National

Hipkins unconvinced by govt's plan to merge departments

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says bigger government departments aren't always more efficient than...

Hipkins unconvinced by govt's plan to merge departments

Labour's Chris Hipkins says public servant caps can be "arbitrary" and bigger government departments aren't always better at doing the job.

Tourists killed in Canterbury highway crash

The crash scene on State Highway 1 on Friday. Photo: NZTA

Tourists killed in Canterbury highway crash

The two people who died after a three-vehicle crash south of Christchurch last week were reportedly tourists from Hong Kong.

$131m boost to improve school fundamentals

Erica Stanford and Christopher Luxon. Photo: RNZ

$131m boost to improve school fundamentals

The government will spend $131 million on improving students' reading, writing and maths in this year's Budget, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

Christchurch school launches independent investigation as former priest jailed

Former St Bede's College Friar Rowan Donoghue arrives at the Christchurch District Court for an...

Christchurch school launches independent investigation as former priest jailed

St Bede's College is commissioning an independent investigation into whether the school had "appropriate systems in place for identifying and addressing abuse".

Nazi uniform found in home of man who died in stand-off

Nazi uniform found in home of man who died in stand-off

Loaded weapons and a Nazi uniform were found by police at the home of a man who died following a police stand-off in Christchurch, an inquest has heard.

Finance Minister hints at merging govt departments

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the probability of moving to Phase Four is low. Photo: RNZ

Finance Minister hints at merging govt departments

RNZ understands Nicola Willis will set out three proposals to create efficiencies in the public service.

Lower speed limit considered for road where boy was killed

Lower speed limit considered for road where boy was killed

Alex Bennett was killed while crossing Leeston Rd to check the mail in February, and the road where the 10-year-old died is now being considered for a lower speed limit.

Tears as guilty verdict for murdering officer delivered

Hayden Tasker. Photo: Pool/The Press / Iain McGregor

Tears as guilty verdict for murdering officer delivered

Hayden Tasker was on trial for the murder of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming and seriously injuring another officer early on New Year's Day in 2025.

Jurors told to be certain of murderous intent for guilty verdict

Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo: NZ Police

Jurors told to be certain of murderous intent for guilty verdict

High Court jurors have been told they need to be sure the man who killed a Nelson police officer had murderous intent when he drove at her to find him guilty of murder.

Teachers disappointed NCEA feedback not listened to

Erica Stanford shrugged off questions about a leadership challenge. Photo: RNZ

Teachers disappointed NCEA feedback not listened to

Teachers say they are disappointed feedback for the sector on replacing NCEA was not listened to.

National sexual offenders policy discredited by Defence Lawyers' Association

Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. Photos: RNZ/Mark Papalii

National sexual offenders policy discredited by Defence Lawyers' Association

A National Party policy to prevent judges discounting sexual offenders' sentences due to good character is a solution for a non-existent problem, a defence lawyer says.

Low phonics pass rates in first year

Primary school teachers have voted the reject the 1% pay rise offer. Photo: Getty Images

Low phonics pass rates in first year

Less than half of five-year-olds passed new phonics tests after their first full year of schooling last year.

Sexual violence prevention organisation facing closure

Sexual violence prevention organisation facing closure

One of the country's few specialist sexual violence prevention organisations says it will be forced to close in August, unless the government steps in.

Peters outlines compulsory KiwiSaver and BNZ buyback plans

Peters outlines compulsory KiwiSaver and BNZ buyback plans

Winston Peters has announced a policy to automatically enrol all newborn New Zealand citizens into KiwiSaver with a $1000 government contribution, alongside a proposal to buy back the Bank of New Zealand and merge it with Kiwibank.

Govt confirms replacement for NCEA

The Canterbury Primary Principals' Association has outlined its concerns in a letter to Education...

Govt confirms replacement for NCEA

The government has confirmed the NCEA replacement will bring a new grading scale, compulsory subjects, and assessment requirements.

Stanford promises update on social media ban 'mess'

Stanford promises update on social media ban 'mess'

Education Minister Erica Stanford promises an update on the government's plans for a social media ban for under-16s next month.

Millions more for school lunch scheme, but changes coming

David Seymour eating a school lunch. File photo: RNZ

Millions more for school lunch scheme, but changes coming

The Healthy School Lunches programme has been funded for another year, with the government committing $212 million towards an extension.

Nats to scrap good character assessments for sex offenders

The National Party is promising tougher sentences for sexual offending if it's re-elected.

Obituary: Gerald McGhie, diplomat

Obituary: Gerald McGhie, diplomat

Gerald McGhie was both New Zealand’s last ambassador to the Soviet Union, as well as its first to Russia.

Students march on Parliament in climate change campaign

School students are calling on the government to do more to fight climate change. Photo: RNZ

Students march on Parliament in climate change campaign

About 200 school students have marched their way through the capital to Parliament, calling on the government to do more to fight climate change.

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