Nicola Willis shows she is ready to fight her way back into power in November
Published: June 14, 2026 19:21
Analysis: Finance Minister replaced one flak jacket for another as she went after Labour.
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Scrutiny Week: How does it work and what are the drawbacks?
Published: June 14, 2026 18:48
Politicians are gearing up for the verbal combat of Scrutiny Week - but what is it, and how did it come to be?
New mental health funding may not match need
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/598171/new-mental-health-funding-may-not-match-need
Published: June 14, 2026 17:42
Psychiatrists say the lack of data on the most pressing shortages - and absence of comprehensive planning - make new funding look piecemeal
Watchdog needed to quell election-year squabbles over spending - economist
Published: June 14, 2026 17:10
National's finance spokesperson has attacked Labour's spending policies, with claims of an $18.2 billion shortfall.
Porirua City Councillor Mike Duncan dies suddenly
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regional/598163/porirua-city-councillor-mike-duncan-dies-suddenly
Published: June 14, 2026 09:01
Mike Duncan had an array of Christmas jumpers and a knack for finding spelling mistakes in council reports.
NZ First says overhaul of GMO laws unlikely before election
Published: June 14, 2026 06:19
The Gene Technology Bill seeks to end an effective 30-year ban on the use of technologies like gene editing outside the laboratory.
National's Nicola Willis attacks Labour's economic plans
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/598144/national-s-nicola-willis-attacks-labour-s-economic-plans
Published: June 14, 2026 01:55
National's finance spokesperson said Labour needed to "come clean" on how it was going to close the $18.2 billion gap between its spending plans and revenue intentions.
Scrutinising government's budget in an election year
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/598146/scrutinising-government-s-budget-in-an-election-year
Published: June 14, 2026 01:22
Budget week was a fortnight ago, but Parliament's job of scrutinising the government's spending plans is far from finished.
Watch live: National's Nicola Willis speaks to media about economy, fiscal strategy
Published: June 14, 2026 01:00
National's finance spokesperson will speak from the party's Caucus room.
Demonstrators say they won't rest until Bill to define woman and man is stopped
Published: June 13, 2026 22:28
Defy Definition protest organisers estimated 10,000 people across five cities marched against the bill and say the Bill erases transgender and intersex people.
Equity vs equality? Why educators and health experts say understanding the difference matters
Published: June 13, 2026 01:06
While equality focuses on treating people the same, equity asks whether everyone has the same opportunity to thrive in the first place.
Number of female prisoners expected to surge by 63 percent over next decade
Published: June 12, 2026 20:59
The number of women serving time in prison is expected to surge 63 percent over the next decade, due to stronger punishments for theft.
Health ministry launches review into effects of nitrate in water
Published: June 12, 2026 10:01
It comes as campaigners renew calls to slash nitrate limits following Denmark's newly-formed coalition government agreeing to drastically lower its limit.
Law changes expected to boost prison population over next decade
Published: June 12, 2026 07:26
A new report says there will be 15,200 prisoners in June 2036 - a 35 percent increase from this year.
Law changes expected to boost prison population over next decade
Published: June 12, 2026 03:04
A new report says there will be 15,200 prisoners in June 2036 - a 35 percent increase from this year.
Targeting diabetes drugs at Māori and Pasifika is needs-based, specialist says
Published: June 12, 2026 02:51
Cardiac scientists say they are being prevented by Health NZ over an objection to changes in the way diabetes treatments are funded.
Labour calls for formal audit of govt's record keeping and OIA practice
Published: June 12, 2026 02:14
It comes after the Chief Ombudsman confirmed the focus of his investigation following a complaint about the way PMO handled an OIA request.
Targeting diabetes drugs at Māori and Pasifika is needs-based, cardiologist says
Published: June 12, 2026 01:18
Cardiac scientists say they are being muzzled by Health NZ over an objection to changes in the way diabetes treatments are funded.
ACT favours sheep over choppers for weed control on conservation land
Published: June 12, 2026 01:13
Agriculture spokesperson Andrew Hoggard says grazing sheep on conservation land is a win-win.
Health NZ increases funding offer for GPs
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/598008/health-nz-increases-funding-offer-for-gps
Published: June 12, 2026 00:52
After GPs pushed back on last week's offer, Health NZ has pitched a new one that offers more money and a reworked rural funding formula.
Coalition clings to majority in latest Taxpayers' Union poll
Published: June 12, 2026 00:51
The post-Budget poll has National, New Zealand First and ACT able to form a government - but only just.
