Politics
Fast-track application to mine Taranaki seabed withdrawn
Trans-Tasman Resources' withdrew the application following a draft decision by an expert panel.
Promises to ban paywave surcharges 'going nowhere'
The government said it would axe surcharges by May to "put money back into Kiwi's pockets".
Labour MP kicked out as Parliament consumed by claims of racism
For the second day in a row, Parliament has been consumed by claims of racism - owing to Winston Peters' targetting of a Green MP with Cook Islands heritage. Labour MP Kieran McAnulty was ordered to… Audio
The House: Turning back time through law
Parliament is considering a law that changes what was legal in the past. Retrospective law-making is allowed, but rare and controversial.
'Forced into swallowing a dead rat': Opposition react to Auckland housing U-turn
Labour's deputy leader says the backtrack is a huge blow for families looking for affordable homes.
Kieran McAnulty ordered to leave the House after challenging Speaker
It follows a "racist" comment NZ First leader Winston Peters made that didn't result in any consequence, the Labour MP says.
Housing intensification rules rolled back
"People want to know that their suburbs will continue to be liveable. That is what government wants too," Chris Bishop said in a speech interrupted by a heckler.
'We're not shagging spiders': Minister on second harbour crossing
Chris Bishop went on a self-described "rant" during a Q&A session at the International Convention Centre, with some colourful turns of phrase.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 19 February 2026
National U-turns on housing density; fearing a backlash in well-heeled parts of Auckland, the government drops its housing number ambitions, two million new homes was too much; how does 1.6 million… Audio
Explainer: What on earth is going on with Auckland's housing?
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has outlined changes to housing densification plans for Auckland - with cabinet agreeing to lower the maximum number of houses in Auckland from 2 million to at least 1.6… Audio
Government expected to make announcement on Auckland housing plan U-turn
The Housing Minister has had to grapple with a process he says is "legally complicated". Audio
Bishop and McAnulty the standouts in Parliament's opening speeches
Parliament's year begins with a very long debate. The House reviews the event and samples a few of the best speakers.
New housing density plans for Auckland announced
Housing Minister Chris Bishop delivered his much anticipated speech on backdowns in housing density plans for Auckland. Political reporter Lilian Hanly spoke to Guyon Espiner. Audio
UK: Unemployment jumps, Andrew protection probed
UK correspondent Rob Watson joins Kathryn to talk about unemployment in the UK climbing to its highest rate in five years. Audio
'Very complicated': Minister defends dropping plan for four-year term referendum
The government has ditched a bill to put a longer electoral term to a binding referendum, citing time constraints. Audio
Government ditches plan for parliamentary term referendum
The government has ditched plans to hold a referendum at the next election on whether to extend parliamentary terms to four years. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Auckland’s housing intensification plans due for release
The details of the government's revised plans for housing intensification in Auckland are expected to be announced today. Political reporter Lillian Hanly reports. Audio
Labour's response to tolls for second AK harbour crossing
Labour's Willow-Jean Prime talks bridge tolls and corruption Audio
'Impossible deadline': Union questions shorter consultation for Māori curriculum
But the Ministry of Education says there is enough time for schools and kura to provide feedback.
Pharmac funding for new cancer drugs on the cards
Pharmac is proposing to fund venetoclax with ibrutinib or with obinutuzumab.
