



‘A different vibe’: How Waitangi has changed amid election heat
It’s no surprise the upcoming election is a hot topic at Waitangi. But, the axing of the Treaty Principles Bill has eased tensions this year. Although, that hasn’t stopped Chris Hipkins taking aim at the government, calling it ‘anti-treaty’ so ‘therefore anti-Māori'. It’s all while a decision on …

Why our unemployment rate is still 'pretty lousy'
New jobs data out today spells worry for New Zealand’s economy. The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the December 2025 quarter – the highest since September 2015. Most banks had expected unemployment to hold steady at 5.3%, ASB was a bit more bullish picking 5.2%. It means 165,000 people were un…

How new licence rules could reshape young Kiwis' driving culture
It’s about to become cheaper, and easier, to get your driver’s license in New Zealand. Changes include scrapping the second practical test, a longer 12-month learner period for under 25s, new restricted periods, and an expanded zero-alcohol rule for all learner and restricted drivers – regardless …

Epstein files likened to Watergate as global power links emerge
Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's files have exploded back into the headlines with millions of newly released documents exposing elite networks and power dynamics. More than three million pages of material have been released – including documents, images and video. So, what does this mean for trust …

NZ Post store cuts leave seniors at risk
NZ Post is removing services from 142 partner stores this year. It follows a long line of postal groups around the world scaling back as we enter a new era dominated by tech. Czech Post closed 300 post office branches, the Greek postal service shut more than 200 last year, UK networks have gone t…

Why are kids are still going to school hungry in 2026
As children across New Zealand head back to school, many will be arriving without the basics. 58 schools are starting 2026 on the waitlist for KidsCan. The charity provides the essentials for Kiwi kids living in poverty. A survey of waitlisted schools shows more than half provide breakfast for t…

From scandal to survival: The political life and legacy of Judith Collins
After 24 years, former National Party leader Judith Collins has called time on her career in politics for a new role as head of the law commission. Collins is the longest-continuously serving female MP in New Zealand, winning her electorate seats in Clevedon and then Papakura at every general elec…

Mount Maunganui landslide: Current risks, future inquiries and the ongoing heartache
The recovery operation at the Mt Maunganui landslide continues with police warning it could take days or even weeks. Tauranga City Council has launched an investigation into what happened in the run-up to the deadly landslide. Already questions are being asked about who knew what, and when. We'll…

Should the taxpayer fund weight loss medications?
From celery-juice cleanses to infomercial ab-busting gadgets, society has always been on a diet. It’s a global, multi-billion-dollar powerhouse industry. The latest trend that you would have heard about are GLP1s, or weight-loss injections. Pharmac is seeking advice on whether they should be fun…

What stubborn inflation could mean for your mortgage this year
The Reserve Bank has revealed that the annual inflation rate for 2025 was 3.1%. It puts the inflation rate outside the bank’s target band of 1 to 3%. While it’s slowed sinificantly since the most recent peak of 7.3% in the June 2022 quarter, it has risen every quarter since December 2024. And wh…