NZ MAGA&#x27;fuckation | May 2026 Edition

National insists coalition is stable, even as cracks begin to show

He released them to 'position'

Analysis - Fractures between the coalition parties have been slowly expanding .

RNZLillian Hanly, Russell Palmer

A government of opposition

West Coast mine application on UNESCO heritage site withdrawn

Resources Minister Shane Jones blames his “communist opponents” in the Green Party for opposing the project.

Government urged to take stronger stand over Kiwi ICE detainee Everlee Wihongi

Good news?

Labour’s immigration spokesperson says Winston Peters is not doing enough to support Everlee Wihongi.

‘As damaging as the Treaty Principles Bill’: Proposed changes to Treaty clauses revealed

David Farrier has excellent coverage of this on Webworm including: "Did Winston Peters Lie About Everlee?"

Documents filed with the Waitangi Tribunal show what the changes could mean.

RNZPokere Paewai

National doing what ACT wanted, and couldn't get through

US invites NZ to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz

The United States has invited New Zealand to join forces with a number of other countries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

RNZLauren Crimp, Middayreport

Luxon's mate calls...

Prime Minister declines to offer evidence to back his claim he was mischaracterised in emails

In an interview with RNZ, Christopher Luxon said he had nothing further to add in relation to the bombshell document release from Winston Peters’ office.

RNZJo Moir, Craig Mcculloch

The original headline was "Nothing more to add"

Calls for government to release list of who will get fuel priority

It has been five weeks since Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she was actively consulting with industry, local government and community stakeholders on who would be on the list.

RNZ, Checkpoint

They are still pretending there won't be a crisis

ACT’s plan to toughen immigration rules

The ACT party proposes a shake-up of immigration policy, including deporting serious offenders no matter how long they have been in the country.

NZer in flotilla intercepted by Israel has concussion and possible broken rib, wife says

ACT's ICE NZ

Jay O’Connor, Mousa Taher, Julien Blondel and Sean Janssen were among almost 180 people who had disembarked on the Greek island of Crete.

Global Sumud Flotilla calls on NZ government to intervene after Israeli interception

The Flotilla said 22 boats carrying aid for Gaza were illegally intercepted in international waters. Six New Zealanders were among those detained.

Coalition ‘working well’ despite recent email clash, Simeon Brown says

"These citizens are part of a completely legal action onboard vessels that are lawfully exercising navigation rights under article 87 of UNCLOS - to deliver essential aid, open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza, and break the illegal siege on Gaza by the Israeli regime,"

The Prime Minister last week accused his coalition partner of playing politics after Winston Peters’ office released emails discussing New Zealand’s stance on US strikes on Iran.

RNZ, Morningreport

A government where everyone is the opposition

Big NZ First donors argue for tax breaks to save ‘unsustainable’ racing industry

A leaked report shows major industry donors fear the industry is “unsustainable” without further tax breaks.

RNZFarah Hancock

NZ First working for its sponsors

Teachers blast draft curriculums, shortage of Waitangi Treaty influence

Teachers in music, physical education, science, technology and history have slammed the plans.

Seymour bemoans critics reducing immigration debate to ‘soap opera’ politics

The ACT leader says those arguing he’s competing with NZ First on immigration should be constructive.

Why planning reforms have people concerned about the Waitākere Ranges and development

Explainer - Could government reforms lead to increased development in the ranges? Here’s why locals are concerned.

RNZNik Dirga

Because they are threatened, again...

New Zealand signs deal with Singapore to ensure trade of essential goods

The deal will be incorporated into the existing New Zealand-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

Survey reveals the dire state of dialysis services around New Zealand

The Auckland service is operating at 150 percent capacity while the South Island has only three haemodialysis units.

RNZNinetonoon, Philippa Tolley

From recent experience, visiting Waitakere Hospital, all services are massively overstretched and only functional due to exceptional overworked staff

Foreign Minister Winston Peters condemns Iran’s attacks on United Arab Emirates

In a social media post, Winston Peters said the attack was unhelpful for peace negotiations.