UK changing rules for separating couples, but where's New Zealand's update?
Published: June 11, 2026 18:35
The UK has started consultation on changes that would make the separation process less financially difficult for people who live together and those who choose not to marry.
Disability advocates call for drastic changes to support services bill
Published: June 11, 2026 18:33
The bill follows a Supreme Court ruling that two carers of adult children with disabilies were employees of the government, and therefore entitled to the same legal protections and benefits.
New poll suggests 90 percent want limits on bottom trawling
Published: June 11, 2026 18:32
The poll found restricting bottom trawling is now the top action New Zealanders want the government to take to protect the ocean, alongside creating more marine protected areas.
NZ First 'extremely disappointed' by coward punch law 'window dressing'
Published: June 11, 2026 17:43
The legislation's approach amounts to "window dressing", the party says.
More investment in long-term renewable energy required, Infrastructure Commission says
Published: June 11, 2026 17:21
The commission's latest research outlines how a predictable approach to key policy settings could help give infrastructure providers the confidence to invest.
Children's Commissioner calls for young people to be heard ahead of social media ban
Published: June 11, 2026 05:21
Dr Claire Achmad has highlighted the view of children and young people in a new report.
Fieldays acts as launching pad for $110 million in new funding initiatives
Published: June 11, 2026 04:14
$51 million of it will be used to help roll out new methane-busting farming technology.
'We're actually out and about': Labour cops flack from Bishop, Seymour over Fieldays stall
Published: June 11, 2026 03:20
Chris Hipkins says Labour MPs are talking directly to people at Fieldays rather than sitting at a stall in the back.
What needs to be done to tackle child homelessness in Aotearoa?
Published: June 11, 2026 02:11
According newly released research, 33,000 children were living in severe housing deprivation in Aotearoa in 2023.
New Zealand condemns 'lethal plotting' by Iran in joint statement
Published: June 10, 2026 22:14
In a joint statement with 22 other countries, New Zealand condemns attacks across Europe targeting Jewish communities, Iranian journalists and US interests.
Government facing up to $5 billion bill over carbon credits, Treasury reveals
Published: June 10, 2026 20:08
However, Finance Minister Nicola Willis has said she doesn't want to see billions of dollars go offshore to pay for credits.
Tourism operators call on government to deliver sustainable funding model
Published: June 10, 2026 17:57
The sector is the country's second biggest export earner behind dairy, but industry players hope it can retake the crown it lost during the pandemic.
Officials redacted advice showing 'low need' for LNG imports
Published: June 10, 2026 17:11
The advice has been released to RNZ after a complaint to the Ombudsman.
Wellington residents call for safety upgrades after train derailment
Published: June 10, 2026 16:53
Several people were injured when a passenger train ran a red light as it left Khandallah Station, hitting a concrete safety barrier at 30km/h.
Family violence prevention sector worried about silos as job cuts proposed at govt centre
Published: June 10, 2026 16:53
A network of family violence support services says staff at the government's Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention aren't to blame for the board's failures.
Government floats using emergency fund on public transport, Labour asks why it wasn't in Budget
Published: June 10, 2026 16:53
The government says it could use its emergency fund on better public transport services but the opposition says that's surprising, given there was no evidence of that in the Budget.
Former MP Peter Dunne says questions remain over minister's $17k airport parking bill
Published: June 10, 2026 09:50
Former MP Peter Dunne says Children's Minister Karen Chhour's explanation for her $16,686 airport parking bill raises more questions than it answers.
Labour's Chris Hipkins accuses Police Commissioner of not being a good employer over Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo comments
Published: June 10, 2026 03:18
Labour's leader has accused Richard Chambers of 'making a statement that basically has no evidential base' about a superintendent named as a Labour candidate.
Government announces Primary Sector Growth Fund projects
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/597793/government-announces-primary-sector-growth-fund-projects
Published: June 10, 2026 02:32
In total, the government is investing $59 million into projects with a total investment value of $143m
Government investing $5 million into Māori-owned businesses
Published: June 10, 2026 01:45
The investment follows a $48 million boost to Māori media funding and a $23.6 million cut to Te Puni Kōkiri.
ACT proposes new 'split-gas' emissions target
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/environment_climate/597787/act-proposes-new-split-gas-emissions-target
Published: June 10, 2026 01:00
The party is proposing a new target where short-lived gases like methane would only be required to cause 'no additional warming'.
Chief Ombudsman explains how he'll handle OIA probe of PM's office
Published: June 10, 2026 00:44
John Allen's investigation follows a complaint about the way the Prime Minister's office handled an Official Information Act request.
