News Stories

Dry dock supporting 172-year-old ship Edwin Fox at risk of failing
The Press | 30 Jan 2026

Councillor Allanah Burgess praised Neilson and Ward for their work at preserving Marlborough’s taonga. “This is an amazing example of the incredible work that you do ... your marking within …

Councillor who wouldn’t go to meeting at marae ‘will always be welcome’, says kaumātua
Stuff | 30 Jan 2026

Steve Gibson was “not comfortable participating in council business where religious or spiritual practices form part of official proceedings”.

Police vow to block Destiny Church protest march over Auckland Harbour Bridge, new ban for walkers
NZ Herald | 30 Jan 2026

Brian Tamaki says the march is about 'presence, not permission' and intends to walk.

New Zealand rules out joining Donald Trump’s ‘board of peace’
The Post | 30 Jan 2026

Foreign Minister Winston Peters, in joining the likes of United Kingdom, France, Germany and several other nations, says he would need clarity on how the board complemented the United Nations.

Mount Maunganui landslide: Labour leader Chris Hipkins visits campground a week after deadly landslide
NZ Herald | 30 Jan 2026

He has backed a full independent inquiry into the Mauao slip and its causes.

Te Pāti Māori wants to abolish prisons. The idea is not just a fantasy
The Spinoff | 30 Jan 2026

This week, Te Pāti Māori announced its policy of dismantling New Zealand’s prison system and replacing it with Māori-led justice. Critics say it’s impossible, but, writes Liam Rātana, evidence suggests …

Willis moves early to brace voters for pre-election rate rises – Matthew Hooton
NZ Herald | 30 Jan 2026

OPINION: Rising rates and flat house prices risk eroding support for Christopher Luxon.

Fulfilling the mission of universities
Otago Daily Times | 30 Jan 2026

The future of universities and research: light or gloom? PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN Politicians need to set out their plans for tertiary education, Grant Robertson writes.

Med school’s high risk no surprise: Hernandez
Otago Daily Times | 30 Jan 2026

Francisco Hernandez An opposition MP says he is not surprised the controversial Waikato medical school project has been classed as ‘‘high risk’’ by the government’s financial advisers.

Chong wanted on, councillors said no
The Post | 30 Jan 2026

An attempt by a rookie councillor to get New Plymouth deputy mayor Murray Chong promoted onto a senior council committee has fallen spectacularly short.

Tauranga mayor defends council landslide inquiry as residents fear ‘whitewash’
Stuff | 30 Jan 2026

Mahé Drysdale says Tauranga City Council’s inquiry will provide answers faster than the Government’s.

Hastings councillor Steve Gibson skips planning session at marae over te reo and faith concerns
NZ Herald | 29 Jan 2026

Councillor Steve Gibson refused to attend because the hui was held at Waiohiki Marae.

Councillor refuses to attend meeting because it’s at a marae
Stuff | 29 Jan 2026

Steve Gibson said the venue had changed “at the eleventh hour” from a “neutral civic venue to a marae”.

The names on everyone’s lips to succeed Judith Collins
The Post | 29 Jan 2026

ANALYSIS: From an establishment favourite to billionaire aspirants and long-time agitators, the Papakura contenders are circling.

NZ First pulled support for India FTA before it was secured, Todd McClay reveals
RNZ | 29 Jan 2026

National and New Zealand First have been clashing over the deal.

Rival parties join forces to get slavery bill heard
Otago Daily Times | 29 Jan 2026

Camilla Belich and Greg Fleming. Photo: RNZ National and Labour are joining forces to get modern slavery legislation into Parliament, using a new process to skip the biscuit tin for …

‘It’s quite an addictive environment’: Judith Collins reflects on 24 years in parliament
Stuff | 29 Jan 2026

“I'm now the mother of the house. That's like, you know, having 120 children,” the departing senior National MP said.

Dame Jacinda Ardern makes Ockham Book Awards longlist
Stuff | 29 Jan 2026

Ardern’s 2025 memoir A Different Kind of Power has been nominated in the general non-fiction longlist.