Latest Politics Headlines
Changes To Fish & Game Continue Coalition’s Handover Of Power To Polluters
Thursday, 5 June 2025, 7:49 pm | Choose Clean Water
Choose Clean Water spokesperson Tom Kay says the changes announced today are clearly designed to remove Fish & Game’s ability to advocate for the health of rivers. More >>
Interim Financial Statements Of The Government Of New ZealandFor The Ten Months Ended 30 April 2025
Thursday, 5 June 2025, 7:03 pm | The Treasury
The majority of the key fiscal indicators for the ten months ended 30 April 2025 were slightly better than forecast. The Government’s main operating indicator, the operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx), showed a deficit ... More >>
Why Wasn't PM Told About Police Investigation Into Senior Press Secretary Michael Forbes?
Thursday, 5 June 2025, 6:02 pm | RNZ
Michael Forbes has left his job after accusations he recorded audio of sessions with sex workers. More >>
More Than Half Of Voters Back Proposed Penalty For Te Pāti Māori MPs, Poll Suggests
Thursday, 5 June 2025, 5:57 pm | RNZ
The Privileges Committee proposed a 21-day suspension for three MPs over the Treaty Principles haka. More >>
Wellington Brothel Madam Speaks On PM's Former Press Secretary's Alleged Recording Of Sex Workers
Thursday, 5 June 2025, 5:19 pm | RNZ
A Wellington brothel manager has spoken of the moment she was told Michael Forbes had allegedly recorded audio of a session with a sex worker. More >>
Petition Launched To Save Rauaroha - Segar House Psychotherapy Service
Thursday, 5 June 2025, 2:39 pm | PSA
Rauaroha - Segar House received notice in May that Te Whatu Ora is considering its disestablishment, 50 years after it was first opened in Auckland. More >>
Left Bloc Would Have Enough Support To Turf Coalition Government Out Of Power - Poll
Wednesday, 4 June 2025, 6:12 pm | RNZ
And the leadership ratings in the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll - taken after the Budget - are also bad news for the government More >>
Support For National And Labour Fall In Latest 1News-Verian Poll
Wednesday, 4 June 2025, 6:07 pm | RNZ
Support for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon remains steady. More >>
More Kiwis Oppose Than Support Government's Pay Equity Changes, New Poll Shows
Wednesday, 4 June 2025, 6:04 pm | RNZ
Nearly two thirds of the public believe the government should have first sought feedback on the controversial change, the latest RNZ Reid Research poll shows. More >>
In Her Memoir, Jacinda Ardern Shows A ‘Different Kind Of Power’ Is Possible – But Also Has Its Limits
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 6:33 pm | The Conversation
Her new book weaves an authentically retold personal story with high political drama. But Ardern misses an opportunity to reflect more deeply on her time in power. More >>
Judith Collins Tells Security Summit NZ Setting Up Space Squadron
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 3:56 pm | RNZ
Judith Collin told those at the inter-governmental conference the Air Force's 62 Squadron would be reactivated. More >>
Chris Bishop Frustrated By 'Politicised' Stan Walker Aotearoa Music Awards Performance
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 3:42 pm | RNZ
"It's not about Stan Walker ... It was just the sort of politicisation of it," the Cabinet Minister says after declaring "what a load of crap" during a Aotearoa Music Awards performance. More >>
Government Guts WorkSafe
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 2:18 pm | NZCTU
“The Minister’s decision to gut WorkSafe is a reflection of a government that is prioritising profits over people,” said Wagstaff. More >>
WorkSafe Needs More Investment To Keep Workers Safe, Not A Road Cone Hot Line
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 12:18 pm | PSA
WorkSafe has received no extra Budget funding from this government and almost one in five workers has been shown the door in recent years. More >>
VUWSA Calls For The Winter Energy Payment To Be Extended To Students
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 11:27 am | VUWSA
The Winter Energy Payment, introduced in 2017 by the Labour Government, currently supports most beneficiary groups — except students. VUWSA believes this is an unjust oversight and is urging the Government to correct it. More >>
$200 Million For Oil And Gas An Affront To The Youth Of Aotearoa
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 11:14 am | Climate Justice Taranaki
Driven by corporate greed, Jones, McLeod and the current government are quite happy to sacrifice the future of a liveable climate for coming generations for short-term profits for their mates in the oil and gas industry, says Urs Signer, from the community ... More >>
From Tobaccogate To Gendergate: Casey Costello's Pattern Of Ideology Over Evidence Continues
