News
Government's strong balance sheet likely to decline, Treasury warns
Its 2025 Investment Statement found liabilities were forecast to rise 33 percent by 2029 to $504 billion, as the debt grows to fund investment spending and operating deficits.
Heavily criticised supplier not included in 2026 primary school lunches contract
Ten suppliers have been contracted to deliver primary school lunches next year.
'Unacceptable': Hipkins says more robust police vetting needed
The Labour leader says it is "unacceptable" that former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming's behaviour was not picked up in vetting for the role.
Lifeline to cut operations if funding shortfall not plugged
A mental health support service says it will have to reduce its operations if it cannot plug a $2 million shortfall. Audio
PM confident trade deal with India will be reached
India's trade minister Piyush Goyal is in New Zealand this week for more talks.
Minister announces $61.6 million boost for crisis response services
Doocey announced $61.6 million over four years will go towards additional crisis assessment teams and other services.
Peters will not support Gene Technology Bill unless it's 'fixed'
The NZ First leader stopped short of a commitment to kill the bill outright.
'Greed, avarice, and entitlement' - Te Pāti Māori president urges MPs to quit
Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere has told MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris to "do the honourable thing" and quit Parliament.
Te Pāti Māori branch calls for John Tamihere's resignation
It comes following a vote by party members to suspend Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi.
What doctors, landlords and economists make of Labour's tax plan
The policy won't work if house prices don't go up, an expert says, while property investors aren't happy. Audio
Changes to the aged care funding model on the cards
A ministerial advisory group is being established to make recommendations to the system, which the government says is out of date.
Te Pāti Māori to suspend MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi - reports
Te Pāti Māori members have voted to suspend MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, according to Waatea News.
'Giving it away': Peters lays into Fonterra over sale of iconic brands
The NZ First leader is demanding answers over the sale of brands including Mainland and Anchor.
Orr's $410,000 payout was in his contract, Willis says
The former Reserve Bank governor was given a restraint of trade payment.
Tech giants warn against banning under 16s from social media
Tech giants TikTok and Meta have cautioned against a proposed social media ban for under 16 year olds, at a Parliament inquiry into social media harm.
New Zealand pays Samoa $6m over grounding of HMNZS Manawanui
The navy vessel ran aground on a reef off the south coast of Upolu, and then sank, a year ago.
Luxon says business 'crying out for young people' as benefits cut
"We love these young people," the prime minister says, but a youth advocate says they're being "punished for an economic crisis they didn't create". Audio
Jobseeker: Parents earning more than $65k must support 18-19yo children
First announced at the Budget, the government had not decided where to draw the line at the time.
Te Pāti Māori promises 'reset' after rift with Toitū Te Tiriti
Toitū Te Tiriti says it will no longer align itself with Te Pāti Māori, with its spokesperson citing leadership concerns, a clash of values, and the need for independence.
'Collective responsibility and whatnot': Shane Jones keeping quiet on energy reforms
The government's loudest voice on energy policy is keeping his opinions to himself for now, citing Cabinet collective responsibility. Audio
Government stops short of major energy reform
The government has indicated it is willing to back major electricity projects with fresh investment, though the questions of what, when, or how much remain unanswered.
Government set to make announcement on electricity market review
The review was announced last winter, after shortages pushed up wholesale power prices.
What building owners think about the earthquake law change
The government estimated the planned law change will save $8.2 billion across the country. Audio
More voters blame struggling economy on coalition than previous govt
The latest RNZ-Reid Research poll also reveals voters are becoming more pessimistic about the direction of the country. Audio
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro's term extended
The Governor-General's term is being extended, because her original end date may clash with next year's election.
