Politics

NZ MAGA'fuckation | March 2026 Edition

A month of MAGA'fuckation importation by the New Zealand Government

Robin Capper

Robin Capper

— 27 min read
NZ MAGA'fuckation | March 2026 Edition
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MAGA'fuckation: Usage suggests the term is meant to describe the perceived adoption or importation of MAGA-style politics or rhetoric into other countries, in this case New Zealand, with a strongly negative connotation. (Copilot)
Transmission network already threatened by climate hazards, data shows
Transpower and lines companies say more resilient infrastructure is part of their future planning, but could solar and batteries also have a part to play?
RNZKate Newton

If houses had solar...

Luxon says NZ’s position the same as Australia on Iran attacks
The prime minister said it would be up to the US and Israel to explain the legal basis for their attacks.
RNZMorningreport

He follows his leader...

Scientists say key systems missing from Emergency Management Bill
The Emergency Management Bill is aimed at fixing a slew of shortfalls in the country’s disaster-proofing.
RNZRNZ News

"Key scientific infrastructure, such as GeoNet and the national weather radar network, are missing from the current definition," he said on Friday.

Government ‘kicked the tyres’ on solar subsidies but went with ‘minor’ tweaks instead
It is one of the cheapest ways to cut power bills - yet documents reveal the government shelved a subsidy.
RNZKirsty Johnston
Move-on orders didn’t get backing of Housing or Justice ministries
The powers will mean police can move on rough sleepers or people displaying disorderly behaviour as young as 14-years-old.
RNZLillian Hanly
No change to government’s LNG plans after global price spike
Labour says it is naive to rely on LNG.
RNZGiles Dexter

It only took a couple of weeks to demonstrate how fragile this plan is

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins says US-Israel strikes illegal
The Prime Minister says New Zealand will not join the conflict.
RNZRNZ News

The Prime Minister has admitted he "misspoke" when he said New Zealand supported "any actions" to prevent Iran having nuclear weapons.

New Zealand not in place to make call on US strikes in Iran, Willis says
Barbara Edmonds told Morning Report decisions made by the US were increasingly unilateral, while Willis has pointed to “our distance from this conflict and our lack of involvement in it”.
RNZMorningreport

"The challenge that New Zealand has, and our distance from this conflict and our lack of involvement in it, is we simply haven't had access to the intelligence, the background, the information which has led the US and Israel to make these strikes. They have said that under international law, they're invoking the self defence mechanism and judging whether or not that is appropriate is difficult," she said. For her maybe...

Christopher Luxon forced into another correction over Iran war visas
The Greens say the prime minister “snuck” into the House “late last night” to correct the record.
RNZLillian Hanly
TVNZ chair calls Paul Goldsmith after police minister dissatisfied with gang numbers story
Paul Goldsmith said the chair of the public broadcaster, Andrew Barclay, had raised the story during the call.
RNZGalleryreporters

The Govt that complained about news media being ruled by the previous...

Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith says he ‘may have grunted’ at TVNZ chair
Paul Goldsmith was quizzed about his widely scrutinised exchange with Andrew Barclay by Labour’s Reuben Davidson in Question Time this afternoon.
RNZAnneke Smith
Social Development Minister says nothing suggests Gloriavale children unsafe following visit
Louise Upston visited Gloriavale on 30 January where she met Overseeing Shepherd Stephen Standfast, senior leaders and other Gloriavale members.
RNZJean Edwards

Duped

Former Gloriavale member criticises Louise Upston’s decision to visit Christian community
Social Development Minister Louise Upston visited Gloriavale on 30 January and met with Overseeing Shepherd Stephen Standfast, community leaders and other Gloriavale members.
RNZJean Edwards

Louise Upston duped by Gloriavale: "I welcome the opportunity to learn about the changes they've made over the last few years, and am pleased to see they are supportive of the outcomes framework and working together in the months ahead."

