News Stories

Chris Bishop opens door to cancelling or delaying Wellington tunnels
The Post | 18 Feb 2026

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says he agrees with a major report that congestion charging on existing routes be prioritised before funding is committed.

Live: Mayor, minister speak after visiting flood-stricken Banks Peninsula
The Press | 18 Feb 2026

“It seems to be that we're having a 10-year rain event every three years, two years,” says Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger.

‘His stories shaped how I see this country’: Arena Williams’ favourite Aotearoa writer
The Spinoff | 18 Feb 2026

Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional , in which we get to know the reading habits of Aotearoa writers, and guests. This week: Arena Williams, Labour MP for Manurewa. The …

Green MP Lan Pham runs list only in Kenepuru, opts out of electorate race
The Post | 18 Feb 2026

Green MP Lan Pham is seeking the party vote in the Kenepuru electorate but will not contest the seat, citing strong competition from Labour’s Barbara Edmonds.

Waimea Dam bailout plea shows why public sector fails at big infrastructure
Newsroom | 18 Feb 2026

Minister Todd McClay is opening the door to refinancing or buying out nearly $100m debt incurred in the project’s blowout The post Waimea Dam bailout plea shows why public sector …

Labour MP Ginny Andersen ‘incredibly lucky’ after tree crashes onto home during wild weather
NZ Herald | 18 Feb 2026

Thousands in lower North Island still without power days after deluge.

'We're not talking about Lassie here' Jones calls for jail sentences for neglectful, abusive dog owners
Stuff | 18 Feb 2026

NZ First deputy leader and prominent Northlander Shane Jones has called for “severe jail terms” if necessary, for owners of dogs that become so aggressive, the minister says “should not …

Severe jail terms needed for owners of 'homicidal dogs', Shane Jones says after Northland mauling
RNZ | 18 Feb 2026

His comments follow the third death of a person by dogs in Northland in the past four years.

Dunedin councillor Benedict Ong faces Civic Centre limits over staff concerns
NZ Herald | 18 Feb 2026

The move is another in a long line of controversies involving the first-time councillor.

The Māori seats explained: Why they exist and why they’re under threat
The Spinoff | 18 Feb 2026

The Greens want to entrench them, NZ First wants to scrap them. Here’s how the Māori electorates work – and why their future may hinge on coalition negotiations. For 159 …

Is Viv Beck dragging down the city centre she’s supposed to be promoting?
The Spinoff | 18 Feb 2026

The chief executive of Heart of the City is meant to be luring people into Auckland’s city centre. Politicians, officials and even some inside her own organisation are worried she’s …

NZ First and Act now in open competition using Māori as election pawns
Newsroom | 18 Feb 2026

Opinion: Winston Peters seeks to make English an ‘official language’; David Seymour says he hasn’t given up on the Treaty Principles Bill The post NZ First and Act now in …

Character Coalition flags ‘dirty dozen’ empty sites for housing, clashes with Chris Bishop over intensification plans
NZ Herald | 18 Feb 2026

Chris Bishop rejects claims he blocked a 41-unit Kāinga Ora project in Kingsland.

Newly-independent polytechnics given $325m from former owner
RNZ | 18 Feb 2026

Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds said the money would ensure financial viability and sustainability of training during the transition phase.

Sunny Kaushal: I felt ‘stabbed in the back’ by comments from fellow advisory group members
The Post | 17 Feb 2026

Relations on the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime have broken down - now the chairperson is venting his spleen about what he believes to be an about-turn …

Fact check: The prime minister’s parents let him stay up late to watch State of Origin
The Spinoff | 17 Feb 2026

The claim: Christopher Luxon’s parents let him stay up to watch State of Origin as a kid. Verdict: Highly unlikely.

Major infrastructure plan for country revealed
Otago Daily Times | 17 Feb 2026

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. Photo: RNZ By Anneke Smith of RNZ The Infrastructure Commission has released the country's first National Infrastructure PlanInfrastructure Minister Chris Bishop requested the plan and is …