Latest Politics Headlines
May Day Workers' Hui On Tomorrow
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:00 pm | Unions Otago
Unless your workplace is already utopia – and we haven’t come across one yet – there is a good reason for all union members to come to this hui. Union members and delegates from many different unions and workplaces have told us why they and ... More >>
'Parallel Universe Stuff' -Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull On Winston Peters Downplaying Trump’s Trade War
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:54 pm | RNZ
Drawing on his own experience dealing with Trump, Malcolm Turnbull warned New Zealand against adopting a posture of appeasement. More >>
Keeping Politicians Honest
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:51 pm | RNZ
Increasing numbers of politicians are failing to manage real or perceived conflicts of interest, and there are calls to strengthen protocols over them. More >>
Ethnic MPs Condemn Race-based Criticism Of Their Political Work
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:49 pm | RNZ
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have faced abuse over their ethnicity in debates online, in public life or in Parliament in recent years. More >>
Lawyers For Climate Action Files Case Challenging NZ’s Climate Ambition In The Supreme Court
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:43 pm | Lawyers for Climate Action
Our targets aren’t ambitious enough. Supported by seven independent experts, we’re arguing that the targets are not aligned with what’s required to limit warming to 1.5°C, and the Commission didn’t carry out its analysis in the way the law ... More >>
“Another Tax” – Taxpayers’ Union Demands Clarity On Congestion Charging, Equivalent RUCs To Be Cut
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 2:11 pm | Taxpayers' Union
“The promise was for this to be revenue neutral, to reduce congestion and improve efficiency. But if the funds can be spent elsewhere, we’ll call it what it is—another tax.” More >>
Willis Warns Of A ‘Tight’ Budget To Come, But NZ Should Be Going For Productivity, Not Austerity
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 2:10 pm | The Conversation
Austerity has become the global default response to tough economic times. But New Zealand should be prioritising investment over cuts to foster long-term growth. More >>
Cuts? Give Us A Break – New Spending Is Still Going Up
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 12:56 pm | Taxpayers' Union
“New Zealand is now running the worst primary deficit of any advanced economy. Net core Crown debt has exploded from $59 billion in 2017 to a projected $192 billion this year.” More >>
Home Support Workers To Strike Over Poor Pay, ‘Broken’ System
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 11:41 am | PSA
Access Community Health support workers will strike from 12-2pm on Thursday, 1 May - International Workers’ Day - the same day as senior doctors and Auckland City Hospital’s perioperative nurses will also walk off the job. More >>
Unions To Hold Nationwide Day Of Action On May Day
Tuesday, 29 April 2025, 5:32 pm | NZCTU
We are sending send a strong message to those in power that we demand a better deal for working people, and an end to the attack on unions. We will also be calling on the Government to deliver pay equity and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. More >>
Taxpayers' Union Launches Nationwide Hīkoi Calling For Balanced Budgets
Tuesday, 29 April 2025, 4:29 pm | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
Led by the seven-metre-long Taxpayers' Union Karaka Nama (Debt Clock), the hīkoi highlights the Government's borrowing from our tamariki and mokopuna. More >>
Govt Spending Decision Signals Crisis And Cuts
Tuesday, 29 April 2025, 1:39 pm | NZCTU
$1.3bn in operating allowance isn’t enough to pay for cost pressures in health alone ($1.55bn). There is no money for cost pressures in education and other public services, or proposed defence spending. This is a Budget that will be built on cuts ... More >>
Cuts To Public Services Will Be Opposed: Austerity Does Not Work
Tuesday, 29 April 2025, 12:36 pm | PSA
Nicola Willis talks about ‘limited fiscal means’ forcing cuts to the operating allowance - well, she is the author of those, and it is a choice that she made.The PSA will strongly resist any further threats to the jobs of public service or health ... More >>
Willis Takes A Step — But Taxpayers Need A Sprint
