Politics
Labour proposes rent-to-buy scheme for public housing tenants
Labour has announced an election policy in Auckland to help public housing tenants purchase their homes. Under the proposed rent-to-buy scheme, working tenants in Kāinga Ora and participating community housing properties would receive a $100 weekly credit towards their deposits.
+15 outlets · National support drops to 29% in latest 1News Verian poll
The National Party has fallen to 29% support in the latest 1News Verian poll, while Labour remains steady at 27%. Meanwhile, National has called for Labour to clarify potential policy concessions to the Greens during future coalition negotiations.
4 outlets · NewNZ First candidate blames woke culture for Manawanui sinking
Wairarapa candidate Ron Mark has blamed "woke bullshit" for the sinking of HMNZ Manawanui in a campaign video. Mark, who also criticised hairstyles like man buns in the military, denied that his comments regarding diversity, equity and inclusiveness were related to the vessel being captained by a woman.
4 outlets · 2 new reportsAdvance voting begins as election enrolment deadline passes
Voting has commenced for the 2026 general election following the closure of enrolments on Sunday. Approximately 300,000 New Zealanders remained unenrolled by the deadline, with young people aged 18-24 making up nearly half of that figure. National leader Christopher Luxon expects enrolment rates to be higher than in previous elections.
+15 outlets · Kerrin Leoni to run as independent MP for Tāmaki Makaurau
Kerrin Leoni intends to sit as an independent MP if elected in Tāmaki Makaurau. This follows her resignation as the Labour Party candidate after a video surfaced showing her at a whānau fundraising event.
3 outlets · Sensible Sentencing Trust removes politician images from attack advertisement
The Sensible Sentencing Trust has removed images of Chlöe Swarbrick, Marama Davidson, and Chris Hipkins from its election attack ads. The lobby group previously faced a formal complaint from the Greens, who accused them of impersonating the party in advertisements featuring the text "BACKING THE GANGS".
+15 outlets · NZ First announces ten-point rail policy
Winston Peters has unveiled a $4 billion rail plan called the 'Commonsense Express'. The policy includes making the Te Huia passenger service permanent, upgrading the Kaimai Tunnel, and establishing new metropolitan rail companies. The plan also proposes bringing back the Southerner Train and trialling commuter rail in Canterbury.
2 outlets · NewWaikato Regional Council proposes Te Huia rail service overhaul
A new Waikato Regional Council report recommends expanding the Te Huia passenger rail service. The proposed plan includes hourly trains to Auckland, a new central Hamilton station, and additional stations using battery-electric trains. The project could cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
2 outlets · Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong discusses election prospects in Dunedin
Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong visited Dunedin to discuss her party's chances of entering Parliament. During the visit, she addressed potential governing arrangements and discussed topics including immigration and racist rhetoric ahead of the November election.
2 outlets · Advance voting begins ahead of November 7 election
Advance voting has commenced across New Zealand for the upcoming election on 7 November. The Electoral Commission has issued guidelines regarding campaigning and entertainment near polling stations. Candidates from both the National and Labour parties have already cast their votes at a New Plymouth location.
2 outlets · Dame Jacinda Ardern appointed Professor of Practice at University of Sydney
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern will join the University of Sydney as a Professor of Practice from October 2026. She will mentor students and researchers while delivering guest lectures and masterclasses on topics including leadership, public health, and civic trust.
3 outlets · Cancer campaigner shows breast scans to political leaders
Julie Haines, a breast cancer survivor, has met with Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins to show them her scans. The campaigner is running a petition to ensure women are informed about their breast density and offered alternative imaging where necessary.
2 outlets · Auckland couple fears proposed waterfront Ferris wheel will spoil views
A couple living opposite a proposed Ferris wheel on Auckland's waterfront has expressed concerns regarding the attraction. They fear the structure will impact their apartment views and increase noise, pollution, and seismic risk. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is currently exploring the Ferris wheel as one of several options.
