New Zealand's Latest Breaking News, Business, Sport, Weather, Entertainment, Politics

Latest FromJason Walls

Tuariki Delamere, a former NZ First Immigration Minister, had a number of concerns with the visa category, which was temporarily closed since late 2016. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Parent visas should be canned – former immigration minister

18 Jan, 2019 3:22pm
3 minutes to read

As soon as parents gain residency, their children 'piss off back to where they came from'.

A spokesman for Iain Lees-Galloway, left, said he had received more advice on the visa category at the end of last year-

NEW ZEALAND

Govt close to decision on reopening parent visa category

17 Jan, 2019 5:40pm
3 minutes to read

National is calling on the Govt to explain why the category has been closed for so long.

Trade Minister David Parker said the CPTPP is important in the current uncertain global trading environment. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Trade Minister to attend first CPTPP meeting this week

17 Jan, 2019 1:22pm
2 minutes to read

The deal came into force on December 30 last year.

Prime Minister Ardern was not available for comment, but a spokeswoman for duty minister Grant Robertson confirmed that Ardern had a

NEW ZEALAND

Trudeau lobbies Ardern to support Canada in feud with China

16 Jan, 2019 11:50am
2 minutes to read

Ardern and Trudeau had a conversation yesterday about the escalating diplomatic feud.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said it's unlikely a soft Brexit could be achieved. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Peters: A 'soft Brexit' was never really going to happen

16 Jan, 2019 10:54am
3 minutes to read

Robertson said the UK's rejection of the latest Brexit deal adds to uncertainty for NZ.

BUSINESS

Business confidence looks to have turned a corner

15 Jan, 2019 2:18pm
3 minutes to read

There was a 10 percentage point drop in the number of pessimistic businesses

Green Co-Leader Marama Davidson has called for a reform of the political donations regime. Photo / Michael Craig.

NEW ZEALAND

$350k donation to Greens the largest in party's history

14 Jan, 2019 12:20pm
3 minutes to read

The donation was bequeathed to the Greens by Betty Harris, who died this time last year

National Party deputy leader Paula Bennett said she was

NEW ZEALAND

Something blue: National's Paula Bennett now a marriage celebrant

11 Jan, 2019 12:28pm
2 minutes to read

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition will officiate her first ceremony in March.

Asking roughly 4500 questions, Ngaro - National's children, community and voluntary sector and Pacific peoples' spokesman - lodged the most questions in the year. Photo / John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Three National MPs asked a quarter of all the party's written questions

11 Jan, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

One National MP asked more than 1000 questions in a single day.

ACC Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said the $22 million fund aimed to prevent workplace accidents before they occur. Photo / Mark Mitchell

BUSINESS

ACC sets aside $22m to help prevent workplace injuries

10 Jan, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

ACC will soon launch a $22 million fund to provide subsidies and grants to SMEs.

In August last year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced MPs would not receive a pay increase as she didn't believe it was fair.

NEW ZEALAND

MPs' pay freeze saves taxpayers $750,000

8 Jan, 2019 1:17pm
3 minutes to read

Officials tossed up giving MPs the option of donating their pay increase to charity.

The Ministry for the Environment has recommended that people with Gold and Community services cards receive reusable bags for free. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Plastic bag ban could hit NZ's poorest the hardest

7 Jan, 2019 2:45pm
3 minutes to read

The ban comes into effect in July, but some retailers have already implemented it.

NEW ZEALAND

Just how green is the ministerial car fleet?

7 Jan, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The complete Crown fleet is made up of 72 vehicles and is set to get greener.

Chloe Swarbrick, Green Party list MP, Parliament, says she has not had time to watch much Netflix and asks 'does that make me a bad millennial?' photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Meet the backbenchers: Chloe Swarbrick

6 Jan, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

"I just felt that there was the need to do something different."

Green MP Chloe Swarbrick has opened up about her sexuality. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Chloe Swarbrick on her sexuality: 'I was never in the closet'

6 Jan, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The Green MP says she "likes people".

NEW ZEALAND

From a topless actor to an aerobics instructor : The former jobs of politicians

5 Jan, 2019 5:00am
7 minutes to read

Jason Walls discovers the weird and wacky former jobs of our MPs.

