Politics
Government’s books improve with bigger surpluses and lower debt
The Government’s finances are looking marginally better than Treasury expected when it released its forecasts at the Budget in May. Video / Mark Mitchell
Latest from Parliament
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
On the Campaign: Luxon’s surprise McDonald's mission and his ‘toot to finger’ ratio
A peckish Luxon made an unscheduled pitstop while campaigning.
Green Party surges to record high as Labour, National drop to 28%
The Greens climbed up four points in the latest poll.
Launch showdown: Who made the biggest impact as Luxon, Hipkins get personal
OPINION: National and Labour are officially in campaign mode – and the gloves are off.
'Madness': Seymour warns politicians in 'state of panic' responding to cost-of-living
He's called out 'naked self-preservation masquerading as moral principle'.
Tax, anime and bull****: What stood out at National, Labour's campaign launches
ANALYSIS: National and Labour took opposite approaches.
'Bull****': Hipkins slams National tax attacks, promises to wipe 10% student debt
Labour leader Chris Hipkins unveiled the policy at his campaign launch in South Auckland.
Watch – 'Been a real slog': Luxon warns Labour bereft of ideas as he reveals 10 top promises
The party intends to ram home its 'no new taxes' message at today's campaign launch.
Has Hipkins' campaigning improved since 'tough' 2023 – and what's Mallard doing?
ANALYSIS: Chris Hipkins has found a format that suits him with the public.
Act wants 'noise cameras' to catch loud cars and boy racers
The cameras combine microphones, video and number plate recognition.
National keeps Labour’s multi-year health funding system - but how much?
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has decided to stick with the way health is funded.
Hustle in the Hutt: Ginny Andersen leads Chris Bishop in Hutt South swing seat
Cost of living, the economy and jobs were top concerns for 51%.
Landlord tax cut was never about property – it was about the Labour Party
OPINION: Labour's decision to reinstate the interest deduction ban has rocked the party.
Labour claims Luxon 'MIA' on election campaign, National reveals what PM's been doing
There's bickering between the parties on day two of the campaign.
Watchdog opens inquiry after leaked OIA comments at Education Ministry
The Chief Ombudsman has previously raised 'significant concerns' about the remarks.
Health NZ to hire 380 extra nurses, midwives and assistants in next year
The organisation is also investigating a new model for calculating nursing needs.
Two-thirds of Kiwis want wealth tax, Labour's grip on main issues loosens
New survey comes amid persistent attacks from National on potential taxes under Labour.
NZ First promises to drop tax rate for small businesses
The party's policy includes dropping the tax rate from 28% to 20%.
Beehive report card: Top 5 performers in the House this term
OPINION: Parliament broke up yesterday and a few honourable mentions are in order.
Labour pledges billions to build more social housing, fix hospitals
If elected, the party says it would also fund improvements at nearly every state school.
We may not need another Bob Jones, but we could use a circuit breaker like him
OPINION: It's not the challenges NZ will face, but the Kiwis who rise to those challenges.
Election battle cries, jibes and Winston v the Greens dominate final Parliament debate
Peters' words became almost impossible to discern amid the din across the House.
Watch: 'I do not care' – Luxon, Seymour rebuff questions about Nicky Hager’s new book
Hager's book was released on Tuesday evening.
Watchdog takes action after education official's leaked OIA comments
The Ombudsman speaks of 'significant concerns' over reports about the Education Ministry.
Te Pāti Māori announces $200m fund to create Takatāpui commission
The gender-affirming policy would also aim to improve housing and protections.
MBIE CEO defends keeping his job as failed project's costs rise above $50m
The Public Service Commission's review into the project is still ongoing.
No smoking gun: Nicky Hager book fascinating but light on evidence
OPINION: Hager's new book tells a fascinating story but is the weakest of his trilogy.
Hipkins considering pushing pause on replacing frigates, but defends Five Eyes
Chris Hipkins says a Labour-led Government might not replace the ageing Anzac frigates.
Xu-Nan wants to be known for 1100 questions, not Peters' verbal attack
Green list MP says Chinese culture is misunderstood in political debate.
What National, Labour are proposing for Fire and Emergency at election
It follows an inquiry finding Fire and Emergency shortcomings.