ACT wants pharmacists to take on more medical services, to help out GPs

Yet still on the fence regarding Israel and US...

It says pressure could be taken off doctors if pharmacists were allowed to treat everyday conditions, manage long-term medication and conduct skin checks.

Government gives councils amalgamation ultimatum

Yet pharmacists are also in short supply and overworked.

“Lead your own reform, or we will do it for you,” Chris Bishop says, as a deadline is set.

Is New Zealand sliding toward a US‑style approach to immigration and asylum?

Remember when they opposed centralisation?

Analysis - New Zealand’s proposed immigration bill seeks to shift the system away from its humanitarian orientation and toward one built on suspicion and control.

RNZJay Marlowe and Timothy Fadgen

"New Zealand is not there yet, but the direction of policy drift is recognisable."

Ministry of Education approves total $1.4 million to remove asbestos-contaminated sand

The ministry says it approved one-off grants for 65 schools to cover the bill for last year’s clean up of asbestos-contaminated sand.

Education Minister Erica Stanford responds to criticism of curriculum rewrite

Why aren't product suppliers funding it?

The Education Minister told RNZ changes would be made to six draft curriculums - but there wouldn’t be any complete rewrites.

Broadcasting Standards Authority to be scrapped

Which to believe... "No organisation representing teachers or principals has spoken out in support of the government's changes, but Stanford claimed most teachers backed her."

The minister says if people don’t like what’s being broadcast, they can “just turn it off” instead of formally complaining.

RNZLillian Hanly, Middayreport

What if people are incited by what is being broadcast, their victims cannot 'just turn it off'

Scrapping Broadcasting Standards Authority will hit standards, experts say

An academic says the decision to scrap the BSA was momentous and he is concerned about the impact it could have on journalism, and therefore democracy.

Does abolishing the BSA mean the end of enforceable media standards in general?

Original headline" Scrapping BSA a 'momentous' loss for media accountability, experts say"

Analysis: The announcement that the government was abolishing the Broadcasting Standards Authority came as no real surprise.

RNZPeter Thompson*

"In a media environment where disinformation, fake news and polarising propaganda are already permitted to proliferate, this represents a real risk to democratic processes."

New test covering ‘responsibilities and privileges’ of NZ citizenship announced for migrants

Applicants will be quizzed on the “responsibilities and privileges” of citizenship and will need at least 75 percent of questions correct to pass.

RNZGalleryreporters

I wonder how many New Zealanders would get 75%? I've never saluted a flag, perhaps I should leave?

Would-be Kiwis will get up to six attempts to pass new citizenship test

Internal Affairs is on the hunt for companies interested in implementing the test - but they’ll have to be able to prevent “cheating”.

What you need to know about New Zealand’s new citizenship test plans

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Morning Report on Thursday it was self-funding. "You could take it or leave it," he said about the test, before going on to say it was "probably not a bad thing" to remind people of important things like equal rights and free speech." The irony given his coalitions policies.

Explainer - Would-be citizens will have to pass a test starting next year: What might that look like and how do other countries do it?

RNZNik Dirga

"In the announcement, van Velden said the topics will include the Bill of Rights Act, human rights, voting rights and democratic principles, New Zealand's system of government, some criminal offences and questions about travelling overseas on a New Zealand passport. Notably, there was no mention of Te Tiriti o Waitangi or Māori tikanga in the announcement. However, there will be a Treaty of Waitangi question in the test, van Velden confirmed to RNZ." One fucking question...

‘Broken funding model’ and ‘anti-GP ideology’ causing GPs to leave jobs, doctor says

Dr Geoff Cunningham also says there is an “anti-GP ideology” in the Ministry of Health.

The Three Waters shadow hanging over council amalgamations

Both the (multi-doctor) medical centres I have to deal with are massively overstretched. Is up to a month to see a specific GP, often days to see any.

Analysis - National’s local government reforms face one of the same problems Labour encountered with Three Waters, with councils at risk of being left out in the cold.

