News Stories

Complaint laid about councillor Benedict Ong
Otago Daily Times | 5 Feb 2026

Cr Benedict Ong. Photo: supplied A complaint has been lodged about the conduct of Dunedin city councillor Benedict Ong.

‘Did you bring the KFC?’: Hecklers cite PM’s disaster stunt as he speaks at Waitangi
The Press | 5 Feb 2026

A protester told those on the lawn to make sure they don't clap when Christopher Luxon speaks: “If you clap you're going against Māori.”

Waitangi live: Politicians including Hipkins, Seymour, Peters speak following welcome to Treaty Grounds
RNZ | 5 Feb 2026

Christopher Luxon say it's a "tremendous privilege" to be back, while someone shouts "we've had enough".

Tākuta Ferris confirms he will stand in Te Tai Tonga
The Spinoff | 5 Feb 2026

Speaking exclusively to The Spinoff, former Te Pāti Māori MP and independent member for Te Tai Tonga Tākuta Ferris confirmed he would be seeking reelection as an independent. Ferris was …

Wellington deputy mayor apologises for calling member of the public a ‘nonce’
Stuff | 5 Feb 2026

“I regret using the term and apologise for doing so,” Ben McNulty said.

Chris Hipkins’ blunt message to iwi leaders: Lower your expectations; Phil Goff’s brickbat comeback – Audrey Young
NZ Herald | 5 Feb 2026

OPINION: Labour has learned a critical lesson after the rapid change of the Ardern era.

Waitangi 2026: Former Te Pāti Māori candidate to stand for Greens in 2026 general election
NZ Herald | 5 Feb 2026

Green MP Teanau Tuiono made the announcement during his speech at Waitangi.

Eru Kapa-Kingi accuses Labour of stabbing Māori in the back
Stuff | 5 Feb 2026

Waitangi haukaīnga speaker and activist Eru Kapa-Kingi has delivered a fiery kōrero condemning the coalition government, and the opposition as well.

Auckland rockpool harvesting crackdown imminent, promises minister
The Post | 5 Feb 2026

Shane Jones tells The Post that officials will “step up” enforcement when a rāhui on the city’s east coast kicks in.

Nicholas Mitchell death: Man charged with Rotorua murder loses name suppression
NZ Herald | 5 Feb 2026

The man has pleaded not guilty to a charge of murdering Nicholas Mitchell.

Wellington Deputy Mayor Ben McNulty censured by Mayor for calling member of the public ‘nonce’
NZ Herald | 5 Feb 2026

The mayor ruled he breached standards by effectively calling someone a paedophile.

‘Doesn’t know what day it is’: Winston Peters fires back at Waitangi protesters
Waikato Times | 5 Feb 2026

A protester told those on the lawn to make sure they don't clap when Christopher Luxon speaks: “If you clap you're going against Māori.”

‘One of the nicest people’: Former Mackenzie District mayor dies
The Press | 5 Feb 2026

Former Mackenzie District mayor Anne Munro has been remembered as a “sensible, practical rural woman who got things done’’.

Waitangi 2026: Election and weather big topics, nationwide hui to be called as politicians welcomed to Treaty Grounds
NZ Herald | 5 Feb 2026

Luxon concedes Act's Treaty Principles Bill was 'incredibly challenging' for Māori.

‘Catastrophic failure’ of wastewater plant causing ‘disaster’ is ‘just incredibly disappointing’, mayor says
Stuff | 5 Feb 2026

The “catastrophic failure” of the Moa Point wastewater plant is a “big deal” for Wellington, Mayor Andrew Little says.

Nicola Willis unlikely to get in the way of insurers hiking premiums with new review - Jenée Tibshraeny
NZ Herald | 5 Feb 2026

OPINION: Homeowners unlikely to see savings from new insurance review.

Mount Maunganui landslide: Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale recounts confronting scenes
NZ Herald | 5 Feb 2026

The former rower describes the days after the disaster as the hardest of his life.

Waitangi Day politics: Treaty principles, protests and voter fatigue – Shane Jones
NZ Herald | 5 Feb 2026

OPINION: New Zealand First plans to cut Treaty principles from many laws in 2026.