New citizen's arrest powers 'putting retail staff in harm's way', Retail NZ says
Published: August 7, 2026 02:12
The head of Retail NZ says new legislation expanding citizen's arrest powers could do more harm than good.
🦜 RNZ Politics Headlines
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The Latest Politics headlines from RNZ News
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Coalition still in position to form government in new Taxpayers' Union Curia poll
Published: August 6, 2026 23:33
National has gone up and the coalition is still in a position to form a government, but only by the slimmest margin.
Winston Peters says Pacific missed chance to issue statement after Chinese missile test
Published: August 6, 2026 22:10
The Foreign Minister is in Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
Raising GST threshold just shifts the problem, tax expert says
Published: August 6, 2026 21:16
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said it would make changes designed to help small businesses, if it becomes the government.
New evidence immigration minister was kept in dark about major budget blowout
Published: August 6, 2026 19:27
Erica Stanford appears to have been told two markedly different stories.
GST expert sounds warning about Labour's tax plan
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/personal-finance/916336/gst-expert-sounds-warning-about-labour-s-tax-plan
Published: August 6, 2026 18:29
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said it would make changes designed to help small businesses, if it becomes the government.
Is English a 'predator language?'
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/916335/is-english-a-predator-language
Published: August 6, 2026 18:29
A viral speech in Parliament calling English a "bastard language" has opened up a wider conversation about the history and power of the language in Aotearoa.
Politicians across party lines call for end to stop-start infrastructure investment
Published: August 6, 2026 18:28
Labour, National, the Greens, NZ First and ACT met last night for the Big Infrastructure Debate.
Microscope on Immigration NZ intensifies with fresh concerns
Published: August 6, 2026 18:27
Minister Erica Stanford has passed conflicting reports onto an inquiry into Immigration NZ, led by Michael Heron KC.
Electoral law expert warns against pursuing MMP referendum alongside four-year term
Published: August 6, 2026 17:35
On Thursday, Christopher Luxon said there should "definitely" be a referendum on a four-year term.
China tensions and new defence treaty on the agenda for Pacific foreign ministers' meeting
Published: August 6, 2026 16:43
Winston Peters is in Suva, Fiji, along with foreign ministers from 17 other Pacific countries.
Large anonymous political donations climb to almost $500k so far in election year
Published: August 6, 2026 16:43
National has got two-thirds of cash given anonymously to political parties via the Electoral Commission this year.
Timeline to implement new school subjects 'unrealistic', teachers' union warns
Published: August 6, 2026 08:18
But industry leaders are enthusiastic about the nine new secondary school subjects announced on Thursday.
Performance measures linked to reducing emergency housing numbers dropped
Published: August 6, 2026 07:56
Highly criticised performance measures linked to reducing the number of people in emergency housing have been dropped by the Ministry of Social Development.
Industry leaders praise nine new secondary school subjects
Published: August 6, 2026 05:57
But the teachers' union warns timelines for their development and introduction are extremely tight.
Peter Dunne believes Luxon's frustration with NZ First, ACT behind MMP referendum call
Published: August 6, 2026 05:33
The former United Future leader does not believe there is enough public appetite for a referendum on MMP.
Performance targets linked to reducing emergency housing numbers dropped
Published: August 6, 2026 05:21
Highly criticised performance targets linked to reducing the number of people in emergency housing have been dropped by the Ministry of Social Development.
Councillors reject 'double-dipping' claims to approve $1.3m for local govt reform proposal
Published: August 6, 2026 05:09
New Plymouth District Council and the Taranaki Regional Council have formed a Pathfinder proposal that stipulates no preference for a future structure.
Expansion of citizen's arrest powers to take effect within a week
Published: August 6, 2026 04:39
An amendment to the Crimes Act has passed its final reading in Parliament.
Luxon catches caucus off-guard with promise to hold MMP referendum if re-elected
Published: August 6, 2026 03:49
The National leader said a referendum on MMP was "something we should consider" and he wanted to see it happen next year.
