Politics
Politicians weigh in on the Future of NZ, our challenges and opportunities
Oriini Kaipara, Tamatha Paul, Nicole McKee, Nicola Willis, Barbara Edmonds, Shane Jones and Daniel Eb debate the future of New Zealand with Ryan Bridge.
Latest from Politics
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
'It's been such a long time': Dame Jacinda Ardern enters the election debate
The former Prime Minister has entered the fray.
David Seymour announces Act's fiscal plan
Act leader David Seymour announces its fiscal plan for the 2026 election. Video / NZ Herald
Labour says it can fund pay equity and public services – its fiscal plan suggests it can't afford both
ANALYSIS: Labour's fiscal plan has almost no money left over after pay equity spending.
Fresh school lunches, GP visits, rural bus routes among Labour pledges
Labour estimates families with solar could save around $1000 a year.
National promises to require students to finish Year 11 before leaving school
National also wants consistent start and finish dates for schools.
Green Party promises jobs for youth out of work six months
The party promises a pathway to work for young people.
Labour cost of living announcement
The Labour Party made an announcement concerning the cost of living. Video / NZ Herald
National announce their education policy
The National Party announced their new education policy this morning. Video / NZ Herald
Greens guarantee ‘pathway’ to job for unemployed aged 16 to 24
The Green Party says, if elected, it will guarantee a "pathway" to work for 16- to 24-year-olds who have been out of work for six months. Video / NZ Herald
Letters: 'Brutal' arithmetic for struggling superannuatants
OPINION: Grey areas over super fail to appreciate couples are often struggling.
As a doctor and former Health Minister, National’s beneficiary drug test is punitive and wrong
OPINION: The proposed approach assumes beneficiaries are taking drugs just for fun.
What you could lose in a Government transparency shake-up
OPINION: To alter this vital anchor of citizen power would be an extraordinary thing.
'Can’t arrest our way out': Charge rate for personal cannabis use triples
Chances used to be about 1 in 10; this year they're almost 1 in 3.
Naidoo ends texts to Police Minister after approach from Labour
Former cop says political aspirations had nothing to do with him stopping correspondence.
The truth that Luxon let slip during leaders' debate
OPINION: Opportunity must prove it can go right if it wants to become the kingmaker.
Chinese and Indians called 'a**holes' in meeting. Peters defends them
The NZ First leader has made remarks about MP Lawrence Xu-Nan that were called racist.
National promises new Waiheke marine reserve in recreational fishing policy
National released its fishing policy today.
Are there 480,000 undecided voters who will determine this election?
Both National and Labour will be hoping some undecided Kiwis head their way before Nov 7.
The deep blue seat: Is this NZ's safest, and most surprising, electorate?
National has won Selwyn at every election since 1938.
Winston Peters campaigns on minimum wage growth of at least inflation rate
Election 2026: Winston Peters is campaigning in Invercargill today.
National winks to Opportunity promising to review bottom trawling and create new Waiheke reserve
The National Party is promising to establish a new marine reserve off Waiheke Island and to expand an existing reserve off Goat Island if elected. Video / NZ Herald
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.
Hipkins speaks to the media from the Auckland Asia Festival
Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to the media today in Auckland. Video / NZ Herald
Christopher Luxon and Todd McClay announce National's fisheries policy
National Leader Christopher Luxon and Fisheries spokesperson Todd McClay made a policy announcement on Auckland's North Shore. Video / NZ Herald
Election 2026: Gisborne's young voters talk election issues
First-time voters and classmates from Campion College, Gisborne Boys' and Girls' High have named healthcare and infrastructure as their 2026 election priorities. Video / NZ Herald
Chris Hipkins discovers he has good blood pressure as fears of low enrolment grow
The Herald spent the day with Chris Hipkins in Auckland.
At-risk Nat with ministerial ambitions not afraid to raise different views
Cheung is complimentary of Christopher Luxon but admits the PM isn't flash with the media.
A note to John Key and others: Nats voters smart enough to work out a split vote
OPINION: The right vote-splitting campaign Harry Mowbray and I have promoted is sound.
Lack of staff closes earthquake monitoring centre, Labour decries Govt cuts
The closure at GeoNet meant inaccuracies, known as 'ghost quakes', could occur.