Politics
Almost a third of young people eligible to vote in 2026 election not enrolled
The Electoral Commission's update comes with a fortnight to go before enrolment closes.
Latest from Julia Gabel
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi out in front in Waiariki poll
The poll was conducted by Curia for Whakaata Māori.
Political poll: Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke well ahead in Hauraki-Waikato
The poll was conducted by Curia for Whakaata Māori.
Government secures site for new South Auckland hospital
The 13ha of land have been purchased for $45m from Fisher and Paykel Healthcare.
Adrian Rurawhe kept his illness quiet. He ‘didn’t want anybody else fussing'
Adrian Rurawhe, a former Speaker of the House, died on Wednesday, aged 65.
National’s Coral Raukawa says there are more ‘dignified’ ways to help homeless than move on orders
Raukawa faced Labour rival Te Pūoho Kātene in an electorate debate.
Te Pāti Māori co-leader leads Labour rival as Greens surge, poll shows
The poll points to voters backing Ngarewa-Packer while shifting their party vote.
Election 2026: Tākuta Ferris open to coalition with National, Act and NZ First
Ferris expressed that he was open if it was in the best interests of Te Tai Tonga.
New poll reveals frontrunner in Māori seat of Te Tai Tonga
The poll also gathered responses on the key issues for the electorate.
Green Party surges to record high as Labour, National drop to 28%
The Greens climbed up four points in the latest poll.
Hustle in the Hutt: Ginny Andersen leads Chris Bishop in Hutt South swing seat
Cost of living, the economy and jobs were top concerns for 51%.
Health NZ to hire 380 extra nurses, midwives and assistants in next year
The organisation is also investigating a new model for calculating nursing needs.
NZ First promises to drop tax rate for small businesses
The party's policy includes dropping the tax rate from 28% to 20%.
Labour pledges billions to build more social housing, fix hospitals
If elected, the party says it would also fund improvements at nearly every state school.
Te Pāti Māori announces $200m fund to create Takatāpui commission
The gender-affirming policy would also aim to improve housing and protections.
Jordan Williams says it's 'very tempting' to want to sue Nicky Hager over harassment claims
Hager's new book makes claims about the Taxpayer Union executive director.
‘Disgusting smear’: Jordan Williams denies being accused of sexual harassment by staff member
Nicky Hager's new book, Dirty Work, is focused on the Taxpayers’ Union.
Tobacco influence and a fight over Māori issues: Hager’s Dirty Work takes aim at Taxpayers’ Union
Lobby group hits back at 'smears' in Hager book.
‘We’re not trying to be McDonald’s’, Salmon boss tells MPI, minister over sector growth
The meeting convened by MPI discussed potential bespoke legislation for the sector.
IV vitamin C, health coaches and nutrients: What’s in NZ First’s health policy
The plan also includes efforts to reduce GP burnout.
Act vows to 'make farming fun again'
The party has vowed to cut red tape and scrap climate policy it says adds costs.
Greens unveil plan to fill empty Auckland CBD shops, boost 'vibrancy'
The policy includes new mechanisms allowing councils to auction shop leases.
Labour promises to split Foodstuffs, Woolworths’ wholesale and retail arms
It comes after the party's previous pledge to outlaw price-gouging.
National pledges to end digital screen use in early childhood education
The party would also introduce a 'start check' before children shift to primary school.
Act promises to put onus on lines companies to justify consumer charges
The Act Party released its energy policy on Friday.
Te Pāti Māori releases energy policy featuring $1 billion ‘sovereignty’ fund
The fund would help increase Māori, community ownership of energy assets.
Horse hīkoi in photos: The day Ngāti Kahungunu rode to Parliament
Group comes to protest as bills introduced to review Treaty references.
‘Wasn’t a smart thing to do’: Speaker Brownlee boots two MPs from House
One ejected MP said Brownlee doesn’t seem to have the temper or disposition for the job.
Horse delivers petition to Parliament as details of contentious Treaty reference bill drop
A rider on a horse carried a petition to Parliament.
Contentious Treaty references review bill introduced
It comes on the eve of the arrival of a horse hīkoi against the legislation.
Officials warned intervention in Fonterra climate case could hurt investor confidence
The case attracted scrutiny over PM office's handling of official information.
Govt lifts lid on Budget: Peters wanted cash for MFAT business class flights
Hundreds of pages of advice ministers received before Budget Day are being published.