News Stories

Rotorua local elections: Haehaetu Barrett drops out of mayoral race for health reasons
NZ Herald | 8 Sep 2025

'I will get through this setback,' Haehaetu Barrett posted on social media.

Latest poll suggests left bloc could form a Government
The Post | 8 Sep 2025

This was despite National and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon seeing slight boosts in popularity.

TRC candidate wants to bring back long-distance passenger rail to Taranaki
The Post | 8 Sep 2025

Taranaki woman Louise James fondly remember her train trips to Wellington as a teenage dental school student and reckons it’s time a passenger service was reinstated.

Graham Bloxham versus the mayors: Guppy disavows, Lester sues
The Post | 8 Sep 2025

The controversial social media figure is under fire on two fronts. Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy is distancing himself from his former campaign ally, while former Wellington mayor Justin Lester …

'Virtually all' new water providers expected to pass financial test
The Post | 8 Sep 2025

The deadline for councils to produce their 10-year water service delivery plans has passed and Local Government Minister Simon Watts likes what he has seen of this “unprecedented consolidation”.

Why Luxon’s premiership is floundering while Wayne Brown’s sailing back into office
Stuff | 7 Sep 2025

There is an insecurity at the heart of this premiership that is corrosive. Is this need for approval and respect undermining focus on the responsibility of his office?

Winston Peters wants to hike KiwiSaver contributions to 10%
Stuff | 7 Sep 2025

In a lengthy public speech, the NZ First leader has pledged to raise KiwiSaver contributions for both employers and employees, and cut taxes to cover the increases.

Wayne Brown keeps his cool as rivals turn up the heat at Auckland mayoral debate
Stuff | 7 Sep 2025

He refused to fight back, but Wayne Brown was branded “pathetic” and “the Invisible Man” by mayoral candidates at a debate on Sunday.

Wayne Brown fronts first Auckland mayoral debate, dismisses rivals
The Post | 7 Sep 2025

The incumbent has been labelled the “recumbent mayor” and the “invisible man”. But he maintains there is no real competition, aside from the law-makers in Wellington.

‘Arrogant’: Road safety campaigner critiques driver who filmed David Seymour
Stuff | 7 Sep 2025

“You must keep left, unless passing or turning right,” Geoff Upson said.

Electoral Commission reviewing Tākuta Ferris social media post and party billboards in byelection
NZ Herald | 7 Sep 2025

Oriini Kaipara won the Tāmaki Makaurau seat last night, defeating Labour's Peeni Henare.

NZ First Winston Peters to campaign on making KiwiSaver compulsory, 10% contributions
NZ Herald | 7 Sep 2025

Peters said the party would pay employees and employers would receive tax cuts.

New Green MP Mike Davidson says he would juggle role with community board duties
The Post | 7 Sep 2025

Former Christchurch city councillor Mike Davidson will join the Green Party in Parliament as an MP following the resignation of Benjamin Doyle. But Davidson is also standing for a community …

Most Palmerston North election candidates support Māori wards
Manawatu Standard | 6 Sep 2025

"Of the 42 people standing for election, 30 who answered the Stronger Together Keep Māori Wards survey said they would vote in favour in the referendum being held alongside the …

‘Devil incarnate’ shocks crowd at Nelson candidates event
Stuff | 6 Sep 2025

Running at large, retired real estate agent and auctioneer Jeremy Matthews said that the Nelson Tasman region accounted for just 0.00238% of global greenhouse gas emissions. “We are infinitely small, …

Letters: Is David Seymour Auckland’s housing saviour? I was horrified to see Sir John Key at the dictator showcase in China
NZ Herald | 6 Sep 2025

OPINION: Yet another stupid statement from Te Pati Māori MP Mr Ferris, a reader writes.

Former National MP Harete Hipango joins NZ First
NZ Herald | 6 Sep 2025

The MP is attending NZ First's annual conference in Palmerston North this weekend.

Winston Peters kicks off New Zealand First's annual gathering in Palmerston North
RNZ | 6 Sep 2025

The next 12 or so months will be crucial for Winston Peters' election campaign.

Fellow councillor’s complaint one reason why deputy mayor is leaving politics
The Post | 6 Sep 2025

Stratford mayoral candidate Jono Erwood has been revealed as the person that laid a code of conduct complaint against the district’s deputy mayor.