Adam Pearse
Deputy Political Editor
Adam Pearse is Deputy Political Editor for the New Zealand Herald based in the gallery in Wellington.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Check out Adam’s latest content
Revealed: 10% chance of Akld eruption in next 50 years, entire city may be evacuated
The cost of the building damage alone has been put in the tens of billions.
Advertising watchdog assessing complaints about billboards attacking Green Party
The billboards, targeting local MPs, popped up in central Auckland and central Wellington.
Watch: Tension with Peters over trade messaging a 'media beat up' says PM
Peters has criticised use of the term 'trade war', which the PM has consistently embraced.
Driver licence changes: Govt proposes to scrap second practical test, reduce eyesight tests
The changes are open for consultation from tomorrow.
Senior MP Willie Jackson says Labour Govt should've taken GST off meat
Labour proposed removing GST from fruit and vegetables ahead of the 2023 election.
Peters condemns 'hysterical' language used by Luxon in Trump tariff talks
It's the latest example of the pair being at odds over how to respond to Trump's tariffs.
Luxon responds to Treaty Principles Bill's demise
The bill was voted down by all parties except its creator, Act.
Government to widen definition of veteran and create new national tribute day
The definition had created division within the military community.
'It hasn’t failed': Seymour defiant as Treaty bill voted down, hints at referendum
'What it has done is put an uneasy conversation on the table' - Act leader
Labour tax policy dispute didn't prompt resignation - David Parker
Parker will give his final speech in the House next month.
New poll shows coalition Govt trumping Opposition amid high NZ First support
Two recent polls have pointed to growing support for the Government parties.
Copyright breach claim forces change to billboards attacking Green co-leader, MP
The billboards seem to attack Paul's recent comments about police.
Larger granny flats to be built without consents after Govt changes coalition promise
It's estimated 13,000 granny flats will be built over the next decade.
Te Pāti Māori plans own version of Privileges Committee after skipping key meeting
The party argues it would not get a fair hearing after several requests were rejected.
500 extra police: Winston Peters admits Govt’s target could be ‘few weeks late’
Peters has long stood by the promise to achieve the target in two years.
Review into absconding bootcamp youths more than a month late
The review was supposed to be days away from release in mid-February.
Labour reserves judgment on Govt’s caps to sentencing discounts
Judges will soon only be able to discount sentences by up to 40%.
PM slates failure to inform ministers of 11yo misidentified by police, handcuffed, and drugged
One minister described the incident as 'every parent's worst nightmare'.
Adam Pearse: US trade, defence and new ferries loom large over PM’s India FTA progress
ANALYSIS: It isn't about to let up for Luxon after a tiring but successful week in India.
PM Luxon defends NZDF job cuts plan as India visit ends
The Government is about to release its 15-year plan for NZ's defence spending.
NZ and India investigating direct flight by 2028
The world is short about 2000 planes, according to the Air NZ CEO.
PM in India: How Christopher Luxon's sledge of ex-Black Cap Ross Taylor backfired
One of India's cricket legends was there to see it all unfold.
PM hits out at India trade deal doubters but downplays talk of 60-day deadline
Luxon had earlier stated his expectations a deal would be signed by the end of 2025.
Christopher Luxon dodges call to address ‘illegal anti-India activities’ in NZ
The comments came following Luxon's bilateral meeting with Narendra Modi.
Analysis: PM's trade talk revival invigorates India visit but can he keep the momentum?
ANALYSIS: Will the revived talks help fulfill Luxon's promise to secure a deal in 2026?
Free trade negotiations to restart with India as Luxon begins visit
Luxon has promised to deliver a trade deal with India within his first term.
Free-trade deal hopes at heart of Luxon’s India visit
Luxon has set himself a deadline to get the deal by the 2026 election.
Jan Tinetti admits ‘little bit of grief’ losing education in Labour reshuffle
Tinetti was among several experienced MPs to lose portfolios they'd held for some time.
Luxon reinforces India free-trade deal promise ahead of visit
The deal was promised by the end of the term.
Opinion: Fresh faces headline Labour reshuffle as Hipkins goes back to basics
OPINION: Party's changes show its renewed focus on Auckland.
National, Act condemn Labour’s ‘deck chair’ caucus reshuffle
Hipkins is calling for a more collaborative approach to governing.
Labour leader to reveal caucus reshuffle, Auckland portfolio set to change hands
The reshuffle is set to impact portfolio distribution more than caucus rankings.
Chris Hipkins calls on PM to compel David Seymour to address school lunch issues
One school raised concern about the lack of ‘halal-certified’ free lunches for children.
Citizens' arrest restraining powers ‘very problematic’ - legal expert
One retailer says the Government hasn't learned from the death of a dairy manager in 2022.
Brian Tamaki ‘excited’ by new citizen’s arrest powers, fears emerge for retail workers
The powers would allow anyone to arrest and detain a criminal.
Watch: ‘Not necessarily a headlock’ – Goldsmith details new citizens' arrest powers
The announcement comes amid a rise in retail crime.
Children 'getting the bash' from Oranga Tamariki staff as abuse in care rises
Examples included young people getting punched and hit in the head.
New citizen’s arrest powers to be announced amid rise in retail theft
The Government is expected to announce the new powers later today.
Treaty Principles Bill: Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau warns of local government impact
Dozens of submitters gave their view today, including the current Wellington mayor.
Govt to decide on retail crime group advising stronger citizen’s arrest and use of force powers
The group's chairman wants retailers to be able to defend their property.
