MPs would have to explain why select committees were skipped under proposed new rules
Published: September 22, 2026 05:33
MPs carrying out the review also called for consideration of the use of AI for processing submissions in the next Parliament.
🦜 RNZ Politics Headlines
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Labour writes to PM with plea to pass modern slavery laws before election
Published: September 22, 2026 04:07
Labour's Camilla Belich says it is a matter of "having the will to prioritise what's important to you as a government".
Reserve Bank report reignites dual mandate debate
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/1520239/reserve-bank-report-reignites-dual-mandate-debate
Published: September 22, 2026 03:59
The finance minister is using the report into the Reserve Bank's monetary policy during the Covid-19 pandemic to defend the government's decision to return the bank to a single mandate.
'We wrote the policy' - Winston Peters denies copying campaign group's health policies
Published: September 22, 2026 03:45
Winston Peters rejects the idea NZ First has copied the policies of the Make New Zealand Healthy campaign group, despite numerous similarities.
Labour doing a 'u-turn' with landlord tax break promise, advocate says
Published: September 22, 2026 02:24
"There's a lot of problems in the rental market and giving landlords tax relief is not going to address those problems," says Renters United.
Green Party seeks to cap political donations, stop companies donating
Published: September 22, 2026 01:56
The Greens have written two members' bills, the Electoral (Donations) Amendment Bill and the Regulation of Lobbying Bill, seeking to limit the influence of money and lobbying in government.
Tarakihi catch limits reduce to 10 per person nationwide
Published: September 22, 2026 01:37
The Fisheries Minister says he considered the latest science and catch information, uncertainty about future stocks of young fish, and the effects of use of the fishery in making the decision.
Senior official appearing to try hide information being taken 'very seriously'
Published: September 22, 2026 01:09
Leaked footage shows the Ministry of Education's Catherine Law telling staff not to put information shared with the minister's office in writing, reminding them it's "OIA-able".
Labour candidate Warrick Cleine withdraws nomination
Published: September 22, 2026 00:41
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says Vietnam-based Warrick Cleine was intending to come back to New Zealand to campaign, but is longer in a position to do that.
National attack ads against Labour use crime footage from government's own term
Published: September 22, 2026 00:24
National is defending its campaign video but Labour says it is dishonest and desperate.
Reserve Bank kept interest rates low too long, Covid-19 review finds
Published: September 22, 2026 00:00
But the major independent review found the initial response worked well.
Second Auckland harbour crossing appears feasible, review finds
Published: September 21, 2026 21:56
But NZTA refused to release the report on the grounds doing so might put people off contributing their "free and frank" views in future.
New Zealand's recognition of Palestinian statehood inevitable - Winston Peters
Published: September 21, 2026 20:51
Winston Peters says his decision not to join most other UN member states in recognising Palestine last year was an example of truly independent foreign policy.
Bespoke aquaculture law floated as weight loss drugs boost farmed fish demand
Published: September 21, 2026 19:49
Aquaculture could rival the red meat sector by using open ocean fish farming, as global demand rises partly due to new weight-loss drugs.
Start-up Gigablue denied law change to push ahead with controversial marine carbon storage
Published: September 21, 2026 19:04
Gigablue warned it could be forced to stop operating if it did not get the changes it wanted, putting future economic investment in jeopardy.
More beneficiaries may have had payments wrongly suspended - but ministry won't say how many
Published: September 21, 2026 18:23
Those affected included more than 2400 main beneficiaries who were left out of pocket before they were backpaid, some by thousands of dollars.
Thousands of children under 5 receive flu vaccine as sickness overwhelms health system
Published: September 21, 2026 18:13
More than 3000 were vaccinated in just two weeks earlier this month.
Property investors relieved at Labour's landlord tax deduction promise
Published: September 21, 2026 17:52
Labour ruled out changes to the settings with leader Chris Hipkins saying the party is committed to a capital gains tax instead.
Labour rules out changes to interest deductibility settings for landlords if elected
Published: September 21, 2026 06:26
Chris Hipkins says the party is committed to a capital gains tax instead.
