News Stories

Tauranga mayor says it's unlikely Mt Maunganui landslide area will remain a campsite
RNZ | 5 Feb 2026

Mahé Drysdale said any decisions on the future of the land surrounding the landslide will require conversations with iwi, communities, and people closely affected by the tragedy.

Patients finally move to new mental health ward
The Post | 5 Feb 2026

Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere says it was not good enough that a new mental health ward sat empty for four months.

How Labour’s handling of Peeni Henare’s exit set Waitangi whispering
The Post | 5 Feb 2026

ANALYSIS: The rumour mill was in hyperdrive over the real reason Henare is leaving politics. He says it’s simple - he’s ready to go.

Coalition criticised over job figures
Otago Daily Times | 4 Feb 2026

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the latest unemployment figures are "incredibly embarrassing" for the coalition government. Photo: RNZ The Labour Party says the government is in denial about the damage …

Mystery deepens into Peeni Henare’s sudden resignation
Stuff | 4 Feb 2026

During a pōwhiri for the Kiingitanga at Waitangi, one iwi leader said Henare had encouraged them to “read between the lines”.

Wellington's Moa Point Wastewater Plant floods, shuts down, fix could take months
RNZ | 4 Feb 2026

Andrew Little says with beach access limited the plant failure could not have come at a worse time.

‘Still a lot of pain’: Luxon challenged at Waitangi by iwi chairs
The Post | 4 Feb 2026

But the prime minister described the hui as “incredibly positive... the best one”.

Is scrapping the full driver licence test unsafe?
The Post | 4 Feb 2026

ANALYSIS: Chris Bishop is betting that tougher restrictions on learner and restricted drivers will offset any changes from removing a practical test. Is he right?

Positives despite rising unemployment rate, says National; Luxon’s policies to blame, says Labour
Stuff | 4 Feb 2026

At 5.4%, Stats NZ's Jason Attewell said it was the "highest since the September 2015 quarter, when it was 5.7%".

'In crisis every day': Help needed for community affected by foul-smelling sewage plant
RNZ | 4 Feb 2026

Bromley community leader Jackie Simons has made an emotional plea to the council for more help to be provided to those affected by the foul stench pouring from Bromley Wastewater …

‘Hoiho are priceless’: Shane Jones’ Otago Peninsula fishing ban backed
The Post | 4 Feb 2026

High Court upholds emergency ban aimed at protecting critically endangered yellow-eyed penguin, but issues warning to fishing industry.

Invercargill’s fragile water supply back in spotlight
The Press | 4 Feb 2026

Invercargill mayor Tom Campbell has called for a backup water supply to be prioritised as his city continues to make do with a single source.

How to win a council seat with $58
The Post | 4 Feb 2026

Finally elected on his fourth tilt at council, Cyril Dawson got the second most votes in his ward, spending just 5 cents per vote. His strategy was relatively simple.

Waitangi 2026: How a dusty Gerry Brownlee led to a road to Waitangi being sealed
NZ Herald | 4 Feb 2026

Ministers, council celebrate collaboration ahead of invective at Thursday's pōwhiri.

One MP, One Pint: Tama Potaka on surviving Waitangi and being a wife guy
The Spinoff | 4 Feb 2026

‘Sometimes I get texts after question time, like: “What are you doing with that outfit on?”‘ National MP Tama Potaka hasn’t had a drink since about 2009, after his wedding.

'People are angry': Sewage stench meeting gets heated
Otago Daily Times | 4 Feb 2026

Local musician and community advocate, Rebecca Robin, said the meeting with council staff in Bromley on Tuesday night got heated. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon By Mary Argue of RNZ …

Meeting over Christchurch sewage plant's putrid odour gets heated
Otago Daily Times | 4 Feb 2026

Local musician and community advocate, Rebecca Robin, said the meeting with council staff in Bromley on Tuesday night got heated. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon By Mary Argue of RNZ …

Mayor joins call for southern flights
Otago Daily Times | 4 Feb 2026

Invercargill mayor Tom Campbell. Photo: Allied Media files Invercargill mayor Tom Campbell has added his voice to calls to increase domestic flights in and out of the city.

TPM case: Can the High Court really force people to be friends again?
The Post | 4 Feb 2026

OPINION: Mariameno Kapa-Kingi may have her mana restored without being let back into the party.