Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern became one of the most recognisable political figures in the world during her time in office. Known for her empathetic style of leadership, Ardern frequently challenged traditional expectations of political power, particularly when it came to gender. One of her most widely quoted remarks captured that philosophy clearly.…
Mining billionaire Clive Palmer has confirmed he will return to politics, announcing plans to contest the Queensland federal seat of Fadden in a future election. The businessman revealed his intention to run for the Gold Coast based electorate, which is currently held by the Liberal Party, marking a significant comeback after previously suggesting he had…
The Government has established a high-level ministerial group to strengthen oversight of New Zealand’s fuel security and supply chains as global tensions create uncertainty in energy markets. The Ministerial Economic Security and Supply Chains Group held its first meeting this week, bringing together senior ministers and government agency leaders to assess potential risks to the…
The Government has appointed a specialised review team to investigate the serious failure at Wellington’s Moa Point wastewater treatment plant, with the aim of determining what caused the breakdown and ensuring similar issues do not occur again. Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced the formation of the Crown Review Team, stating that residents deserve clear…
National Party MP Shane Reti has announced he will retire from politics, marking a significant development as the party grapples with growing political pressure and internal challenges. Members of Parliament returned to Wellington this week for caucus meetings and the resumption of parliamentary sittings following a weekend dominated by speculation about the National Party’s leadership…
A leader chosen in a time of change The first Māori King, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, was chosen in 1858 during a period of immense political and social change in Aotearoa New Zealand. As European settlement expanded and land sales accelerated, many Māori leaders feared the erosion of tribal authority and the loss of land. Out…
Two people have been arrested after a shooting in Papakura that left a man injured and prompted an investigation by police in South Auckland. Officers were patrolling the Clevedon Road area on Saturday morning when they heard what they believed were gunshots. Shortly afterwards, they located a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency services…
A Christchurch couple who uncovered a large stash of cash hidden inside the ceiling of their home will receive $40,000 following a settlement approved by the High Court. The married couple, who have one child, bought the property in December 2021. Several months later, in May 2022, an electrician working in the ceiling space made…
Growing tensions in the Middle East are raising serious concerns across global energy markets, with analysts warning that a wider conflict involving Iran could drive up the cost of oil, gas and electricity worldwide. At the centre of the concern is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping route between Iran and Oman that is…
New Zealand and Uruguay are deepening their diplomatic and economic relationship, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters describing the two nations as natural partners during high level talks in Montevideo. The visit forms part of a wider Latin American tour aimed at strengthening political and trade relationships across the region. During meetings with Uruguay’s President Yamandú…
A Critical Look at the Legacy of New Zealand’s 38th Prime Minister When John Key led New Zealand National Party to victory in 2008, he arrived with a reputation as a pragmatic former currency trader who would guide New Zealand through the Global Financial Crisis with steady hands. He won three elections. He left office…
10 Genuinely Weird Facts About Palmerston North Palmerston North has long been the punchline of New Zealand city jokes. It is flat. It is windy. It sits on a floodplain. A British comedian once publicly mocked it. But if you actually look at the place properly, it becomes clear that Palmerston North is not boring.…
In an era of rising geopolitical tension, ongoing conflicts and an increasingly unstable global security environment, questions about where civilians might be safest if a large-scale war ever broke out are more common. Among the countries consistently cited as potential safe havens, New Zealand stands out, not just for its stunning landscapes and friendly reputation…
A motorcyclist who allegedly fled Police before attempting to hide among football spectators at a West Auckland sports ground is due to appear in court this week. Police say the incident unfolded just after 6pm on Monday in the Huapai area, when officers conducting speed patrols observed a motorcycle allegedly travelling at 110km/h in an…
New Zealand and Argentina have agreed to strengthen cooperation following high-level meetings in Buenos Aires, as Foreign Minister Winston Peters leads a parliamentary and business delegation through Latin America. Mr Peters met with Argentine President Javier Milei and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, with discussions focused on economic reform, trade expansion and shared geopolitical challenges. Focus…
The government is considering whether to grant the United States access to New Zealanders’ biometric and other sensitive personal data as part of a proposed border security agreement. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have confirmed ongoing discussions with the US over the requirements and scope of what is being called an…
Luxon rejects Helen Clark criticism over Iran stance as debate over legality intensifies Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended the Government’s response to the escalating conflict involving Iran after former prime minister Helen Clark criticised it as deeply inadequate. The Government released a statement on Sunday addressing the crisis, placing strong emphasis on condemning the…
Police have arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with an aggravated robbery in New Lynn earlier this month, following what officers describe as good old-fashioned police work. At about 1am on 16 February, four masked offenders entered a venue on Great North Road and stole a large amount of cash. The group fled in a…
Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong has delivered one of the sharpest attacks yet on New Zealand First, accusing the party of fuelling division and distracting the country from the structural challenges facing New Zealand. In her State of the Nation speech, Wong said bluntly that when New Zealand First blames immigrants, transgender New Zealanders or environmentalists…
Opportunity has unveiled one of the most ambitious welfare reform proposals of the election campaign, announcing plans to introduce a Citizen’s Income as part of what it calls a structural reset of New Zealand’s social safety net. In her State of the Nation address, party leader Qiulae Wong argued that the current welfare system is…