Policy
No need to give China heads-up over decision to halt Cook Islands funding - Luxon
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the government saw no need to give China a heads-up over its decision to halt funding for the Cook Islands.
Waka Kotahi keeps lowered speed limits for 13 stretches of highway
The majority of the locations are short stretches of state highway heading into or out of small townships.
Shane Jones vows to restart oil, gas industry
The Associate Minister for Energy used the scrutiny week hearing to attack the previous government for banning oil and gas exploration in 2018.
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 19 June 2025
In today's episode, Foreign Minister Winston Peters speaks about plans to evacuate New Zealanders from Israel and Iran. Donald Trump is leaving open the possibility he'll step into the fighting… Audio
100,000 new homes built after planning rule book came into force
The number of homes constructed rose from 10,200 in 2018 to a record 18,100 in 2023.
Media attention, political pressure credited with solving cardiac surgery waitlist
Cardiac Society of New Zealand chairperson says the waitlist had reduced from 110 to 10 patients.
Lack of people standing for local body election worries officials
An electoral officer says if an area has no candidates an extraordinary vacancy will be created.
Children's minister criticised for lack of transparency over bootcamps
Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori grilled the government's youth military academies in a scrutiny hearing.
LGNZ on new govt powers to override councils
Local Government New Zealand says it's unfair for the government to blame councils for a lack of housing growth. Hutt City mayor and Vice President of Local Government New Zealand Campbell Barry spoke… Audio
Census to be scrapped from 2030
New Zealanders have filled out their last official Census form with the government announcing the traditional five-yearly Census is being scrapped from 2030. Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti spoke to… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 18 June 2025
In today's episode, Health New Zealand has been directed to give private hospitals 10-year outsourcing contracts to perform elective surgeries, Wednesday marks day five of the conflict between Israel… Audio
Immigration Minister quizzed over deportations, parent visas and Gaza
Scrutiny week is in full swing, and MPs have been quizzing the immigration minister, Erica Stanford. Gill Bonnett reports. Audio
'Addressing glaring gap': Cyclists to take buses across Harbour Bridge
Currently the only public transport option for those taking bikes across the harbour is to catch a ferry.
'There's a policy in place': Domestic violence victims eligible for emergency housing
Minister Tama Potaka says the first he heard of victims being turned away from emergency accommodation was in the House.
Less security or more flexibility? Employment law changing
The workplace minister has announced the Employment Relations Act is getting a shake-up.
'Something businesses want': Minister Brooke van Velden on sick leave cuts
The government is looking at changes that would make leave proportionate to the number of hours worked. Audio
Disposable vapes to be banned
The distribution, manufacture, sale and supply of disposable vapes is being banned from Tuesday. Otago University senior research fellow Jude Ball spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
'The most dangerous piece of legislation'
Maori lawyers and constitutional experts are warning the Regulatory Standards Bill could wipe out decades of hard-won treaty protections. Ella Stewart reports. Audio
Prime Minister heads to China
The Prime Minister is heading to China on Tuesday, where he will be meeting some of the world's most influential leaders at a time of increased global volatility. Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid… Audio
What is being done about NZ's growing meth crisis?
Wastewater testing showed a 96 percent increase in consumption of methamphetamine in 2024, compared to 2023. Audio