Chris Hipkins wants police to 'front up' and explain 'ongoing matter' with Rakesh Naidoo
Published: September 21, 2026 05:39
"Neither Mr Naidoo nor the Labour Party have any idea what is actually being alleged," Chris Hipkins says.
Labour rules out changes to interest deductibility settings for landlords if elected
Published: September 21, 2026 05:33
Chris Hipkins says the party is committed to a capital gains tax instead.
'Costs did occur' with nuclear-free policy, Winston Peters says
Published: September 21, 2026 04:46
In his final speech as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peters is taking aim at those insisting the country always use megaphone diplomacy, especially against the US.
PM Christopher Luxon speaks at post-Cabinet media conference
Published: September 21, 2026 04:46
The prime minister is speaking to media at the weekly post-Cabinet press conference. Watch it live here.
Former Te Pāti Māori electorate executive member becomes list candidate for Te Tai Tokerau Party
Published: September 21, 2026 04:30
Kyla Campbell-Kamariera was co-chair of Te Pāti Māori's Te Tai Tokerau electorate executive.
Live: PM Christopher Luxon speaks at post-Cabinet media conference
Published: September 21, 2026 03:57
The prime minister is speaking to media at the weekly post-Cabinet press conference. Watch it live here.
Te Pāti Māori pledges $3.1 billion plan for 'kai sovereignty' if elected
Published: September 21, 2026 03:11
The party is promising tax credits, a Community Kai Fund and funding for Māori-owned supermarkets if elected.
School drinking water E coli detections down by 16% in a year
Published: September 21, 2026 00:16
The regulator's report on drinking water regulation shows some major improvements in protection against infection, particularly in schools.
National MPs don't like supermarket break-up policy - David Seymour
Published: September 20, 2026 19:51
The ACT Party says National MPs have been coming to them "exasperated" by their own party's policy to break up the supermarket duopoly.
'His life was worth nothing to them' - Heartbroken families speak out against work safety rule changes
Published: September 20, 2026 18:55
Ethyn McTier, 23, was crushed to death in an unguarded conveyor belt. His family fears new law changes mean more workers will face dangers.
Early childhood education advocates give screen time policy mixed report card
Published: September 20, 2026 17:54
National's Set Up for Success policy includes banning screen time in early childhood education centres and limiting screen use in years 1 to 3.
Supermarket debate shift 'encouraging' as Labour, National campaign on reform
Published: September 20, 2026 17:54
The debate has shifted from whether intervention is needed in the grocery sector to how it should be done, Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy said.
Patient numbers soar for Whanganui Hospital's 15-bed emergency department
Published: September 20, 2026 06:12
On one day in September, the 15-bed department reached 253 percent capacity - equivalent to about 50 patients in the department at one time.
ACT launches rural election campaign with vow to 'make farming fun again'
Published: September 20, 2026 03:31
The party has released a series of commitments to farmers, should it be part of government again after the election.
New Zealand First reveals plan for 'bold shift' in healthcare
Published: September 20, 2026 03:20
Party pledges to "make NZ healthy" with illness prevention policies designed to help overwhelmed hospitals.
St John welcomes move to allow paramedics to prescribe medicines
Published: September 20, 2026 03:16
Specialist paramedics will be able to prescribe medicines covering common infections and treatments needed in urgent and community care, and issue repeat prescriptions for long-term conditions.
Pity the Committee: 48 meeting days, 55 laws
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/1479683/pity-the-committee-48-meeting-days-55-laws
Published: September 20, 2026 02:26
The Government has deluged Parliament's committees with work but starved them of time due to extra debates and urgency. The Justice Committee had it especially tough.
Greens announce reforms to lower commercial rents, fill empty shops
Published: September 19, 2026 23:24
The party is pledging to restore city centre vibrancy through the policy.
National vows to limit screen time in primary schools, early childhood centres
Published: September 19, 2026 23:03
Technology still has a place in education, but it should enhance learning, not become the default way children learn, National's Education spokesperson Erica Stanford says.
National vows to limit screen time in primary schools, early childhood centres
Published: September 19, 2026 22:47
Technology still has a place in education, but it should enhance learning, not become the default way children learn, National's Education spokesperson Erica Stanford says.