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford apologises after inflating overstayer figures
The government has been accused of scaremongering after Erica Stanford said there were “tens of thousands more” overstayer.
RNZAnneke Smith

'Misspoking' seems to be rife in the coalition

Treasury figures show $6 billion deficit for seven months ended January
Treasury figures, which exclude ACC finances, show a deficit of $6 billion for the seven months ended January, about $1.9b below the December half year forecast.
RNZRNZ News

'about $1.9b below the December half year forecast.' About 'Proper ferries and ports below...

New Zealand has small, important role in Middle East solution, expert says
The United States and Israel have continued airstrikes on Iran as the conflict moves into its fifth day.
RNZMiddayreport

Not with this coalition in charge

NZ spy agency put US far-right group Proud Boys on terrorist list despite not meeting threshold
The NZ Security Intelligence Service was ambivalent about the group being dropped from the list in 2025.
RNZPhil Pennington

'Proud Boys were described as an ideologically fascist group that violently targeted minority groups'

Analysis: What would it take for Christopher Luxon to quit as prime minister?
Analysis - One of Luxon’s weaknesses has been his inability to take feedback. Another is his complete lack of self-doubt, writes Jo Moir.
RNZJo Moir

I hope he doesn't, is doing great work for the opposition

Officials warns that retail crime advisory group lacks relevant expertise after resignations
Officials advised justice minister in January that remaining two members “do not hold subject matter expertise”.
RNZJimmy Ellingham, Louisa Cleave

Retail wrought

Former MP Jackie Blue quits National to join Opportunity party
Jackie Blue says she can’t stand by what the government has done to low-paid workers.
RNZRNZ News

Goes to TOP, who are not much different

MSD can now legally claw back welfare payments
It means ACC claimants, including sexual and state abuse survivors, will incur debts for extra money they sought.
RNZAnneke Smith

The Greens' Ricardo Menéndez March said the bill was a joke: "How can this be a bill about fairness and equity when it entrenches a practice that puts some of our most injured and traumatised people in large debts?

National falls into the 20s in latest poll as pressure mounts on Christopher Luxon
“It is not good, is it?” Winston Peters says about the poll results, while Nicola Willis says it’s “not a good number”.
RNZJo Moir

Doing well, considering he does nothing and is 'unaware' of the rest

New Dunedin Hospital’s ‘approved budget’ higher than government claimed
The approved budget for the new Dunedin Hospital is just over $2b, though the government continues to use a figure millions less than that.
RNZPhil Pennington

The newly revealed budget is $2.05b, while the government as recently as Wednesday said it was $1.88b.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon ‘absolutely not’ considering standing down
The Prime Minister told Newstalk ZB all of his ministers were telling him they back him.
RNZRNZ News

Nor should he, until after the next election

The House: MPs agree infrastructure debate should be politics free
Analysis - All parties agreed that politics is detrimental to infrastructure decision-making and things need to change, yet can’t help getting political about it.
RNZPhil Smith

They should not also be evidence free, which is what most of the RONS projects are

PM Christopher Luxon facing a ‘last straw scenario’ - commentators
“The more that the leader says: ‘There’s nothing to see here, it’s all fine’, the more it exacerbates the problem”.
RNZLillian Hanly
Defiant Christopher Luxon says no discussions needed on his leadership
The prime minister says he did not ask any of his ministers over the weekend if he had their support.
RNZMorningreport,
How strong is support for Christopher Luxon? We’re about to find out
Analysis: It’s a bold prime minister who assumes the support of his entire caucus after one of his worst weeks in the job.
RNZJo Moir
Luxon: Bad poll result ‘not a major focus’ for National
“I can reassure you I’ll be the leader going into the election on November 7,” says the National Party leader.
RNZRNZ News

Fully support this!

NZ economy ‘on precipice’ as markets wobble, oil price rises
Wider inflation, beyond just at the pump, may have already begun, an economist warns
RNZSusan Edmunds

Just as well all we're planning is more roads and LNG importation...

National’s Shane Reti to retire from politics
He is the fourth National MP to confirm he will not stand at the election.
RNZGalleryreporters

What are the odds he'll soon become a director of private health entities?

Covid-19 response inquiry finds students’ reading scores never bounced back
The disruption was greater in Auckland and schools with more socioeconomic barriers.
RNZJohn Gerritsen

So the usual...

