News Stories

David Seymour criticises Shane Jones over ‘crap’ regional fund loan book
The Press | 11 Feb 2026

The deputy PM says as a taxpayer he’s one of the “poor bastards that have to give up their money for this crap”, with about half of Jones’ Crown Regional …

‘That’s why governments exist’ - Jones defiant as half of regional fund at risk
The Post | 11 Feb 2026

Shane Jones says he is comfortable with half of $433m loan book being at risk as banks wouldn’t finance the projects he is focused on.

David Seymour slams Shane Jones over ‘crap’ regional fund loan book
Waikato Times | 11 Feb 2026

The deputy PM says as a taxpayer he’s one of the “poor bastards that have to give up their money for this crap”, with about half of Jones’ Crown Regional …

At last, convention centre opens — and Wayne Brown reminds Auckland what it cost
The Post | 11 Feb 2026

The Auckland mayor spiced up proceedings by detailing the convention centre’s tortured past, while other guests focused on a bright future for the venue.

What caused the collapse of Sunny Kaushal’s retail crime advisory group?
The Spinoff | 11 Feb 2026

Resignations, allegations of dysfunction and questions about costs have forced an early end to the group – before its flagship law change has even passed.

Fact or fiction: Who’s telling the truth on the India Free Trade Agreement?
NZ Herald | 11 Feb 2026

India's free trade deal fact-checked. What Winston Peters gets right - and wrong.

Starting gun sounds for housing on Te Rapa Racecourse land
Waikato Times | 11 Feb 2026

Deputy mayor Geoff Taylor said rezoning part of the racecourse paved the way for ‘basically creating a new suburb within the city’.

‘We have all f....d up’ in protecting the Waikato River - councillor
Waikato Times | 11 Feb 2026

Mangakino-Pouākani Ward councillor Hope Woodward says algal blooms are killing the river and towns dotting its banks, and everyone needs to do better.

Retail crime advisory group disbands four months early
RNZ | 10 Feb 2026

Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said the group had been a "disaster" for the government, and it was cutting its losses.

Far North Mayor Moko Tepania quashes rumours of Labour MP candidacy
NZ Herald | 10 Feb 2026

Tepania plans to pursue a Doctor of Education after his current mayoral term.

Retail crime advisory group shuts up shop four months early
Otago Daily Times | 10 Feb 2026

Sunny Kaushal is the chair of a ministerial advisory group on retail crime. Photo: RNZ By Jimmy Ellingham and Louisa Cleave of RNZ

Real Life: National MP Greg Fleming’s hope for a less partisan Parliament
NZ Herald | 10 Feb 2026

'There are a number of things about Parliament that really frustrate me.'

NZ First to campaign on ministers getting final say in fast track projects
NZ Herald | 10 Feb 2026

Shane Jones wants ministers, not expert panels, to make final project calls.

Labour MP suggests party can work with Te Pāti Māori when they ‘sort their issues out’
The Post | 10 Feb 2026

She’s the second Labour MP who has spoken about working with Te Pāti Māori recently, despite Labour leader Chris Hipkins saying TPM aren’t “ready” for Government.

India FTA: Hipkins says McClay should have come to him earlier
The Post | 10 Feb 2026

Todd McClay forced to clarify visa changes as Labour step up criticism of deal.

Shane Jones says NZ First will campaign on breaking up big power firms
Waikato Times | 10 Feb 2026

The Resources Minister and NZ First deputy party leader said earlier in the day that he would also campaign on giving ministers the power to decide on fast-track approvals.

Shane Jones to campaign on giving ministers say over fast-track decisions
The Post | 10 Feb 2026

The Resources Minister has hit back after an expert panel signalled intent to reject seabed mining scheme: “Why on earth are four nondescript individuals more morally fit to make those …

Wellington sewage spill: Mayor Andrew Little wants to know ‘who knew what, when’
NZ Herald | 10 Feb 2026

The quality of work carried out at the plant will be investigated.

Trade Minister Todd McClay standing by his India Free Trade Agreement claims as others point out contradictions
NZ Herald | 10 Feb 2026

Todd McClay says he stands by his statements last month on some controversial aspects.