Morning Report live: Christopher Luxon faces questions about Auckland's climbing unemployment rate
Published: May 10, 2026 19:46
Our biggest city's unemployment rate is now at its highest since 2014.
🦜 RNZ Politics Headlines
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The Latest Politics headlines from RNZ News
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Christchurch Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to be expanded
Published: May 10, 2026 18:34
Cabinet has now signed off a $13.9 million expansion for the unit, increasing beds from 44 to 54, and a number of other improvements such as more space for privacy.
Auditor-general decides not to prosecute Nelson councillor over financial interests
Published: May 10, 2026 07:34
People can't be a local authority member if they are "concerned or interested" in contracts from that authority totalling more than $25,000 per year.
Government taking 10 initiatives to safeguard undersea internet and power cables
Published: May 10, 2026 07:02
A new report shows, compared to international best practice for safeguarding internet and power cables, New Zealand is "generally well set up".
Auditor-general decides not to porsecute Nelson councillor over financial interests
Published: May 10, 2026 06:30
People can't be a local authority member if they are "concerned or interested" in contracts from that authority totalling more than $25,000 per year.
Committee recommends disestablishing Environment Ministry despite public opposition
Published: May 10, 2026 05:52
The Environment Select Committee received 588 written submissions in relation to a bill to axe the ministry. All but five submissions opposed it.
The House: Learning on the (ministerial) job
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594774/the-house-learning-on-the-ministerial-job
Published: May 10, 2026 05:45
When an MP becomes a government minister or changes portfolios, how do they transition to the new role? We ask a recently elevated minister, Chris Penk.
Illegal tobacco crackdown group could make difference, criminology professor says
Published: May 10, 2026 02:41
An Australian criminology professor says the approach of using enforcement to suppress the black market has been "really ineffective".
Mediawatch: Putting down the watchdog?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594762/mediawatch-putting-down-the-watchdog
Published: May 10, 2026 01:18
The government wants to replace the heavy hand of the state with self-regulation for media. Would that work?
Little engagment with security efforts despite threats against MPs rising - Parliamentary Service
Published: May 9, 2026 08:27
Petitioner Sam Fisher says violent threats are discouraging women from entering politics, but MPs have shown little engagement with security offerings.
Green Party criticises govt's 'outrageous' decision to scrap fees-free tertiary education
Published: May 9, 2026 03:58
Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed the scheme would be ditched in the upcoming budget.
Fees-free university scheme to be scrapped in upcoming Budget, Nicola Willis confirms
Published: May 8, 2026 07:53
Finance minister Nicola Willis said students completing study this year remain eligible.
More than 30 roles on chopping block at Maritime NZ - PSA says
Published: May 8, 2026 01:03
PSA national secretary Duane Leo said the proposed job cuts would turn the water safety regulator into "the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff".
What you need to know about New Zealand's new citizenship test plans
Published: May 7, 2026 21:39
Explainer - Would-be citizens will have to pass a test starting next year: What might that look like and how do other countries do it?
More than 30 roles on chopping block at Maritime NZ - PSA says
Published: May 7, 2026 21:13
PSA national secretary Duane Leo said the proposed job cuts would turn the water safety regulator into "the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff".
The GP telling medical students to consider another career
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/594613/the-gp-telling-medical-students-to-consider-another-career
Published: May 7, 2026 19:55
A Canterbury-based doctors says he no longer recommends his speciality trainees.
Tensions and price increases ahead for getting roads built
Published: May 7, 2026 18:36
The Transport Agency is working on a framework to prioritise maintenance, operations, and capital projects "identifying critical work versus activities that could be deferred".
Law Society worried Policing Amendment Bill could lead to clampdown on political protest
Published: May 7, 2026 17:41
Is New Zealand about to get its own version of a law that caused uproar in New South Wales, clashes in Sydney's streets and that has now been thrown out?
Wellington harbourmaster pleads for emergency tug boat
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594589/wellington-harbourmaster-pleads-for-emergency-tug-boat
Published: May 7, 2026 17:39
Grant Nalder says the lack of an emergency tug for the Cook Strait is still a risk which needs to be addressed, and he wants the government to consider reinstating one.
David vs the Media: Has Seymour gone too far?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594582/david-vs-the-media-has-seymour-gone-too-far
Published: May 7, 2026 17:10
A law professor and a media expert are warning that public attacks against RNZ and TVNZ could erode public trust.
Regulation Minister ordering review of solar panel installation
Published: May 7, 2026 07:12
David Seymour said less than four percent of households used solar, despite power savings of about $1000 a year.
Dunedin city councillor Benedict Ong leaks report over his confidentiality breaches
Published: May 7, 2026 06:14
The councillor leaked a report detailing concerns he is repeatedly revealing confidential information and potentially jeopardising the council's commercial interests.
David Seymour says changes are coming for RNZ leadership, RNZ disagrees
Published: May 7, 2026 05:30
Seymour has intensified his attacks on the country's state broadcasters, suggesting changes are coming for RNZ's leadership as the government reshapes its boards.