Government earmarks $51m for new methane-busting technology
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/597768/government-earmarks-51m-for-new-methane-busting-technology
Published: June 9, 2026 23:46
The Early Adoption Accelerator, launched at Fieldays in Hamilton, will match investment into technology uptake dollar-for-dollar.
Labour vows to put $20-a-week cap on public transport, $10 outside main centres
Published: June 9, 2026 23:41
And an even lower $10 cap would apply outside main centres, Chris Hipkins has revealed in his party's first policy in months.
Freaky tour conjuring up the ghosts of Parliament
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/lifestyle/a-ghost-tour-of-parliament-in-wellington
Published: June 9, 2026 23:39
New Zealand politics has produced its fair share of spectres over the years - but Parliament's ghost tour deals with a different kind of haunting altogether.
Opportunity's Qiulae Wong makes a play for 'kingmaker', aiming straight at NZ First
Published: June 9, 2026 21:56
A minor party with a new leader, Opportunity asks: What have Winston Peters and NZ First really done for a struggling nation?
Children's Monitor report backs kaupapa Māori approaches in state care
Published: June 9, 2026 21:55
Independent Children's Monitor says tamariki Māori remain overrepresented in care statistics, but iwi-led initiatives are showing promising results.
Tax changes to hit charity sector with 'significant cost'
Published: June 9, 2026 18:51
Charities are already hearing from some big donors indicating that they will not be able to give as much in the next year.
'Ad hoc and piecemeal': Insurer IAG slams govt's approach to natural hazards in new report
Published: June 9, 2026 18:45
IAG has added its voice to a growing chorus of organisations calling for leadership from the government on how the country will deal with increasingly frequent, destructive weather disasters.
AI warfare: NZDF drone doctrine focuses on keeping 'humans in the loop'
Published: June 9, 2026 18:28
The NZDF has no doctrine on robotic autonomous systems and is looking to the government to guide their ethical use.
Greens promise fines for privacy breaches if elected
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/597715/greens-promise-fines-for-privacy-breaches-if-elected
Published: June 9, 2026 17:23
The Privacy Commissioner would be given the power to force people and companies to pay for serious breaches.
Labour set to announce first policy in six months, on cost-of-living
Published: June 9, 2026 16:52
Leader Chris Hipkins confirmed the unveiling on Morning Report, after Kingi Kiriona - the party's new candidate for Hauraki-Waikato - hinted at 'tax relief' policies on Monday.
'Constitutionally abhorrent': Expert reveals advice to government on climate law change
Published: June 9, 2026 16:52
A legal boffin who was consulted on the government's law change that would prevent companies from being sued over climate change explains his opposition.
Police launch review into period Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo's was engaged with Labour
Published: June 9, 2026 08:34
The review will look at the period during which Rakesh Naidoo was engaging with the Labour Party.
'A significant cost for us' - Tax credit changes to hit charity sector
Published: June 9, 2026 06:18
Charities are already hearing from some big donors indicating that they will not be able to give as much in the next year.
Third code of conduct complaint laid against controversial Dunedin councillor Bendict Ong
Published: June 9, 2026 05:14
It took the first-term councillor 18 minutes to forward the confidential complaint to media on Tuesday.
Police launch review into Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo's engagement with Labour
Published: June 9, 2026 03:56
The review will look at the period during which Rakesh Naidoo was engaging with the Labour Party.
Energy Minister Simeon Brown promises new generator rules will put 'downward pressure' on power bills
Published: June 9, 2026 03:21
Electricity generators will face penalties of up to $10m if they don't shore up supply ahead of dry years.
Rough sleepers, beggars should not be subject to move-on orders - Auckland Council
Published: June 9, 2026 03:15
Most councillors have agreed to ask for begging and rough sleeping to be removed from the bill, because it could displace people who are already vulnerable
Ambulance medicines to be funded by Pharmac
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/597664/ambulance-medicines-to-be-funded-by-pharmac
Published: June 9, 2026 01:18
Ambulance medicines have historically been funded separately, with providers buying the medicines they need with funding they receive.
$100m of new health funding to go towards mental health
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/597659/100m-of-new-health-funding-to-go-towards-mental-health
Published: June 9, 2026 01:15
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said it would deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.
ACT proposes new 'Rural Workforce Visa' to ease farmer worker shortages
Published: June 9, 2026 01:00
The 'Rural Workforce Visa' is aimed at giving farms a more reliable source of workers year round.
