Harete Hipango-Brownlie is the latest in a string of former politicians to announce they're running for New Zealand First at this year's election.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has published its Major Transport Projects Pipeline, laying out the phases it plans to implement the Roads of National Significance and public transport projects.

Work is under way to repair the flood-damaged State Highway 1 south of Kaikōura, while other weather-affected South Island roads are reopening today.

ACT wants to impose a Three Strikes regime for burglary, requiring a minimum three-year prison sentence with no parole for anyone convicted of burglary three times.

The government has to walk a "careful path", standing up against China trampling on the Pacific's anti-nuclear values while recognising it's our biggest trading partner, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.