Politics
NZ First to campaign on Māori seats referendum
Te Pāti Māori has slammed the decision as "race baiting".
Wellington's mayor promises to cut commercial rates
However, even a modest reduction in commercial rates could push residential rates up by around 4 percent.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 12 February 2026
New numbers out this morning paint a picture of a strengthening economy, but Labour isn't convinced and says the government is trying to distract from its poor economic performance by playing… Audio
Willis challenges Labour to keep Investment Boost policy if elected
Finance Minister Nicola Willis talked up the policy's effects so far in a speech to the New Zealand Economic Forum in Hamilton. Audio
Willis urges former Reserve Bank governor Orr to front up in new inquiry
The government recently announced an independent review into the central bank's actions during the pandemic, including official cash rate cuts, money printing and its interactions with government…
Labour says govt playing politics with Reserve Bank inquiry
New numbers out this morning paint a picture of a strengthening economy, but Labour isn't convinced and says the government is trying to distract from its economic performance by playing politics with… Audio
Ministers want to bypass own fast-track law to speed up new gas terminal
A proposed LNG terminal will bypass even the fast-track process in order to be built in time. Audio
Government launches review into Reserve Bank Covid-19 response
The opposition is questioning the timing of the government's independent review into New Zealand's monetary policy response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell… Audio
Former Governor backs review into Reserve Bank Covid moves
However, concerns over the review's timing so close to election time are a "fair question", he says. Audio
Government announces review of Reserve Bank pandemic policies
The government announced a review into the Reserve Bank's pandemic policies, saying it's necessary to make sure mistakes aren't repeated. Giles Dexter reports. Audio
Petition for Pacific visitors presented to Winston Peters
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says he is committed to helping Pacific nationals get easier access to New Zealand. Audio
Labour Party don't support the online casino gaming bill
Willow-Jean Prime explains why the Labour Party don't support the online casino gaming bill Audio
Government tweaks law for contractors
The workplace minister says it has nothing to do with the Supreme Court's Uber decision.
Children's Minister too busy to front on Malachi Subecz report
Coroner Janet Anderson report found everything possible went wrong for the 5-year-old in the last six months of his life.
Peters denounces Israel over West Bank expansion
The measures passed by the Israeli security cabinet also pave the way for more settlements in the occupied territory.
Government announces surprise review of Reserve Bank
The government has announced a surprise review of the Reserve Bank's actions during the Covid-19 pandemic - and it's due to land just months out from the election. Opposition parties say it is a… Audio
Parties sympathetic to Pacific access petition
Pacific nationals are calling for the same travel rights to NZ as more than 60 other countries.
Review into Reserve Bank's Covid response launched
Labour leader Chris Hipkins called the review "another exercise in cynical political manipulation by Nicola Willis".
'Unacceptable' delays to improve child protection system, minister says
Minister for Child Poverty Reduction Louise Upston acknowledged the delays after the coroner released a damning report into the death of five-year-old Malachi Subecz.