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 10:27 am | Rights Aotearoa
Kiwis deserve healthcare based on facts and fairness, not a Minister's personal crusade, declares CEO of Rights Aotearoa Thistoll. More >>
Leading International Climate Scientists Rubbish Luxon’s ‘Methane Review’, Call On PM To Take Methane Seriously
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 7:10 am | Greenpeace
According to the Financial Times report, leading climate scientists are accusing politicians in New Zealand and Ireland of using an "accounting trick" that could undermine global efforts to fight climate change. More >>
King's Birthday Honours - 'This Belongs To The Samoan Community'
Monday, 2 June 2025, 3:43 pm | RNZ
Anae Arthur Anae has been honoured for services to the Samoan community. More >>
'I've Had A Wonderful Life': 90 Years Of Jim Bolger
Monday, 2 June 2025, 3:36 pm | RNZ
He reflected on the last nine decades of his life on Sunday Morning - after having celebrated with a "big gathering" of family, friends, and neighbours. More >>
Naval Officer Recognised For Four Decades Of Service To New Zealand
Monday, 2 June 2025, 6:06 am | New Zealand Defence Force
Rear Admiral Gilmour said working for the NZDF was “absolutely stacked” with opportunities. He said said his career had been “an absolute blast”. More >>
King's Birthday 2025 Honours List
Monday, 2 June 2025, 5:45 am | Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
The list includes each recipient’s full name,a short citation giving the reason or reasons for recognition. More >>
Chris Bishop's Comments During Stan Walker's Performance Have 'No Place' At Aotearoa Music Awards - Producers
Sunday, 1 June 2025, 3:35 pm | RNZ
"The Awards respect and honour te ao Māori and we were proud to support Stan with his vision for his powerful rendition of Māori Ki Te Ao." More >>
Climate Change Coverage In A Changed Media Climate
Sunday, 1 June 2025, 3:32 pm | RNZ
Media outlets were firing up new projects and joining alliances to cover climate change just a few years ago. Now there's just one mainstream NZ media reporter focused solely on it. More >>
The Regulatory Standards Bill: Neoliberal Shackles Disguised As “Good Law"
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:33 pm | Aotearoa Workers Solidarity Movement
We argue that the bill is not about making regulation “better” or “fairer,” but about handcuffing future lawmakers to an ideology that privileges private property, contract law, and the capitalist “right to profit.” More >>
Worsening Poverty And Social Misery In New Zealand
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:31 pm | Socialist Equality Group
The government is seeking to solve the worsening economic crisis by ramping up the exploitation of the working class, while protecting the fortunes of the super-rich. More >>
NZ's Budget For Austerity And War
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 6:31 pm | Socialist Equality Group
The money for war comes at the direct expense of the working class. Notably, the govt expects to “save” $12.8 billion over four years by cancelling 33 separate pay equity negotiations, which were to increase pay for hundreds of thousands of ... More >>
Councils Plead For Bipartisan Resource Management Act Reform
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 4:11 pm | RNZ
Regional councils want greater certainty and bipartisanship on regulations, as they gear up for an expected spate of rule changes. More >>
Christchurch Protesters Confront Finance Minister Nicola Willis Over Pay Equity
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 3:55 pm | RNZ
Budget documents revealed tightening the pay-equity regime would net the government $2.7 billion every year. More >>
“Don't Be Fooled”: Govt's Freshwater Reforms Means More Pollution In Your Water & Commercial Control Of Public Resources
Friday, 30 May 2025, 7:30 pm | Choose Clean Water
Choose Clean Water says it’s important for the public to make submissions on the changes (these can be made until 27 July 2025) but it’s just as important for the public to contact MPs and Ministers directly to voice their opposition. More >>
NZCTU Release Detailed Budget 2025 Analysis
Friday, 30 May 2025, 1:16 pm | NZCTU
This Budget is funded above all by the gutting of the pay equity system, the halving of the government’s contribution to people’s Kiwisaver accounts, and other cuts that will disproportionality impact women, welfare recipients, and working households, ... More >>
Deputy PM Handover: Seymour Vows Straight Talk, Peters Fires Up Campaign
Friday, 30 May 2025, 12:46 pm | RNZ
But ACT's leader has vowed to keep speaking freely as he takes over as deputy prime minister. More >>
National Campaigned On This Bonding Scheme, So Why Has No Work Been Done On It?
