News Stories

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.

The scale of National’s and Luxon’s challenge is unusual and significant
Waikato Times | 20 Feb 2026

ANALYSIS: The PM’s big fall in approval 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”.

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.

Brian Tamaki seeks legal advice over image on pride flag at Big Gay Out
NZ Herald | 19 Feb 2026

Brian Tamaki says he is exploring possible defamation action over the flag.

Boxing NZ appoints new leadership as investigation into head coach drags on
The Post | 19 Feb 2026

Former Gisborne deputy mayor Josh Wharehinga has been appointed as the new president of Boxing New Zealand as the sport grapples with complaints about its head coach.

Winston Peters says credit card surcharge ban is ‘going nowhere’
NZ Herald | 19 Feb 2026

Kiwis pay an estimated $45m to $65m a year in card payment surcharges.

The Government backed down on housing - could they back down on the gas levy too?
Stuff | 19 Feb 2026

ACT Party leader David Seymour has said his party is “actively listening” and “open to the possibility” of another way of doing it

Kaihu dog attack: Northland MP Grant McCallum requests meeting with region’s mayors
NZ Herald | 19 Feb 2026

MP Grant McCallum has called for a meeting with the region's mayors about dog control.

Councillor opposes signing of Charter of Understanding with iwi
The Press | 19 Feb 2026

Gore district councillor Andy Fraser says there is not enough transparency around a Charter of Understanding with tangata whenua of Murihiku Southland.

‘I’m not sorry’: Winston Peters accuses those who have called him racist of being ‘pearl clutchers’
Stuff | 19 Feb 2026

NZ First leader Winston Peters has taken to social media, accusing those who have called him racist of being “pearl clutchers”.

‘Not going to happen’: Brown and Seymour exchange barbs in housing debate
The Post | 19 Feb 2026

As Auckland looks to where it will put 1.6 million new homes, Epsom MP David Seymour wants details before deciding whether to back his coalition partners. But mayor Wayne Brown …

New Hamilton MP pledges action on housing, education and climate change
Waikato Times | 19 Feb 2026

Labour list MP Georgie Dansey used her maiden speech to highlight growing homelessness in Hamilton, pledging action on housing, education and climate change.

Why a senior government minister is talking about shagging spiders
Stuff | 19 Feb 2026

Housing minister Chris Bishop made sure to let viewers know he was not at Auckland’s International Convention Centre to do lewd acts with creepy crawlies. Phew.

Watch: Notorious heckler hijacks minister’s speech in Auckland
Stuff | 19 Feb 2026

Serial heckler Karl Mokaraka has made another appearance at a political event, this time interrupting Housing Minister Chris Bishop’s speech in Auckland on Thursday.

Govt dials back Auckland housing intensification
Otago Daily Times | 19 Feb 2026

Housing Minister Chris Bishop. Photo: RNZ (file) By Anneke Smith of RNZ The government has agreed to lower the maximum number of houses in Auckland from 2 million to at …

Act leader David Seymour reveals first ministries he would axe to reduce size of government
NZ Herald | 19 Feb 2026

The Act leader maintains the portfolios belonging to his MPs wouldn't be exempt.