Labour proposes splitting Foodstuffs and Woolworths from their wholesale arms
Published: September 19, 2026 22:45
The party says the policy would give smaller grocers more places to buy products, and make it easier for new supermarkets to open and grow.
Thousands of NZ buildings no longer require earthquake strengthening
Published: September 19, 2026 07:06
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says "common sense has prevailed", as law change spells end to quake-prone building rules in the city.
Greenpeace protests Conservation Amendment Bill in downtown Auckland
Published: September 19, 2026 04:09
The environmental group claims 35,000 attended the march, but police report somewhat less.
Suffrage Day marked with promise to boost women's health, safety and financial security
Published: September 19, 2026 00:09
Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says the day honours women's fight for opportunity, dignity and fairness.
Tauranga eyes options to sell stake in airport
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regional/1464894/tauranga-eyes-options-to-sell-stake-in-airport
Published: September 18, 2026 19:30
The council will vote on a working programme exploring new ownership models for Tauranga Airport.
ACT faithful line up for selfies as Paul Henry roadshow rolls through New Plymouth
Published: September 18, 2026 19:19
The former journalist and television presenter mixed politics and banter with a few anecdotes from his long career.
'A very capable and loving father': Oranga Tamariki's litany of failures in the Tom Phillips case
Published: September 18, 2026 18:59
An inquiry found missed opportunities to keep the children safe. Now OT’s chief executive says she is "seeking answers".
'A real degree of nastiness' and the need for respect: Andrew Bayly on politics
Published: September 18, 2026 05:40
The retiring MP discusses attacks and threats, a lack of pastoral support and the need for more respect in his exit interview with The House.
Tauranga teen urges government to give youth a greater say over social media ban
Published: September 18, 2026 05:26
Ōtūmoetai College student Liam Howard wants a youth committee created to address the policy, after most of his peers opposed it in a survey.
Nearly 1000 stalking warnings, 140 charges, but 0 convictions
Published: September 18, 2026 03:34
The new law carried a maximum penalty of five years' in prison.
Government retirement village policy a 'disgrace' - Residents Association
Published: September 18, 2026 02:52
Association vice president Di Sinclair says the coalition has had three years and this policy just kicks the can further down the road.
ACT pledges to stop power companies being broken apart, open up solar market
Published: September 18, 2026 01:15
It comes as New Zealand First promises to split up the gentailers.
Opportunity proposes methane trading scheme, $5b climate adaptation plan
Published: September 18, 2026 00:10
Leader Qiulae Wong says a low-carbon future is about cheaper homes and more resilient businesses, not doing without.
Could a flexible superannuation cost taxpayers less?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1452817/could-a-flexible-superannuation-cost-taxpayers-less
Published: September 17, 2026 23:51
The head of chartered accountants' organisation New Zealand says letting people choose to defer receiving superannuation could lead to savings of nearly $100 billion over 20 years.
Nearly 1000 stalking warnings, 140 charges since law came into effect
Published: September 17, 2026 23:27
The new law carried a maximum penalty of five years' in prison.
Controversial move on orders pass third reading, under urgency
Published: September 17, 2026 22:37
Police will soon have the power to order people to move if they are being disorderly, begging or rough sleeping.
Minister says FENZ was 'breaching their own law in regards to levy collections'
Published: September 17, 2026 22:32
Meanwhile, the minister says: "It’s completely unacceptable, and it points to a lack of accountability across the public service."
Government eases food safety rules for small hospitality businesses
Published: September 17, 2026 22:25
David Seymour says they have been treated like fine-dining restaurants and have been struggling to keep up with paperwork.
Retirement village repayment period to shrink under new plan
Published: September 17, 2026 22:12
Leaked documents show the government wants operators to repay residents within nine months, not 12.
FENZ was 'breaching their own law in regards to levy collections', minister says
Published: September 17, 2026 19:31
"It’s completely unacceptable, and it points to a lack of accountability across the public service," Brooke van Velden says.
Climate advocacy group calls for release of LNG terminal safety information
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
MBIE insists the proposed Port Taranaki facility is safe - but won't release two initial safety evaluations, citing commercial reasons.
Labour's proposed corporate homicide charges welcomed by Pike River Mine families
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
Under the proposal, an individual could be sentenced to life in prison and companies could be fined up to $10 million.