Formal complaint lodged with United Nations over changes to New Zealand’s pay equity laws

But it was going to be 'done better'

A group of organisations lodged the complaint asking the United Nations to investigate whether the government’s pay equity law changes amount to systemic discrimination against women.

RNZKrystal Gibbens

Good, ACTNZFNAT robbed woman

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones overrode official advice for fines related to leaking fishing boat footage

Documents reveal the minister was told the proposed maximum fine, five times a Privacy Act breach penalty, was “unreasonable”.

NZ is overdue for a population strategy – but there is only so much governments can do

Working for his sponsors

Analysis: Any population strategy for Aotearoa must grapple seriously with diversity, not as an afterthought, but as a foundational design principle.

RNZTahu Kukutai, John Bryant and Polly Atatoa Carr*

"The call for a population commission deserves support. But with an election approaching, the risk is that serious demographic debate gets crowded out by political point scoring on immigration and ethnic relations."

What is the English Language Bill and what would it actually do in New Zealand?

Explainer - You’re reading this in English right now - but should English be an official language? Parliament is soon set to decide.

RNZNik Dirga

Nothing, it's racist political theatre

National tops party donations list, ACT overtakes Labour

Since 2023, parties have had to report the names of donors and contributors who gave more than $5000.

RNZGiles Dexter

David Seymour says changes are coming for RNZ leadership, RNZ Board disagrees

Seymour has intensified his attacks on the country’s state broadcasters, suggesting changes are coming for RNZ’s leadership as the government reshapes its boards.

David vs the media: Has Seymour gone too far?

Minister's interfering in media "The ACT leader, who is a shareholding minister for both RNZ and TVNZ, used an interview on The Platform last week to lash out at both organisations and their management teams."

A law professor and a media expert are warning public attacks against RNZ and TVNZ could erode trust.

Climate Change Commission report urges ‘decisive’ action as major risks loom

Yes

“Decisive” action is needed, a Climate Change Commission report says, with weather already causing “long-lasting hurt, grief and fear”.

More than 30 roles on chopping block at Maritime NZ - PSA says

All we've had is decisive undoing of climate initiatives

PSA national secretary Duane Leo said the proposed job cuts would turn the water safety regulator into “the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff”.

Tensions and price increases ahead for getting roads built

"He understood roles could be axed within harm prevention, investigations, legal, policy and finance teams and said losing such roles could turn Maritime NZ into "the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff".

The Transport Agency is working on a framework to prioritise maintenance, operations, and capital projects “identifying critical work versus activities that could be deferred”.

The Opportunity Party: The election dark horse

Is this the year the party started by economist Gareth Morgan has a break-out moment?

Cyclone Gabrielle exposed the risks of forestry slash. New research suggests little has changed

Opportunity are a right wing distraction tactic

Have Gabrielle’s lessons for forestry management been learned? Our Newly published research suggests that they have not.

RNZSteve Urlich and Alex Williamson

Fees-free university scheme to be scrapped in upcoming Budget, Nicola Willis confirms

Finance minister Nicola Willis said students completing study this year remain eligible.

Committee recommends disestablishing Environment Ministry despite public opposition

Why no comment on Winston Peters breaking budget confidentiality?

The Environment Select Committee received 588 written submissions in relation to a bill to axe the ministry. All but five submissions opposed it.

RNZPenelope Smith

583 submissions opposed it, 5 supported...

Fuel stocks for diesel, jet fuel down, petrol stocks show slight increase

Total diesel and jet fuel stocks have taken a slight dip, while more petrol is on its way.

PM Christopher Luxon ‘very relaxed’ about Winston Peters’ fees-free Budget ‘leak’

The Prime Minister says he got ‘Heathered’ on the radio.

Policing Amendment Bill - ‘Massive amount of risk’ of data mismanagement, MPs told

Relaxed or unaware...

New Zealand runs a risk of police information “no longer being able to be within our control”, MPs have heard.

Luxon calls OECD warning on government’s LNG plans ‘load of rubbish’

The Prime Minister says he is not interested in the OECD’s recommendations.