Infrastructure minister Chris Bishop commits to review of multibillion-dollar City Rail Link
Published: May 7, 2026 04:07
The infrastructure minister says, "like everyone", he's unhappy with the cost of the Auckland rail project.
National tops party donations list, ACT overtakes Labour
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594551/national-tops-party-donations-list-act-overtakes-labour
Published: May 7, 2026 04:04
Since 2023, parties have had to report the names of donors and contributors who gave more than $5000.
New sanctions against online platforms supporting Russia's war on Ukraine announced
Published: May 7, 2026 01:32
A Russian cryptocurrency payment platform - A7 - which the Foreign Minister says has been widely used to evade sanctions, has also been sanctioned.
Would-be Kiwis will get up to six attempts to pass new citizenship test
Published: May 7, 2026 00:26
Internal Affairs is on the hunt for companies interested in implementing the test - but they'll have to be able to prevent "cheating".
Climate Change Commission report urges 'decisive' action as major risks loom
Published: May 6, 2026 22:13
"Decisive" action is needed, a Climate Change Commission report says, with weather already causing "long-lasting hurt, grief and fear".
What is the English Language Bill and what would it actually do in New Zealand?
Published: May 6, 2026 21:14
Explainer - You're reading this in English right now - but should English be an official language? Parliament is soon set to decide.
New citizenship test to remind migrants of New Zealand values, Christopher Luxon says
Published: May 6, 2026 20:39
The Prime Minster said the new questions were very similar to what Australia and UK had been doing for years.
Why commission-earners are set to receive the 'lowest hourly rate' of pay
Published: May 6, 2026 18:39
People being paid commission may face difficulties with a new law intended to simplify New Zealand's rules around leave.
Immigration experts ponder purpose of new citizenship test
Published: May 6, 2026 17:54
From late next year citizenship applicants will be quizzed on the responsibilities of being a citizen but critics are wondering what the point is.
Fisheries Minister Shane Jones overrode official advice for fines related to leaking fishing boat footage
Published: May 6, 2026 17:40
Documents reveal the minister was told the proposed maximum fine, five times a Privacy Act breach penalty, was "unreasonable".
Formal complaint lodged with United Nations over changes to New Zealand's pay equity laws
Published: May 6, 2026 10:04
A group of organisations lodged the complaint asking the United Nations to investigate whether the government's pay equity law changes amount to systemic discrimination against women.
Costa Rica becomes 13th member of CPTPP
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594442/costa-rica-becomes-13th-member-of-cptpp
Published: May 6, 2026 06:42
With Costa Rica joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, New Zealand exports to the Central American nation are set to benefit.
Scrapping Broadcasting Standards Authority will hit standards, experts say
Published: May 6, 2026 05:12
An academic says the decision to scrap the BSA was momentous and he is concerned about the impact it could have on journalism, and therefore democracy.
The Three Waters shadow hanging over council amalgamations
Published: May 6, 2026 04:24
Analysis - National's local government reforms face one of the same problems Labour encountered with Three Waters, with councils at risk of being left out in the cold.
Fuel stocks down slightly across all types
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594406/fuel-stocks-down-slightly-across-all-types
Published: May 6, 2026 01:19
The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment says this is an expected drop.
'Broken funding model' and 'anti-GP ideology' causing GPs to leave jobs, doctor says
Published: May 6, 2026 01:00
Dr Geoff Cunningham also says there is an "anti-GP ideology" in the Ministry of Health.
Broadcasting Standards Authority to be scrapped
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594400/broadcasting-standards-authority-to-be-scrapped
Published: May 6, 2026 00:51
The minister says the BSA was designed for a broadcasting environment that is "rapidly disappearing".
New test covering 'responsibilities and privileges' of NZ citizenship announced for migrants
Published: May 5, 2026 23:44
Applicants will be quizzed on the "responsibilities and privileges" of citizenship and will need at least 75 percent of questions correct to pass.
Government told to prepare for quantum computers able to break encryption
Published: May 5, 2026 22:07
An OECD paper last year said 'harvest now, decrypt later' attacks were one reason to move now.
Ministry of Education approves total $1.4 million to remove asbestos-contaminated sand
Published: May 5, 2026 20:14
The ministry says it approved one-off grants for 65 schools to cover the bill for last year's clean up of asbestos-contaminated sand.
Mayors consider government's amalgamation ultimatum
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594354/mayors-consider-government-s-amalgamation-ultimatum
Published: May 5, 2026 18:38
Some mayors say council reforms will help communities gain their voice, while others fear they'll lose their identity.
What the deal with Singapore means for New Zealand
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594350/what-the-deal-with-singapore-means-for-new-zealand
Published: May 5, 2026 18:12
Explainer - It's a pretty simple equation, crisis or no crisis: New Zealand needs fuel, Singapore supplies fuel. Singapore needs food, New Zealand supplies food.
New Zealand Transport Agency restores millions in funding for police breath testing
Published: May 5, 2026 18:03
The agency has authorised $18 million of funding to police following an independent analysis of breath testing data.
