Politics
Parliament delivers heralds of 2026 election
This week, parliament produced two signs of the election to come - crucial work on tweaking rules and a new calendar that may just hint at an election date.
Liam Dann on Labour's Future Fund
Labour's Future Fund was the first major policy announcement from the opposition in the long lead up to next year's election. Audio
Minister hoses down calls for regional flight subsidies
James Meager says Air New Zealand had not formally approached the government about any financial subsidies.
Minister's shortlived celebration about one statistic
Karen Chhour has acknowledged her initial comments didn't paint a full picture. Audio
Whakatane mayor backs calls for regional flight subsidies
Air New Zealand's new chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar says some domestic routes may need subsidies to keep running. Whakatāne mayor Nándor Tánczos spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Soldier espionage case: Suppression orders to be re-examined
A military court will hear more about the suppression orders and sentence of a soldier who tried to pass on sensitive defence information to a foreign entity. Audio
Fewer children being abused in government facilities
The Children's Minister has acknowledged her initial celebration of fewer children being abused or neglected in state care did not give the full picture. Political reporter Russell Palmer reports. Audio
A question of intent: Takutai Moana Bill passes third reading
The Takutai Moana Bill bill on customary marine titles has passed after much argument over the original intent of its predecessor.
It'll soon be easier to build granny flats in the backyard, if they're small
Legislation changing the Building Act passed its third and final reading in Parliament on Thursday morning with unanimous support from MPs.
Bill doubling maximum tribunal claim value passes
Previously, complainants taking a civil case were limited to claims of $30,000.
Bill to criminalise explicit 'deepfakes' pulled from ballot
The Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill would amend existing laws to expand the the definition of an 'intimate visual recording'.
More than 100,000 workers walk of job in mega strike
More than 100,000 workers, including teachers and doctors, have walked off the job today in a nationwide strike. Disgrunted public sector employees showed their disatisfication with the coalition… Audio
Strike action sees thousands march through streets
Workers several sectors walked off the job in increasingly bitter disputes over pay and conditions.
Think tank proposes 'Pacific-Eyes' intelligence alliance
The concept draws "inspiration" from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance between the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger's funeral held in Paraparaumu
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger's funeral took place in Paraparaumu on Thursday afternoon. RNZ reporter Lillian Hanly spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Mega strike rally takes place in Auckland
Tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are taking part in a mega strike. RNZ Reporter Jessica Hopkins spoke to Charlotte Cook from a rally in Auckland. Audio
Marama Davidson apologises to supporters after missing speaking slot
The Green co-leader missed a chance to test support for her Right to Repair bill.
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 23 October 2025
More than 100,000 health and education workers will walk off the job on Thursday, forcing the closure of schools, and cancelling hospital appointments and surgeries; Calls have been made for limits -… Audio
UK: Grooming gang chaos, Prince Andrew case gets political
Hugo Gye is Political Editor of The i Paper Audio