ACT wants to expand pharmacists power and make it easier to open new pharmacies
Published: August 6, 2026 01:00
If elected, the party would let pharmacists treat more conditions and introduce a 24-hour prescription collection through "secure electronic lockers".
Christopher Luxon wants a referendum on MMP - How does the current system work?
Published: August 6, 2026 00:47
MMP has been the electoral system used in New Zealand since the 90s. Here's what you need to know about it.
Christopher Luxon promises MMP referendum if re-elected, Winston Peters calls it a 'power grab'
Published: August 6, 2026 00:45
The Prime Minister's coalition partner has lashed out over a promise to hold a vote on the election system.
Mental health support providers welcome long-awaited action plan to improve system
Published: August 6, 2026 00:42
The plan focuses on launching AI navigation to help access and scale integrated services across mental health.
Labour to slim down Investment Boost policy, targeting it to small businesses
Published: August 6, 2026 00:07
Labour says it would require big businesses to pay small suppliers within 15 days for invoices worth up to $25,000.
Christopher Luxon will call referendum on MMP voting system if elected back into power
Published: August 5, 2026 23:59
The Prime Minister made the promise alongside a vow to hold a referendum on extending the term to four years.
Speaker will not take action over Winston Peters' 'racist' comments
Published: August 5, 2026 23:54
The Speaker will not be taking action on a request from the Green Party that New Zealand First leader Winston Peters be asked to withdraw and apologise for his comments to their MP Lawrence Xu-Nan.
Cabinet blocked minister's plan to scrap Pacific seasonal worker cap, documents show
Published: August 5, 2026 22:14
The immigration minister wanted to scrap annual limits on Pacific migrant workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, but could not get the sign-off from Cabinet
Nine new secondary school subjects announced by government
Published: August 5, 2026 21:42
Students could soon be studying "next-gen manufacturing" and "energy and infrastructure".
Government launches long-awaited mental health strategy
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/901997/government-launches-long-awaited-mental-health-strategy
Published: August 5, 2026 20:33
Minister Matt Doocey says mental health deserves the same "long-term direction and accountability" as the rest of the health system.
Commerce Commission needs more firepower to boost competition and wages - economist
Published: August 5, 2026 18:20
Cameron Bagrie says he doesn't see any political party attempting to address the cost of living and low wages by creating more competition.
City Rail Link opening date revealed as 13 September
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/900907/city-rail-link-opening-date-revealed-as-13-september
Published: August 5, 2026 17:53
An Auckland Transport billboard seen early Thursday morning announced the date.
Early childhood advocates fear funding review will put business bottom lines over children
Published: August 5, 2026 17:16
Many early childhood advocates are worried about the future of their sector as consultation for a major funding review winds up on Thursday.
Job seekers describe fear and frustration as unemployment soars
Published: August 5, 2026 17:13
The latest statistics show unemployment has climbed to its highest level in more than a decade.
Christopher Luxon defends using Air Force flight after attending National Party fundraiser
Published: August 5, 2026 05:07
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says Luxon appears to be using the Defence Force like a "personal taxi service".
The House: Responses and responsible government
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/895119/the-house-responses-and-responsible-government
Published: August 5, 2026 04:42
The most overdue responses to Parliament's official Written Questions are all addressed to the minister who enforces both prompt answers and responsible government.
Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan grills Winston Peters on 'racist' comments that were directed at him
Published: August 5, 2026 04:31
Peters used Parliament's rules to avoid answering directly whether he stood by his previous comments.
Christchurch rejects super city proposal, votes for unitary authority with current boundaries
Published: August 5, 2026 04:01
Majority of Christchurch's councillors reject option to join with urban areas of Selwyn and Waimakariri, opting instead to go it alone.
Justice Ministry to be reviewed, as minister's confidence in agency 'seriously shaken'
Published: August 5, 2026 03:24
The justice minister says his confidence in the agency has been "seriously shaken".
