s leadership
Several NZers almost gave sensitive information to China, SIS boss says
Chinese military used an "aggressive online recruitment strategy", pressuring successful candidates to provide sensitive information.
Katikati shipping container terminal leaves for Hamilton amid complaints
A spokesman from the shipping container company said the business faced backlash from the community for being an "eyesore", as well as for noise and dust from the yard, but that wasn't the reason for the move.
ACT takes aim at 'outrageous cost' of school uniforms in election policy
ACT has announced a new election policy aimed at cutting the cost of school uniforms by limiting how many branded items state schools can required families to buy.
Auckland's housing intensification plans may face dramatic scale-back
The Government slashed a 2 million dwelling target to 1.4 million earlier this year, and the council must now decide how far to wind back zoning plans for housing.
US 'freeloading' claim puts heat on NZ's independent foreign policy
This tacit pressure comes at a time when global military expenditure has accelerated rapidly, wars and conflicts are expanding, and fears grow about a new arms race, writes law professor Alexander Gillespie.
St
A proposition to see NZ Super help a future generation
The people who understand that while New Zealand Superannuation is a right, it can also be an opportunity.
Man charged with arson after fire at Prime Minister’s Auckland office
Emergency services responded to Millhouse Drive shortly after 9:50am.
Ministry says it could always use automated decision-making to make welfare decisions
The Ministry for Social Development says it has never been restricted in its use of automated decision-making, after a bill providing a broad permission to use it passed through Parliament on Friday.
Stuff journalists could be banned from Parliament over hallway photo
Stuff’s political team is facing a possible suspension from Parliament over a dispute with the Speaker over a photo taken of Social Development Minister Louise Upston.
Minister celebrates vital marae funding, but the Budget just cut the programme
Lower Hutt’s Waiwhetū Marae could be one of the last marae to get emergency preparedness funding.
China doubles down on Kiwi MP travel ban, says they shouldn’t be surprised
Four MPs faced a travel ban preventing them from visiting China in response to a visit to Taiwan last month.
Solar panels coming to 500 schools in $30 million government initiative
Selected schools will get batteries alongside solar panels, allowing them to provide heating and lighting to communities during severe weather events.
Four New Zealand MPs banned from China for one year after Taiwan visit
The MPs who took part in the five-day visit in May were National’s Maureen Pugh, Labour’s Duncan Webb, ACT’s Laura McClure and NZ First’s David Wilson.
National MP calls on Mike Hosking to ‘front up’ and apologise after leaker claim
Joseph Mooney wants an on-air apology from Mike Hosking after the broadcaster accused the MP of leaking to the media against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Loud bang heard before suspicious fire at Luxon’s Auckland office
Police have launched an investigation after a fire at Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s Auckland electorate office was deemed suspicious.
TP
The farm vote is back in play as old economic pressures return
Christopher Luxon rebuilt National's fortunes by winning back farmers. As he heads to Fieldays, there are growing signs he may have to do it all over again.
What new, bigger councils are coming? Tracking progress on amalgamation
Last month RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop gave councils an ultimatum and a tight deadline for reform. Here’s what’s happened since then.
The biggest changes to arts funding in a generation are coming. Here’s what we know
Creative New Zealand is preparing to hand responsibility for distributing up to $40m in annual arts funding to a network of regional partners, marking one of the biggest changes to the agency’s funding model in its history.
‘More important than ever’: Australia, NZ PMs laud trans-Tasman relationship
Christopher Luxon has made meeting the movers and shakers of Queensland, which will host the Olympic Games in Brisbane in 2032, a priority on his two-day trip.
China rejects ‘groundless’ claim it is recruiting Kiwis on LinkedIn
China has hit out at the NZ Government for the second time in two days, this time about a claim from spy agencies that it tried to gain sensitive information through LinkedIn.
Government freezes GP fees in proposed Health NZ deal
GP fees will be frozen from July 1 under a proposed Health NZ deal to raise capitation funding by 6% in a shake-up that will leave some practices better off and others worse off.
Several New Zealanders almost gave sensitive information to China, SIS boss says
Several New Zealanders have come close to unwittingly giving sensitive information to China's military, the Security Intelligence Service boss says.
Migrant residents rush to apply for citizenship ahead of new test
The Government’s new test to assess people on the responsibilities and privileges of being a New Zealand citizen is the reason for a large spike in the number of applications last month.
Begging, rough sleeping and three months in prison: officials warn penalties go too far
Justice advice questioned whether breaches of move-on orders should carry penalties comparable to more serious offences, warning fines could be ineffective for people living on the streets.
Trade, security and Pacific issues top agenda for Australia-NZ leaders’ talks
Luxon and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese will meet in Queensland for the annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting on Friday and Saturday.
TPr
The farm vote is back in play as old economic pressures return
Christopher Luxon rebuilt National's fortunes by winning back farmers. As he heads to Fieldays, there are growing signs he may have to do it all over again.
What new, bigger councils are coming? Tracking progress on amalgamation
Last month RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop gave councils an ultimatum and a tight deadline for reform. Here’s what’s happened since then.
