Adam Pearse is a Political Reporter 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.
![Northland power cut: Cabinet to address energy and fuel security after blackout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Northland power cut: Cabinet to address energy and fuel security after blackout
Energy Minister Simeon Brown is expected to provide more details this afternoon.
![Cyclones, Auckland deluge inquiry exposes how vulnerable NZ is to severe weather events](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Cyclones, Auckland deluge inquiry exposes how vulnerable NZ is to severe weather events
It's prompted the Government to scrap a bill aimed at improving emergency management.
![Better cancer treatment and child immunisation among Govt’s new targets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Better cancer treatment and child immunisation among Govt’s new targets
The final item of the 100-day plan was completed with the PM in Northland.
![Treaty settlement delays likely thanks to Govt’s public spending cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Treaty settlement delays likely thanks to Govt’s public spending cuts
The Ngāpuhi settlement, among others, would be prioritised amid the spending cuts.
!['2, 4, 6, 8, this government is out the gate': 1000 people march in Waitangi hīkoi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'2, 4, 6, 8, this government is out the gate': 1000 people march in Waitangi hīkoi
PM yesterday told his Waitangi speech missed the mark - but earns apology.
![Tension, tolerance and protests greet Govt at Waitangi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Tension, tolerance and protests greet Govt at Waitangi
Thousands gather to watch the arrival of the Prime Minister and politicians at Waitangi
!['Stop selling us out' - tense scenes as Jones fronts up to Govt criticism](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Stop selling us out' - tense scenes as Jones fronts up to Govt criticism
300 people slowly approached the marae in silence, holding up white flags.
![Rawiri Waititi calls for Māori Parliament amid teasing of NZ First's Peters and Jones](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rawiri Waititi calls for Māori Parliament amid teasing of NZ First's Peters and Jones
Thousands filled the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to watch the Kīngitanga-led group walk on.
![Labour promises Ngāpuhi support in fight against Government](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Labour promises Ngāpuhi support in fight against Government
The Opposition pōwhiri sets the scene for the Government's welcome on Monday.
![Watch: Kelvin Davis’ rallying call to Māori as he finishes politics with rockstar ending](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Watch: Kelvin Davis’ rallying call to Māori as he finishes politics with rockstar ending
Davis had no issue attacking the Government's policies regarding the Treaty.
!['I’ll make it work' - Christopher Luxon answers Winston questions during visit to Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'I’ll make it work' - Christopher Luxon answers Winston questions during visit to Northland
Many who approached said they were voting for him or had already done so.
!['Falling apart': Labour, public hit out at Luxon's 'second election' fears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Falling apart': Labour, public hit out at Luxon's 'second election' fears
The National leader was pushed by Northlanders on how he'd handle Winston Peters.
![Winston Peters on the biggest threat to NZ First’s 2023 election campaign](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Winston Peters on the biggest threat to NZ First’s 2023 election campaign
The NZ First leader promises to announce the "flavour" of his tax policy.
![Budget 2023: $6b resilience plan to future-proof cyclone-hit infrastructure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Budget 2023: $6b resilience plan to future-proof cyclone-hit infrastructure
It follows the near $1b announced by Finance Minister Grant Robertson on Sunday.
![Budget 2023: Primary care eyed as solution to hospital pressure as winter approaches](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Budget 2023: Primary care eyed as solution to hospital pressure as winter approaches
Also referenced was the huge cost to correct payments made under the Holidays Act.
![Budget 2023: Govt to build 3000 more public homes by mid-2025](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Budget 2023: Govt to build 3000 more public homes by mid-2025
A total of $3.1 billion of capital funding was allocated to provide the additional homes.
![Officials say worse to come: monster waves flood properties in Coromandel; Whangārei evacuation plea; boat in distress](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Officials say worse to come: monster waves flood properties in Coromandel; Whangārei evacuation plea; boat in distress
Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty will lead the briefing from the Beehive.
![Waitangi: PM accuses National/Act of stoking fear about co-governance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Waitangi: PM accuses National/Act of stoking fear about co-governance
This year's Waitangi Day celebrations will be Hipkins' first major outing as PM.
