Legislation for public register of boarding house landlords passes first reading
Published: April 29, 2026 09:43
It is unknown how many boarding houses - which provide basic shelter for some of the most vulnerable - exist in New Zealand.
🦜 RNZ Politics Headlines
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Legislation to make international money transfers cheaper passes first reading
Published: April 29, 2026 08:31
New Zealanders currently pay more for transfers than those in Australia, the UK and the United States, with banks charging more in hidden fees.
Greens call out 'double standards' in immigrant English testing
Published: April 29, 2026 07:05
Golden Visa applicants don't have to take an English fluency test but for a skilled migrant visa, drivers needed to score well in the International English Language Testing System.
Modern Slavery bill passes first reading under new Parliament rule
Published: April 29, 2026 06:10
The bill uses a new rule introduced in 2020 which allows a member's bill to be progressed so long as it has support from a majority of MPs who are not in the executive.
Greens defend Māngere candidate Michel Mulipola for past social media posts
Published: April 29, 2026 04:45
Past social media posts have surfaced of the Green Party Māngere candidate ripping up the New Zealand flag, calling police 'pigs'.
New Zealand and Australia collaborate on fuel, fertiliser pressures with agriculture, aviation
Published: April 29, 2026 04:42
Australia acted 'hard and early' to secure diesel and urea fertiliser, while New Zealand tried to do the same but could have done better.
Ultra-marathon swimmer Jono Ridler delivers petition to ban bottom trawling to Parliament
Published: April 29, 2026 04:16
After swimming almost 1400km, Jono Ridler delivered the petition to ban bottom trawling, signed by 73,647 people, and called for an end to the practice.
Trade Minister Todd McClay questioned by Indian media over Shane Jones' 'butter chicken tsunami' barb
Published: April 29, 2026 03:52
Trade Minister Todd McClay said he told media the New Zealand First MP was "entitled to say what he wanted" - but it was not a widely held view.
Question Time begins with a showdown between Minister and ... Minister?
Published: April 29, 2026 03:47
Parliament began this week with a Question Time in which the government was being pressed by ... another member of the government.
Country's fuel stocks increase across the board, government says
Published: April 29, 2026 01:14
The data accurate to Sunday shows more than 52 days of petrol, about 46 days of diesel and about 49 days of jet fuel.
Mike Hosking says TVNZ 'threatened to sue us' over Maiki Sherman story
Published: April 29, 2026 01:08
At the time, the threat had a "chilling effect" on NZME and the decision was made not to run a story, he says.
6% pay rise agreed for junior doctors
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/593701/6-percent-pay-rise-agreed-for-junior-doctors
Published: April 29, 2026 00:13
Union president Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith said reaching an agreement without having to take industrial action was "a huge win".
Proposed leave bill will make workers' lives 'materially worse', select committee hears
Published: April 29, 2026 00:06
Part-time and shift workers say they'll lose money under leave changes - but the minister in charge says it's unavoidable.
Government cracking down on large nitrous oxide canisters as misuse continues to grow
Published: April 28, 2026 23:44
The canisters will automatically be classed as psychoactive substances if they do not have a lawful use.
Government's diesel partnership good for supply not for price, Business NZ says
Published: April 28, 2026 19:40
The government announced a deal which will see Z Energy procure, own and manage 90 million litres of diesel at Marsden Point refinery's refurbished fuel tanks.
Where does your tax money actually go?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/593644/where-does-your-tax-money-actually-go
Published: April 28, 2026 17:14
In the year to 30 June, 2025, total government spending was $183.5 billion.
Locked up for 22 hours a day: What life is like for New Zealander Everlee Wihongi detained in ICE facility
Published: April 28, 2026 09:01
Everlee Wihongi is entering her third week in US detention after being detained in an ICE processing centre in California. Her mother is speaking out.
