Politics
'Spin and excuses': Labour critical of Govt over rising unemployment, Willis sees green shoots
Unemployment is now at the highest level since 2015.
Latest from Nicola Willis
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Could Auckland house prices crash another 10%? Housing Minister won't say
National MPs aren't sure what they want the Auckland housing market to do.
'Stay in her NZ lane': Peters takes aim at Reserve Bank Governor for commenting on US figure
The Finance Minister is keeping silent on the matter.
Liquidations hit 15-year high as 2025 proves worst year since GFC
Construction, hospitality, retail and transport firms take biggest knock.
Nicola Willis to run as list-only MP at next election
Nicola Willis will run as a list-only MP, stepping back from electorate contests.
Nicola Willis year end interview
Nicola Willis speaks with Business editor at large Liam Dann for her year-end interview.
Audrey Young: The three most improved MPs of 2025
OPINION: They're from different parties, but they share an admirable work ethic.
Govt confirms plan to sell Chorus debt, will invest in infrastructure
The sale will fund schools, hospitals and roads, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said.
Ruth Richardson won't 'be party to a circus', backs out of debate with Nicola Willis
The Taxpayers' Union recently ran an anti-Willis campaign with branded fudge.
Nicola Willis sees red: Still no surplus in sight
Economic recovery taking longer than expected.
Watch: Finance Minister Nicola Willis outines details of latest economic forecasts
The Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update has been released. Video / Mark Mitchell
No reprieve for Willis expected from Treasury forecasts, as return to surplus in question
The return to surplus may be pushed out again.
Herald NOW panel: Time person of the year, bus violence and Nicola Willis fudge
Herald Senior writer Simon Wilson and parenting specialist Jo Robertson debate the biggest issues of the day.
Fiscal feud: Former finance minister Ruth Richardson on the Government's fiscal direction
A war of words has erupted between former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson and current Finance Minister Nicola Willis over the Government’s fiscal direction.
'Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right': Nicola Willis hits back
The Finance Minister has a fiscal scrap on her hands and a debate-date dilemma too.
Taxpayers' Union releases fudge taking swipe at Nicola Willis
The Finance Minister has responded, saying she would not comment on silly stunts.
Watch: Willis issues challenge to Richardson
Finance Minister Nicola Willis continues to challenge Taxpayer's Union chair Ruth Richardson to a debate. Video / Mark Mitchell
Audrey Young: Nicola Willis shows her mettle as attacks come from left and right
OPINION: The Finance Minister has taken the fight back to TPU chairwoman Ruth Richardson.
Watch: PM, Finance Minister respond to Westpac's interest rate hike
Westpac lifted some fixed rates on Tuesday. Video / Mark Mitchell
Willis confirms how much she plans to spend in Budget 2026
Will a return to surplus be pushed out further into the future?
Finance Minister warns global AI bust could trigger NZ’s next shock
Her $9.5b annual debt interest bill mirrors new defence spending commitments.
Matthew Hooton: Blame game on Willis and Luxon exposes deeper crisis in economic reform
OPINION: Taxpayers’ Union set to turn its guns on Coalition’s shocking economic record.
Heated exchange between Nicola Willis and Labour MPs at Parliament
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has labelled the conduct of Labour MPs 'unbecoming' after a fiery Scrutiny Week encounter. Video / Parliament TV
Lies, conspiracy theories and a scone – tempers flare in parliamentary clash
MPs clashed in Parliament this morning, hurling insults at each other.
Popular social media identity working in Labour leader's office – private post falls foul of Speaker
Gerry Brownlee says he will crack down on any social posts that breach standing orders.
Watch: Nicola Willis says National may also campaign on repealing the Regulatory Standards Act
Nicola Willis speaks to Nick Mills and says National may also campaign on repealing the Regulatory Standards Act. Video / Mark Mitchell
'Landmark development': $300m apartments planned beside Henderson film studios
Apartments, creative studio spaces and offices are all planned beside the Westie studios.
Costco Wholesale will be able to sell alcohol in new Drury store
Costco made $361.5m total revenue in its latest trading period, although it's still new.
'Generational cover-up of serious misconduct': Coster on borrowed time as public sector CEO
OPINION: Coster's career at the top of the public service doesn't have long.
Shane Te Pou: Government needs a new plan for jobs
OPINION: Economist Craig Renney warns rising youth unemployment risks 'economic scarring'.