Covid-19 inquiry: Politicians on all sides find what they need in report
ACT has blasted the previous government for being power-hungry and NZ First maintained its reservations about the inquiry, but Labour defended the response as world-leading.
RNZEllen O’dwyer

The Coalition did not find the answers they wanted, in their inquiry, so spun

Lessons from the Covid-19 response inquiry
The 500-plus-page report looks at what it calls some of the “most difficult and divisive responses around vaccines and mandates”.
RNZPhil Pennington
Government backtracks on live animal export plans
Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard could not get Cabinet agreement on overturning the ban, which formed part of coalition agreements with both ACT and NZ First.
RNZKeiller Macduff

One good thing

Queenstown-based tech entrepreneur Brian Cartmell donating hundreds of thousands to political parties
Brian Cartmell, a Queenstown-based expat American, has given big donations to ACT, National, NZ First and the Opportunity party.
RNZFarah Hancock

But expects nothing back of course...

NZ will release six days of fuel amid global concerns over supply
Energy Minister Shane Jones says New Zealand is obliged to contribute to the IEA’s release.
RNZRNZ News

In the audio Jones described out fraction of a percent contribution as 'small but significant', the same man who dismisses our climate warming contribution as nothing

While Aotearoa New Zealand has 0.06% of the world’s population, it emits 0.17% of all global emissions. That’s three times our share of the population. If everyone in the world contributed the same level of warming per capita as Aotearoa New Zealand, total warming would peak at around 5°C and decline to around 4.3°C by the year 2100
https://www.climatecommission.govt.nz/get-involved/exploring-the-issues/aotearoa-context#question-1
Beneficiary numbers soar to 12-year high despite government’s reduction promise
Louise Upston vowed to “curb the surge in welfare dependency” after taking office, but the numbers are now the highest since at least 2013.
RNZLauren Crimp

Back on track?

‘We’re just meant to say thank you’: Government u-turns on disability funding
The minister has wound back controversial cuts, but those affected say the past 2 years won’t be forgotten.
RNZNinetonoon
The government’s targets in charts: Employment target remains elusive
Law and order targets are being met, but wait times in emergency departments are getting further from the mark.
RNZFarah Hancock

Targets scrapped as they fail to acheive

Documents reveal Health NZ knew IT job cuts would risk patient care, hospital resilience
Documents reveal what the agency was told before it started making changes.
RNZKate Green

"The long-term forecast for these risks (i.e, with fewer people and less knowledge; and with an ageing IT ecosystem) is that the risk rating will almost certainly elevate as technical debt becomes unsustainable and the modernisation/transformation required to meet the future needs of the sector is delayed," the report said.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith dismisses officials’ advice on ‘move on orders’
Paul Goldsmith has batted away advice from government agencies strongly urging against the move and pointing to a lack of evidence.
RNZCraig Mcculloch

See above

ACT voices strong objections to greyhound racing ban, won’t say if pulling support for legislation
The party says it is “not convinced” the threshold had been met for banning a legal industry.
RNZCraig Mcculloch

ACT supporting animal harm again...

Green Party warns of ‘perfect storm’ as ferry breakdowns disrupt travel and freight
The Interislander’s Kaiārahi has been out of service since Tuesday night because of a technical fault, and Bluebridge’s Connemara ferry was also cancelled on Thursday and Friday.
RNZPenelope Smith

We'd have new ferries now, but for Nicolla

Prime Minister’s office denies Christopher Luxon requested Samoan matai title
Christopher Luxon is due to fly to Apia tonight for a three-day Pacific mission, which will also see him visit Tonga.
RNZGiles Dexter

He didn't, or did he?

Samoa confirms Luxon did not request matai title
In a statement Samoa’s government said the title bestowal for visiting leaders is a traditional courtesy to be extended by the government.
RNZGiles Dexter

He didn't

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon refuses to say if he tried to call off Samoa matai ceremony
Luxon refused to answer questions about a report from Samoan media, saying he wanted to move on from the issue.
RNZLillian Hanly

"The furore over Christopher Luxon's new matai title is refusing to go away, after local media in Samoa reported there was a late night phone call saying he didn't want to go ahead with it after "too much interference on social media"." "Luxon refused to answer questions about the reports on Tuesday, saying he wanted to move on from the issue." I bet he does...

