Politics
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.
Latest from Politics
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
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.
Parties pitch competing plans to make New Zealand safer
We compare what parties are promising on law and order in this election.
How the parties plan to tackle crime
Tougher sentences, more police or greater investment in prevention — how would New Zealand’s political parties make the country safer?
NZ Herald LIVE: Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to the media
NZ Herald LIVE: Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to the media
Labour not yet certain on design, cost of Abuse in Care redress scheme
National has questioned the costings of Labour's independent scheme for survivors.
Qiulae Wong speaks to media
The Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong speaks to the media. Video / NZ Herald
National to negotiate fertiliser security deals, offer $300m water storage loans
The priority areas will be Northland, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Canterbury.
'Enough is enough': New Zealand First wants to ban fireworks
NZ First says its bill would ban private fireworks sales, use and imports.
Shane Jones reflects on his rural upbringing and longevity in politics
Shane Jones on the rural childhood and family values that shaped his politics.
National is promising $300m in loans for water storage if it is elected
The National Party will negotiate fertiliser security agreements with key supply countries and commit $300 million in loans to increase water storage if elected. Video / NZ Herald
Immigration scandal: Fate of MBIE CEO likely unclear until 2027 as inquiry drags on
The inquiry was initially expected to be wrapped up ahead of November's election.
Apollo Stadium site: Chris Bishop investigates Christchurch planning rules
The review will assess whether rules constrain housing and economic growth.
Qiulae Wong says no tax reform next term 'worth considering' in potential deal with National
Christopher Luxon points to Wong's land tax when ruling out Opportunity.
Better is ... impossible. The nonsense in a suit posing as political slogan
OPINION: Virtually all political slogans promise everything and explain bugger all.
Letters: Scrapping election day enrolments likely to disenfranchise many of our young
OPINION: Letters on society's divide, environmental issues and rugby scrums.
Support rises for NZ First and Labour in new poll
The coalition parties still have the numbers to form a government on this poll.
Phil Goff calls National's foreign aid cuts to fund Pharmac a 'cheap shot'
Election 2026: The Podcast reveals behind-the-scenes secrets from leaders' debates.
Labour's living wage pledge could 'end in tears', economist warns
Hiking wages without lifting productivity risks causing inflation to spike.
Solar could save Kiwis thousands — so what’s stopping us?
Rewiring Aotearoa’s Mike Casey joins The Front Page to explain the potential savings from electrification and the upfront costs stopping people from making the switch.
The New Zealand Herald Leaders' Debate
Join Ryan Bridge for the New Zealand Herald Leaders' Debate, a live, unedited showdown between the leaders of New Zealand's two largest political parties.
Is Opportunity really more popular than Act? Poll of polls explained
Our Poll of polls predicts election results, not polling averages, so numbers may differ.