Tuesday, 29 April 2025, 10:59 am | Taxpayers' Union
New Zealand is now running the worst primary deficit of any advanced economy, and government debt has exploded from $59 billion in 2017 to a projected $192 billion this year. Every dollar of new spending needs to be matched by savings — not a ... More >>
Andrew Little Acknowledges Tory Whanau’s Service To Wellington
Tuesday, 29 April 2025, 8:12 am | Andrew Little
“My focus remains on campaigning to win a mandate for change at the local elections in October. As I speak with people across our city, it’s clear that Wellington faces significant challenges that require urgent attention”, Andrew Little says. More >>
Luxon’s War On Nature Opens Gate For More Dairy Conversion
Tuesday, 29 April 2025, 7:05 am | Greenpeace
Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says, "Everyone, no matter where they live, should be able to drink the water from their kitchen tap without getting sick. But this basic right is under threat by an already oversized intensive dairy industry ... More >>
Free Speech Union Submits On Phase 2 Of Covid-19 Inquiry: Speech Rights Undermined During Pandemic
Monday, 28 April 2025, 8:24 pm | Free Speech Union
Suppressing legitimate questions and professional judgments ultimately undermines public trust and weakens democratic institutions. More >>
Poor Scores For Govt Agencies On Record Keeping - Chief Archivist
Monday, 28 April 2025, 6:35 pm | RNZ
Most government organisations are not meeting the Chief Archivist's expectations for good record keeping. More >>
Govt’s Further Backtrack On Te Tiriti O Waitangi At Pharmac Endangers Māori Health
Monday, 28 April 2025, 5:04 pm | PSA
"This is an abandonment of Pharmac’s commitment to the health of Māori and another breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi," said Janice Panoho, Te Kaihautū Māori for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. More >>
Unions Launch Campaign To Ban Engineered Stone
Monday, 28 April 2025, 10:48 am | NZCTU
Silicosis is a debilitating disease that cannot be cured. The evidence is clear that the only solution is to stop workers from being required to process engineered stone, which exposes them to the dangerous silica dust. More >>
NZ Gene Technology Bill Breaches International Convention Directives On Public Right To Know On GMO
Monday, 28 April 2025, 7:18 am | GE Free NZ
The process of writing The Gene Technology Bill and the regulatory system it sets up, contravenes the Aarhus directives in a number of ways. More >>
Ministry Of Regulation Salaries Continue To Top Average $150K One Year On
Sunday, 27 April 2025, 9:12 pm | RNZ
David Seymour says the salaries at the Regulation Ministry are going down slightly, but Labour's Duncan Webb calls it a 'vanity ministry'. More >>
Democratic Guardrails: Is NZ Safe From Authoritarianism?
Sunday, 27 April 2025, 9:09 pm | RNZ
Other nations are experiencing the erosion of democratic norms - even authoritarianism. Is our constitution strong enough to withstand it? More >>
EDS releases concerning assessment of RMA reform proposals
Sunday, 27 April 2025, 4:36 pm | EDS
EDS will continue to engage in good faith as detailed policy development continues at pace. More >>
Cross-Party Hope For Anti-Trafficking Legislation
Friday, 25 April 2025, 3:04 pm | RNZ
An MP fighting for anti-trafficking legislation says it is hard for prosecutors to take cases to court - but he is hopeful his bill will turn the tide. More >>
Governor-General's Anzac Day Dawn Service Address
Friday, 25 April 2025, 7:29 am | Government House
This Anzac Day marks 110 years since the Gallipoli landings by soldiers in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps - the ANZACS. It signalled the beginning of a campaign that was to take the lives of so many of our young men - and would devastate the More >>
China's NZ embassy expresses 'strong dissatisfaction' over MPs visit to Taiwan
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 6:15 pm | RNZ
China's embassy in New Zealand has expressed its "strong dissatisfaction" over a visit to Taiwan by a cross-Parliamentary group of MPs. More >>
PM Will Not Step In Over Peters' Comments In RNZ Interview
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 6:09 pm | RNZ
Meanwhile, the Green Party co-leader says NZ First is "rinsing the biscuit tin with the latest outrage" with its plans for a private member's bill on defining "woman" in law. More >>
‘Never Again’ Anzac Day Peace Picnic