Christopher Luxon defends using Air Force flight to attend National Party fundraiser
Published: August 5, 2026 03:21
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says Luxon appears to be using the Defence Force like a "personal taxi service".
What the latest unemployment figures could mean for the election
Published: August 5, 2026 01:56
The release of the second quarter unemployment figures has seen political parties come out and make their election pitches.
National backs its policies as unemployment rises to 11-year high
Published: August 4, 2026 23:34
Ahead of the announcement that unemployment has risen to 5.6 percent, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said it had been a "very difficult three months" but the data was beginning to point in "another direction".
Unemployment rises to 11-year high of 5.6%
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/892951/unemployment-rises-to-11-year-high-of-5-point-6-percent
Published: August 4, 2026 23:02
Economists had been expecting the rise as the job market struggles to gain momentum.
Work and Income security guard numbers to be cut back
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/887537/work-and-income-security-guard-numbers-to-be-cut-back
Published: August 4, 2026 17:32
MSD employed an extra 100 security guards at Work and Income centres after two Ashburton employees were killed in 2014.
ACT's 'visually misleading' post: Is it a graphic or a graph?
Published: August 4, 2026 16:46
ACT says it used "a graphic, not a graph" to show the gap between Australia and New Zealand's funding of new medicines.
Quality over quantity: Pothole repairs can't be rushed, academic says
Published: August 4, 2026 06:56
Dr Daniel van der Walt said New Zealand had a tendency to want a solution really fast, and want it really cheap.
Government confirms controversial Pegasus fast-track application
Published: August 4, 2026 05:11
The government has confirmed property developer Wolfbrook has applied to fast-track its controversial plan to rip up Canterbury's Pegasus Golf Course to make way for housing.
Christchurch City Council reluctantly agrees to take part in reform of council boundaries
Published: August 4, 2026 04:23
Christchurch City Council has unanimously agreed to take part in the government's reform of council boundaries.
Chlöe Swarbrick kicked out of House after challenging Speaker's 'double standards'
Published: August 4, 2026 04:02
The opposition used Question Time to canvass both the Prime Minister's comments about small businesses, and his handling of Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
Hipkins puts pressure on Luxon over his 'parent-child mentality' comments
Published: August 4, 2026 03:24
The Labour leader used question time to ask the Prime Minister if he stands by the comments made last week.
Winston Peters refuses to apologise for 'racist' comments after meeting with PM
Published: August 4, 2026 02:43
The Foreign Affairs minister attracted a firestorm of criticism after last week after comments towards Greens' Lawrence Xu-Nan.
Employment Leave Bill, explained: How annual and sick leave entitlements are changing
Published: August 4, 2026 02:21
Explainer: A major change to how leave is calculated in workplaces is becoming law - so, what's changing and how does it affect you?
National wants to show Labour the social media ban bill, but 'we can't', education minister says
Published: August 4, 2026 01:26
National needs Labour's support to pass the bill, but the education minister says she still doesn't know if they're allowed to see it.
Taupō's mayor fights 'hostile takeover' to avoid joining possible council merger
Published: August 4, 2026 00:17
John Funnell says despite them not wanting to submit to any kind of amalgamation proposal, other councils were trying to drag Taupō into a western Waikato authority that would skyrocket its debt.
Defence ministry not releasing fuel supply chain assessment
Published: August 3, 2026 23:52
The ministry looked at the supply chain last year but says it is not revealing what it found in case that prejudices security.
In-school teacher training programmes are a ' system disruptor' - Stanford
Published: August 3, 2026 21:55
The education minister says she feels that teachers have been let down by initial teacher education
National MPs back Luxon over his apology to businesses
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/877569/national-mps-back-luxon-over-his-apology-to-businesses
Published: August 3, 2026 21:51
Christopher Luxon has been deemed "out of touch" by some after said last week that some businesses had a "parent-child mentality" and too often looked to the government for help.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins rules out working with Winston Peters as foreign affairs minister
Published: August 3, 2026 20:40
The Labour leader said Peters' position was completely untenable after telling a Green MP in Parliament to go back to his "own country".
