News Stories

Invercargill MP poised to legislate herself out of existence
Otago Daily Times | 21 Feb 2026

Invercargill National MP Penny Simmonds. Photo: RNZ Something many people do not know about the building which includes Parliament’s debating chamber is that there is another similar chamber just behind …

The Gerry Brownlee interview: The ‘appalling’ Press newspaper and other memories
The Post | 21 Feb 2026

On the eve of the 15th anniversary, former Earthquake Recovery Minister reveals what he thinks about the cathedral, going to the brink with insurers and his one regret.

Homegrown music fest set to sprout at Claudelands
Waikato Times | 21 Feb 2026

Hamilton mayor Tim Macindoe took part in a ceremonial marking-out at the Claudelands Oval - the first act of setting-up the New Zealand music festival.

Labour’s Georgie Dansey signs up for manu challenge
Waikato Times | 21 Feb 2026

The list MP will join local politicians Tama Potaka, Tim van de Molen, and Ryan Hamilton in the Waikato Times political manu challenge next weekend.

Ong escorted from council meeting with tape over mouth
Otago Daily Times | 20 Feb 2026

Benedict Ong. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY A controversial Dunedin councillor wearing tape over his mouth was escorted out of a meeting after having privileges revoked.

NZ Parliament announces it will no longer post on X
Stuff | 20 Feb 2026

Clerk of the House David Wilson made the decision as he could no longer support the platform.

Union hits back at NZ First over Employment Relations Amendment Bill
RNZ | 20 Feb 2026

The PSA said NZ First leader Winston Peters was wrong to blame unions for being too slow to convince New Zealand First to block the bill.

Back-to-back exits shake tiny Chatham Islands council
The Post | 20 Feb 2026

Pita Thomas, newly elected councillor and fishing industry leader, has quit just days after former Labour MP Paul Eagle announced he will step down as council chief executive amid an …

Minister Chris Bishop’s frustration with flooded cycleway at Petone - ‘Sort it out’
NZ Herald | 20 Feb 2026

The $70m Petone cycleway tunnel remains thigh-deep in water days after storms.

Waipā and Ōtorohanga states of emergency extended
RNZ | 20 Feb 2026

Waipā Mayor Mike Pettit said the district still had a long way to go when it came to repairs.

Exclusions spark tension as Greens tighten list rules
The Post | 20 Feb 2026

Members complain that the new process has created a “very James Shaw party list” of people who play “respectability games”.

Sir Tim Shadbolt’s funeral cost Invercargill council nearly $30,000
The Press | 20 Feb 2026

Invercargill City Council spent nearly $30,000 on former mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt’s funeral to honour his decades of service to the community.

Labour MP Kieran McAnulty ordered to leave the House after challenging Speaker
The Post | 20 Feb 2026

McAnulty was ordered to leave the House during a tense session that included many challenges on the Speaker's rulings.

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell to continue China charm offensive with April trip
NZ Herald | 20 Feb 2026

Spending by Chinese visitors in Rotorua is not back to half of pre-Covid levels.

Above reproach
Otago Daily Times | 20 Feb 2026

There is no doubt that soon-to-retire Cabinet minister Judith Collins is highly qualified for the role on the Law Commission, which she will soon take up.

An antisocial blowback on Luxon’s social media
Newsroom | 20 Feb 2026

Across summer Christopher Luxon’s been busy on social media – and he’s been inundated with personalised negativity in reply. Why does he provoke such strong reaction? The post An antisocial …

Interest rates and Auckland housing U-turn could give Luxon election tailwind despite horrendous polls – Matthew Hooton
NZ Herald | 20 Feb 2026

OPINION: The Reserve Bank now looks less likely to lift the OCR before voting begins.

Luxon’s approval drops sharply in latest poll
The Post | 20 Feb 2026

ANALYSIS: The PM’s big fall underscores a structural problem, but also a broader souring on the political class. Basically everyone is getting less popular - except one man.

‘National has not heard the message’: Residents cool on housing climbdown
Stuff | 20 Feb 2026

Chris Bishop called it a “compromise”, Cabinet colleague Simeon Brown labelled it a “significant win”.

The many knives in Chris Bishop’s back
The Post | 20 Feb 2026

OPINION: The Housing Minister’s latest backdown may not be the last. His experience will turn off other politicians keen to take a punt on our knottiest issues.