Politics
Customs fighting 'such a big enemy': Exponential rise in drugs intercepted at the border
More than 12 tonnes of cocaine were intercepted in the Pacific in early 2026.
Latest from Ministry of Defence
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Army pauses cultural skills plan after Collins' displeasure with 'must do' waiata, karakia push
NZDF says the Chief of Army halted the rollout for wider consultation.
SAS tragedy: Chief of Army defends extensive safety reforms
Major-General Rose King's comments follow criticism from Coroner at NZSAS inquest.
'Wake-up call': Public service told to check all personal data deals
A separate review led by Paul James will look at current policy and operations settings.
Arson, stabbing and shrapnel: Police Minister Mark Mitchell’s health battle
An arsonist, Samurai sword and the Mongrel Mob left their marks on the Police Minister.
Japan summons China envoy over fighter jet incident
Japan says Chinese J-15 jets twice locked fire-control radar near Okinawa.
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Finally the Paris Climate Agreement charade is as good as over
OPINION: Nicola Willis has signalled New Zealand will not spend $23b overseas on trees.
'Truckload of stuff': Ex-defence minister on where $15m Ukraine aid should go
The $15m will fund weapons and gear for Ukraine under a Nato-US initiative.
New high security units to add 316 beds at Hawke’s Bay prison
Corrections is self-funding the build within its existing departmental budget.
Billions to be spent fixing flood-prone, mouldy defence estate
Associate Minister of Defence Hon Chris Penk and MP Simon Watts announced billions of dollars in defence infrastructure spending. Video / Annaleise Shortland
Downer NZ costs down, pushes up profit
From rail to roads, hospitals to the $800m airport upgrade – Downer and Hawkins are busy.
Germany needs a bigger military, but young people are divided on serving
Germany plans to grow its armed forces to 260,000 troops by 2031.
Governor calls in army as Japan’s deadly bear crisis deepens
Ten people have been killed by bears in Japan so far this year.
Dunedin teen arrested after Wellington mosque bomb threat due in court tomorrow
The threat named the Kilbirnie Masjid and was posted online on Thursday.
High-flying Syos buys underwater drone maker Bay Dynamics
Subsea capability was the only element missing in firm's offering to customers.
Inside the Govt’s end-of-year to-do list - and what could prove most difficult
A decision on introducing local council rates caps is due before December.
How Taiwan lives with looming threat from China
China is expected to rely on a blockade rather than an invasion.
NZ, Samoa strike deal on Manawanui disaster compensation
Samoa’s leaders say the reef damage has hurt fishing and tourism incomes.
Defence Force wants stronger collaboration from local industries
Defence Industry Strategy launched as civilian and military leaders cite global threats.
Did Penny Simmonds cross a line in farmers' consent dispute?
One affected farm is owned by National MP Suze Redmayne in the Rangitīkei.
Denmark bans civilian drones from airspace ahead of EU summit
The ban carries penalties of fines or up to two years in prison.
US defence chief summons hundreds of generals, admirals for urgent meeting
The Pentagon confirmed Pete Hegseth will speak but gave no agenda.
‘Obsolete systems’ part of $35m reboot to fill in for sunk navy ship HMNZS Manawanui
The sinking off a Samoan island was put down to a catalogue of failures by the NZ Navy
US agents arrest 475 in raid on Hyundai-LG plant in Atlanta, Georgia
South Koreans suspected of working in the United States illegally are the majority of the 475 people arrested in a raid on a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia. Video / AFP
Roger Partridge: Time to unscramble government
NZ has 81 ministerial portfolios across 28 ministers and 43 departments.
‘Is there going to be a war?’: NZ Army chief on modern combat and women on the frontline
Chief of Army Major General Rose King on her rise through the ranks to top dog.
The bungling Russian spy MI5 failed to catch
Siroj Abdoolcader avoided detection despite revealing his identity.
Watch: New planes, helicopters with Hellfire missiles, on investment list
The two new Airbus planes will be acquired on a lease-to-buy arrangement.
Real countries need to keep learning about their history – James Belich
OPINION: Marsden Fund cuts saved $14 million, endangering history projects.
Ready to act: UK plans swift deployment to Ukraine post-ceasefire
RAF jets will help police Ukraine's skies with allies if fighting ends.