News Stories

Jobless numbers mixed messaging
Otago Daily Times | 9 Feb 2026

When the latest employment statistics were released last week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis chose to highlight increases in the number of jobs, hours worked and those seeking jobs.

‘Mokopuna of the hands that signed the Treaty’ - Mananui Ramsden enters Te Tai Tonga race for Labour
Te Ao Maori News | 9 Feb 2026

Mananui Ramsden has put his nomination forward to stand for the Labour Party for Te Tai Tonga electorate, saying cost of living pressures and infrastructure needs across the rohe have …

'Leadership ready to go': Aaron Hawkins announces by-election bid
Otago Daily Times | 8 Feb 2026

Aaron Hawkins. Supplied photo Former Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins will stand in the city council's by-election.

Former Dunedin mayor announces ‘unexpected’ candidacy for council by-election
Stuff | 8 Feb 2026

Aaron Hawkins has announced he will contest the Dunedin City Council by-election, called to fill the vacancy left by the sudden passing of Jules Radich.

David Seymour repeats Land Rover steps stunt at Ellerslie Car Show
NZ Herald | 8 Feb 2026

The Drive 4 Hearts campaign has raised $161,400 of its $300,000 goal.

O’Connor keen to seek seat
Otago Daily Times | 8 Feb 2026

PHOTO. ALLIED MEDIA FILES Labour list MP and former West Coast/Tasman MP Damien O’Connor (pictured with Labour MPs Rachel Brooking and Ingrid Leary) has confirmed he is standing for the …

ORC community survey under way
Otago Daily Times | 8 Feb 2026

Hilary Calvert. Photo: supplied The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is encouraging ratepayers contacted by letter to take part in its latest community survey, which will help shape the future of …

Centre 'a big plus for Oamaru'
Otago Daily Times | 8 Feb 2026

Waitaki Event Centre Trust chairman Kevin Malcolm (left) and Oamaru Licensing Trust grants committee chairman Ali Brosnan stand in front of the retractable seating bought with a $175,000 donation from …

How Chris Bishop used an obscure section of the RMA to help hundreds of homeowners
Stuff | 7 Feb 2026

More than 400 Auckland homeowners been told they can get on with things.

Removing sewage before it goes septic is main focus for Wellington Water
NZ Herald | 7 Feb 2026

Mayor Andrew Little will raise the plant failure with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Why Bishop Kito helped David Seymour, as he faced heat at Waitangi
Stuff | 6 Feb 2026

The Anglican bishop stepped in to help out David Seymour at Waitangi, after crowds tried shouting down the deputy prime minister.

Green MP seeks recognition of tohorā/whales as legal persons
RNZ | 6 Feb 2026

Teanau Tuiono has lodged a member's bill which would give whales inherent rights.

Waitangi at dawn: thousands gather as David Seymour shouted down
The Post | 6 Feb 2026

The deputy prime minister was heckled to the point he had to stop talking.

Letters: Why Mayor Wayne Brown’s idea of a bridge from Meola Reef is worth investigating
NZ Herald | 6 Feb 2026

OPINION: Any new motorway needs to be taken well north before merging with SH1.

Waitangi Day is a time to reflect on the future we want for our country – Christopher Luxon
NZ Herald | 6 Feb 2026

OPINION: The PM reflects on the recent North Island tragedies and community support.

Community board backs purchase of Phillipstown School land
The Press | 6 Feb 2026

Christchurch City Council is expected to decide next month whether to buy the school site to safeguard its future as a community hub.

Local Government Minister requests ‘urgent advice’ on Wellington wastewater failure
The Post | 5 Feb 2026

Meanwhile Wellington mayor Andrew Little is also promising an independent investigation into the sewage catastrophe that has ruled out swimming on the south coast for months.

Seymour says colonisation means even the poorest live ‘like kings and queens’
The Post | 5 Feb 2026

Praising colonisation as a success story, David Seymour was pressed on homelessness and accused by Labour of ignorance at Waitangi.

PM Luxon heckled while delivering Waitangi speech
Stuff | 5 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was once again heckled by manuhiri attending the annual pōwhiri at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.