About $8 million available to cover asbestos sand clean-up costs, document indicates
An Education Ministry document indicates it has about $8 million available to cover asbestos sand clean-up costs insurance companies won’t cover.
RNZJohn Gerritsen

Why aren't sand suppliers paying it?

‘Emergency package’ could help low income families amid financial crisis, economist says
Economist Susan St John says New Zealand is already in a “crisis” and low income families are likely most affected
RNZCheckpoint

From 16th, it took another week before they announced anything

Government announces extra $25 million funding to boost hospital capacity and staff
The government funding would provide up to 378 additional full-time staff across nursing, medical, allied health and support roles and 71 extra winter hospital beds.
RNZRNZ News

Anything extra is welcome, but this is a tiny proportion of what they cut

Why the government backed away from breaking up supermarkets
For most of 2025, the government talked tough. What’s changed?
RNZKirsty Johnston

"All options are on the table," Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis announced in March. She promised to "pull out all the stops" for shoppers paying some of the highest food prices in the developed world. But a year later, the promise of "meaningful change" at the checkout is unfulfilled."

Is Nicola Willis’s ‘worst-case’ scenario not bad enough?
The finance minister said that in the event of a prolonged conflict in Iran, lasting until the end of the year, inflation could hit that level, as modelled by Treasury.
RNZSusan Edmunds

Yes

PM Luxon to return to NZ after three-day trip to Samoa and Tonga
The Prime Minister’s three-day trip to Samoa and Tonga saw a series of announcements to strengthen cooperation in transnational crime and drug trafficking.
RNZGiles Dexter
Prime Minister retreats to safe law and order ground in Pacific
Analysis: When stuck in a bind, Christopher Luxon can always rely on talking about law and order.
RNZGiles Dexter

Lost outside of canned responses

Greenpeace targets PM’s office over possible NZ minerals deal with US
A sign that reads ‘Trump War Minerals HQ’ with a cutout of a bald eagle preying on a Kiwi bird were erected.
RNZRNZ News

MAGA'fuckation importation hits home

Fuel situation could get worse before better, says Christopher Luxon
Prime Minister warns that “things could get worse before they actually get better”.
RNZCraig Mcculloch

But, as of 20 March, doing nothing

How a crucial 45-minute meeting between ministers took pay equity claims away from tens of thousands of women
That meeting began the overhaul of the once “world-leading” Equal Pay Act - retrospectively stripping nurses, teachers and carers.
RNZKirsty Johnston

The biggest payroll robbery in New Zealand history

Analysis: PM Christopher Luxon takes the reins and risk on looming economic crisis
Analysis - An unexpected address from the Prime Minister this week spoke volumes about the economic crisis the government is staring down the barrel of.
RNZJo Moir

'Mr Absent' is back

New Zealand joins 19 countries in statement condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf
In a post on X, the Prime Minister emphasised the attacks against fuel tankers and energy infrastructure are leading to higher fuel prices for New Zealanders.
RNZRNZ News

Unlike the original US Israeli attack

Government data being held by ‘unvetted third parties’ - Treasury report
The GCSB spy agency has taken six times longer than it should have to address questions about lax cyber security identified in a Treasury report - and then refused to answer most of them.
RNZPhil Pennington

No back office workers?