Rangatahi Māori getting less timely help from Oranga Tamariki system - report
Published: June 9, 2026 01:00
Tamariki in state care continue to have unmet care and protection needs, the Independent Children's Monitor says.
Energy Minister Simeon Brown promises new generator rules will put 'downward pressure' on power bills
Published: June 8, 2026 22:47
Electricity generators will face penalties of up to $10m if they don't shore up supply ahead of dry years.
Mandatory public insurance levy? Paying the price for climate change
Published: June 8, 2026 21:57
A leading climate academic is warning a mandatory public insurance levy will be needed to protect homeowners from looming catastrophic events.
Government backs down on levy to fund new LNG import terminal
Published: June 8, 2026 20:49
But Simeon Brown has announced steeper fines for power companies who fail to shore up supply to fund the project.
Labour to announce cost-of-living policy this week, Chris Hipkins says
Published: June 8, 2026 20:35
Labour will make a cost of living announcement focused on families, leader Chris Hipkins says.
Are we better off than we were going into election 2023?
Published: June 8, 2026 18:13
In 2023, the cost of living and pressure on households were key components of the election campaign.
Force business to take action against slavery, MPs told
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/597595/force-business-to-take-action-against-slavery-mps-told
Published: June 8, 2026 10:14
A charity says the Modern Slavery Bill currently before Parliament puts no onus on businesses to do anything about the problem.
'Untenable' for Labour's new candidate to continue as superintendent - Police Commissioner
Published: June 8, 2026 04:43
Police Minister Mark Mitchell says Rakesh Naidoo has been privy to sensitive information.
Watch: Christopher Luxon says National will double QEII trust funding if re-elected
Published: June 8, 2026 03:10
National leader Christopher Luxon says farmers had been quietly protecting "the best of our natural habitat on their own land, at their own cost".
ACT MP Mark Cameron to leave Parliament due to kidney failure
Published: June 8, 2026 03:01
Mark Cameron says his kidneys have "completely failed" and he's on dialysis three days a week.
New Labour candidate 'a little ahead of the process' in revealing 'tax relief' - Hipkins
Published: June 8, 2026 01:24
Chris Hipkins says Kingi Kiriona was "a little ahead of the process" when he hinted at an upcoming policy.
Who's in, who's out? Labour unveils list for November election
Published: June 7, 2026 22:01
Labour has named 30 newcomers on its list as it heads into the campaign.
'Very concerning development': Luxon on Iran launching missiles at Israel
Published: June 7, 2026 20:56
Christopher Luxon says it won't help fuel prices in New Zealand, but he's not worried about supply problems.
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson apologises for speeding
Published: June 7, 2026 19:35
In a social media post, Marama Davidson wrote she was "snapped" driving 11km/h over the speed limit on a state highway.
Green Party accuses the government of secret cuts
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/597499/green-party-accuses-the-government-of-secret-cuts
Published: June 7, 2026 17:59
But the finance minister says there is "no hole in the government's accounts".
Health NZ staff face second email address change within months
Published: June 7, 2026 17:40
Some hospitals - including Auckland and Middlemore - have only just changed from their old district health board addresses.
$44,630 fee for 'yo-yo' KiwiRail director Scott O'Donnell who had 10 conflicts of interest
Published: June 7, 2026 17:04
The cost of a 'nonsensical' appointment of a KiwiRail director with 10 conflicts of interest is finally revealed.
Maritime Union affiliates with Alliance Party, keeps door open to Labour
Published: June 7, 2026 09:58
The union's national secretary says Labour is "a big machine" with "different views from different people".
PM Christopher Luxon in happy place hanging with Australian PM Anthony Albanese
Published: June 7, 2026 09:31
Analysis - The prime minister has chalked up his trans-Tasman trip as a success, saying it came at a "pivotal" time.
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little calls for referendum on local govt reforms
Published: June 7, 2026 08:31
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says people should be allowed to determine the future of their local governments. Could a referendum be the way forward?
New Solomon Islands PM to visit NZ
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/597478/new-solomon-islands-pm-to-visit-nz
Published: June 7, 2026 04:58
Matthew Wale was elected in May after criticising the Solomons' previous governments' foreign policy.
Call for mandated school van supervision after 'preventable' death of disabled boy
Published: June 7, 2026 00:19
An Auckland mother had started a petition, calling for the government to mandate the presence of at least two adults in every school van transporting children.
Luxon in happy place hanging with Australian PM Anthony Albanese
Published: June 6, 2026 22:37
Analysis - Luxon has chalked up his trans-Tasman trip as a success, saying it came at a 'pivotal' time.