Politics
'He's doing a lot of things that people never even imagined that he was going to do to us'
Many Republican voters are reconsidering their allegiances to Donald Trump, after losing their civil service jobs.
Four more years? MPs debate bill to extend parliamentary term
The current government is 16 months old. In just another 18 months or so, NZ will once again be at the polling booth. Audio
'Unfair' and hangover 'racism': Greens call for visa-free travel for all Pacific Island nations
Green MP Teanau Tuiono says Pacific people have been asking for visa-free travel for some time.
Shane Jones announces Aquaculture Development Plan
The plan, announced by the Oceans and Fisheries Minister in Marlborough, aims to grow the industry to $3b a year.
Common ground for National and Labour?
Analysis - Chris Hipkins' state of the nation speech highlighted political bipartisanship, but less than an hour later National was taking swings.
School lunches and potential further cuts
An apology and the launch of a nationwide investigation were needed this week after a child received second degree burns from an over-heated school lunch. Audio
What a new report reveals about Health NZ's spending
The report suggests the country might have been better off sticking with the previous 20 district health boards. Audio
Chris Hipkins delivers State of the Nation speech
Chris Hipkins has shuffled his deck of MPs, saying his new-look Labour caucus will be focused on jobs, health, and homes for the 2026 election. The Labour leader delivered his State of the Nation… Audio
Brand new deputy high commissioner steps up after Goff's sacking
Guergana Guermanoff has only been deputy since January, and will represent New Zealand in the UK until a replacement is found.
Simeon Brown announces major overhaul of health
In a speech Simeon Brown laid out his top five priorities for health, including reducing emergency department wait times, clearing a back log of elective surgeries and stabilising the governance of… Audio
Chris Hipkins' speech fails to impress National's Chris Bishop
National says Labour's reshuffle and leader Chris Hipkins' state of the nation speech is all platitudes, no policy.
Rubber gardening gloves used to handle school lunches
A Bay of Plenty deputy principal says their school lunches are so hot when they arrive that staff have to wear rubber gardening gloves to handle them. Audio
NZ First targets 'woke' legislation it previously helped make law
New Zealand First wants to "remove woke 'DEI' regulations" from legislation that it voted for five years ago.
Dr Levy's Reset Plan for Health NZ to still go on under new board
The announcement by the Health Minister was part of a raft of changes for the public health system. Alongside reinstating the board, Minister Simeon Brown slammed Health NZ for poor leadership - and… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 7 March 2025
In today's episode, health Minister Simeon Brown has announced a radical overhaul of the public health system, including reinstating a board and partnering with the private sector, Labour's Chris… Audio
'Deeply disappointing': Experts on why cancer screening changes are a concern
Cancelling a plan to lower the age for Māori has been described as "institutionalised racism", though some experts say the move overall will save lives.
Goff should have been warned to 'pull your head in' - Helen Clark
The comments the High Commissioner made in London were not a sackable offence, the former prime minister says.
What was actually wrong with what Phil Goff said?
Explainer: The UK High Commissioner's case is not an example of the coalition looking to get rid of a Labour appointee, Giles Dexter writes. Audio
Labour announces cabinet reshuffle
Labour's Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle focused on the 2026 election, putting together a new economic team led by their Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds. Political Reporter Russell Palmer… Audio