Friday, 30 May 2025, 12:35 pm | RNZ
The Health Minister has repeatedly avoided answering direct questions about the bonding scheme. More >>
Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith Announces Candidacy For Māori Ward In Rotorua Local Body Elections Rotorua, Aotearoa
Friday, 30 May 2025, 7:10 am | Reanga Taketake
“The ongoing fight to protect Rotokākahi has shown me how broken the system can be when mana whenua are not properly consulted,” said Skipwith. “This isn’t just about the environment – it’s about justice, equity, and honouring Te Tiriti ... More >>
Luxon And Hipkins Talk Coalition Dynamics, People Skills And Direction For The 2026 Election
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 6:26 pm | RNZ
And Chris Hipkins questions Te Pāti Māori's priorities, as RNZ sits down with Labour and National to reflect on 18 months. More >>
Government's Health Boost Less Than Claimed, Expert Says
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 5:58 pm | RNZ
A leading health systems expert is questioning the government's claim of a "record investment". More >>
Luxon Government To Favour Dairy Pollution At The Expense Of Drinking Water
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 2:18 pm | Greenpeace
Greenpeace Aotearoa freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe says, "Safe drinking water requires healthy freshwater ecosystems, and that should always be the priority. But today’s decision will drive more water contamination, especially in rural communities." More >>
EDS Has Concerns Over Sweeping Review Of National Direction Under The RMA
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 2:07 pm | EDS
This review is being driven more by political expediency and ad hoc coalition agreements than sound policy logic. More >>
Govt Squeeze Forces Waka Kotahi To Cut Women's Jobs
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 1:17 pm | PSA
The change proposal revealed today proposes a net loss of 18 out of 110 roles among team administrators, personal assistants, and office support people, with 85% of the affected roles filled by women. More >>
Goodbye Budget Vibes, Hello Real-World Value
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 10:46 am | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
Loneliness, housing quality, and happiness all matter, but trying to legislate for ‘the vibe’ was never going to work. Real wellbeing comes from more opportunities in an economy with low inflation, stable debt, and rising incomes that let Kiwis ... More >>
SAFE: Proposed Welfare Code Betrays Animals And The Law
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 8:08 am | SAFE For Animals
The animal rights organisation says the code legitimises inherently harmful practices - including mud farming, feedlots, and painful procedures like castration and tail docking without pain relief - while continuing to allow animals to suffer without ... More >>
Inaugural Keith Locke Memorial Debate
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 8:45 pm | Keith Locke
‘We are encouraging people who wish to remember Keith to attend, as well as those who have an interest in the topic regardless of their views or place on the political spectrum,’ said his sister Maire Leadbeater. More >>
How Many Public Sector Jobs Have Really Been Axed?