2 outlets · Protections restored to Waikanae Māori burial ground after 56 years
The Kāpiti Coast District Council has voted to reinstate protections for Kārewarewa urupā in Waikanae. This decision adds the ancestral burial ground to the District Plan as a site of significance to Māori. Local iwi Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai welcomed the outcome following decades of legal battles.
2 outlets · Dame Lydia Ko denies involvement in South Korean political controversy
Dame Lydia Ko has issued a statement denying claims that she provided private golf lessons to South Korea's first lady, Kim Hea Kyung. The golfer has threatened legal action following allegations that the lessons occurred on the same day a fire in Seoul caused several injuries.
+15 outlets · Chris Hipkins defends education record against Prime Minister's claims
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has rejected Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's description of him as New Zealand's worst education minister. Appearing on Polls Apart, Hipkins accused the Government of taking credit for his previous work and highlighted achievements such as record apprenticeship numbers.
2 outlets · National removes volunteer following discovery of sexual conduct conviction
The National Party has dismissed Roger Buchanan from the Palmerston North electorate committee after learning of his 2021 conviction for sexual conduct with a minor. Candidate Ankit Bansal stated he was unaware of the conviction and dismissed the volunteer upon finding out.
+26 outlets · National releases 100-day plan for potential second term
The National Party has unveiled a 26-point plan outlining its first 100 days if re-elected. Leader Christopher Luxon said the plan includes student loan promises, grocery market intervention, and extending paid parental leave. Meanwhile, Labour leader Chris Hipkins has promised a Labour-led government would be formed by Christmas if elected.
+26 outlets · Luxon distinguishes between his gang photos and those of opposition figures
Christopher Luxon has responded to social media photos showing him with Black Power members at a state abuse apology. He stated that his photos at public events should not be conflated with opposition figures pictured with gang members at private campaign events.
+26 outlets · Hundreds face direct debit delays for Wellington water bills
Hundreds of direct-debit payments to the new Wellington water agency, Tiaki Wai, are stuck in processing delays. While some residents report financial hardship due to the issue, the agency says the delays are primarily caused by incorrect or incomplete information on forms.
2 outlets · Enrolment deadline passes for 2026 general election
The deadline for New Zealanders to enrol to vote has passed. Under new rules, enrolment closed at midnight on Sunday, 13 days before the election on 7 November. Hundreds of thousands of people, including many young citizens, were still not on the roll ahead of the cutoff.
4 outlets · ACT manifesto promises $12.4b debt reduction and government shrinkage
ACT has released its 2026 election manifesto, pledging to reduce debt by $12.4 billion by 2031. The plan aims to shrink government and redirect savings into healthcare, crime policy, and KiwiSaver. The party has also removed an earlier proposal to scrap the Permanent Resident Visa category.
2 outlets · Luxon defends National MP after photo with gang members emerges
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended Tama Potaka after a photo surfaced showing the National MP posing with patched Mongrel Mob members. While Labour leader Chris Hipkins has accused National of hypocrisy, Mark Mitchell stated the image was taken at a Kīngitanga event three years ago.
+26 outlets · Voters prioritise repairing existing infrastructure over new projects
A recent poll suggests New Zealanders want politicians to focus on fixing ageing infrastructure and upgrading hospitals rather than starting new builds. While voters favour these improvements, they prefer funding them through spending cuts instead of tax increases or borrowing.
1 outlet · Hipkins and Luxon urge voters to enrol before Sunday deadline
Labour leader Chris Hipkins and National leader Christopher Luxon have both urged citizens to enrol for the upcoming election. The deadline for enrolment is midnight this Sunday. National leader Luxon has denied claims that recent changes to the enrolment deadline will disenfranchise voters.
3 outlets · Opportunity Party proposes Future Generations Commissioner to monitor long-term policy impacts
The Opportunity Party plans to establish an independent Future Generations Commissioner if elected. Through a proposed Future Generations Act, the role would assess the long-term risks and benefits of government policies and coordinate citizens' assemblies to debate national goals.
