Rawiri Taonui: Te Pati Maori will need to clean up before the election

After a tough few months for Te Pati Maori, its AGM is taking place today.  Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said the country is "facing the most destructive government in our history," and the party is set on "making this a one term government."  Meanwhile, 3 of 4 of Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's reques…

Matthew Hague: Police will need to "work hard to rebuild" public trust after McSkimming scandal

Former police commissioner Andrew Coster claims he had briefed Chris Hipkins on Jevon McSkimming's alleged misconduct in 2022, and briefed Mark Mitchell in 2024.  Coster stepped down as Chief Executive of the Social Investment Agency this week, after an IPCA report showed failures in how the polic…

Dr Luke Bradford: GP clinic loans "a part of the solution"

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has unveiled the party's first policy for next year's election - low-interest loans to support doctor-owned clinics. The scheme will offer up to 50 ten year long loans a year for doctors or nurse practitioners to open or buy into local clinics, interest free for the fir…

Simon Watts: New Zealand on the right path for climate change

A deal was reached at COP30 this weekend, boosting finance for poor nations coping with global warming - but there was no mention of fossil fuels. 83 countries signed a roadmap that would push for the end of fossil fuels, but New Zealand was one of the only countries not to sign.  The opposition …

Rupert Carlyon: KiwiSaver changes would be a step in the right direction

The National Party have announced their first election promise - a lift to default KiwiSaver contribution rates.  The changes would mean that by the end of the implementation, savers would be able to contribute 12% to KiwiSaver, putting us on a level matching Australia's superannuation.  Some exp…

Mark Mitchell: Frontline cops furious over McSkimming scandal

The IPCA released a scathing review laying out out a chain of senior-level failures around the McSkimming scandal.  The question now is whether the public can have any confidence in the police in general and in its leadership. LISTEN ABOVE

Kate Acland: U.S. removes 15% tariff on NZ beef exports

Earlier this year, the United States imposed a 15% tariff on a range of New Zealand exports, most notably beef.  It was a huge blow, as beef is a major export for New Zealand - especially to the States. The tariffs have cost the country over $300 million since they were introduced in April.  This…

Aaron Hendry: Rough sleeper ban would do more harm

The Government has confirmed they're considering action to move rough sleepers out of Auckland's city centre.  Mayor Wayne Brown has given his go ahead, but the opposition as well as housing advocates have said a policy like this would just move the problem elsewhere and end up creating more harm.…

Paul Goldsmith: Meth importers a "good place to start"

The Government has released an action plan to deal with the growing issue of methamphetamine use in New Zealand.  They're investing $30 million over four years into the hardest hit communities, increasing maritime operations to stop it before it gets into the country, and we'll soon see a nationwi…

Simeon Brown: Modular wards aren't ideal, but we need the beds

The Government has announced 140 new hospital beds across the country to ease pressure on emergency departments.  These beds will be part of new wards in Middlemore, Waikato, Wellington, and Nelson hospitals, alongside the new Hawke's Bay ward announced earlier in the year.  Health Minister Simeo…