‘It is his decision’ - PM on Bayly’s resignation after staff touching incident
Luxon first learned about the incident involving Bayly late last week.
Watch live: David Seymour unveils overseas investment reforms amid foreign home buyers debate
Cabinet is currently discussing the prospect of foreign investors buying homes in NZ.
PM says Govt is considering whether to build a new oil refinery
The Marsden Point refinery in Northland was shut down in 2022.
500 extra police: Minister ‘even more confident’ in hitting target despite fewer officers
There's only nine months left and officer numbers have dropped.
Foreign Minister calls for transparency as Cook Islands-China deal released
The deal has been at the centre of tensions between the Cook Islands and NZ.
Labour condemns Govt 'covering up' bootcamp re-offending as speculation swirls
PM Christopher Luxon defends the level of detail that's being released.
Police Minister ‘very willing’ to explore new offence for protests outside private residences
The Justice Minister says these kinds of protests are becoming more frequent.
Oranga Tamariki won’t reveal bootcamp pilot reoffending
The pilot was created to stop offending, so why is Oranga Tamariki not talking about it?
'Made their own decisions': Health minister denies three senior health resignations connected
It comes amid a renewed focus on the Government's health targets.
Oranga Tamariki stays quiet on bootcamp participant offending as first pilot review drops
The agency considers the review 'largely positive'.
‘National sovereignty’ central to Cook Islands PM’s discussions with China as deal enters final stages
A deal is expected to be signed within the coming days.
Two new polls show Labour/Greens/Te Pāti Māori can form Government, NZ headed in wrong direction
The polls also show the gap closing between Hipkins and Luxon in the preferred PM rankings
Please invest: PM’s message to world as year’s first ‘action plan’ released
Govt's plan has 40 points across the economy, law and order and public service.
Watch: 'Get off!' Security stops Seymour driving Land Rover up Parliament steps
Parliament security demanded Seymour get off the steps immediately.
Govt to relax immigration settings to attract wealthy foreign investors who ‘don’t love’ renting
The PM argues Labour oversaw a declining level of investment.
live
Watch: PM faces continued questions about his Waitangi Treaty Grounds absence
The Prime Minister's opted for Akaroa over Northland this year.
live
‘I just gave them $10m’: Shane Jones threatens to stop funding for Waitangi National Trust
It came after David Seymour had his microphone taken off him twice during his speech.
live
Seymour's mic taken away, protesters turn their backs during Waitangi speech
The atmosphere was intense as David Seymour bent down to pick up the wero.
Te Pāti Māori to demand a new Te Tiriti Commissioner to audit Governmentt policy
The co-leaders indicated it could be a bottom line policy.
Mexican Ambassador to meet with Winston Peters amid Shane Jones' ‘xenophobic’ comments
The comments from Shane Jones have been deemed 'xenophobic' by the Greens.
Ngā Puhi to welcome Te Pāti Māori, Māori Queen ahead of Government pōwhiri
The remaining five political parties will be welcomed tomorrow.
Waitangi 2025: Fallen MP inspires Marama Davidson's challenge to Govt amid political return
Davidson's return comes eight months after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Waitangi 2025: An absent PM, a returning Green leader and the tension-raising Treaty bill
Organisers accept reaction to the Treaty Principles Bill could disrupt proceedings.
Watch live: PM on school lunches, Parliament’s ‘Mexican Stand-off’ and economic growth
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is confident school lunch issues will be solved.
National and NZ First’s frustration over Treaty bill only set to grow
OPINION: NZ First leader Winston Peters looked annoyed when he spoke of the bill's future.
Watch: PM Christopher Luxon speaks at Rātana Pa
Rātana locals are seeking reassurance from the PM about the Treaty Principles Bill.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins promising robust policy but keeps powder dry
Policy announcements are expected "in the coming months".
Labour leader Hipkins on why his party won’t implode in 2025
Labour is holding its caucus retreat one day after National held its own in Hamilton.
New Health Minister: Health NZ executive will have to change
Dr Shane Reti lost the portfolio in Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's reshuffle.
Incoming Health Minister Simeon Brown to meet Commissioner today
Christopher Luxon insists he still has confidence in Shane Reti.
'Privilege to serve': Dumped Health Minister says he respects Luxon's decision
The Government has faced increasing scrutiny due to pressures within the health sector.
Politicians to choose Treaty Principles Bill submitters, hearings to begin in 10 days
Hobson's Pledge asks members if they would consider cancelling National Party membership.
Justice committee unable to hear all oral submissions on Treaty Principles Bill amid record response
Select committee members will be meeting on Thursday to decide what happens next.
PM to attend Nelson police officer Lyn Fleming’s funeral, cuts UAE trip short
The funeral was set to take place on Thursday.
What democratic ‘crisis’ worries Chris Hipkins as he recalls 2024 in politics?
'We’ve made more progress than I anticipated in terms of rebuilding our public support.'
Watch: 'Cowardly' - Opposition MPs slam Luxon's decision to skip Treaty grounds events
Where the Prime Minister will be on national day is unclear.
'I didn’t appoint him': Collins looked at stripping KC's title over alleged 'appalling behaviour'
Winston Peters says he is considering whether to take further action.
'Not a day I don’t think about it': Mixed response to Lake Alice redress package
Minister Erica Stanford acknowledges the scheme won't meet everyone's expectations.
Reviews of bootcamp participants’ death and abscondings not due until 2025
One bootcamp participant died in a car crash, triggering another to abscond.
Watch: Govt grilled after key questions on new ferries left unanswered
A cost blowout forced the cancellation of project started under the Labour Government.