Mental health minister's contract promise to community providers yet to be honoured
Published: August 3, 2026 18:35
The mental health minister says about 80 percent of community providers will have multi-year contracts, replacing annual ones, by the end of 2026.
Pacific women MPs share the push for more representation in parliaments
Published: August 3, 2026 18:20
A group of female MPs from across the Pacific came to Wellington for a three day programme focused on connection, development, and increasing the number of women in politics.
Cost blowout puts fees for foreign PhD students under review
Published: August 3, 2026 17:40
Last year the cost of the scheme jumped by nearly a quarter to $69 million.
No need for Luxon to apologise over Rotorua business meeting comments, mayor says
Published: August 3, 2026 16:33
Luxon has apologised for saying some businesses have a "parent-child mentality" and too often look to the government for help.
Dunedin city councillor asked to leave two public events in a week
Published: August 3, 2026 08:13
Controversial Dunedin city councillor Benedict Ong has also been kicked out of a council meeting to discuss amalgamation plans.
Minister refuses to say if fast-track application to bulldoze golf course has been filed
Published: August 3, 2026 06:50
It remains unclear if a fast-track application has been made to bulldoze a golf course to make way for hundreds of homes.
Luxon speaks to Peters about comments: 'That's a conversation between us'
Published: August 3, 2026 05:16
The prime minister has spoken to his foreign affairs minister about Winston Peters' tirade towards a Chinese-born MP, but refuses to say what exactly was discussed.
Watch: PM Christopher Luxon apologises for 'parent-child mentality' comments
Published: August 3, 2026 03:48
The prime minister says he has admiration for business owners and he "got it wrong".
In-school teacher training programmes get funding boost
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/education/873920/in-school-teacher-training-programmes-get-funding-boost
Published: August 3, 2026 02:17
The education minister says she feels that teachers have been let down by initial teacher education
ACT policy on class disruption 'simplistic' but has a point - Education Minister Erica Stanford
Published: August 3, 2026 01:17
The education minister says teachers already have the legal right to remove disruptive students - they just don't due to "woeful" training.
Business leaders equal to government, Christopher Luxon says, days after 'parent-child mentality' comments
Published: August 2, 2026 23:17
The PM told a business audience last week some of them had a "parent-child mentality" and too often looked to the government for help.
Trained neurologists quitting NZ due to lack of jobs and funding, experts say
Published: August 2, 2026 22:39
Leading brain health and neurological organisations are warning the country is training specialists, only to lose them due to a lack of funding.
Government spending $21.7m to expand teacher training in classrooms
Published: August 2, 2026 22:24
It follows a report finding only one in five principals considered new graduates ready to teach.
Explainer: The Auckland CRL will soon be open. How will it be kept safe?
Published: August 2, 2026 22:10
Explainer: The $5.5b Auckland City Rail Link opens soon. But what happens if something goes wrong?
Luxon plans chat with Peters about 'racist' remarks 'at some point', says they've both 'been on the road'
Published: August 2, 2026 21:11
"I've been on the road, he's been on the road," the prime minister told Morning Report
Declining birth rate is more complex than a 'baby bonus' can fix, academic says
Published: August 2, 2026 20:45
It comes as NZ First leader Winston Peters announces the party will pay people to have babies.
Concern as number of laws rushed through parliament surges
Published: August 2, 2026 20:39
Geoffrey Palmer says urgency has become a way to "avoid scrutiny", as new data reveals the record number of laws rushed through Parliament.
Hauraki Gulf shellfish harvesting ban extended until 2028
Published: August 2, 2026 20:02
Harvesting bans on mussels, pāua and other shellfish around Waiheke Island and parts of Coromandel will remain in place until 2028 to rebuild local populations.
