News Stories

'We can't keep telling people just to stay away from the beach' - Wellington mayor
RNZ | 24 Feb 2026

Wellington mayor Andrew Little says the council and health authorities have to be practical and realistic.

Napier mayor Richard McGrath stands down deputy mayor Sally Crown
NZ Herald | 24 Feb 2026

She described McGrath’s decision making as “ad-hoc”, “reckless” and “chaotic”.

Prime Ministers’ Art Deco Festival outfits ranked: How Christopher Luxon compares
NZ Herald | 24 Feb 2026

The Art Deco Festival has long been a place for PMs to get into the spirit of 30s fashion.

Labour’s Ayesha Verrall calls out Moa Point sewage failure response, Andrew Little says comments not fair
NZ Herald | 24 Feb 2026

Labour's Wellington spokeswoman says the public deserve answers on the plant failure.

Napier mayor tries to sack deputy - she’s not having a bar of it
Stuff | 24 Feb 2026

Mayor Richard McGrath issues ultimatum to deputy mayor Sally Crown - resign or be removed from the role.

New resources rolled out at schools after teachers bemoan delay
Otago Daily Times | 24 Feb 2026

Education Minister Erica Stanford. Photo: RNZ The Education Minister has announced that new maths, English and science resources due to be in schools at the start of this year will …

Minister: Reading pay equity report would be ‘waste of time’
The Post | 24 Feb 2026

Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden says former MPs are entitled to their views but the Government isn’t changing its mind, while Labour cautiously endorses a repeal.

Luxon says he is open to Andrew being cut from line of succession
Stuff | 24 Feb 2026

The UK would require support from 14 Commonwealth countries to change the line of succession.

Boxing NZ appoints new leadership as investigation into head coach drags on
NZ Herald | 24 Feb 2026

Josh Wharehinga takes over as president after Cathy Meehan stepped down.

Moa Point sewage disaster: Wellington Mayor Andrew Little wants to reopen impacted beaches as soon as this weekend
NZ Herald | 24 Feb 2026

A rāhui is in place, but the mayor says people may soon make their own calls on the risk.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins against tolls on Auckland Harbour Bridge, unsure on second crossing funded
NZ Herald | 24 Feb 2026

A second Waitematā crossing, likely a bridge, is estimated to cost $20 billion.

Hipkins’ speech wasn’t boring by accident
Newsroom | 24 Feb 2026

Chris Hipkins’ state of the nation speech was relatively subdued, but Labour’s leader was more freewheeling in his thinking away from the autocue The post Hipkins’ speech wasn’t boring by …

Trevor Mallard interview: Ireland lessons, Winston Peters’ decision and what’s next
NZ Herald | 24 Feb 2026

A former Rainbow Warrior crew member helped with the NZ-EU free trade agreement.

A cold facecloth on the fevered forehead of election year
Newsroom | 24 Feb 2026

Chris Hipkins’ state of the nation speech was relatively subdued, but Labour’s leader was more freewheeling in his thinking away from the autocue The post A cold facecloth on the …

Ruakākā dog owner says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon must do more in wake of attacks
NZ Herald | 24 Feb 2026

Northland has an estimated 50,000 dogs for a population of about 200,000.

Labour’s quiet strategy is a gamble on Luxon
The Post | 24 Feb 2026

OPINION: By saying little before the Budget, Chris Hipkins hopes to make National’s unpopularity do the election year heavy lifting. The question is how long the strategy will work.

Mayor signals change for controversial bus lanes generating millions
The Post | 24 Feb 2026

Wellington mayor Andrew Little has a personal history with the notorious Cambridge Tce bus lane - he was in a car that got pinged with a $150 ticket.

Help needed to get Manawatū moving
The Post | 24 Feb 2026

Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith enlists business help

Time is running out to fulfil promises on supermarket reform
The Post | 24 Feb 2026

Minister for Economic Growth, Nicola Willis, started out 19 months ago by making hugely encouraging noises about the possibility of structurally separating our supermarkets. She now has 8 months to …

Meka Whaitiri is the new Te Runanga O Turanganui A Kiwa chair
NZ Herald | 23 Feb 2026

The former MP spoke with the Gisborne Herald about leadership, relationships and plans.