News Stories

State of emergency lifted in Banks Peninsula
The Press | 23 Feb 2026

The local state of emergency for Banks Peninsula has been lifted, mayor Phil Mauger saying that communities reeling from last week’s floods can now begin to recover.

South Taranaki councillor 'disgusted' at behaviour of 'hostile' group at car meet
RNZ | 23 Feb 2026

Coastal ward councillor Janet Fleming, said that kind of behaviour had no place in South Taranaki.

Labour would put 'cost of living first', Hipkins says
Otago Daily Times | 23 Feb 2026

Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Photo: Getty Images By Giles Dexter of RNZ Labour leader Chris Hipkins has taken aim at the government's cost of living and climate policies in his …

Labour leader Chris Hipkins rules out gas tax in state of the nation speech
Stuff | 23 Feb 2026

These speeches kick-start the year for political leaders, who use them to set the direction - and tone in campaign year.

‘Blah blah blah’: Luxon tells critics gang patch law worked; police will deliver again on homelessness
Stuff | 23 Feb 2026

The Government announced it would be giving police the power to issue ‘move-on’ orders to ban rough sleepers for up to 24 hours.

Emails reveal shake-up disputes
Otago Daily Times | 23 Feb 2026

Sophie Barker. PHOTOS: ODT FILES Accusations of power-grabs, worries about pay and criticism of "frankly ridiculous" workloads were levelled at Dunedin’s mayor over her shake-up of councillor roles, emails reveal.

Fisheries emerges as unlikely election battleground
Newsroom | 23 Feb 2026

Tama Potaka’s election promise to undo his Hauraki Gulf ring netting proposal sets the country up for a proper discussion about commercial fishing The post Fisheries emerges as unlikely election …

Mt Iron trail plan scale splits board members
Otago Daily Times | 23 Feb 2026

An update on plans for trails on Mt Iron has left community board members divided. Late last year the Wanaka-Upper Clutha community board approved stage one of the plan, in …

‘It needs to stop’: Government gives police ‘move on’ powers to ban rough sleepers and beggars
Stuff | 22 Feb 2026

The Government is giving police the power to issue ‘move-on’ orders to ban rough sleepers for up to 24 hours, a move Police Minister Mark Mitchell calls a “public safety” …

Emergency housing worse for disabled
Otago Daily Times | 22 Feb 2026

Disabled Persons Assembly southern and central policy adviser Chris Ford. PHOTO: ALLIED MEDIA A new report that shows people with disabilities spend longer in emergency housing has not surprised a …

Wayne Brown: no need for world-class solutions - just faster and affordable
The Post | 22 Feb 2026

Opinion: as politicians panic and float Captain’s Calls, it’s time for some sensible thinking

Fortune now trustee
Otago Daily Times | 22 Feb 2026

Helen Fortune Oamaru accountant Helen Fortune has been appointed a trustee of the Waitaki Power Trust, following the resignation of Gary Kircher due to a change in personal circumstances.

‘I could have been clearer’: The electorate candidate who didn’t live exactly where he said
Stuff | 22 Feb 2026

A National Party candidate has walked back a statement that he’s been living in his electorate for 20 years.

The summer Christopher Luxon would rather forget
The Post | 22 Feb 2026

OPINION: Can the PM convince voters to put the phone back on the hook?

A new kingmaker? Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong and her party’s chances at making history
NZ Herald | 21 Feb 2026

The party is already hitting 3% in one poll – can it make 5% and enter Parliament?

'Uncertainty' to remain after Trump tariffs ruling - trade minister
Otago Daily Times | 21 Feb 2026

Trade Minister Todd McClay said New Zealand exports had been holding up well overall in the US market since the original 15 percent tariff was imposed. File photo: RNZ Minister …

Trade Minister Todd McClay says ‘considerable uncertainty’ remains around Trump’s tariffs
NZ Herald | 21 Feb 2026

Todd McClay said the developing situation has the potential to be important for NZ.

Diesel vehicle pollution is an unseen killer – Neil Kirton
NZ Herald | 21 Feb 2026

OPINION: Our diesel vehicle fleet is increasing, while EV uptake has stalled.

Luxon stokes his policy bonfire
Newsroom | 21 Feb 2026

Comment: The Govt must thread the needle between dumping unpopular policies and keeping enough to have something to show for three years in power The post Luxon stokes his policy …

Auckland Council assessing Rodney Local Board member Geoff Upson’s speed camera remarks
NZ Herald | 21 Feb 2026

Three complaints allege Geoff Upson breached the elected members' code of conduct.