Willis negotiating tricky Budget path
Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ third Budget has been drafted during troubled economic times. She talks to ODT political editor Mike Houlahan about the challenges.
Minister 'comfortable' getting $1000 a week home allowance
Minister 'comfortable' getting $1000 a week home allowance
Cabinet minister Louise Upston, who collects $1000 a week to live in her own Wellington apartment, says she's "followed the rules" and is "comfortable" with them.
Parliament votes to scrap Environment Ministry
Parliament votes to scrap Environment Ministry
The Ministry for the Environment has been scrapped, with legislation bringing the 40-year-old entity to an end passing in Parliament.
Andrew Mehrtens facing bankruptcy application
NZ rugby great Andrew Mehrtens facing bankruptcy application
A former Crusaders and All Blacks great is the subject of a bankruptcy application in Christchurch.
Climate note sent to PM's senior adviser
Climate note sent to PM's senior adviser
The staffer who received a document from Fonterra and Z Energy making suggestions for a potential law change was a senior adviser for PM Christopher Luxon.
AI use in reading breast cancer scans on way
AI use in reading breast cancer scans on way
The government says artificial intelligence will be used as a second set of eyes reading breast cancer scans from early next year.
New building planned for Christchurch tallest since quakes
New building planned for Christchurch tallest since quakes
Prolific Christchurch developer Williams Corporation has unveiled its plans for a new 10-storey tower in the central city.
Health wishes for Budget 2026
Health wishes for Budget 2026
The govt has already announced an expansion to Lakes District Hospital's ED in Queenstown will begin within months as part of a $180m boost to healthcare in the Otago Central Lakes area.
'The right Budget for the times,' Willis says
'The right Budget for the times,' Willis says
Thursday's Budget is "the right Budget for the times", and will respond to an increasingly uncertain world, the Finance Minister says.
One dead after crash on Canterbury property
One dead after crash on Canterbury property
A person has died after an early morning crash in Canterbury.
First person charged under new stalking law
First person charged under new stalking law
An Auckland man is the first person to be charged under new stalking and harassment laws.
Teen driver rammed three police vehicles in stolen car
Teen driver rammed three police vehicles in stolen car
Police have arrested a teenager who allegedly rammed three police cars in a stolen vehicle before being blocked and arrested south of Christchurch.
'How about I punch you in the f***** face?'
'How about I punch you in the f***** face?'
A man facing a raft of family harm and violence charges has lashed out at the Crown, describing the prosecutor as a "freak" and "twisted".
Gulf Harbour body was wrapped in plastic, weighed down with stones
Gulf Harbour body was wrapped in plastic, weighed down with stones
Officers investigating the death of Chinese woman Shulai Wang found the body wrapped in five layers of plastic bags and tied to stones weighing more than 15 kilograms.
Hanmer Springs dumps flyride plan after cost blowout
Hanmer Springs dumps flyride plan after cost blowout
A proposed Hanmer Springs flyride has been scrapped by the Hurunui District Council after its estimated cost more than doubled.
PM shows no interest in MP allowance change after backlash
PM shows no interest in MP allowance change after backlash
Christopher Luxon is showing no interest in tightening the housing allowance system for MPs despite the coalition making it harder for other New Zealanders to claim accommodation support.
Dame Lynda reveals Jools' final letter: 'Thank New Zealand for me'
Dame Lynda reveals Jools' final letter: 'Thank New Zealand for me'
Dame Lynda Topp has revealed her late twin sister, Dame Jools, left behind a letter asking her: “If you get a chance Lynda, could you thank New Zealand for me?”
Stalking now a criminal offence
Stalking now a criminal offence
Until today, stalking wasn't exactly legal, but it also wasn't a crime. New legislation criminalises stalking, giving victims a path to get help - and police the power to intervene.
Police won't investigate more 'irregular' breath tests
Police won't investigate more 'irregular' breath tests
Police will not investigate how many staff were involved in 12,000 additional "irregular" breath tests, saying it would be "impractical".
Latest poll shows trust in Labour on key issues
Latest poll shows trust in Labour on key issues
Despite a dearth of policies, including on some major issues, a survey has found Labour is more trusted on 7 out of 10 key issues.