More laws rushed through Parliament under urgency than any term since 2008
Published: August 2, 2026 18:27
Geoffrey Palmer says urgency has become a way to "avoid scrutiny", as new data reveals the record number of laws rushed through Parliament.
'Things are screwed anyway, why try?' Youth voter enrolment rate plummets
Published: August 2, 2026 17:57
Victoria University students say they and their peers feel apathetic, ambivalent and nihilistic about politics.
Disability support cuts criticised as child poverty report highlights growing hardship
Published: August 2, 2026 06:20
Official figures show more than a quarter of disabled children live in poverty, with advocates warning support cuts are worsening hardship.
Ron Mark returns to NZ First for election
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/863254/ron-mark-returns-to-nz-first-for-election
Published: August 2, 2026 03:36
The former MP has been confirmed as the party's Wairarapa electorate candidate.
New Zealand First Kiwi Kids Grant plans to pay parents for having children
Published: August 2, 2026 02:17
The party's Kiwi Kids Grant would seek to arrest that fall, by paying parents $5,000 a year for the first three years, and for up to three children.
ACT candidate Paul Henry unveils plan to let teachers use 'reasonable force' on students
Published: August 2, 2026 01:05
ACT wants to give teachers the legal power to remove "seriously or persistently disruptive" students from a classroom.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's 'parent-child mentality' description of NZ businesses 'valid' in some cases - Seymour
Published: August 1, 2026 21:59
Labour has accused the prime minister of being "out of touch" and "telling struggling business owners to grow up" instead of owning the "weak economy".
The House: We need to learn to live with bird flu, experts tell MPs
Published: August 1, 2026 21:39
New Zealand will have to learn to live with bird flu, officials have told MPs this week.
Funding for more local GPs to remove suspected skin cancer
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/855243/funding-for-more-local-gps-to-remove-suspected-skin-cancer
Published: July 31, 2026 22:08
The planned expansion is the first stage of the governments' $23 million investment in community healthcare.
MPs riff on their pick of Parliament's petitions
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/854773/mps-riff-on-their-pick-of-parliament-s-petitions
Published: July 31, 2026 06:29
This week, a clutch of MPs discussed topics raised in recent petitions. Their choices and angles were interesting.
Tribunal finds Treaty reforms breach Te Tiriti principles, prejudice Māori, damage Māori-Crown relationship
Published: July 31, 2026 05:00
The Waitangi Tribunal findings come after iwi leaders and experts warned the reforms could strip away decades of Treaty protections across key areas.
Gang patch ban inconsistent with Bill of Rights, High Court finds
Published: July 31, 2026 03:02
The ruling came in relation to the conviction of a patched member of a gang after he was sighted - via CCTV - on the footpath outside a restaurant.
'There's a game going on here': Luxon asks for votes in response to Peters' immigrant comments
Published: July 31, 2026 02:59
But rather than sack the Foreign Minister, as the opposition and former party leaders have suggested, he is using the opportunity to ask for votes.
Opportunity Party reveals candidates for 40 electorates
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/850090/opportunity-party-reveals-candidates-for-40-electorates
Published: July 30, 2026 22:00
Leader Qiulae Wong says they are all standing because they expect "better than the current political parties are delivering".
Winston Peters ‘inviting a sacking’ with attack on Chinese-born MP, Helen Clark says
Published: July 30, 2026 21:18
The Foreign Minister telling Lawrence Xu-Nan to "go back to your own country" sends a bad message to migrants and our biggest trading partner.
Solar recommendations could speed up installations, lower household bills - industry
Published: July 30, 2026 17:33
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has laid out 15 recommendations to streamline solar uptake in a new review.
Labour considered most capable of managing New Zealanders' top five concerns - survey
Published: July 30, 2026 17:17
National leads on just one of the top 20 issues: crime/law and order.