Media attacks: Seymour ‘explained his comments well’, says PM

The deodorant salesman 'knows'

David Seymour maintains that he has not given any direction to the media outlets.

David Seymour’s attacks on RNZ, TVNZ unhelpful, out of order, Goldsmith and Peters say

"He suggested chief executive Paul Thompson "won't be answering the call at RNZ for much longer" and said the government was putting "better people" on the board to change the organisation's management." But that wasn't 'direction'

The media minister says he had an “informal conversation” with Seymour, which has been welcomed by NZ First’s leader.

RNZLillian Hanly, Craig Mcculloch

Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says David Seymour's attack on the public broadcasters was unhelpful, while New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has called it "out of order". Do they talk to their PM? (see above)

Watch: Judith Collins makes her final speech to Parliament

Collins’ departure brings to an end a 24-year career as an MP, which has seen her hold 18 ministerial portfolios - some of them twice.

Partial sell-off of Kiwibank back on the government’s agenda

A remarkable career, some of it dismal (refer 'Dirty Politics')

The bank has been instructed to once again look at its options for long-term growth, including the possibility of partial privatisation.

RNZCorin Dann

The opposite of what NZ banking needs

Everlee Wihongi transferred to state with tougher immigration rules, lawyer says

Everlee Wihongi’s lawyer believes she was taken from California to Arizona because of a harsher view on immigration law.

RNZLucy Xia, Paris Ibell

No retraction of Winston's disinformation yet either

The Detail: Media under fire from all angles

Political pressure, public distrust and a media in meltdown - the country is witnessing a reckoning for journalism.

Climate legislation changes an attack on the rule of law - Environmental Defence Society

Environmental Defence Society chief executive Gary Taylor says the move is “outrageous”, and a “prime example of executive overreach”.

Opposition warns reforms open up conservation estate to sale as government pushes on

Goldsmith could not defend this on RNZ, just bumbled around saying nothing.

The government is pushing on with changes it says cut red tape and let it charge foreign tourists.

Everlee Wihongi case: Government officials confirm contact with US immigration over Kiwi’s detention

This is the first time the government has confirmed any direct contact with US officials since Everlee Wihongi’s detention on 10 April.

RNZMihingarangi Forbes, Janatenahuowen, Lucy Xia, Middayreport

First sign of any action, but not much

Christopher Luxon signals immigration policy, more capital spending in Budget 2026

The PM has announced the government’s operating allowance is again being slashed, as he focuses on global chaos in his first pre-Budget speech.

PM promising solution to immigration problem that doesn’t exist, demographer says

Plays his racism card, feeling left out after ACT NZ First beat him to it.

Polling shows the issue is not a top 10 concern for New Zealanders, with the majority viewing immigration positively

Christopher Luxon embracing ‘anti-migrant rhetoric’ of coalition partners - Hipkins

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Christopher Luxon is sounding like his coalition partners.

New Zealanders support stronger nicotine regulation, survey finds

New research shows most New Zealanders want very low nicotine cigarettes reintroduced and two-thirds believe the tobacco industry influences government policy.

Immigration NZ could ‘demand identification papers from everyone’ says civil liberties group

The opposite of current policy

Campaigners and lawyers say an immigration bill extending search powers and curtailing appeal rights should not proceed in its current form.

RNZGillian Bonnett

NZ ICE

Finance Minister puts money where her mouth is by reducing Budget’s operating allowance

Analysis - Nicola Willis will be commended for slashing operating allowances at each of her Budgets, but remains open to criticism.

Move on orders for rough sleepers one step closer

More cuts coming

Officers will be able to force people aged 14 and over to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours, and move what they determine is a “reasonable distance” away.

Call for inquiry into government’s processes for liquified natural gas import facility declined

The definition of not solving a problem...

Labour’s Megan Woods called for an inquiry in a letter in March.

India’s negotiators threatened to walk out of trade talks with New Zealand, official reveals

Because it doesn't hold up to scrutiny

New Zealand’s chief trade official says the threat came after efforts to include dairy products in the deal.