The USB drive was not password protected and was not encrypted. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

NZTA 'misplaced' USB drive with 1100 employees' details

4 Jan, 2019 9:41am
2 minutes to read

The device was not password protected nor encrypted.

NEW ZEALAND

HNZ accused of neglecting family's safety concerns

3 Jan, 2019 5:46pm
4 minutes to read

Aisha Loun has been trying to get HNZ to fix safety issues at her home for eight months.

CAA Acting Director John Kay said the rules around drones exist to keep people safe, whether they're in the air or on the ground. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Drone safety risk: CAA probes two 'potentially catastrophic' incidents

3 Jan, 2019 4:13pm
2 minutes to read

CAA will take 'appropriate action' after the investigation is complete.

The scene of the fatal crash at Pahoia in September 2018. Photo / George Novak

NEW ZEALAND

'Many decades' before road toll substantially reduced: Genter

3 Jan, 2019 12:36pm
3 minutes to read

NZ experienced its highest road toll since 2009, with almost 400 deaths last year

NEW ZEALAND

Govt wants drug-testing kits at all NZ music festivals

2 Jan, 2019 1:50pm
3 minutes to read

This has been welcomed by the Drug Foundation, who said it was "fantastic news."

Biosecurity Minister Damien O'Connor is confident M. bovis can be eradicated, despite the fact no country has ever managed to get rid of the disease. Photo / John Borren

NEW ZEALAND

Damien O'Connor on fighting M. bovis

27 Dec, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Eradication plan has made NZ's overall biosecurity system more resilient, O'Connor says.

In a statement, Winston Peters said the US presence in Syria is something the Government have supported as part of a global effort to counter ISIS photo / Mark Mitchell.

NEW ZEALAND

Trump's withdrawal of troops from Syria a matter 'entirely for the US' – Peters

21 Dec, 2018 2:44pm
2 minutes to read

Some 2000 US troops will be withdrawn from Syria as Trump claims ISIS has been defeated

NEW ZEALAND

Why Winston Peters is claiming credit for Ikea's NZ interest

20 Dec, 2018 11:17am
2 minutes to read

"We set up an embassy in Stockholm ... here comes Ikea to New Zealand."

NZ First Leader Winston Peters said Labour agreed with NZ First position now and it had

NEW ZEALAND

NZ First's coalition bottom line cost taxpayers $3 million

19 Dec, 2018 5:33pm
2 minutes to read

National says this shows the Govt put politics before prudent use of taxpayers' money

New Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade secretary Chris Seed will be responsible for the Government's foreign, international trade, development and climate change policy objectives. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

New head of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade named

19 Dec, 2018 1:59pm
2 minutes to read

He will be responsible for 1500 staff, including a network of 60 posts in 53 countries.

Speaker Trevor Mallard said he hoped to be in a position to be involved in an announcement in the first quarter of the New Year. photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Speaker exploring creating an MP training camp

19 Dec, 2018 12:16pm
2 minutes to read

The Speaker hopes to be in a position to make a more detailed announcement early next year

Peter Nunns and Julie Anne Genter. Photo / Doug Sherring

NEW ZEALAND

Increase in contracts for Minister's partner's firm not conflict of interest – PM

18 Dec, 2018 4:30pm
3 minutes to read

Any potential (or perceived) conflict of interest was managed by the Cabinet Office.

A photography drone (not pictured) was crushed under the wheel of a Crown car today as it was sitting on Parliament's forecourt. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Oops! Minister's Crown car crushes drone outside Parliament

18 Dec, 2018 3:36pm
3 minutes to read

Herald can confirm there were no injuries as a result of the incident.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters meets with US Vice-President Mike Pence and other officials in Washington. Photo / Twitter, US Embassy NZ

NEW ZEALAND

US, NZ agree to pool resources for Pacific aid

18 Dec, 2018 2:27pm
4 minutes to read

This comes just days after Peters appealed to the US to increase spending in the region.