Winston Peters favours rail over cutting restrictions for heavy vehicles
Published: April 28, 2026 06:36
The government is considering cutting regulations for heavy vehicles in an effort to save fuel, including easing truck weight limits.
Viv Beck still 'employed as CEO', Auckland's Heart of the City says
Published: April 28, 2026 06:00
Reports she had been stood down from the position surfaced over the weekend, but Beck herself is yet to comment.
National accuses Labour of misleading New Zealanders on revenue gathering measures
Published: April 28, 2026 05:10
The dispute centres on a paragraph in ratings agency Fitch's report in March, which maintained New Zealand's rating at AA+ but lowered the outlook from "stable" to "negative".
Watch: Prime Minister Luxon discusses diesel supply at post-Cabinet press conference
Published: April 28, 2026 04:39
The 90 million litres of diesel, equivalent to around nine days of supplies, is expected to be in the tanks at Marsden Point by late June or early July.
Fuel crisis: Swapping crude oil tickets for usable fuel 'last resort', Finance Minister Willis says
Published: April 28, 2026 03:31
The government appears to be cooling on the idea of trading its IEA crude oil tickets for useable stock, with other options available.
Prime Minister Luxon alienating voters by cancelling weekly Breakfast interview, expert says
Published: April 28, 2026 02:20
Political scientist Dr Claire Robinson says she would have advised Luxon against cancelling his weekly Breakfast interview slot.
Economic gains from India free trade deal modest to begin with - MFAT
Published: April 28, 2026 01:49
But MFAT says the economy is expected to be hundreds of millions of dollars better off each year once the agreement has fully come into force.
New Zealand takes part in Balikatan - Philippines' biggest-ever military exercise
Published: April 28, 2026 01:20
Balikatan runs until 8 May with 17,000 troops - 10,000 of them from US, 400 from Australia and about 70 from the NZDF - and featured a lot of other 'firsts'.
Finance Minister shut down event after TVNZ political editor used alleged homophobic slur
Published: April 28, 2026 01:07
TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman is alleged to have used a homophobic slur against journalist Lloyd Burr
India free trade deal: The NZ sectors set to benefit most
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/593576/india-free-trade-deal-the-nz-sectors-set-to-benefit-most
Published: April 27, 2026 23:54
A look at the bigger winners, and who is missing out.
Christopher Luxon defends economic record in face of downgrades, poor polling
Published: April 27, 2026 21:20
The PM is brushing off forecasts of doom and gloom for the economy, insisting progress is being made.
Government shouldn't wait to loosen heavy vehicle restrictions, Transporting NZ says
Published: April 27, 2026 19:39
Chief executive Dom Kalasih is urging government ministers not to wait until an increase to Phase 2 of the national fuel plan to take action.
Power in immigration bill 'invokes images of ICE', critics say
Published: April 27, 2026 19:00
Advocates are concerned the government is taking New Zealand down a path to US-style crackdowns on overstayers and asylum seekers.
Unions warn India-NZ FTA could lead to migrant exploitation
Published: April 27, 2026 18:59
The deal was signed on Monday night in New Delhi, with full details expected to be made public on Tuesday.
Parent prosecuted over child's school absence as part of government's truancy crackdown
Published: April 27, 2026 18:54
David Seymour last year promised the government would be tougher, and at least one case is working its way through the courts.
Government shouldn't wait to loosen heavy vehicles restrictions, Transporting NZ says
Published: April 27, 2026 16:54
Chief executive Dom Kalasih is urging government ministers not to wait until an increase to Phase 2 of the national fuel plan to take action.
India trade agreement to be unveiled at Parliament within hours
Published: April 27, 2026 16:54
The signing in New Delhi overnight means the deal can go through Parliament - setting up a race against the EU for Favoured Nation access.
Watch: Trade Minister Todd McClay to sign India FTA in New Delhi
Published: April 27, 2026 09:01
The signing marks the end of 16 years of attempted negotiations and brings New Zealand greater market access to India's 1.4 billion customers, Todd McClay says.