The biggest changes to arts funding in a generation are coming. Here’s what we know
Creative New Zealand is preparing to hand responsibility for distributing up to $40m in annual arts funding to a network of regional partners, marking one of the biggest changes to the agency’s funding model in its history.
‘More important than ever’: Australia, NZ PMs laud trans-Tasman relationship
Christopher Luxon has made meeting the movers and shakers of Queensland, which will host the Olympic Games in Brisbane in 2032, a priority on his two-day trip.
China rejects ‘groundless’ claim it is recruiting Kiwis on LinkedIn
China has hit out at the NZ Government for the second time in two days, this time about a claim from spy agencies that it tried to gain sensitive information through LinkedIn.
Government freezes GP fees in proposed Health NZ deal
GP fees will be frozen from July 1 under a proposed Health NZ deal to raise capitation funding by 6% in a shake-up that will leave some practices better off and others worse off.
Several New Zealanders almost gave sensitive information to China, SIS boss says
Several New Zealanders have come close to unwittingly giving sensitive information to China's military, the Security Intelligence Service boss says.
Begging, rough sleeping and three months in prison: officials warn penalties go too far
Justice advice questioned whether breaches of move-on orders should carry penalties comparable to more serious offences, warning fines could be ineffective for people living on the streets.
Trade, security and Pacific issues top agenda for Australia-NZ leaders’ talks
Luxon and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese will meet in Queensland for the annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting on Friday and Saturday.
Mopping up the wasted vote
OPINION: As Winston Peters looks to the right, Chris Hipkins has to worry about his left.
WT
The farm vote is back in play as old economic pressures return
Christopher Luxon rebuilt National's fortunes by winning back farmers. As he heads to Fieldays, there are growing signs he may have to do it all over again.
What new, bigger councils are coming? Tracking progress on amalgamation
Last month RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop gave councils an ultimatum and a tight deadline for reform. Here’s what’s happened since then.
The biggest changes to arts funding in a generation are coming. Here’s what we know
Creative New Zealand is preparing to hand responsibility for distributing up to $40m in annual arts funding to a network of regional partners, marking one of the biggest changes to the agency’s funding model in its history.
‘More important than ever’: Australia, NZ PMs laud trans-Tasman relationship
Christopher Luxon has made meeting the movers and shakers of Queensland, which will host the Olympic Games in Brisbane in 2032, a priority on his two-day trip.
China rejects ‘groundless’ claim it is recruiting Kiwis on LinkedIn
China has hit out at the NZ Government for the second time in two days, this time about a claim from spy agencies that it tried to gain sensitive information through LinkedIn.
Government freezes GP fees in proposed Health NZ deal
GP fees will be frozen from July 1 under a proposed Health NZ deal to raise capitation funding by 6% in a shake-up that will leave some practices better off and others worse off.
Several New Zealanders almost gave sensitive information to China, SIS boss says
Several New Zealanders have come close to unwittingly giving sensitive information to China's military, the Security Intelligence Service boss says.
Migrant residents rush to apply for citizenship ahead of new test
The Government’s new test to assess people on the responsibilities and privileges of being a New Zealand citizen is the reason for a large spike in the number of applications last month.
Begging, rough sleeping and three months in prison: officials warn penalties go too far
Justice advice questioned whether breaches of move-on orders should carry penalties comparable to more serious offences, warning fines could be ineffective for people living on the streets.
Trade, security and Pacific issues top agenda for Australia-NZ leaders’ talks
Luxon and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese will meet in Queensland for the annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting on Friday and Saturday.
Sp
Gone By Lunchtime: Hardcore lobbying and the emotional senior staffer
Please print out this podcast before sharing.
MPs used taxpayer-funded entitlements to buy and stay in own homes
MPs can receive up to $36,240 a year in superannuation contributions and use that money to buy property – then get another $36,400 a year to stay in it.
This week shattered any illusions New Zealand is a faraway haven
The world keeps shaking our windows.
Ten takeaways from the Waitangi Tribunal’s treaty clause review inquiry
‘The Crown’s proposals are the most damaging collection of clear and considered legislative treaty breaches that I’ve seen,’ said one claimant.
One MP, One Pint: Ricardo Menéndez March on why he’s grateful to Winston Peters
‘If I hadn’t heard politicians like him scapegoating migrants, I may have never cared about New Zealand politics in the same way that I do.’
Missing climate briefing note: Who knew what, and when?
New Zealand will stay nuclear free (mainly because it can’t afford not to)
Keeping all things nuclear out of New Zealand may or may not make moral sense. But it almost certainly makes economic sense.
Te Pāti Māori wrestles with a question at the heart of Māori politics
At a time when many Māori feel particularly aggrieved by the government, can the party find its purpose and recapture its momentum?
Privately funded second Auckland harbour bridge ‘unlikely to achieve value for money’, NZTA report warns
Major construction firms told NZTA they would prefer to build a tunnel under Waitematā harbour, which is more expensive but less risky than a bridge.
16 characterisations rejected by Nicola Willis
You might have noticed the finance minister is fond of responding to a question or statement thus: ‘I reject that characterisation.’