Labour Party announces Te Pūoho Katene as final candidate for Māori seats
Published: May 5, 2026 17:50
Te Pūoho Katene, a Fulbright scholar from Stanford's Graduate School of Business, says it's a privilege to be selected to contest Te Tai Hauāuru.
Southland councils call for united response to govt's amalgamation plans
Published: May 5, 2026 06:43
The government announced councils have three months to come up with plans to amalgamate or it will be done for them.
Council to examine alternative routes for trucks taking gravel from Waimakariri River
Published: May 5, 2026 04:26
The Waimakariri District Council agreed to investigate whether there were better options for gravel haulage in future.
New Zealand business leaders hold roundtable alongside Luxon in Singapore
Published: May 5, 2026 03:08
Luxon was at a roundtable with NZ and Singapore business leader to have "open and constructive conversation" about how things could be done better.
ACT wants pharmacists to take on more medical services, to help out GPs
Published: May 5, 2026 02:55
It says pressure could be taken off doctors if pharmacists were allowed to treat everyday conditions, manage long-term medication and conduct skin checks.
Government gives councils amalgamation ultimatum
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594289/government-gives-councils-amalgamation-ultimatum
Published: May 5, 2026 00:54
"Our message to councils is simple: lead your own reform, or we will do it for you."
Foreign Minister Winston Peters condemns Iran's attacks on United Arab Emirates
Published: May 5, 2026 00:21
In a social media post, Winston Peters said the attack was unhelpful for peace negotiations.
'Let the kid on': ACT wants children to be able to hop on any passing school bus
Published: May 4, 2026 23:00
The party wants children to be able to hop on any passing school bus as long as there's space.
Chris Hipkins confident Labour's promise of three free doctors visits a year is realistic
Published: May 4, 2026 21:35
It comes as a rural doctor says a focus is needed on workforce shortages rather than free visits for all.
Survey reveals the dire state of dialysis services around New Zealand
Published: May 4, 2026 21:13
The Auckland service is operating at 150 percent capacity while the South Island has only three haemodialysis units.
Gun licences issued despite disqualifying convictions, police check reveals
Published: May 4, 2026 18:30
The fact people with criminal convictions were given licences is "regretted and should not have happened", police say.
With New Zealand signing a free trade with Singapore what are the fuel concerns?
Published: May 4, 2026 17:20
Analysis - Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be reassured fuel will continue to flow to New Zealand, but there was a stark warning from his Singapore counterpart.
Swarbrick confirms frustration over Heart of the City CEO's negative takes
Published: May 4, 2026 08:13
Auckland Central MP Chloe Swarbrick says she has been frustrated at business association leader Viv Beck's negative framing of the central city.
New Zealand signs deal with Singapore to ensure trade of essential goods
Published: May 4, 2026 04:04
The deal will be incorporated into the existing New Zealand-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.
NZ, Singapore prime ministers speak of importance of trade in increasingly volatile world
Published: May 4, 2026 02:51
Christopher Luxon spoke of the "unique powers" countries like Singapore and New Zealand have, and the ability to come together and build, defend, adapt, and reform the world-based order.
Why planning reforms have people concerned about the Waitākere Ranges and development
Published: May 4, 2026 01:49
Explainer - Could government reforms lead to increased development in the ranges? Here's why locals are concerned.
Diesel and jet fuel stocks up, petrol remains the same, latest data shows
Published: May 4, 2026 01:35
MBIE says overall fuel stocks are well above the minimum requirements and movements reflect usual shipping patterns.
Seymour bemoans critics reducing immigration debate to 'soap opera' politics
Published: May 4, 2026 01:27
The ACT leader says those arguing he's competing with NZ First on immigration should be constructive.
Lottery board committees to be slashed, Department of Internal Affairs confirms
Published: May 3, 2026 22:24
Smaller organisations risk missing out, the body representing the community voluntaries says.
ACT Party's new immigration policies 'vague', sociologist says
Published: May 3, 2026 20:47
Massey University professor Paul Spoonley says the party's proposed changes creates more bureaucracy and risks alienating a large portion of the population.
Coalition 'working well' despite recent email clash, Simeon Brown says
Published: May 3, 2026 20:42
The Prime Minister last week accused his coalition partner of playing politics after Winston Peters' office released emails discussing New Zealand's stance on US strikes on Iran.
Christopher Luxon heads to Singapore to formalise crucial trade relationship
Published: May 3, 2026 19:13
A partnership formed last October has already paid dividends during the ongoing Middle East oil crisis.
Pharmac rationing of menopause drugs 'fair' - women's health expert
Published: May 3, 2026 18:45
Progesterone capsules will now be dispensed on a monthly basis, instead of three-monthly.
Luxon's Singapore visit to formalise crucial trade relationship
Published: May 3, 2026 17:23
A partnership formed last October has already paid dividends during the ongoing Middle East oil crisis.
Big NZ First donors argue for tax breaks to save 'unsustainable' racing industry
Published: May 3, 2026 17:12
Major industry donors to NZ First have prepared a report calling for tax breaks for the horse racing and breeding industry.