Politics
Opposition's backbench overtakes National's on bills passed
Members' bills can come from any backbench MP. Usually successful government bills far outnumber opposition bills - but not this Parliament.
Fijian judge sanctioned by US for backing Netanyahu arrest
A high-profile Fijian is among four International Criminal Court judges sanctioned by the Trump administration.
Seahawks and Airbuses: Government reveals $2.7b planes and helicopters
Live: Judith Collins and Winston Peters have revealed the planes chosen to replace the Defence Force's ageing 757s, and a fleet of helicopters to be based on NZ's frigates.
Port of Auckland works first project to get consent under fast-track regime
The government is celebrating the first project to get consent under the coalition's fast-track regime.
Two Labour bills pass into law
One stops employers enforcing gag orders on workers talking about their salaries, while the other extends protections for those giving evidence of sexual assaults or family harm.
Labour's Willow Jean Prime on teachers strike
Labour's Willow-Jean Prime joined First Up to talk teacher strikes, the official cash rate and the other big issues of the political week Audio
Rate capping lessons from across the Tasman
As rate payers feel the pinch, plans for rate capping offer welcome relief. But councillors across the Tasman have warnings.
On rate capping, lessons from across the Tasman
As rate payers feel the pinch, plans for rate capping offer welcome relief. But councillors here and across the Tasman have warnings. Audio
Saplings, stalking, and spying: Government bills this week
This week's bills are a mixture of unfinished business from last week along with a selection plucked from the Order Paper that are awaiting their next stages.
From taonga to target: the rollback of te reo Māori
A growing list of changes to policy on Māori language and culture beg the question: is the government pushing Aotearoa towards an identity crisis?
Disability support service worries govt will cut travel subsidy
A disability support service is worried the government could be about to cut a travel subsidy that helps people with disabilities get where the need to be. The Total Mobility Scheme is jointly funded… Audio
High schools close as secondary teachers go on strike
Members of the secondary teachers' union swapped classrooms for picket lines today. The one-day strike closed many schools as the Post Primary Teachers Association tried to pressure the government… Audio
Finishing line in sight for greyhound racing
The government has voted for a shutdown but did not take the decision lightly, the Racing Minister says.
'It's been a failure right across the board' - Peeni Henare
As voters head to the poll for the Tamaki Makaurau byelection, Labour's Peeni Henare and Te Pati Maori's Oriini Kaipara join Mihingarangi to discuss the issues facing whanau in the biggest Polynesian… Video, Audio
'Illustrates the uncertainty': Reserve Bank on cutting cash rate to three-year low
The central bank shaved another 25 points off but once again the rate-setting body could not reach consensus on the decision.
Luxon says he underscored NZ support for Ukraine in overnight meeting
The Prime Minister spoke during a Coalition of the Willing video call overnight to more than 30 world leaders following the White House summit on Ukraine.
Listen: Sepuloni and Willis clash over cost of living on Morning Report's political panel
The Finance Minister says Labour won't front up on how it will pay for any planned spending. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 20 August 2025
In today's episode, we have our weekly political panel with National and Labour; The government says a new push to boost competition in the power sector will give smaller retailers a fairer shot… Audio
Political panel with National and Labour
National's Nicola Willis and Labour's Carmel Sepuloni spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