Council of trade unions calls for transparency on India-New Zealand Free Trade agreement
Published: April 27, 2026 07:19
There has been a complete lack of consultation with unions and the public ahead of the India-New Zealand Free Trade agreement, Council of Trade Unions president says.
Green Party disapproves of government granting prospecting permit for UNESCO site
Published: April 27, 2026 02:31
It comes after a prospecting permit was approved within Te Wāhipounamu, one of the country's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Government looks to cut heavy vehicle regulations as part of fuel response
Published: April 27, 2026 01:19
The latest government data shows New Zealand's fuel stocks have continued to fall, but movements remain within expectations.
Aotea/Great Barrier Island iwi meet with government amid overfishing concerns
Published: April 27, 2026 00:03
Ngāti Rehua - Ngātiwai ki Aotea Trust Board and the Aotea/Great Barrier Local Board are wanting the government to back a plan to manage the kōura population.
Indian free trade agreement due for formal signing in New Delhi
Published: April 26, 2026 18:54
Trade Minister Todd McClay is leading the delegation of MPs and business representatives for the historic occasion.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon condemns shooting at gala attended by Donald Trump
Published: April 26, 2026 09:34
The prime minister was glad Trump and other guests at the White House Correspondents dinner were unharmed, after a man with a shotgun tried to breach security.
Government invests $800,000 to repair part of NZ Cycle Trail network
Published: April 26, 2026 00:14
The funding will go towards Hauraki Rail Trail, Waikato River Trail, and Tasman's Great Taste Trail, following significant storm damage.
The House: Open mic night at Parliament
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/593445/the-house-open-mic-night-at-parliament
Published: April 25, 2026 21:33
Parliament's weekly free debate can give an insight into the mood and politics of both MPs and parties.
Hutt South MP Chris Bishop 'gutted' to miss dawn service wreath laying
Published: April 25, 2026 02:45
Hutt South MP Chris Bishop says a communication breakdown saw his name read out at a wreath-laying ceremony he did not attend.
Antiracism group stands by Indian communities in wake of haka
Published: April 25, 2026 00:23
New translations reveal slurs that organisers and anti-racism groups say have no place on the "highly esteemed" stage.
Researchers call for ute tax, citing burden on health system
Published: April 24, 2026 22:40
They say utes contribute about seven times as much social harm in areas like air pollution, and accidents involving utes are seven times more likely to be fatal.
Environmentalists split over revived NZ-US rare minerals deal
Published: April 24, 2026 22:40
A resurrected minerals deal with the US is causing mixed reactions among environmentalists.
Te Matatini stage used as 'a racist weapon', group claims, as new translations of haka emerge
Published: April 24, 2026 16:58
New translations reveal slurs that organisers and anti-racism groups say have no place on the highly esteemed Te Matatini stage.
Police Commissioner seeks answers after Police College recruits fall below expected levels
Published: April 24, 2026 16:53
Associate Police Minister Casey Costello said the government had provided the extra funding needed to recruit and achieve its target of 500 extra staff.
Government continues with US minerals deal negotiations
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/593362/government-continues-with-us-minerals-deal-negotiations
Published: April 24, 2026 06:05
A just-released Cabinet paper reveals Shane Jones recommended continuing work drafting a bilateral agreement.
High school commerce teacher backs Seymour's investment programme idea
Published: April 24, 2026 05:58
ACT leader David Seymour has floated the idea of giving every year 11 student $500 to invest.
Christopher Luxon cancels weekly TVNZ Breakfast slot, lodges complaint over press gallery conduct
Published: April 24, 2026 05:25
The Prime Minister's withdrawal comes not long after the appointment of former Newshub political editor Tova O'Brien as Breakfast co-host.
