News Stories

Labour MP Adrian Rurawhe to retire from politics
The Post | 21 Jan 2026

The former Speaker has been in parliament for more than a decade.

Labour MP announces retirement, will leave Parliament in weeks
Stuff | 21 Jan 2026

Adrian Rurawhe, the former Speaker of the House, is set to retire from politics after a decade in Parliament.

Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper says some storm damage 'as bad as you see in north'
RNZ | 21 Jan 2026

A precautionary state of emergency is already declared for the Whangārei District as large areas of the country brace for more bad weather on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to announce election date, as National MPs gather for caucus retreat
NZ Herald | 21 Jan 2026

Key marginal Christchurch seats like Banks Peninsula and Wigram are in play.

Letters: Protest against the New Zealand Sikh community is historically ignorant; Black Caps’ series win was no mean feat
NZ Herald | 21 Jan 2026

OPINION: A reader questions Christopher Luxon saying the recovery had already arrived.

No concerns over Facebook activity
Otago Daily Times | 21 Jan 2026

Gore District Mayor Ben Bell has brushed off concerns over the involvement of a neighbouring mayor on a social media page known for its frequent criticisms of the Gore District …

Poll backs under-16s social media ban as Cabinet edges toward decision
The Post | 21 Jan 2026

Education Minister Erica Stanford confirms Cabinet has “recently taken decisions” on a first tranche of online safety proposals.

Bishop’s second blink on housing will be tough
The Post | 21 Jan 2026

OPINION: Chris Bishop has to carefully dismantle a housing policy he personally backs for the second time. It won’t be easy.

Weather: Heavy rain, severe gales lash Auckland, Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty
NZ Herald | 20 Jan 2026

Whangārei mayor Ken Couper has declared a precautionary State of Local Emergency.

'Weather can turn on a dime': Mayor’s warning to residents ahead of expected deluge
Stuff | 20 Jan 2026

Thames-Coromandel mayor Peter Revell warns locals in the district to "stay prepared and stay safe" as more wild weather approaches.

Luxon butters up business for a very different bread-and-butter election
Newsroom | 20 Jan 2026

Comment: In pegging his campaign to retirement reforms, the PM has created a KiwiSaver conundrum – with workers 'waiting for a future that may never arrive' The post Luxon butters …

New Invercargill mayor spent nearly three times more than rivals
Otago Daily Times | 20 Jan 2026

Invercargill mayor Tom Campbell. PHOTO: ODT FILES Invercargill’s new mayor Tom Campbell has spent the most of any Southland mayoral candidate this election, topping the list at close to $20,000.

Bishop outranks other senior National ministers (including PM and ‘Nicky no boats’) in CTU’s survey
Stuff | 20 Jan 2026

Chris Bishop is ranked the top-performing National Party minister in the CTU’s survey - but his score is hardly a resounding endorsement. The worst? “Nicky no boats.”

Christopher Luxon signals housing changes
Stuff | 20 Jan 2026

Christopher Luxon discusses the caucus retreat, the timing of the election announcement and efforts to address violence in Auckland’s CBD.

Christopher Luxon signals housing changes but gives little detail on timing
Stuff | 20 Jan 2026

Christopher Luxon discusses the caucus retreat, the timing of the election announcement and efforts to address violence in Auckland’s CBD.

Invercargill councillors reject ‘blood on their hands’ accusation over Tim Shadbolt’s death
The Post | 20 Jan 2026

Shadbolt’s partner, at his funeral, blamed his deterioration on people who should have had his back. Nobby Clark says his failing health is “just the fact”.

Invercargill councillors reject claims they failed former Mayor Tim Shadbolt
RNZ | 20 Jan 2026

Former Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark disputes claims made by Sir Tim Shadbolt's partner at his funeral that his colleagues have blood on their hands.

Luxon opens election year without a spark
The Spinoff | 20 Jan 2026

The prime minister’s state of the nation speech failed to stir his own party faithful.

How Nicole McKee picked new firearms group members in Paul Goldsmith’s name
NZ Herald | 20 Jan 2026

The nominations were made in the name of Paul Goldsmith, who has defended the process.