Bootcamps bill passes final reading under urgency, will become law
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
The controversial legislation is now poised to become law, with opposition parties vowing to scrap it if they win the election.
FENZ was 'breaching their own law in regards to levy collections', minister says
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
Minister for FENZ Brooke van Velden says she was also in the dark about the organisation spending nearly half a million dollars looking into the issue.
Report slams FENZ for wrong answers, spending $275,000 on PR and lawyers
Published: September 17, 2026 06:05
The organisation is accused of providing an "extraordinary amount" of incorrect information, creating a perception that its leaders were trying to mislead an inquiry into the nation's fire engine fleet.
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer ejected from Parliament for using c-word
Published: September 17, 2026 05:15
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer has been ejected from Parliament after using the c-word, allegedly to refer to the Assistant Speaker.
Labour to pause government’s school curriculum overhaul, NCEA changes if elected
Published: September 17, 2026 03:53
Education spokesperson Ginny Andersen announced the party would also create an independent body lead decisions on what was taught in schools and how it is assessed.
School curriculum rewrite 'ideological', Crown breached multiple treaty principles - Waitangi Tribunal
Published: September 17, 2026 03:50
The Waitangi Tribuna says the changes were aided by people hostile to Māori knowledge.
Privileges Committee chair calls urgent meeting over leaked FENZ report
Published: September 17, 2026 03:39
There are just three sitting days remaining of this parliamentary term.
FENZ Minister Brooke van Velden questions CEO over withheld information
Published: September 17, 2026 03:24
The Fire and Emergency NZ board will meet soon to answer the minister’s accusations.
Nicola Willis rejects supermarkets' criticism, pointing to 'vested interests'
Published: September 17, 2026 03:11
National's finance spokesperson has pushed back against criticisms from supermarkets and businesses of the party's policy to break up Foodstuffs.
India Free Trade finale brings odd pairings
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/1437015/india-free-trade-finale-brings-odd-pairings
Published: September 17, 2026 03:02
In a week of urgency the first bill finalised enables the India FTA, and had arch enemies New Zealand First and Green voting together, while Labour joined National and ACT.
"Just F. Meth": Government bets on blunt anti-drug campaign
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/1427764/just-f-meth-government-bets-on-blunt-anti-drug-campaign
Published: September 17, 2026 01:19
The slogan has intentionally been left open to interpretation.
Supermarket owners shouldn't make the rich list – supplier
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1433996/supermarket-owners-shouldn-t-make-the-rich-list-supplier
Published: September 17, 2026 01:06
A grocery distributor says Foodstuffs' scale lets it squeeze suppliers without passing savings to shoppers.
The song that got Jacinda Ardern through her hardest political years
Published: September 17, 2026 00:21
From singing country and western with her sister to introducing New Zealand parliament to drum and bass, music has played an important part in Dame Jacinda Ardern's life.
New Zealand economy grows by 0.2% in June quarter
Published: September 16, 2026 23:56
The country seems to have dodged significant damage from the Middle East war, but has the recovery been derailed?
Labour promises visa-free travel for Pacific as overstayer rates rise
Published: September 16, 2026 23:34
Labour said Pacific Island Forum countries would be allowed in on an NZeTA for three months at a time
Veggie growers warn supermarket shake-up could backfire on prices
Published: September 16, 2026 23:02
NZVeg's Mike Brown says squeezing growers' margins further risks reducing supply and raising prices.
India free trade agreement edges closer after Parliament passes legislation
Published: September 16, 2026 22:14
The free trade agreement eliminates or reduces tariffs on 95 percent of exports, including kiwifruit, apples, meat, coal, wool, and forestry
Government announces 'commonsense changes' to hospitality drop-off services
Published: September 16, 2026 21:58
David Seymour and Chris Bishop say the change would help people get home safely.
'F. Meth': New media campaign launched to combat drug harm
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/1427764/f-meth-new-media-campaign-launched-to-combat-drug-harm
Published: September 16, 2026 21:00
The nationwide prevention campaign is part of the government's plan to "disrupt international supply, sharpen enforcement and reduce demand" for meth.