Greens offer votes for National Party crisis-relief package - with conditions
Transport authorities say they have capacity on buses, trains and ferries for people to travel and leave the car at home.
RNZKeiller Macduff, Morningreport

23 March: the Greens have a plan to reduce fuel demand, the Coalition has done nothing

Christopher Luxon says he’s focused on fuel challenges not polls
After falling further in the RNZ-Reid Research poll, the prime minister says the government has more to do but many people feel “things have got better” with the economy.
RNZCraig Mcculloch

His performance on this to date doesn't support this

RNZ-Reid Research poll: Bleak numbers for Luxon, but no obvious successors
Analysis: Voters say National and its leader are doing worse, according to a new poll. But they also aren’t pointing to a clear alternative.
RNZJo Moir
NZ not yet committed to Strait of Hormuz action, despite NATO statement - David Seymour
The government says it has not made any commitment towards military action in the Middle East, despite New Zealand being namechecked by the head of NATO.
RNZRNZ News

Tell the Foreign Minister... "Over the weekend, the government joined 19 other countries in condemning Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf. In a collective statement, the countries including the United Kingdom and Germany, expressed "deep concern" about the escalating conflict. The statement also expressed its signatories would be ready "to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait"."

Watch: $50 a week for some families as fuel crisis relief package unveiled
Thousands of families are expected to qualify for the tax credit amid what the PM is calling the greatest disruption to fuel supply in a generation.
RNZRNZ News

Because childless people don't use fuel...

Fuel crisis package: Nearly 150,000 families to receive $50 a week
“The policy is carefully targeted to families in the squeezed middle - parents who are working hard for a living,” Nicola Willis says.
RNZCraig Mcculloch

23 March: Because childless people don't use fuel...

ACT Party deputy and minister Brooke van Velden retires from politics
The party’s deputy and government minister will not be seeking re-election in November.
RNZRNZ News

Good riddance, she robbed thousands... Read Emily Writes "Brooke van Velden: This Is Your Life"

Winston Peters says New Zealand not ‘rushing to contribute military forces to this conflict’
The Foreign Minister says people shouldn’t be alarmed that “somehow we’re going to be engaged in some military exercise” following statements by the head of NATO.
RNZLillian Hanly

"Over the weekend, the government joined 19 other countries in condemning Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf. In a collective statement, the countries including the United Kingdom and Germany, expressed "deep concern" about the escalating conflict. The statement also expressed its signatories would be ready "to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait"."

Golden Bay gold mine proposal pushing ahead ‘without any genuine community consent’, say locals
Two activists locked themselves to the main drilling rig at Sams Creek for about 12 hours during the weekend.
RNZSamantha Gee
Fuel ‘demand restraint’ being considered by government, Shane Jones says
The government is getting advice about possible steps towards cutting fuel use, the associate energy minister says.
RNZMorningreport

23 March, still nothing to extend life of current holding

Homelessness among older people at crisis levels, Christchurch Methodist Mission says
Politicians across the spectrum acknowledged there was a problem at the ‘Doors to Dignity’ campaign launch at Parliament.
RNZPenelope Smith

They've reduced the number of people in emergency accommodation by increasing homelessness

Minister stands by decision to tighten emergency housing criteria despite criticism
It comes after an Auditor-General report highlighted the need for more consistency and fairness.
RNZLillian Hanly

See above

Erica Stanford accused of sending National Party video to principals through ministerial email
The Education Minister is being accused of using government resources to spread party content, but her office says it was human error.
RNZLillian Hanly

Erica Stanford is being accused of using government resources to distribute party political videos, but her office says it was simply "human error". So her office is managing the NZ National Party YouTube page?

Government to remove contentious clause in Fisheries Amendment Bill after backlash
The Prime Minister stepped in and spoke with Minister in charge Shane Jones, and said he agreed to take out the sections of the Fisheries Amendment Bill that removes the minimum size limits.
RNZLillian Hanly, Craig Mcculloch

Shame Jones

Latest data shows dip in NZ’s fuel stocks
The triggers which could prompt the introduction of fuel restrictions, rationing or guidance will be set out later this week.
RNZCraig Mcculloch

The announcement of nothing

ACT and Retail NZ claim paywave surcharge ban ‘dead’, but National says that’s wrong
“No further decisions have been made on the ban on surcharges,” Scott Simpson says.
RNZGiles Dexter

The surcharge ban was never going to ban the charges. It just meant everyone pays them irrespective of how you pay.

National optimistic its paywave surcharge ban will make it to reality
After ACT proclaimed the plan was “dead”, minister Scott Simpson insists he’s just taking more time to work on the policy.
RNZGiles Dexter

Far right brain not talking to right brain?

