National

No 'sugar hits' as Willis battles to balance books

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has used her election-year Budget to preach prudence and discipline, with the books now forecast to be back in black a year earlier than picked.

McCain rebuffs plea to halt factory closure

Hastings District mayor Wendy Schollum. Photo: RNZ/Alexa Cook

McCain rebuffs plea to halt factory closure

International food company McCain has turned down a request from Hawke's Bay mayors asking for a pause on the factory's closure while growers try to find a solution for a possible takeover.

Minister 'comfortable' getting $1000 a week home allowance

The pecuniary interests register shows Louise Upston has no mortgage on the Wellington apartment....

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

Nicola Grigg says environmental responsibilities would continue seamlessly under the new...

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

Andrew Mehrtens working at a Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Chiefs in 2015....

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

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he does not agree with Mike King's controversial alcohol...

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 will be used as a second set of eyes reading breast cancer scans from early next year. File photo

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

The six-building residential project in central Christchurch is scheduled for completion in early...

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

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

Finance Minister Nicola Willis shows off Budget 2026 ahead of its delivery on Thursday. Photo: RNZ

'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

A person has died after an early morning crash in Canterbury.

First person charged under new stalking law

The man will appear in Auckland District Court. Photo: ODT files

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

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?'

The man was warned by a judge after telling the Crown prosecutor he was a "freak" and "twisted"....

'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

Lanyue Xiao and her husband Kaixiao Liu. Photo: RNZ

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

The idea of a flying fox-style ride through Conical Hill Reserve was suggested in 2019. Photo:...

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

Louise Upston and Christopher Luxon at the policy announcement this morning. Photo: NZ Herald

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 (left) and Dame Jools. Photo: Supplied

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

In June 2024, a coalition presented a petition to the government, asking that stalking be made...

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".

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