Government targets 19 pieces of legislation for Waitangi Treaty amendments

We got a deal because it was the one India wanted. 'The great negotiator' in action again

The Waitangi Tribunal has slammed the government for undermining the strength of the treaty in law.

RNZTnatanahira, Pokere Paewai, Checkpoint

Goldsmith again...

Why ‘greenhushing’ signals deeper issues with NZ’s climate risk reporting regime

There are signs NZ’s climate disclosure regime may inadvertently be driving a very different trend: not saying much at all.

RNZHang Pham*

Bill banning under-16s from social media put on hold as Stanford looks at wider law change

Labour agreed to support a National MP’s bill, but now a government minister says it’s paused.

Waitangi Tribunal calls for immediate halt to changes to education legislation affecting Treaty

Positive, because it's a bad law, not a solution

It says the changes are as bad as the Treaty Principles Bill in its attempt to erase the Crown’s duties.

RNZTnatanahira, Pokere Paewai

Goldsmith again

Ngāti Ruanui demands apology for ‘shameful’ Shane Jones comments

Ngāti Ruanui says the Resources Minister’s insult in Parliament was ‘shameful’.

Judith Collins: The farewell as rebranding job Interview

'Hon' Shame Jones

MPs’ farewell speeches can serve many purposes: a philippic or jeremiad, an autohagiography, a call to arms, the comedy roast; and maybe this week - the job interview.

RNZPhil Smith

No mention of 'Dirty Politics'?

Rates caps could raise risk of credit downgrade for councils, Fitch warns

The government is planning to introduce legislation this year that will eventually limit council rate increases to 4 percent.

Nature and climate in the spotlight

Local Water Done well hits the balance sheet

The praise for a new plan for green credit trading was quickly forgotten as two more announcements landed in the headlines.

RNZSharon Brettkelly

Government seeks to clarify Disability Support Services functions

It comes after a Supreme Court ruling that two parents caring for their disabled children were employees of the government.

RNZGiles Dexter

Another undoing of Supreme Court won rights

Why Australians are calling New Zealand a tax haven

Some Aussies are looking across the Tasman with “genuine envy”, recent headlines suggest. What’s happening?

RNZSusan Edmunds

No capital gains tax

Council loans for rooftop solar still waiting on government green light

Ministers are yet to make a decision about whether to go ahead with a scheme which would let councils provide long-term loans to any homeowners that wanted it.

Disability Support Services Bill ‘worst piece of legislation I’ve ever seen’ - advocate

It would be a win for everyone

The government introduced the Disability Support Services Bill on Monday, aimed at “providing clarity and stability” to the system supporting disabled New Zealanders.

RNZParis Ibell

Means testing disability support

Climate law changes have ‘clearly struck a nerve’ - experts

An open letter signed by more than 100 lawyers, climate scientists and legal academics attacks the government’s moves to amend climate laws to prevent companies from being sued over damage.

Nearly 9000 public sector jobs to go, government agencies to merge, Nicola Willis announces

Yet more favouring of corporate over individual

Almost 9000 jobs to go as the government looks to merge agencies and increase the use of AI and other digital tools.

‘Future of work’ on agenda as NZ govt digital leaders head to Microsoft US HQ

AI they have yet to cost or determine

The visit comes days after the government signalled it would intensify the use of AI to help reduce the headcount in the public service by over 10 percent.

Replacing public servants with AI could come with hidden costs, critics warn

Oh, what a coincidence...

The government’s basic recipe for cutting the wage bill is to reduce the head-count and use of technology - but critics have a warning.

Public sector job cuts: ‘Nobody is above scrutiny’

Per comment above

The government has been accused of “taking a blowtorch to the public service” by the Greens, but ACT has welcomed the latest moves.

Government cuts some vehicle regulations - with more possible

Luxon folds to Winston, again

The goverment said to be making changes to make it easier for the country to cope with global fuel shocks.

