Stagflation warning: Why a flat unemployment rate may still spell trouble ahead

New Zealand’s unemployment rate is expected to hold steady - at least on paper - when new data is released this week.  But beneath that headline number, economists are warning the labour market may already be weakening, just as global tensions and an oil shock begin to bite.  There are also growi…

Barry Soper on what makes a good PM (and what doesn't)

Barry Soper is a name and certainly a voice that’s recognisable across New Zealand. After decades in the Beehive, Soper put pen to paper outlining his time covering 12 Prime Ministers, from Muldoon to Luxon. He blends personal stories, policy critiques, and behind-the-scenes tales ... like Muldoo…

What NZ can learn from the Trump attack

A man has been charged with attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump after trying to storm the White House correspondents’ dinner. The 31-year-old was carrying a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shot gun, and three knives as he charged past security. A White House security review’s…

The rapid shift that could reshape New Zealand’s winter

El Niño is set to hit New Zealand this winter.  Global climate models show there’s a greater than 60% probability that this ‘event’ will be ‘strong’ by spring, with the potential to intensify later this year.  But, what does this all actually mean? What happens when the ocean surface warms? And w…

Demographic time bomb: Report urges cross-party population strategy

A new report suggests that New Zealand’s rapidly changing demographic make-up has reached a critical point.   Within decades, a quarter of all New Zealanders could be 65 or older – a situation unheard of in our history.   At the same time, migration patterns are shifting, cities like Auckland are…

How Iran’s war and oil shock could hit inflation, interest rates and jobs

The Finance Minister is adamant that New Zealand’s economic recovery has been delayed, but not derailed, by the war in Iran.  Nicola Willis has shone a light on the country’s economic outlook in the lead up to next month’s budget.  At the same time, Stats NZ data on the country’s productivity per…

NZ house sales keep falling as first-home buyers drive demand

Sales volumes have continued to decline across New Zealand’s housing market. It marks a third consecutive monthly fall and extends the subdued start to 2026 – even as property values remain broadly stable. But beneath the surface, the picture is uneven. Auckland remains soft, first home buyers a…

The new age of car buying: EVs, hybrids and the end of old myths

It’s safe to say our last episode on EVs amid the current fuel crisis sparked some lively debate. Our last guest’s take on unreliable EVs and the possibility of brand collapses drew strong pushback. So, today, we're flipping the script with a fresh take to tackle your top concerns head-on. EV reg…

Luxon survives confidence vote, but questions remain

The Prime Minister has initiated and survived a motion of confidence as National Party leader.  After about a three-hour caucus meeting, Christopher Luxon read a short statement out to media before leaving without taking questions.  This all comes after weeks of speculation about whether his perf…

Government quietly moves to cut Treaty principles from some laws

The Government has quietly agreed to repeal several references to Treaty principles within laws.  The move – which wasn’t publicly announced – follows a coalition agreement to review Treaty provisions across 23 pieces of legislation. Ministers argue the changes will bring greater clarity and cons…