Opinion
NZ Foreign Minister: If it’s not Winston Peters, then who?
There are several reasons why Peters may not be the next Foreign Minister.
Latest from Politics
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Labour promises to reinstate pay equity, but only costs one claim, leaving $8.5b out of plan
The Labour Party published its fiscal plan, reiterating a pledge to restore the old pay equity regime, but declining to include a specific cost for this in its spending plan.
Nicola Willis pushes back on Labour's fiscal credibility
National Party finance spokeswoman Nicola Willis speaks to media after Labour released its fiscal strategy. Video / NZ Herald
NZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Sunday, October 4, 2026
NZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Sunday, October 4, 2026. The Green Party wants free travel for children while National pledges to deliver new roads if re-elected. Video / NZ Herald
Act announces multibillion-dollar KiwiSaver tax cut – but there’s a catch
The policy was announced today at Act's campaign launch.
Green Party promises free travel for children, $2 adult fares, light rail for key cities
The party's bus and light rail plans cover Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
'Deliberately set on fire': National billboard blaze reported to police
National candidate Carlos Cheung said he would not be intimidated by the criminal actions.
National to start construction on long-awaited Mill Rd in 2028 if re-elected
National will also allocate $100m to route protection.
Green Party transport policy sees free travel for children, light rail for key cities and more
The Green Party launched its “fast, frequent and affordable public transport” policy package at a co-leader stand-up outside the Maungawhau Station. Video / NZ Herald
National to start construction on Mill Rd in 2028 if re-elected
National says it will start construction on stage one of Auckland’s long-awaited Mill Rd project in 2028 if the party is re-elected next month. Video / NZ Herald
'Live with dignity': What older Kiwis want from politicians this election
Retirement villages are popular stops on the campaign trail - but what do residents want?
There is an $11b benefit that belies the Govt's flawed conservation reforms
OPINION: Pitting economic development against conservation is becoming a false choice.
Chris Hipkins on the conversation that changed everything
Chris Hipkins joins Paula Bennett on her Ask Me Anything podcast ahead of the 2026 election.
Labour leader goes on spending spree at Upper Hutt outdoor show
Hipkins had to turn to one of his MPs when one stall didn't offer payWave.
Greens announce plans for Auckland to Wellington overnight rail service
The party also wants a passenger rail service between Christchurch and Dunedin.
Act wants compulsory karakia dropped from planning consents
Act wants rules to rule out mandatory spiritual practices, which developers pay for.
Why bad policy feels as good in 2026 as it ever did
OPINION: The fundamental problem is that there is no direct feedback mechanism.
‘Never again’: New legal fight on Covid vaccine requirements for under-18s
Case to ask if teens could give informed vaccine consent when expert advice was withheld.
All aboard: National hits the road in new campaign bus
The National leader said he was open to name suggestions for the new set of wheels.
National Party campaign bus launch
National leader Christopher Luxon will speak with media as the party launches its campaign bus. Video / NZ Herald
Can Labour make it add up? Big questions hang over Hipkins' fiscal plan
The Labour Party's fiscal plan for the election has become a hotly anticipated document.
Construction’s dirty-money issue: Fortune flows through industry from gangs
Police have told the NZ construction industry that its systems 'are not robust enough’.
Opportunity is being exceptionally honest about its bottom lines – has it made a big mistake?
Has the Opportunity Party made a mistake with its bottom lines?
Editorial: National's passport-free transtasman travel is a superficial policy win
OPINION: In the marketing stakes, it is a savvy proposal, regardless of the real benefits.
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.
Christopher Luxon walks back ‘bizarre claim’ about the Greens
Green Party's Chlöe Swarbrick said minister had provided no evidence to back his comment.
Willis and Edmonds clash over small business policy in Beyond the Ballot debate
A MYOB survey found 36% of SME owners back National and 28% Labour.
Election 2026: Doug Graham, Act Whangārei candidate
Doug Graham, Act Whangārei candidate, answers rapid-fire questions on local issues. Video / Northern Advocate
Brash and Mowbray's call to split National's vote is a fool's errand
OPINION: Assorted rightists are asking to split the Nats' vote. It's too clever by half.