UN resolution backing landmark climate change ruling passes

'While some permanent changes will be made now, other temporary moves are on the cards - like easing trucks' weight restrictions.' The road lobby have wanted that for years

The ruling which endorsed an International Court of Justice opinion finding countries can be held legally responsible for their greenhouse gas emissions had the support of most countries, including New Zealand.

‘Bit embarrassing’: EV advocates on scrapping of clean car standard

Good news, but our backtrack on climate initiatives puts NZ in the firing line

Drive Electric presented its State of the Nation report on Wednesday at Parliament, which says the switch to EVs could reshape the country’s energy system.

NZ First’s gender bill to be supported by National, ACT

The Bill seeking to define the term “woman” in law is being debated in parliament today.

Projected health funding falls short to maintain status quo

Arseholes, all of them

A new report has considered factors like rising labour market costs, population growth, and the aging population when asking how much funding is needed.

Major social housing shake-up announced

So not much, in terms of the economy

The changes will boost support for more than 100,000 families, and leave 80,000 worse off.

Support services blindsided by government social housing shake up

Wealth redistribution from the poor in social housing to landlords, via poor in rental accommodation is not the tough choice, but is a choice.

“I can’t think of another scenario where we say ... ‘Here’s a group who are really doing it tough, so let’s make the ‘kind of okay’ people suffer more’,” a critic says.

RNZLauren Crimp, Giles Dexter, Lillian Hanly

Labour and Greens say social housing shake-up will see public housing tenants evicted

The finance minister says she “reached for the wrong metaphor” when asked about the social housing shake-up.

RNZLillian Hanly, Russell Palmer

Misspoke, what she thinks

No evidence to back Luxon’s claim Peters mischaracterised view of Iran, PM’s office says

The prime minister said the Foreign Minister mischaracterised his view on the Iran war after their dispute made headlines.

Te reo Māori advocate Vincent Olsen-Reeder criticises govt branding changes

Advocate Dr Vincent Olsen-Reeder (Tauranga Moana, Te Arawa) believes the shift sends a damaging message about te reo Māori.

RNZLayla Bailey Mcdowell

Former Education Ministry staffer lodges formal complaint over school curriculum rewrite

A former Education Ministry staffer wants more detail on the use of AI in drafting the changes, and says she’s concerned the minister hasn’t followed due process.

Budget 2026: $35 million boost announced for ambulance services

The government has announced a funding boost for two new Auckland ambulance hubs, more staff, upgraded technology, and stronger frontline support.

Deputy PM says he did not know RNZ chief executive planned to resign

Some rare good news

The departure was foreshadowed by David Seymour last month when he suggested Paul Thompson would not be “answering the call at RNZ for much longer”.

RNZGalleryreporters

‘No logic’ to Pharmac’s proposal to change access to type 2 diabetes diabetes drug - doctor

The changes would take drugs from Maori and Pasifika and give them to people who don’t need them, and endocrinologist tells Nine to Noon.

RNZNinetonoon

Minister of Defence Chris Penk announces $1.6b investment for ageing maritime fleet and drones

Chris Penk said the government would invest in drone systems, ship maintenance, and work to replace an ageing naval fleet.

Labour criticise government changes to Temporary Additional Support

The party’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime says the government changes amounted to a quiet but significant cut.

Green Party bill to ban mining on public conservation land drawn in Parliament

Yet more punching down...

The member’s bill would prohibit new mining, prospecting and exploration permits across New Zealand’s 8.5 million hectares of public conservation land.

RNZPenelope Smith

Some good news!

Government doubles funding for wilding pine control efforts under a Budget 2026 boost

The announcement would lift annual spending on the control efforts to around $36 million a year on average.

RNZKatie Todd

Some good news!

Muslim leaders warn NZ facing worst anti-Muslim extremism in 20 years

Federation of Islamic Associations says community leaders want an urgent meeting with the prime minister.

RNZPenelope Smith

Fuelled by MAGA'fuckation importation

More than 30 faith leaders, clergy pen open letter criticising bill to move on rough sleepers

The open letter is urging the government to provide more funding for homelessness support programmes.