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 4:25 pm | Peace Action Wellington
“Anzac Day is portrayed as a day where the country can reflect on the horrors of war, the costs in human lives and commit collectively to never again allowing genocidal mass murder. We have to ask, is that really happening?” said Valerie Morse, member ... More >>
REVEALED: $310k Spent On Cars For Ex-PMs
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 11:57 am | Taxpayers' Union
The Department of Internal Affairs buys and replaces these cars for ex PMs and/or spouses, with the exception of Chris Hipkins, who wasn’t in the job more than two years, and John Key, who declined the entitlement. More >>
Confused Minister Announces Privatisation Plans
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 11:09 am | Tertiary Education Union
Te Pūkenga divisions are going to be trusted to take new apprentices and trainees but the ones they currently care for and teach are going to be ripped away from them in a messy transition. More >>
New Zealand Senior Doctors Vote For National Strike
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 10:44 am | Socialist Equality Group
The strike is part of a growing rebellion by health workers internationally against attacks by capitalist governments, led by the US Trump administration, on public health services. More >>
New Zealand Flag Half-Masting To Mark The Funeral Of His Holiness Pope Francis - Saturday 26 April 2025
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 7:45 am | Ministry for Culture and Heritage
The flag is half-masted by first raising it to the top of the mast and then immediately lowering it slowly to the half-mast position. The half-mast position will depend on the size of the flag and the length of the flagpole. More >>
NZ First leader Winston Peters defends gender bill during fiery RNZ interview
Wednesday, 23 April 2025, 6:42 pm | RNZ
The NZ First leader has mounted a defence of his party's proposal to define "woman" in law when questioned over its enforcement. More >>
Labour Wants Christopher Luxon To Step In Over Winston Peters' Comments On RNZ Funding
Wednesday, 23 April 2025, 6:40 pm | RNZ
"Threatening to cut funding is a form of censorship. It is totally and utterly wrong," Chris Hipkins says. More >>
'Me tū, me haka!': Te Pāti Māori MPs defend haka in Privileges Committee written submissions
Wednesday, 23 April 2025, 6:23 pm | RNZ
The MPs refused to appear in person, citing a lack of fairness and disregard for tikanga Māori. More >>
Mentoring Crucial For Success Of Overseas And New Secondary Teachers
Wednesday, 23 April 2025, 2:59 pm | PPTA Te Wehengarua
A recent survey, carried out by PPTA Te Wehengarua, of establishing and overseas trained secondary teachers found that 90% of respondents agreed that mentoring had helped their development. More >>
Investitures At Government House Wellington
Wednesday, 23 April 2025, 2:48 pm | Government House
Other Honours recipients include country singer Suzanne Prentice, most capped All Black Samuel Whitelock, and Māori language educator and academic Professor Rawinia Higgins. More >>
PSA Forces Changes To Restructure Of Data & Digital And Pacific Health
Wednesday, 23 April 2025, 12:58 pm | PSA
The settlement relates to proposed restructures of the Data and Digital and Pacific Health teams at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora which were subject to litigation before the Employment Relations Authority set down for 22 April 2025. More >>
Questioning Content Is Not Hate
Wednesday, 23 April 2025, 12:32 pm | Conservative Party
A free and democratic society must allow citizens to question — especially when it involves influential figures with platforms that reach into education and public life. Dismissing every objection as bigotry is not progress; it’s intimidation. More >>
Statement On Spy Agency Probe Into RNZ 'Russian Edits Scandal' And IGSS Report
Wednesday, 23 April 2025, 11:44 am | Mick Hall
Conflating editorial endeavour that seeks accurate reporting and proper context in news stories with subjective support for foreign enemies is a smear, creates a chill factor within newsrooms and stifles open and informed public discourse over foreign ... More >>
Christopher Luxon Meets King Charles, Due To Discuss Trade And Security With British PM
Tuesday, 22 April 2025, 5:59 pm | RNZ
The Prime Minister has had a private audience with the monarch and will meet British PM Sir Keir Starmer. More >>
Haka In The House: What Will Te Pāti Māori’s Protest Mean For Tikanga In Parliament?