![NZ-linked Russian billionaire oligarch targeted in latest sanctions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
NZ-linked Russian billionaire oligarch targeted in latest sanctions
Fifty-one oligarchs, including Abramov, have been targeted through the new sanctions.
![The 'sex workers' who weren't and a blunder that sent region into lockdown; How Hipkins, PM responded](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
The 'sex workers' who weren't and a blunder that sent region into lockdown; How Hipkins, PM responded
The Prime Minister and Chris Hipkins faced media in Auckland today.
![Computer glitch overcounts today's Covid cases by thousands](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Computer glitch overcounts today's Covid cases by thousands
More than 4200 cases were incorrectly added to today's total after a computer glitch.
![Gun, drugs and cash seized at Northland gang house](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Gun, drugs and cash seized at Northland gang house
Officers executed a warrant on a house with known gang links in Tikipunga, Whangārei.
!['Humbled': Governor-General's historic welcome home in North](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Humbled': Governor-General's historic welcome home in North
Dame Cindy Kiro's visit harks back to the final signature to Te Tiriti in Northland.
![Exclusive: Widow's heartfelt message to Enchanter sinking survivors - and plea for captain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Exclusive: Widow's heartfelt message to Enchanter sinking survivors - and plea for captain
Richard Bright, 63, was one of five men who died after the Enchanter capsized.
![Covid-19: 15,871 new community cases, 13 deaths, including person in their 30s](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Covid-19: 15,871 new community cases, 13 deaths, including person in their 30s
Changes ahead as vaccine mandates in many industries are set to expire on April 4.
!['It means closure': How the final Enchanter victim came to shore](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'It means closure': How the final Enchanter victim came to shore
Emotions are raw in the Far North.
![Enchanter tragedy: Final missing body found](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Enchanter tragedy: Final missing body found
It is understood the body was found inside the sunken vessel's hull.
![Live: 10 deaths, 930 people in hospital, more than 19,500 Covid cases today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Live: 10 deaths, 930 people in hospital, more than 19,500 Covid cases today
Auckland's hospital staff are coming under increasing pressure, the Herald has revealed.
![Auckland, Northland Covid cases believed double what testing shows](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Auckland, Northland Covid cases believed double what testing shows
It was estimated 96,275 people in Auckland and Northland had Covid-19 as at Friday.
![Child vaccinations: What regions are falling behind?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Child vaccinations: What regions are falling behind?
A full breakdown of child vaccination levels across the country.
![Police release name of 'dangerous' prisoner on the run](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Police release name of 'dangerous' prisoner on the run
Michael Tautari is described as about 165cm tall and of medium-to-small build.
![Prisoner let out to attend tangi now on the run, crashes car then steals another](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Prisoner let out to attend tangi now on the run, crashes car then steals another
The man, reported to be prisoner, crashed just after 7pm in Oakleigh.
![Watch: Bright lights appear in Northland night sky](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Watch: Bright lights appear in Northland night sky
Starlink has launched several chains of up to 60 satellites in recent years.
![Covid: 19 new community cases, 43 cases at the border](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Covid: 19 new community cases, 43 cases at the border
Four more cases linked to an Auckland escort agency were reported yesterday.
![17 new cases, more Omicron at the border as booster interval shortened](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
17 new cases, more Omicron at the border as booster interval shortened
Kiwis 18 and over can get their booster dose if it's been four months since their second.
![31 new cases in the community - new border-related Omicron case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
31 new cases in the community - new border-related Omicron case
The interval between second and booster vaccine doses drops to four months tomorrow.
![Live: 27 Covid cases today; 44 people in hospital; no Omicron in community](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Live: 27 Covid cases today; 44 people in hospital; no Omicron in community
Twelve cases in Auckland, seven in Waikato, seven in the Bay of Plenty and one in Lakes.
![Live: Day one in traffic light system 'a step into the unknown'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Live: Day one in traffic light system 'a step into the unknown'
The traffic light system is all go, officially, today.