‘A co-ordinated campaign of secret lobbying’ - climate activist

Mike Smith says government changes to climate law have “exposed” what appears to be a “deliberate effort” to conceal lobbying.

‘A co-ordinated campaign of secret lobbying’ - climate activist

More Dirty Politics?

A climate activist claims climate law changes have exposed a “deliberate effort” to conceal lobbying.

Climate briefing note sent to PM’s chief policy adviser, it has been revealed

A surprising degree of 'no recollection' from Mr Luxon... Why only deliver physical documents unless you want no digital fingerprint?

The staffer received a document from Fonterra and Z Energy that made suggestions for a potential law change.

Officials told government not to intervene in a climate court case

Oh really...

The government was warned it would be premature to consider reform while a court case against emitters was under way.

Ministerial Services need to be ‘fully aware of their obligations’ - Luxon

Christopher Luxon says he’s told Ministerial Services that everyone needs to be ‘fully aware of their obligations’.

Ombudsman rebukes MFAT for doubling OIA response time

The information sought under the OIA - about whether co-investment in exploring for new gas reserves would breach international trade deals - remains a secret.

Watch: Pre-Budget announcement at post-Cabinet briefing

An orchestrated litany of obstruction...?

The government is also promising a law change forcing the gas industry to provide better information on supply and demand.

Government looking at centralising back-office operations to save billions

They killed this two years ago, now they have to resurrect

Documents show the government is looking at centralising back-office operations like human resources, payroll and IT systems.

Prime Minister showing no interest in changing housing allowance for MPs

With AI, but they don't know how...

Meanwhile, Chris Hipkins says some perks are “very hard to justify” after reports minister Louise Upston gets a $1000 a week to live in her own apartment.

Louise Upston ‘comfortable’ with rules allowing her to collect $1000 a week to live in own apartment

Define 'Entitled'

Upston is the minister responsible for lifting the eligibility threshold for homeowners claiming an accommodation supplement.

$100m Budget allocation for two new courthouses in Rotorua, Nicole McKee announces

Define 'Entitled'

Courts Minister Nicole McKee has announced a $100 million Budget allocation, which will pay for two new courthouses in the district.

Nicola Willis rejects Chlöe Swarbrick’s claim ‘failed climate policies’ created $1.4b hole

They finally discover PPP's don't work

“Actual outturns usually differ and forecasts get revised,” the Finance Minister says.

‘I’m happy to pay a higher tax rate’ says ASB and Air New Zealand chair Dame Therese Walsh

If you forecast income, then actively undermine the market so it isn't delivered, there's a hole...

ASB and Air NZ’s chair says “I want a tax system that lifts all New Zealanders ”.

Ministry for Regulation issues AI guidance for regulators

She was unconvincing in the RNZ interview

Humans would still be required for judgement, legal interpretation, and accountability, the minister’s office says.

RNZGalleryreporters

NZ wants ‘urgent end to the conflict’, Peters tells Iran foreign minister

Winston Peters took to social media to say he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart.

Disability advocates hope for transport, housing support in Budget

I'm sure that will help...

“I just get super anxious about taking public transport, also ... there have been situation where the bus has just gone straight past or the teleprompter that tells you when the bus is arriving isn’t working.”

RNZAmy Williams

Kneecapping the disabled, brilliant

Lack of customers forces Bathurst to pause Rotowaro coal mine expansion plans

Almost all of the coal produced at Rotowaro near Huntly goes to the Glenbrook Steel Mill - which is about to fire up a new electric furnace.

The House: Slavery and curriculum subject deaths squeezed in around the edges

See Hon Shame Jones, Minister of Regional Environmental Destruction

Select Committee segued sharply from slavery to hear from teachers horrified to find that their specialist subject areas have been dumped.

RNZPhil Smith

Budget 2026: Health spend delivers for hospital upgrades, more beds and new IT system

The total health spend is an increase of about 10 percent from last year.

Budget 2026: Nicola Willis takes swing at NZ First over superannuation

Do barely enough to cover inflation and population growth

The Finance Minister warns any party that ignores the size of the super problem is doing so for its own benefit.