Tuesday, 22 April 2025, 5:54 pm | The Conversation
As the deadline approaches for Te Pāti Māori MPs to appear before the Privileges Committee, the place of tikanga in our democratic institutions is the real issue. More >>
Greenpeace Adds Support To Denniston Coal Mining Protest
Tuesday, 22 April 2025, 5:44 pm | Greenpeace
Greenpeace spokesperson Amanda Larsson says, "There comes a time when we have to stand up to the forces that conspire to put life on Earth at risk, and this is one of those moments. More >>
New Zealand Flag Half-Masting To Mark The Passing And Funeral Of His Holiness Pope Francis
Tuesday, 22 April 2025, 3:52 pm | Ministry For Culture And Heritage
The New Zealand Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Tuesday 22 April and again on Wednesday 23 April 2025. The Flag should be returned to full mast at 5pm Wednesday 23 April 2025 (or close of building hours). More >>
Government Should Respect Women & Biology In Law
Tuesday, 22 April 2025, 2:30 pm | Family First New Zealand
The What is a woman? campaign last year called for ‘woman’ to be defined as ‘an adult human female’ in all our laws, public policies and regulations and was signed by more than 23,500 people and presented to Parliament last August. We are still ... More >>
PSNA Appeals To Government To Initiate International Call For A “No-Fly” Zone Over Gaza
Tuesday, 22 April 2025, 12:02 pm | Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
John Minto says the United Nations has repeatedly said there are no safe places in Gaza for Palestinian civilians, where even so-called “safe zones” are systematically attacked as Israel terrorises the population to flee from the territory. More >>
New Zealand Parliament Votes Down Contentious “Treaty Principles” Bill
Tuesday, 22 April 2025, 11:43 am | Socialist Equality Group
The bill’s primary objective was to stoke racial divisions as a means of diverting social anger in the working class over the government’s escalating attacks on living standards and public services. More >>
Activists Halt Coal For 30+ Hours
Tuesday, 22 April 2025, 10:22 am | Climate Liberation Aotearoa
The occupation follows a five-day protest camp of over 70 people, including tamariki and kaumātua, on the Denniston Plateau, the site of Bathurst’s proposed coal expansion. More >>
Migrante Aotearoa Condemns Harassment And Intimidation Tactics Against Victims Of Migrant Exploitation
Monday, 21 April 2025, 7:02 am | Migrante Aotearoa
This Easter Sunday harassment of the victim’s family is part of a deliberate tactic to silence the victims, who were wrongfully duped of their money, efforts and hopes for a better future. More >>
Labour's Chris Hipkins Stands By Initial Covid Response, But Admits Mistakes Were Made
Sunday, 20 April 2025, 3:42 pm | RNZ
Labour's Chris Hipkins shares on a podcast his thoughts on the government's Covid response and his journey as a politician. More >>
Threat Of Climate Change Downgraded In Defence Force Plan
Sunday, 20 April 2025, 3:40 pm | RNZ
The governments blueprint of how it will invest $12 billion over the next four years into the New Zealand Defence Force mentions climate change twice. More >>
The Watchdog That Listens: Peter Boshier Reflects On Nine Years As Ombudsman
Sunday, 20 April 2025, 3:38 pm | RNZ
He says the public can rest assured that there is an enduring institution fighting for fairness and accountability. More >>
What Was HMNZS Manawanui Doing Before It Sank? Calls For Greater Transparency
Saturday, 19 April 2025, 6:32 pm | RNZ
There are calls for greater transparency - including whether the New Zealand warship was performing specific security for King Charles and Queen Camilla. More >>
Battlefield Remains Unearthed By Wildfires In Gallipoli Covered Over By Kiwi Team
Saturday, 19 April 2025, 2:15 pm | New Zealand Defence Force
New Zealand commemoration lead John McLeod said a small team, including members of the NZDF and the NZ Embassy, assisted in the covering up of remains that were exposed. More >>
Four-Year Term Referendum Must Include Local Government
Saturday, 19 April 2025, 2:09 pm | Infrastructure New Zealand
This Bill is a great opportunity to improve our system of government across all levels. Let’s make sure we get it right and give the public a say on a simple and enduring solution. More >>
Energy And Shipping Decisions Needed Before Meatworks - Chatham Islands Mayor
Friday, 18 April 2025, 12:30 pm | RNZ
Monique Croon says energy and shipping decisions are needed before a meatworks supported by the government can proceed. More >>
Hone Harawira criticises former Te Pāti Māori candidate Pere Huriwai-Seger for confronting Casey Costello
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 6:41 pm | RNZ
The activist and MP has criticised Pere Huriwai-Seger, who ran on list in 2023, after an exchange with the NZ First MP. More >>
Government Takes Fight Against Poverty To People In Poverty
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 5:17 pm | Child Poverty Action Group
Pushing people off income support doesn’t make the job market fairer or more accessible. It just assumes success is possible while unemployment rises and support systems become harder to navigate. More >>
New Zealand To Nearly Double Military Spending
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 11:55 am | Socialist Equality Group
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made clear that even more money will be made available, telling the media the $12 billion figure “is the floor, not the ceiling, of funding for our defence force.” More >>