Rouxle Le Roux, aged 19 years, in the Auckland District Court where she was sentenced to home detention for dangerous driving causing the death of Nathan Kraatsow, top right.

NEW ZEALAND

Learner driver's fatal hit-and-run: 143,000 sign petition

18 Dec, 2018 1:19pm
3 minutes to read

The petition was to get the Crown to appeal Rouxle Le Roux's sentence for a hit-and-run

Justice Minister says the referendum will be held at the 2020 election and will be binding. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Govt confirms recreational cannabis referendum in 2020

18 Dec, 2018 10:14am
3 minutes to read

Justice Minister Andrew Little confirms the referendum will be binding.

Immigration Minister Ian Lees-Galloway said the proposed framework would be employer-led, rather than migrant-led photo / Greg Bowker

NEW ZEALAND

Govt unveils new proposed employer-led immigration rules

18 Dec, 2018 9:00am
2 minutes to read

The Immigration Minister slammed the previous Government's "one-size-fits-all approach"

NEW ZEALAND

'Breakthrough' at Climate Change conference in Poland

16 Dec, 2018 12:42pm
3 minutes to read

Almost 200 countries agreed to the rules which would put the Paris treaty into action.

In a speech at Georgetown University in the US, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said there were

NEW ZEALAND

Peters 'unashamedly' calls for US to do more in the Pacific

16 Dec, 2018 10:37am
3 minutes to read

Peters said few other countries have a better relationship than NZ and the US.

An oil and gas jackup drilling rig at sunset in the Gulf of Mexico. (Photo by: Education Images/UIG via Getty Images)

NEW ZEALAND

Global oil execs thumb nose at NZ after oil and gas exploration ban

14 Dec, 2018 2:15pm
4 minutes to read

NZ has dropped from 14th to 46th on the Fraser Institute's perception index.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson has unveiled the Half Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) and the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) this morning

BUSINESS

'Timing issues' strip $2b from Govt's surplus

13 Dec, 2018 1:00pm
3 minutes to read

The Government unveils the Half Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update.

NEW ZEALAND

RBNZ boss says central bank is under-resourced

12 Dec, 2018 3:33pm
3 minutes to read

RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr says the Bank needs more staff to help it regulate banks.

National Transport spokesman Paul Goldsmith said AT's plan was

NEW ZEALAND

Plan to reduce speed limit in Auckland's CBD 'anti-car zealotry'

12 Dec, 2018 10:31am
3 minutes to read

AT wants to reduce the speed limit in Auckland's CBD to 30kms/h

National Finance Spokeswoman Amy Adams said the instructions read as if ministers were being asked to cut spending in their portfolios

NEW ZEALAND

Ministers told to review portfolio spending

11 Dec, 2018 6:01pm
3 minutes to read

Leaked documents show the Government's 2019 Budget priorities.

NEW ZEALAND

NZ First to oppose 'own' language policy

11 Dec, 2018 2:43pm
2 minutes to read

Bill would be irresponsible as teachers are already under workload pressures, says party.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said he and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo have been in regular contact this year at various different meetings. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Peters to meet with US Vice President this week

11 Dec, 2018 2:50pm
2 minutes to read

Visit an opportunity to engage with US policymakers on a number of issues, says Peters.

Speaking to Breakfast this morning, PM Jacinda Ardern said NZTA had some issues it needed to address. photo / Mark Mitchell

PM blasts NZTA for 'dropping the ball'

11 Dec, 2018 9:44am
2 minutes to read

Yesterday, NZTA's CEO resigned after mounting pressure

KiwiBuild chief executive Stephen Barclay. Photo / NZ Herald

BUSINESS

Government puts distance on chief executive issues

10 Dec, 2018 6:40pm
3 minutes to read

Government won't comment on operational issues around chief executives.

BUSINESS

Govt targets late payers with law change

10 Dec, 2018 11:20am
2 minutes to read

Although there is a law in place to prevent unfair practices, it's still happening.

