Section
News, public policy and community stories from across Aotearoa New Zealand.
23 September 2026
Senior members of the North Shore Head Hunters are accused of using drug-dealing proceeds to fund "luxury international holidays".
23 September 2026
The data firm says news that Labour has ruled out reintroducing its interest deductibility ban may bring more property investors back into the market.
19 August 2026
World Cup-winning New Zealand international Ruby Tui, 34, signs a one-year deal with Trailfinders Women.
19 August 2026
Councils will lose the ability to make rules for fishing and fishery resources already managed under the Fisheries Act in changes to legislation going through Parliament.
19 August 2026
The Government is taking targeted action to provide certainty for farmers and growers in the Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui while we transition to a new planning system, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say
19 August 2026
The Government is making targeted changes to the new planning system to create a more practical system for food and fibre production.
19 August 2026
The government will establish an independent economic umpire to ensure councils achieve competitive urban land markets through the new planning system. The body will be tasked with overseeing council performance and ensuring the objectives of the new planning framework are met in relation to urban land competition. The announcement was made in a Beehive Government Releases statement. The umpire is designed to provide independent scrutiny of local decision-making affecting urban land markets under the new planning arrangements.
Community angle
The umpire will hold councils to account for delivering competitive urban land markets under the new planning system, affecting how local decisions influence land availability and pricing.
19 August 2026
Electricity network costs are driving most of the increases in New Zealanders’ power bills and the sector needs to help make power more affordable.
18 August 2026
The Government is backing a project to transform the blackcurrant sector into a global leader in premium, science-backed and high-value health ingredients, and creating higher-value export opportunities in New Zealand.
18 August 2026
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes the summary report on Pharmac’s progress against his 2025/26 Letter of Expectations. “What we are doing is working. We’ve transformed the culture at Pharmac,” Mr Seymour says.
18 August 2026
The first tranche of investment through the Government’s Housing Flexible Fund is delivering more than 820 new social and affordable homes in areas where they are needed most, exceeding its initial target of 675 to 770, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.
18 August 2026
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka today announced $9. 2 million of Department of Conservation Community Fund (DOCCF) funding will go to 20 community groups delivering conservation projects across New Zealand.
18 August 2026
Dolphins have learned to use a new tool in a shocking sign of growing intelligence that was recently caught on camera.
18 August 2026
Businesses will now have certainty around their climate change obligations with legislation passing its final reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
18 August 2026
Te Here-ā-Nuku (Nelson Tenths) Bill passed its third reading in Parliament today, finalising the restoration of approximately 3000 hectares of land at the top of the South Island to its rightful owners, announced Attorney General Chris Bishop and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.
18 August 2026
David Warner was fined AU$1,500 for drink-driving after trying to swap seats near a police breath test and must use an alcohol interlock for a year.
18 August 2026
Peter V’landys says it will be a ‘complete takeover’ of the famous overseas city.
18 August 2026
People in need of a better crisis response will have faster access to support with new peer-led beds being opened in Auckland and the lower South Island, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
18 August 2026
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17 August 2026
The countdown is officially on for New Zealand’s first-ever State of Origin match, with the historic fixture now confirmed as Game Two, 16 June 2027 at Auckland's Eden Park.
17 August 2026
A mountain in Fiordland National Park has been officially named Mount Kirk in honour of former Prime Minister Rt Hon Norman Kirk.
17 August 2026
Australian rugby league's showpiece event will head across the Tasman for the first time, with the men's State of Origin confirmed for Auckland next year.
17 August 2026
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Penny Simmonds has announced the appointment of Steve O'Connor as permanent Chair of the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology (NZIAT).
17 August 2026
The Government has launched a new $1. 5 million grant to help Kiwi poultry operators prepare for the possible arrival of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu).
17 August 2026
The 1,000th rail wagon has rolled out of Dunedin’s Hillside Workshops, showing what happens when New Zealand backs practical industry.
17 August 2026
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced $1. 7 million in funding from the 2026 Department of Conservation Community Fund for two projects on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Islands.
17 August 2026
Is New Zealand's 'Greatest Rivalry' tour of world champions South Africa a signpost to the future of rugby union?
17 August 2026
The survey, provided first to Playbook, suggests GOP hopes of retaining its 2024 gains among Latino voters have been dashed. The poll was commissioned by the Latino Working Class Project, a research...
17 August 2026
In an exclusive interview, England's Harry Brook says he supports Joe Root taking the Test captaincy, addresses frustrations about his batting and describes the Wellington nightclub incident fallout.
17 August 2026
Forestry Minister Todd McClay is appointing a Facilitator to advise the Government on what further support or intervention may be needed around forestry in Tairāwhiti.
17 August 2026
Government will undertake a Detailed Business Case (DBC) on options for an additional Waitemata Harbour Crossing (WHC), including looking at funding and financing and delivery
17 August 2026
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will make an official visit to New Zealand this week, accompanied by a delegation of leading Thai business representatives, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today.
17 August 2026
The Government has agreed to progress the recommendations in the Ministry for Regulation’s Sector Review Report (“the Report”) to make residential and small to medium scale solar panel installation in New Zealand the simplest in the developed world, Regulation Minister David Seymour and Ene
17 August 2026
Emergency waste funding of $250,000 for five councils affected by severe weather events in January and February, has been announced by Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg today.
16 August 2026
Construction is now underway on the permanent two-lane replacement of the Mangati Bridge on State Highway 39 (SH39), between Ōtorohanga and Pirongia, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today.
16 August 2026
The economist, who was most recently the federal government’s public service chief, takes over from Julie Bishop who stepped down from the role in May.
21 July 2026
Every election shapes the future of a nation, but New Zealand's next general election carries particular significance. Families, businesses and communities continue to face challenges that require practical leadership rather than political division. The cost of living remains the most pressing issue for many New Zealanders. Higher grocery prices, housing costs and interest rates have placed significant pressure on household budgets. Small businesses continue to face uncertain trading conditions, while many families are looking for greater economic stability and confidence about the future. Healthcare, education and housing also remain central concerns. New Zealanders expect timely access to healthcare, quality public education and realistic opportunities to own a home. Whichever party forms the next government will need to demonstrate not only strong policies but also the ability to deliver measurable results. Economic growth must remain a priority, but growth alone is not enough. It must translate into better jobs, stronger regional development, improved infrastructure and opportunities for future generations. Public confidence depends on governments delivering practical outcom
19 July 2026
Anthony Albanese Is Choosing Practical Leadership Over Political Division
Community angle
ustralia is living through a difficult period. Families are dealing with high household costs, housing remains unaffordable for too many people, and international conflict continues to place pressure on fuel, food and business expenses. In this environment, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Government deserve recognition for focusing on practical assistance rather than the politics of fear and division. Anthony Albanese, Australia’s 31st Prime Minister, has led the country since May 2022. His government has placed Medicare, wages, skills, housing and cost-of-living support at the centre of its agenda. Labor’s approach is not based on pretending that every problem can be solved overnight. Instead, it has attempted to provide targeted assistance while continuing to invest in Australia’s future. The government’s cost-of-living program includes income-tax relief, stronger Medicare, cheaper medicines, free TAFE, childcare support and measures intended to improve wages. These policies matter because they provide assistance through essential services rather than relying only on political slogans. Labor’s commitment to Medicare is particularly important. Australians should
