Politics
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 19 February 2026
National U-turns on housing density; fearing a backlash in well-heeled parts of Auckland, the government drops its housing number ambitions, two million new homes was too much; how does 1.6 million… Audio
Explainer: What on earth is going on with Auckland's housing?
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has outlined changes to housing densification plans for Auckland - with cabinet agreeing to lower the maximum number of houses in Auckland from 2 million to at least 1.6… Audio
Government expected to make announcement on Auckland housing plan U-turn
The Housing Minister has had to grapple with a process he says is "legally complicated". Audio
Bishop and McAnulty the standouts in Parliament's opening speeches
Parliament's year begins with a very long debate. The House reviews the event and samples a few of the best speakers.
New housing density plans for Auckland announced
Housing Minister Chris Bishop delivered his much anticipated speech on backdowns in housing density plans for Auckland. Political reporter Lilian Hanly spoke to Guyon Espiner. Audio
UK: Unemployment jumps, Andrew protection probed
UK correspondent Rob Watson joins Kathryn to talk about unemployment in the UK climbing to its highest rate in five years. Audio
'Very complicated': Minister defends dropping plan for four-year term referendum
The government has ditched a bill to put a longer electoral term to a binding referendum, citing time constraints. Audio
Government ditches plan for parliamentary term referendum
The government has ditched plans to hold a referendum at the next election on whether to extend parliamentary terms to four years. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Auckland’s housing intensification plans due for release
The details of the government's revised plans for housing intensification in Auckland are expected to be announced today. Political reporter Lillian Hanly reports. Audio
Labour's response to tolls for second AK harbour crossing
Labour's Willow-Jean Prime talks bridge tolls and corruption Audio
'Impossible deadline': Union questions shorter consultation for Māori curriculum
But the Ministry of Education says there is enough time for schools and kura to provide feedback.
Pharmac funding for new cancer drugs on the cards
Pharmac is proposing to fund venetoclax with ibrutinib or with obinutuzumab.
Is Mount Victoria tunnel 'all go', or still under consideration?
The Transport Minister says holding off on a second Mount Victoria tunnel is something under consideration, but the Finance Minister insists the project is "all go".
Coalition ditches referendum on four-year term
Coalition agreements secured getting legislation to select committee and no further, the Justice Minister says.
The Whip for 18 February 2026
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Ruwani Perera, Jonathan Milne, and Chris Carter. First, with an intense string of storms hitting the… Audio
Hipkins accuses Peters of 'pure racism' in Parliament
Hipkins has decried an "ugly side to NZ politics", calling out "outright race-baiting" and "direct racism" being expressed in the debating chamber.
Children no safer than when Malachi was murdered, report finds
24 tamariki have been killed by someone supposed to be caring for them since Malachi Subecz's death.
Commission clarifies suggestion of Auckland Harbour Bridge toll
The government has been at pains to stress no decisions have been made around tolling the existing bridge.
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 18 February 2026
New cancer meds are in the offing as Pharmac ups access to leukemia drugs: Minister David Seymour on the impact of this and how belives it refects a cultural shift: patitent advocates going from… Audio