Soaring costs, election and potential dairy downturn overshadow farmers' decade-high profits, new survey finds
Published: September 16, 2026 20:11
Many farmers are looking at next year's books with pessimism, with the possibility of a new Government and rising costs.
New charter school given approval to become one of NZ's biggest schools
Published: September 16, 2026 19:36
Aotearoa Infinite Academy - an online school - opened at the start of this year with 200 students, and now has approval to grow to 2000.
Shoppers split over Foodstuffs break-up plan
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/1423807/shoppers-split-over-foodstuffs-break-up-plan
Published: September 16, 2026 18:32
Kiwi shoppers are keen to see lower prices at the checkout - but not everyone is sold on National's plan.
Uncosted MMP referendum: Could Māori seats be on the chopping block?
Published: September 16, 2026 18:28
National is refusing to rule out a question on abolishing the seats in the uncosted referendum.
'Can't come soon enough': Councils and developers welcome revamped levy for infrastructure
Published: September 16, 2026 18:28
Councils will start transitioning to using the new system from 2029.
'Chilling': Business groups speak out against National's supermarket break-up plan
Published: September 16, 2026 17:16
Organisations say the proposal sends a "terrible signal" to investors, as BusinessNZ likens it to Labour's oil and gas exploration ban.
National vows to 'pursue' break up of supermarket giant Foodstuffs
Published: September 16, 2026 06:36
The policy to break up the supermarket giant was announced on the same day Labour promised to ban big companies from charging excessive prices.
Outgoing National MP Andrew Bayly discusses his 'brutal' resignation in final speech to Parliament
Published: September 16, 2026 05:55
The outgoing National MP revealed he had resigned after wrongly believing a staff member had complained about his conduct.
Splitting up Foodstuffs: Would it actually drive down grocery prices?
Published: September 16, 2026 05:37
Multiple experts are welcoming the idea, but the business community is warning of unintended consequences.
Who hired the new nurses? Labour and National can't agree
Published: September 16, 2026 04:25
Willis and Sepuloni disagree over how many extra nurses have actually been hired since 2023, and who was responsible.
'Simply not good enough' - Barnardos demands more work to protect children
Published: September 16, 2026 04:17
The children's charity says far too many kids continue to be challenged by poverty, violence, mental distress, barriers to opportunity, poor housing and poor health outcomes.
Prime Minister apologises to Tom Phillips' children and their mother following inquiry
Published: September 16, 2026 03:44
Luxon told reporters the inquiry had made clear some of the actions by the agencies involved hadn’t been handled well.
Winston Peters mocks National as 'Great Pretender' over supermarket policy
Published: September 16, 2026 03:44
In a surprise policy announcement, National announced a plan to sever Pak’nSave from New World in a bid to drive down grocery prices.
Councils to be allowed to charge developers with new levy from 2029
Published: September 16, 2026 02:11
The government has confirmed it will clear the way for councils charge development levies from 2029.
New nurses: Labour and National spar over who hired them
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/1412158/new-nurses-labour-and-national-spar-over-who-hired-them
Published: September 15, 2026 23:55
Willis and Sepuloni disagree over how many extra nurses have actually been hired since 2023, and who was responsible.
National vows to 'pursue' break up supermarket giant Foodstuffs
Published: September 15, 2026 23:37
The policy to breakup supermarket giant Foodstuffs was announced with little warning and on the same day Labour promised to ban big companies from charging excessive prices
Te Pāti Māori announces $1 billion fund for 'energy sovereignty'
Published: September 15, 2026 23:00
The party's 'energy sovereignty' policy would set up a fund to administer grants and investment so hapū, iwi, marae and Māori landowners can acquire stakes in energy assets.
Labour pledges to ban big companies from charging excessive prices
Published: September 15, 2026 22:07
Leader Chris Hipkins says the party wants to make it illegal for big powerful companies to rip off New Zealanders on the essentials.
National and Labour deputies clash over health system
Published: September 15, 2026 21:53
Health is shaping up to be one of the key issues this election. Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni and National's deputy leader Nicola Willis appeared on Morning Report to discuss.
Explainer: What is an overhang and how could it change NZ's election result?
Published: September 15, 2026 21:34
Explainer - Why could some election results end up making Parliament bigger than ever - and could it determine the next Government?
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