National

Govt creates $450m stash to address fuel crisis

Govt creates $450m stash to address fuel crisis

The government has announced it is holding $450 million in reserve to address further shocks caused by high fuel prices amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

NZ generates double the global average of rubbish

NZ generates double the global average of rubbish: report

A report from the World Bank shows Kiwis generate almost two kilos of rubbish per person, per day - more than twice the global average.

Big boost for health

Health gets $5.8 billion of new spending, including a $5.5b increase to frontline services over four years.

Country 'digging its way out of the post-Covid hole'

An end to the Middle East conflict, financial discipline and a return to solid economic growth are being relied on to deliver a quicker return to budget surpluses.

Budget 2026 at a glance

As promised, the Finance Minister has delivered a bread-and-butter Budget 2026, with few big surprises and no sign of a lolly scramble.

Nicola Willis faces tricky balancing act with Budget 2026

Nicola Willis with Budget 2026. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Nicola Willis faces tricky balancing act with Budget 2026

Analysis: Trying to please everyone will prove a near-impossible task for Finance Minister Nicola Willis when she delivers her third Budget on Thursday.

Tourism firms hit by most weather-disrupted summer on record

Tourism operators are bracing for more frequent storms after some experienced their most weather-disrupted summer on record.

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.