!['Help is on its way': Low Māori vaccination areas to be targeted following High Court ruling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Help is on its way': Low Māori vaccination areas to be targeted following High Court ruling
Northland and South Auckland were among those areas to be targeted first.
![Live: 'Oh s***' - Positive BOP case, mayor tells of 'pretty leaky' border](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Live: 'Oh s***' - Positive BOP case, mayor tells of 'pretty leaky' border
Winston Peters has claimed the positive case was brought to Northland by the Mongrel Mob.
![Live: Peters' TV claims - woman at centre of Northland scare 'linked to Mongrel Mob'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Live: Peters' TV claims - woman at centre of Northland scare 'linked to Mongrel Mob'
Mayor: 'We've worked hard and now some bloody idiot has come and buggered it up.'
![Northland DoC campsite, dairy and hotel new locations of interest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Northland DoC campsite, dairy and hotel new locations of interest
It is believed a contact of the Covid-positive case visited the site between October 3-5.
![Five iwi checkpoints planned across Northland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Five iwi checkpoints planned across Northland
The Covid-positive woman is understood to have travelled as far north as Paihia.
![Vaccination by area: Which parts of NZ are lagging behind?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Vaccination by area: Which parts of NZ are lagging behind?
Find out how your suburb's vaccination levels compare.
![The 90% Project: Who will be Top Town of the Covid vaccine rollout?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
The 90% Project: Who will be Top Town of the Covid vaccine rollout?
How does your town compare with the rest of the country on vaccination?
![The 90% Project: How close is your age group to 90% vaccinated?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
The 90% Project: How close is your age group to 90% vaccinated?
First dose vaccinations in older Kiwis are more than 90 per cent almost everywhere.
!['Unacceptable': Disparity in DHB staff vaccination levels revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Unacceptable': Disparity in DHB staff vaccination levels revealed
Less than half of all staff at one DHB are fully vaccinated.
![The call to arms: Should I get vaccinated? Where do I start? Your questions answered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
The call to arms: Should I get vaccinated? Where do I start? Your questions answered
If you haven't had a jab yet, you're not alone. Here's everything you need to know.
![Live: Splitsville- NZ prepares for different alert levels; 'Level 3 does not mean freedom,' PM warns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Live: Splitsville- NZ prepares for different alert levels; 'Level 3 does not mean freedom,' PM warns
Auckland will stay in alert level 4 lockdown for at least two more weeks.
![Study warns of inequitable Covid vaccine rollout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Study warns of inequitable Covid vaccine rollout
Areas of Northland, the East Coast and much of the South Island had travel time barriers.
![Pasifika culture protected in $108m Budget package](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Pasifika culture protected in $108m Budget package
The Pacific Peoples minister is hailing the package as a significant investment.
!['Worst thing ever': Mum describes 6-year-old's heartbreaking meningococcal death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Worst thing ever': Mum describes 6-year-old's heartbreaking meningococcal death
Just six hours after he was picked up from school, Takarua fell victim to the disease.
![Pakiri sand mining gouging trenches in sea floor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Pakiri sand mining gouging trenches in sea floor
Evidence of significant ecological disturbance and consent breaches forced a review.
![Jansen: No Māori age vaccine priority a 'complete failure'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Jansen: No Māori age vaccine priority a 'complete failure'
Jansen, Ngāti Raukawa, predicted Māori were at more risk of dying if the virus mutated.
!['Our hearts will never mend': Grieving couple seek police apology over 'lies'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Our hearts will never mend': Grieving couple seek police apology over 'lies'
Jennifer Roys believes her interactions with police have made Natasha's life worthless.
![Watch: Tutukaka marina tsunami surge not the biggest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Watch: Tutukaka marina tsunami surge not the biggest
Busy Northland diving outfit Dive! Tutukaka had one boat at the Poor Knights yesterday.
![Deleted footage leaves questions after alleged Northport Covid-19 PPE incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Deleted footage leaves questions after alleged Northport Covid-19 PPE incident
Northport says its security footage is overwritten monthly, unless specifically retained.