Focus on boosting enrolment after government’s new voter restrictions - Electoral Commission
You will not be able to enrol on election day, vote if you’re not enrolled at least 13 days before the election and prisoners cannot vote.
RNZRussell Palmer

National adopting GOP tactics to disenfranchise voters

The case for reporting climate stats every day
Numeric snapshots are very familiar from daily reports of everything from stock markets to sports - so why not the climate?
RNZElspeth Tilley*

It might be argued such [climate] numbers aren't as relevant to people's everyday lives as interest rates and stock markets. But that's increasingly not the case. Environmental statistics help track changes that do and will affect us.

ECan councillor slams disability transport funding cuts
A Canterbury regional councillor has slammed funding cuts to a transport service for people with disabilities.
RNZRNZ News

In December, the government announced the Total Mobility Scheme was close to exceeding Crown funding due to a growing demand for the service, putting financial pressure on local government and NZTA. The government is planning to cut the Total Mobility subsidy from 75 percent to 65 percent of the fare, up to the fare cap of $63, from 1 July, as it looks for cost savings

Bill to give police new powers to move and detain introduced to Parliament
A bill just introduced to Parliament delivers new powers to police to move or detain someone, but just how far it goes depends who you listen to.
RNZPhil Pennington

Official inquiries sparked by RNZ in 2020 exposing how officers for years had casually snapped tens of thousands of people, mostly Māori teenagers.

Government reveals details of fuel crisis rationing plan - and who will be prioritised
The prime minister stressed there was no need to hoard fuel, as the government’s crisis plan is revealed.
RNZRussell Palmer,
Ministry seeks regulatory feedback on fuel plan to avoid red tape ‘getting in the way’
The Ministry for Regulation is now urging businesses, fuel users, freight operators, and the wider public to report issues.
RNZRNZ News

Fuck off with your bullshit Ministry David

Move on orders: Protesters hold overnight vigil in Wellington cathedral
The prime minister and housing minister were invited to breakfast after the vigil at the cathedral across the road from Parliament - but are not expected to attend.
RNZRussell Palmer

They would be moved on with the new law

Fuel crisis: ‘Business as usual’, Luxon says - but some industries are struggling
It comes as supply chain data shows the last shipments of fuel from Gulf Oil for New Zealand are likely to arrive on 20 April.
RNZMorningreport, Ninetonoon

While the government does nothing

Watch: PM Christopher Luxon gives updates on fuel response plan
The prime minister says he would rather have the “embarrassment of an abundance of fuel” than be “under-sorted”.
RNZRNZ News

Someone showed him the 'missing a leader' articles

Expanding mining: NZ First want to declaw DOC, extend permits, return half of royalties to local regions
Mining plays a vital role in NZ’s economy and is expanding, the party says, so approvals need to be easier and more efficient.
RNZRNZ News

Hon Shame Jones, Minister of Regional Environmental Destruction

War on Iran a ‘bazooka’ through government’s LNG plan - gentailer CEO
The Energy Minister is expressing confidence in the government’s plans to build a liquefied natural gas terminal, even as concerns mount.
RNZGiles Dexter

For fuck sake, they want to link our 80% renewable power to the price of LNG

Ministers seek ‘urgent advice’ to ease fuel price pain for support workers
Health Minister Simeon Brown says relief could be offered by boosting the existing mileage allowance which workers receive.
RNZCraig Mcculloch

The prick should have done this a month ago. They get less than half the IRD recommended (still too low) vehicle use km rate

Shane Jones reminds National, ACT of fisheries bill commitment
Jones was last week forced to back down from the most contentious element of the proposed law change after National and ACT effectively threatened to pull their support.
RNZGalleryreporters

A reminder Luxon didn't have to give NZ First or ACT anything. They had nowhere else to go

Prime Minister expected to announce Cabinet reshuffle this week
Christopher Luxon will need to reallocate portfolios held by Judith Collins.
RNZRNZ News

Deck chairs on the Titanic...

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