Will Budget’s $25m for Defence Force bring needed tech advancements?

Coalition Chaos?

A defence commentator says it is good to see Budget funds for training recruits, but he questions where the acceleration of technology is at.

Budget 2026 a washout for struggling families, advocates say

No, it will bring more homeless and sickness

The Salvation Army says many families are already finding it very difficult to afford the basics, and says “things are probably going to get worse” for some.

Budget 2026: Waikato Expressway extension announced, $1 billion boost for rail

The four-lane, 16-kilometre stretch will cost $1.8 billion

RNZGiles Dexter

So more important than Cook Strait Ferries

LNG imports not needed for dry year cover, Meridian says

A proposal to import LNG is being looked at by the government as a way to generate power when hydro levels are low and renewables cannot meet demand.

RNZCorin Dann

‘It won’t fix it’: Doubts over $75m Waioweka Gorge funding

A former produce transporter says Budget funding for a critical road often closed for slips in Gisborne will not make a difference.

50,000 more children suffering from material hardship than three years ago

All gone to the Waikato...

An expert on the impacts of child poverty says 14 percent of children were facing material hardship in 2025 and New Zealand was failing to move to its goal of reducing that to 6 percent by 2028.

Hospital spend-up welcomed, but lack of staff funding puzzles

That the budget will make worse

Nurses and emergency doctors say there is no point investing in new hospital beds if there are not people to staff them.

‘Just need to vote for it’: Nicola Willis ends Budget speech with call to arms for supporters

First-hand experience (as a visiting supporter) of how hard our hospital staff are stressed

Sharon Zollner has questioned Treasury’s forecast as the minister faces questions over her Budget.

RNZRussell Palmer, Lillian Hanly, Lauren Crimp, Morningreport

Reliant on a certain Strait opening soon'ish, dreaming

As global fuel risk rises, NZ Budget 2026 puts roads first – again

Three months into the war in Iran, the largest disruption to New Zealand’s oil supply in living memory appears to have done nothing to change the government’s approach to transport.

RNZTimothy Welch

Oh, look at that? (referring to above)

ACT gets $600,000 donations surge in 20 days, doubling campaign year contributions

David Seymour’s party has doubled its election year donations tally in 20 days and surged past other parties.

RNZFarah Hancock

You don't get money for nothing...

Six times Kiwi creatives called out the government

Dame Lynda Topp’s impassioned speech at this week’s Aotearoa Music Awards is the latest in an established trend.

RNZ

Anti-MAGA'fuckation in action: She is brilliant

‘Same old cliche’: Paul Goldsmith brushes off Dame Lynda Topp’s criticism

The surviving Topp Twin delivered an emotional broadside at the government during an awards ceremony.

Proposed law could see government use AI to make decisions about people’s benefits

He's an arsehole... no, that's an insult to arseholes...

Coalition parties say the proposed law would make welfare system administration more efficient.

Māori unions and iwi leaders say the Budget will not alleviate Māori unemployment

AI can't explain why it made a decision, nor can those commissioning or using it. (even 'reasoning' AI) | Austerity Budget

Economist Dr Ganesh Nana said Budget 2026 was “holding the line”.

RNZPokere Paewai

Austerity Budget

‘What needs protecting?’: Researcher questions purpose of English Language Bill

Parliament is considering a five-line piece of legislation to formally recognise English as an official language, alongside te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.

RNZLayla Bailey Mcdowell

It's a bullshit bill

Budget investment in health signals continued austerity without long-term vision

Analysis - Budget 2026 boosts health funding, but effectively maintains austerity and fails to address long-term system pressures.

RNZRobin Gauld

So the nurse's at in the hospital A&E will still be running short of pillows... (First-hand experience, not a tale) | Austerity Budget

Budget 2026: University leader welcomes extra funding, but critics warn students worse off

Universities have welcomed a $234m Budget boost to fund tertiary enrolments, but critics say students still face rising fees and growing financial pressure.