National Party lodges complaint with TVNZ over pursuit of chief whip interview
Published: April 24, 2026 03:31
TVNZ disputes National's version of events.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon bats away business concerns over no SailGP funding
Published: April 24, 2026 00:55
The prime minister has brushed off businesses' criticism of the government for not stumping up to help fund its return to Auckland.
War vets get fuel price relief
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/593333/war-vets-get-fuel-price-relief
Published: April 24, 2026 00:19
The government has boosted mileage reimbursement rates for war veterans travelling to medical appointments by 50 percent.
Three more regional airlines set to receive Regional Investment Funding loans
Published: April 23, 2026 22:57
Air Chatams, Sounds Air and Island Air will receive the loans as the fuel crisis impacts regional airlines.
Local Government Minister Simon Watts on challenges building water infrastructure
Published: April 23, 2026 20:24
Local Government Minister Simon Watts says the costs will be in the region of $4 billion per annum over the next 10 years.
Nixing SailGP described as a 'significant loss' by Auckland events boss
Published: April 23, 2026 19:57
Auckland's events boss says the government has missed an important opportunity by not putting in the money to keep SailGP in the city next year.
No rethink on US, drones on right path for now, says new Defence Minister
Published: April 23, 2026 18:30
And Chris Penk says the country is not movng too slowly on getting military drones, even though some other countries are accelerating quickly.
Auckland principals say rushed curriculum overhaul risks backfire
Published: April 23, 2026 17:37
Educators warn rushed changes could undermine reforms that would otherwise succeed.
Health New Zealand tables first offer to New Zealand Nurses Organisation in almost a year
Published: April 23, 2026 05:57
New Zealand Nurses Organisation chief executive Paul Goulter said its members have received a proposed terms of settlement.
David Seymour floats giving year 11s $500 to invest, taking from annual KiwiSaver subsidy
Published: April 23, 2026 05:48
But it is not an ACT policy "yet", he says.
The House: Ministers back on task for Annual Review Debate
Published: April 23, 2026 05:19
Apart from coup plot distractions, MPs still had parliamentary work this week. The focus was the Annual Review Debate with chalk-and-cheese approaches and added politics.
Shane Jones apologises for Nicola Willis weight loss comments
Published: April 23, 2026 04:01
The New Zealand First deputy leader apologised after making a jab at the Finance Minister's weight loss as the coalition ructions shift gears into personal attacks.
Treasury officials revisit economic forecasts ahead of Budget delivery
Published: April 23, 2026 02:28
In a briefing at her Beehive office, Finance Minister Nicola Willis told reporters the move was "very unusual" and demonstrated the intense global volatility.
Government to broaden self-certification scheme for tradies
Published: April 23, 2026 00:26
The changes will now cover the majority of plumbing and drainlaying work in buildings up to three storeys, the Building and Construction Minister says.
Data shows highest term one regular attendance since 2020
Published: April 22, 2026 23:30
Regular attendance is when a student attends 90 percent of half days in a term.
Chris Hipkins announces Labour will back India free trade deal
Published: April 22, 2026 23:02
Chris Hipkins says the party will help National pass the free trade agreement, but that parts of it are "almost impossible".
The $49 billion cost of fixing water infrastructure woes laid bare
Published: April 22, 2026 19:53
The country needs to spend as much on water investment in the next ten years as has been spent over the last 125 years.
Campaign group costs universal free dental care, says NZ can afford it
Published: April 22, 2026 18:04
A report by Dental for All estimates it'll cost $936 million a year - alongside a one-off capital investment of $1.1 billion.
Dozens of principal, teacher associations sign letter opposed to government's curriculum changes
Published: April 22, 2026 16:50
Critics who have signed the letter say six draft curriculums for Years 0-8 are not fit for purpose.
National, ACT MPs call out Jones' 'butter chicken' comments as racist and 'lame dad jokes'
Published: April 22, 2026 16:50
National's Carlos Cheung, who is the MP for Mount Roskill said the comments were racist, and some of the diverse community he represents are not happy.