Speaking to Q &A last night, former PM John Key said he would be concerned if the planned strike action went ahead photo / Greg Bowker

BUSINESS

John Key concerned at potential Air NZ strike action

10 Dec, 2018 10:02am
3 minutes to read

Key said any strike action over the Christmas period would be 'a real tragedy'

NEW ZEALAND

Bridges 'unfazed and unconcerned' with party leaks

10 Dec, 2018 8:55am
2 minutes to read

He said the latest leaked information was only 'minor bits and pieces'

A spokesman for National Leader Simon Bridges said the papers were months old and were sent to

NEW ZEALAND

Details of National Party policies leaked

8 Dec, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The leak comes days after media talking points and an internal poll were also leaked.

NEW ZEALAND

Corrections Minister hits back at Tamaki's claims

6 Dec, 2018 6:27pm
2 minutes to read

Tamaki claimed his prison programmes had been stifled – Davis said that's not true

Inspector-General Cheryl Gwyn said transparency was a core principle of the agency's work and

NEW ZEALAND

Spy agency watchdog is committed to 'encouraging and demonstrating transparency'

6 Dec, 2018 5:37pm
3 minutes to read

The Inspector-General said IGIS had been transparent in a number of ways

Justice Minister Andrew Little and other MPs listening to Bishop Brian Tamaki during the Destiny Church Man Up programme rally at Parliament, Wellington. 06 December, 2018. New Zealand Herald photog

NEW ZEALAND

Brian Tamaki's message for Jacinda Ardern

6 Dec, 2018 2:59pm
3 minutes to read

Tamaki is lobbying the Government to allow its Man-Up programme into prisons.

Defence Minister Ron Mark said the report's assessment is a

NEW ZEALAND

Climate change 'significant security threat'

6 Dec, 2018 11:30am
4 minutes to read

The report identified the security impacts which may arise as a result of climate change.

Economic Development Minister David Parker said many people might consider the America's Cup a

NEW ZEALAND

America's Cup wouldn't have gone ahead without additional funding

5 Dec, 2018 5:26pm
2 minutes to read

Senior minister says Auckland Council should "absolutely" green light more funding.

Climate Minister James Shaw, left, said an increasing number of investors were looking to fund clean, sustainable ventures. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

$100m green investment fund launched by Govt

5 Dec, 2018 12:30pm
4 minutes to read

Establishing the fund was part the Labour/Greens confidence and supply agreement.

NEW ZEALAND

Speaker apologises for labelling Bridges comments 'smart-arse'

4 Dec, 2018 5:51pm
2 minutes to read

It is relatively unusual for the Speaker to withdraw and apologise in the House.

NEW ZEALAND

Government announces extra millions for America's Cup

4 Dec, 2018 5:05pm
4 minutes to read

The Government has approved additional funding of $22.5 million.

NEW ZEALAND

New set of wellbeing indicators a 'significant step forward'

4 Dec, 2018 3:59pm
2 minutes to read

The new dashboard is a wide-ranging set of data which takes a deep dive into wellbeing.

NEW ZEALAND

Another National leak: Internal email on bullying divulged

4 Dec, 2018 12:17pm
3 minutes to read

The email provides a list of talking points MPs should stick to when broaching the subject

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealanders

BUSINESS

Watch: Petrol-price investigation gets green light

3 Dec, 2018 4:00pm
5 minutes to read

Government has begun the official process of investigating the petrol industry.

Grant Robertson, who is also Finance Minister, told the Herald the future of stadia in Auckland, including the possibility of a downtown stadium, was

NEW ZEALAND

Downtown Auckland stadium 'of interest to Government'

30 Nov, 2018 4:57pm
3 minutes to read

Robertson will continue to encourage discussions about a new stadium.

NEW ZEALAND

Human Rights Commission calls for pay transparency agency

30 Nov, 2018 2:43pm
2 minutes to read

The commission has a few issues with the Equal Pay Amendment Bill.

NEW ZEALAND

Robertson's flagged surplus fluctuation rears head in Govt accounts

30 Nov, 2018 1:45pm
3 minutes to read

Government spending was 1.2 per cent – $300 million – over budget in the past four months.