![Meningococcal death: Leaders plead for help as 'well-loved' boy passes away](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Meningococcal death: Leaders plead for help as 'well-loved' boy passes away
Covid-19 had restricted some vital health services to Northland's most in need whānau.
![When will the Covid vaccine come to Northland?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
When will the Covid vaccine come to Northland?
The Ministry of Health has confirmed there would be a particular focus on Māori.
!['Borderland' group to address Covid checkpoint confusion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Borderland' group to address Covid checkpoint confusion
Checkpoints in Maungaturoto and north of Mangawhai effectively cut Kaipara in half.
![Land of confusion: Kaipara mayor slams checkpoint change](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Land of confusion: Kaipara mayor slams checkpoint change
The checkpoint north of Mangawhai caused particular confusion for local businesses.
![336 landowners inside proposed four-lane highway route](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
336 landowners inside proposed four-lane highway route
Eleven aerial maps were published in December which outlined the suggested route.
![Ngāpuhi athletes fill list of most influential Māori athletes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Ngāpuhi athletes fill list of most influential Māori athletes
Highest among the Northlanders was wood chopping legend Jason Wynyard.
![Ngāpuhi sport stars labelled most influential in last 30 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Ngāpuhi sport stars labelled most influential in last 30 years
Northland Kauri rugby star Portia Woodman was the highest-ranked Northlander so far.
![Yachties facing cyclones make plea to Immigration Minister](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Yachties facing cyclones make plea to Immigration Minister
The sailing community maintain there is no real guarantee of safe conditions until June.
![GPs protest Mahitahi stoush to health minister](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
GPs protest Mahitahi stoush to health minister
Three GPs say Mahitahi has violated its founding principle of collaboration.
![Second daytime kiwi sighting in McLeod Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Second daytime kiwi sighting in McLeod Bay
The week-old chick is the second kiwi the Wuthrichs have found on their property.
![$45m superyacht linked to Google co-founder in Whangārei](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
$45m superyacht linked to Google co-founder in Whangārei
SuperYachtfan website says Google co-founder bought vessel in 2011 and sold it last year.
![Ardern shows off earrings made by Whangārei teen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Ardern shows off earrings made by Whangārei teen
To teen Twilight Edwards' surprise, Ardern put the Kawakawa leaf earrings on immediately.
![Surfers on show at Sandy Bay Longboard Classic](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Surfers on show at Sandy Bay Longboard Classic
Overcast conditions and on-shore winds often made for subpar waves.
![Te Hapua bush fire under control, helicopters stood down](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Te Hapua bush fire under control, helicopters stood down
Fire crews responded to the blaze which was on Te Hapua Rd on Sunday afternoon.
![Up to 25,000 crowd Waitangi on national day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Up to 25,000 crowd Waitangi on national day
This year's crowd was almost half of what attended last year's 180th anniversary.
![New-look Waitangi dawn ceremony celebrations a hit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
New-look Waitangi dawn ceremony celebrations a hit
Hundreds turned out for the morning ceremony
![Tai Tokerau group at forefront of Aotearoa education future](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Tai Tokerau group at forefront of Aotearoa education future
It came after Ardern's said Aotearoa history would be taught in school and kura in 2022.
![Artist Ardern wows at Hihiaua Cultural Centre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Artist Ardern wows at Hihiaua Cultural Centre
PM warmly welcomed at award-winning Whangārei cultural centre.
![Health Minister calls for resolution to GP/Mahitahi stoush](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Health Minister calls for resolution to GP/Mahitahi stoush
On Wednesday, the Northern Advocate revealed the near-complete relationship breakdown.
![Kāinga Ora apologises to mum for dangerous broken fence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Kāinga Ora apologises to mum for dangerous broken fence
The mother had asked that the fence be fixed ever since she had lived at the property.
![Northland DHB proposes whānau-centred healthcare fix](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Northland DHB proposes whānau-centred healthcare fix
Chamberlain acknowledged the OME's potential place in Northland's healthcare system.