National

'Akin to torture': Systemic failings found in death of neglected 90yo

The findings of Health NZ's independent review into the support and care of a neglected, elderly Christchurch father has highlighted systematic issues and gaps.

Govt pushing law change to allow AI to make benefit decisions

National's Scott Simpson introduced the bill. Photo: RNZ

Govt pushing law change to allow AI to make benefit decisions

A proposed new law would allow the Ministry of Social Development to use AI to make decisions about people's benefits.

Donations to ACT Party surge, doubling in 20 days

ACT has banked a rush of donations within the last 20 days, doubling its campaign year...

Donations to ACT Party surge, doubling in 20 days

The ACT Party has received $600,000 in new donations in the last 20 days, more than doubling its tally in election year so far to $1.2m raised.

Deadly blaze that started in bedroom 'not suspicious'

Rose-Maree Couch, 23, and her 3-year-old daughter, Sapphire-Hope. Photo: Supplied

Deadly blaze that started in bedroom 'not suspicious'

A fire that claimed the life of a young Christchurch mum and her pre-schooler daughter started in a bedroom but police say it was not suspicious.

Treatment in US could save young NZ woman's life

Maddie relies on a hemodialysis machine every night to keep her alive. PHOTO: DANIEL ALVEY

Treatment in US could save young NZ woman's life

After an 18-year battle with kidney disease, a miracle treatment may provide a Canterbury 22-year-old with a normal life.

50,000 more Kiwi kids suffering from material hardship than three years ago

50,000 more Kiwi kids suffering from material hardship than three years ago

An expert on the impacts of child poverty says 50,000 more NZ children are suffering from material hardship than three years ago.

Budget no frills and no thrills

Budget no frills and no thrills

Finance Minister Nicola Willis promised that Budget 2026 would not be one to get the pulse racing, and boy did she deliver.

'What the f***!': Dame Lynda Topp blasts government in awards speech

Dame Lynda Topp blasts the government's arts funding at the Aotearoa Music Awards. Photo: RNZ...

'What the f***!': Dame Lynda Topp blasts government in awards speech

Surviving Topp Twin, Dame Lynda, has delivered a blistering impassioned volley at the government for overlooking the arts in this year's Budget.

Budget prompts nostalgia not optimism

Budget prompts nostalgia not optimism

If Budget 2026’s Economic and Fiscal Update document came with a soundtrack it would be The Way We Were, by Barbra Streisand.

Top of South Island braced for 44 hours of rain

Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for parts of the South Island, with heavy downpours forecast in the Tasman district.

Investment will enhance disaster resilience: expert

Contractors work on the Nevis Bluff earlier this month. $400 million has been set aside in the...

Investment will enhance disaster resilience: expert

Investing in provincial highways could prevent vulnerable communities from being isolated and prevent major disruption to supply routes, a disaster risk specialist says.

Man jailed after causing crash which killed friend

Tangaroa Paki caused a Tauranga crash that killed his best friend, Brayden Tawa. Photo: Open...

Man jailed after causing crash which killed friend

The young daughter of a man killed by his best mate in a high-speed, drug-fuelled crash says she will never forgive him.

DoW AI war project info ‘delusional’

Participants in the Five Eyes combined digital leadership summit, held in Washington in earlier...

DoW AI war project info ‘delusional’

"Delusional" and a possible "piss-take" is how geopolitical and security analysts are describing information from the United States Department of War (DoW) about an artificial intelligence-enabled,...

Budget 'doing nothing' for struggling families: Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is warning that families are starving and it wants the government to urgently...

Budget 'doing nothing' for struggling families: Salvation Army

Budget 2026 has nothing that will really make a difference for struggling families, the Salvation Army says.

Funeral held for mum and daughter who died in fire

Mum and daughter who died in house fire farewelled

Hundreds of people have farewelled a mother and her young daughter who were killed in a Christchurch house fire earlier this month.

Boost for trades training as tertiary subsidies frozen

The Budget boosts spending on curriculum changes and trade training for teens, freezes nearly all tertiary subsidies and fast-tracks a modest boost for early childhood services.

Money to shore up South Is state highways

The Milford Road (SH94) in Southland. Photo: MILFORD ROAD ALLIANCE

Money to shore up South Is state highways

Budget 2026 contains funding for just one Road of National Significance and will help ensure state highways are resilient due to severe weather events.

Willis' superannuation comments an 'unfortunate mistake': Peters

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters. Photo: RNZ

Willis' superannuation comments an 'unfortunate mistake': Peters

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the Finance Minister made an "unfortunate mistake" when she made comments about superannuation during the Budget-lock up.

$48m boost for Māori broadcasting

Pokere Paewai of RNZA boost for Māori broadcasting is the one main highlight for Māori in this year's Budget.

Spending on Pacific aid and defence

Budget 2026 will see more foreign aid to the Pacific region, while defence and customs spending rises with an eye towards crime and security.

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