Former Te Pāti Māori president's haka targeting ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar sparks backlash
Published: April 22, 2026 16:50
The haka at ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar included a phrase which has been interpreted as a derogatory reference to Indians, as well as gestures referencing cultural practices.
Home care worker calls out 'double standard' over MP's mileage allowance
Published: April 22, 2026 06:25
The amount politicians can claim for using their private vehicles is considerably higher than home and community support workers.
Winston Peters declares coalition as stable as 'three-legged stool' after day of potshots
Published: April 22, 2026 05:10
Despite tit-for-tat sledging the NZ First leader declared the coalition as stable as a "three-legged stool".
National's Stuart Smith denies he tried to alert Christopher Luxon to flagging caucus support
Published: April 22, 2026 03:05
National's chief whip Stuart Smith has finally addressed media at Parliament, denying reports that he had tried to alert Christopher Luxon to flagging caucus support prior to Easter.
Fuel stock still stable despite another fall, government says
Published: April 22, 2026 01:44
New Zealand's fuel stocks have dipped across the board according to the latest update, but the government says levels are stable and sufficient.
Coalition spat deepens as Christopher Luxon fires back at Winston Peters
Published: April 22, 2026 01:34
The prime minister has accused the NZ First leader of "scaremongering" after critcism over National's leadership vote.
Infrastructure Commission to oversee major projects under new government plan
Published: April 22, 2026 01:20
The government it is shifting oversight from Treasury to the Infrastructure Commission.
Responsibility and porkies: When party politics bleeds into Parliament
Published: April 22, 2026 00:49
This week's political intrigue bled into Question Time and illustrated Parliament's rules about ministerial responsibility and lying.
New site to teach kids about Anzac history launched
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/education/593082/new-site-to-teach-kids-about-anzac-history-launched
Published: April 22, 2026 00:35
The government is launching a new online visual storytelling website to help children learn about Anzac history.
Invoking Biketawa: the Pacific's regional response to the fuel crisis explained
Published: April 22, 2026 00:13
Pacific leaders have reportedly moved to invoke the Pacific Islands Forum's highest regional crisis response measure over a looming fuel crisis.
Active Investor Plus Visa draws in nearly $4b of foreign funds in first year since refresh
Published: April 22, 2026 00:04
Changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa, which gives wealthy foreigners residency if they directly invest in local companies, took effect last April.
2026 election: Lan Pham moves higher than two fellow MPs in Greens list
Published: April 22, 2026 00:00
She leapfrogs Parliamentary colleagues Hūhana Lyndon and Lawrence Xu-Nan in a revised list issued today.
Wairoa iwi seeks removal of Goldsmith as Treaty Negotiations Minister
Published: April 21, 2026 23:28
The demand centres on Paul Goldsmith's decision to transfer six DoC reserves to a neighbouring iwi.
Winston Peters says Christopher Luxon didn't warn him about leadership vote
Published: April 21, 2026 21:33
"You can tell when the next one's going to happen - not initiated by himself, but by others," the NZ First leader says.
Child Protection Investigation Unit struggles with agencies not sharing information
Published: April 21, 2026 18:28
The Child Protection Investigation Unit was set up to look into serious harm to children who are in state care and identify systemic failures to fix systems and practices at Oranga Tamariki.
Survivor wants good character discounts scrapped from sex offender sentencing
Published: April 21, 2026 18:28
Sam Troth has created a petition calling for changes to the Sentencing Act, saying sex offenders should not get credit for their supposed good character.
Polytechnics to carry hundreds of unfunded students that subsidies won't cover
Published: April 21, 2026 16:58
The country's universities reported a similar situation last month.
Government's plans for LNG terminal didn't model international price spike
Published: April 21, 2026 16:58
A climate advocate said the decision not to model price volatility was "remarkable" and raised further questions about whether the planned facility was a good idea.