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 6:50 pm | RNZ
Thousands of jobs have been cut as part of government cost-saving. But exactly how many have gone depends on who you ask. More >>
FIANZ Condemns Genocidal Killing Of Palestinians In Gaza, Calls On NZ Govt To Uphold ICJ Ruling And End Complicity
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 6:16 pm | FIANZ
As a signatory to the Genocide Convention and a long-standing advocate for human rights, New Zealand must now act decisively and with integrity. More >>
Youth Homelessness Advocate Says Budget Fails Most Vulnerable
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 3:24 pm | RNZ
The head of a group that helps the homeless fears proposed changes could push some young people into harm's way. More >>
PSA Calls On Te Roopu Taurima To Abide By ERA Recommendations
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 1:53 pm | PSA
Kaitaataki and Poutaataki continue to be subject to a lockout of additional hours, despite how this can affect tangata, kaiawhina (support workers they lead) and their own whānau, says Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National ... More >>
Kāhui Ako Decision Insults Teachers
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 1:14 pm | PPTA
Defunding Kāhui Ako is an insult to the professionalism of teachers and their aspirations to be more effective and to have careers as outstanding classroom teachers and mentors of colleagues for classroom teachers. More >>
‘Forgotten Where They All Came From’: Councilor Lashes Out Over Pay Equity
Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 8:10 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
The new committee is spearheaded by former National MP Dame Marilyn Waring, with its members all volunteering their time. More >>
Govt Funding Squeeze Sees DOC Propose Cutting 84 Roles
Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 7:47 pm | PSA
PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says more than 90 per cent of the staff facing redundancy are women, based on the PSA membership data, which includes 90 affected workers. More >>
EPA Says Law Changes Will Streamline Applications For New Chemicals
Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 2:13 pm | Environmental Protection Authority
"The EPA has worked closely with other agencies to develop the proposed improvements to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act) which were given the green light by Cabinet yesterday. More >>
Sensible Sentencing Trust Slams Police For Dangerous Shift In Shoplifting Investigations
Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 2:03 pm | Sensible Sentencing Trust
Sensible Sentencing Trust spokesperson Louise Parsons condemned the directive as "an outrageous and dangerous move," saying it sends the wrong message at a time when retailers are struggling under rising crime rates and financial pressure. More >>
Health Ministry Losing Count Of Euthanasia Deaths
Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 1:56 pm | Family First New Zealand
“This raises significant concerns about the upcoming review of the law and whether it will be based on actual quantifiable and credible evidence,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First. More >>
Have We Never Been Woke? American Sociologist And Author, Musa Al-Gharbi, To Tour With Free Speech Union
Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 1:20 pm | Free Speech Union
“Musa al-Gharbi is an American author, sociologist, and assistant professor at Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism in New York. We are thrilled to tour New Zealand with him in July to promote his new book. More >>
Jobseeker Sanctions: 'Forcing People To Volunteer Is A Contradiction In Terms'
Monday, 26 May 2025, 4:13 pm | RNZ
The government is better off using its resources to help people find work, rather than punishing those who can not, says the Salvation Army. More >>
New 'Non-Financial' Benefit Sanctions Begin Today
Monday, 26 May 2025, 4:08 pm | RNZ
A money management sanction putting the benefit on a card for approved spending, and a volunteer work requirement, could be put in place for four weeks. More >>
Formerly Secret Spy Data Centre To Open Soon In West Auckland
Monday, 26 May 2025, 4:06 pm | RNZ
A tailor-made data centre for the country's most secret and sensitive public sector information is expected to open soon in West Auckland. More >>
Denniston Should Be Scientific Reserve, Not Fast-tracked Coal Mine
Monday, 26 May 2025, 2:18 pm | Forest And Bird
“Public conservation land should be for nature. Aotearoa New Zealand needs habitat for kiwi, not opencast coal mines,” says Richard Capie, General Manager for Advocacy. More >>
Submissions Are Now Open On The Regulatory Standards Bill
Monday, 26 May 2025, 1:50 pm | The Finance and Expenditure Committee
The bill aims to support Parliament’s scrutiny of legislation, and its oversight and control of the use of delegated powers to make legislation. The bill would achieve these objectives in four ways. More >>
Greyhound Racing NZ Starts Judicial Review Proceedings
Monday, 26 May 2025, 1:18 pm | Greyhound Racing New Zealand
The statement of claim made to the Court says the decision broke fundamental rules of law, being inadequately informed, prepared and consulted on. More >>
Former MPs Announce People’s Select Committee On Pay Equity
Monday, 26 May 2025, 10:21 am | NZCTU
In the absence of a select committee process, we have taken it upon ourselves to call for submissions from the public so that experts, organisations, and affected employers and workers can give evidence that should have been before parliament when ... More >>