3 outlets · Labour candidate resigns after video shows campaigning with gang members
Tāmaki Makaurau candidate Kerrin Leoni has resigned from the Labour Party after footage emerged of her campaigning alongside Mongrel Mob members while wearing a party-branded jacket. Labour leader Chris Hipkins described the incident as unacceptable. The resignation comes as the election campaign enters its final stages.
+37 outlets · Political careers at stake in Mt Albert electorate battle
National's Melissa Lee and Labour's Helen White are competing for the Mt Albert seat in a high-stakes election. In the 2023 election, Lee missed defeating the Labour stronghold by only 18 votes. The upcoming vote is scheduled for 7 November.
1 outlet · Luxon faces voter disagreement over ruling out Opportunity Party deal
A poll shows 57% of National voters believe Christopher Luxon should reconsider his refusal to negotiate with the Opportunity Party. Despite his previous rule-out, the party is being viewed as a potential kingmaker for the upcoming election.
+15 outlets · Voter enrolment deadline approaches with 350,000 New Zealanders still not signed up
The Electoral Commission is making a final push to enrol 350,000 eligible New Zealanders before the midnight deadline on Sunday, 25 October. While 92.1 per cent of eligible voters are now enrolled, young people remain the largest group not yet registered to vote.
3 outlets · Wayne Brown calls for $220m annual tourism funding for councils
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has launched a Tourism Funding Charter to seek a long-term national approach to tourism costs. Supported by over 100 leaders, the initiative includes a full-page advertisement calling for the Government to provide councils with $220 million annually.
3 outlets · Late-deciding voters could determine outcome of close election
New polling shows party loyalty is declining, with only 14% of voters always supporting the same party. As Labour and National remain locked in a tight contest, a large number of undecided voters may decide the election result. Meanwhile, political parties are targeting older voters who are more likely to turn out at the polls.
2 outlets · Chief of Defence Force resigns over inappropriate relationship
Air Marshal Tony Davies has resigned as Chief of Defence Force after admitting to an undisclosed inappropriate relationship held while in a position of command. Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith stated the situation made Davies' role no longer tenable and has referred the matter to the Inspector General of Defence.
+26 outlets · Green Party releases fiscal plan with increased health spending
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has released a fiscal plan at Parliament that promises to increase annual health spending by $3 billion. The proposal includes higher government borrowing and new taxes to fund increased spending, while delaying a return to surplus until 2029/30.
+26 outlets · Columnist provides commentary on the third leaders' debate
Steve Braunias has published a column regarding the third leaders' debate. The piece includes observations on the moderator, Paddy Gower, and the participants.
2 outlets · Fire and Emergency NZ chief executive Kerry Gregory resigns
Kerry Gregory has resigned as chief executive of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, effective immediately. His departure follows a public statement from Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden, who expressed a lack of confidence in him. The minister previously alleged that Gregory withheld information regarding a Serious Fraud Office investigation.
+26 outlets · World is restructuring itself around America, says historian
Historian Anne Applebaum suggests the global process of restructuring around the United States has commenced. She also advised that New Zealand must ensure big tech companies respect national laws and sovereignty to protect against democratic decline.
2 outlets · Fast-track panel grants draft approval for Mosgiel inland port
A fast-track panel has given draft approval for a proposed $100 million logistics hub near Mosgiel in Otago. The Southern Link Inland Port is planned for Dukes Road by Port Otago and Dynes Transport. The project now awaits final feedback and agreement on specific conditions.
2 outlets · Fire and Emergency chief remains on leave after minister's rebuke
Fire and Emergency New Zealand chief executive Kerry Gregory is still on extended leave following a loss of confidence from Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden. The agency's board is continuing discussions with Gregory, while Darryl Purdy serves as acting chief executive.
2 outlets · Labour candidate denies visiting gang pad after Te Pāti Māori claim
During a Tāmaki Makaurau electorate debate, Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara claimed Labour candidate Kerrin Leoni visited a Mongrel Mob gang pad. Leoni denied visiting a gang pad, stating she attended a family fundraiser advertised as a Mongrel Mob chapter event.
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