https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/rss NZME Get the latest political and government news from Newstalk ZB's Beehive team. Tue, 05 May 2026 04:21:17 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/govt-tells-councils-to-submit-radical-reform-plans-in-next-three-months-or-we-will-do-it-for-you/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/govt-tells-councils-to-submit-radical-reform-plans-in-next-three-months-or-we-will-do-it-for-you/ The coalition will give councils three months to submit proposals for the most radical reform of local government in three decades, which will merge authorities and ditch regional councillors. Tue, 05 May 2026 03:38:14 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/act-immigration-policy-erica-stanford-says-david-seymour-hasn-t-thought-through-policy-she-says-will-hurt-businesses-farmers/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/act-immigration-policy-erica-stanford-says-david-seymour-hasn-t-thought-through-policy-she-says-will-hurt-businesses-farmers/ Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has launched a broadside at coalition partner Act’s immigration policy. Mon, 04 May 2026 03:39:09 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-update-significant-increase-in-diesel-and-jet-fuel-stocks-as-petrol-dips/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-update-significant-increase-in-diesel-and-jet-fuel-stocks-as-petrol-dips/ New Zealand’s diesel and jet fuel stock levels have jumped up sharply, while petrol levels have slightly dipped. Mon, 04 May 2026 01:37:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/horse-racing-big-new-zealand-first-donors-argue-for-tax-breaks-to-save-unsustainable-racing-industry/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/horse-racing-big-new-zealand-first-donors-argue-for-tax-breaks-to-save-unsustainable-racing-industry/ By Farah Hancock of RNZ Sun, 03 May 2026 22:59:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/jevon-mcskimming-s-long-service-and-good-conduct-medal-destroyed-after-richard-chambers-letter/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/jevon-mcskimming-s-long-service-and-good-conduct-medal-destroyed-after-richard-chambers-letter/ Disgraced former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming’s ‘Long Service and Good Conduct’ medal and subsequent clasps were destroyed following a strongly-worded letter from Commissioner of Police Richard Chambers. Sun, 03 May 2026 19:17:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-says-pm-christopher-luxon-a-dog-with-two-tails-wagging-him/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-says-pm-christopher-luxon-a-dog-with-two-tails-wagging-him/ Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has described Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as a dog that has “two tails wagging” him, as National’s relationship with its two coalition parties grows more fractious. Sun, 03 May 2026 02:26:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/election-2026-act-reveals-immigration-campaign-polices/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/election-2026-act-reveals-immigration-campaign-polices/ Act will campaign on barring new residence class visa migrants from accessing social welfare during their first five years here and for Immigration New Zealand to have a specialised enforcement unit targeting people who overstay their visas. Sat, 02 May 2026 20:43:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/school-lunch-complaints-david-seymour-urges-context-after-revelations-of-food-safety-probes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/school-lunch-complaints-david-seymour-urges-context-after-revelations-of-food-safety-probes/ The Government is defending its school lunch programme after reports of food safety issues, including students being injured, glass and metal being found in food, and food being undercooked. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:00:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/election-2026-teacher-and-conservation-leader-join-list-of-hawke-s-bay-candidates/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/election-2026-teacher-and-conservation-leader-join-list-of-hawke-s-bay-candidates/ The list of candidates vying for Hawke’s Bay seats at the upcoming general election is growing, with a teacher and conservation leader joining the contest. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:59:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/national-deputy-leader-nicola-willis-lashes-out-at-confused-winston-peters-suggests-coalition-breach-after-iran-war-emails-released/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/national-deputy-leader-nicola-willis-lashes-out-at-confused-winston-peters-suggests-coalition-breach-after-iran-war-emails-released/ National deputy leader Nicola Willis is claiming Winston Peters’ failure to notify Prime Minister Christopher Luxon that his office was releasing to the Herald emails showing the Prime Minister wanted to show “explicit public support” for the US-led war in Iran is a “political game” that threatens the good faith provisions in the coalition agreement. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:41:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/labour-leader-chris-hipkins-open-to-conversation-about-means-testing-superannuation/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/labour-leader-chris-hipkins-open-to-conversation-about-means-testing-superannuation/ Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he is open to discussing whether New Zealand’s superannuation should be means-tested. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:38:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/former-pm-helen-clark-unsure-if-coalition-govt-will-survive-until-election/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/former-pm-helen-clark-unsure-if-coalition-govt-will-survive-until-election/ Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has questioned whether the coalition Government can survive until the election on November 7 as relationships between the parties become “increasingly fractious”.  Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:58:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/sp-warns-rates-cap-likely-to-hit-core-council-services-reducing-library-and-pool-hours/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/sp-warns-rates-cap-likely-to-hit-core-council-services-reducing-library-and-pool-hours/ International ratings agency S&P has warned councils could struggle to apply the Government’s incoming cap on rates rises without cutting into core services. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:00:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-update-mbie-reveals-latest-stock-levels-amid-stalled-efforts-to-end-iran-war/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-update-mbie-reveals-latest-stock-levels-amid-stalled-efforts-to-end-iran-war/ The country’s fuel supplies have ticked up slightly as efforts to end the war in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz appear at a standstill. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:40:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/new-zealand-first-pulls-ahead-of-act-and-national-in-major-donations/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/new-zealand-first-pulls-ahead-of-act-and-national-in-major-donations/ New Zealand First has pocketed $300,000 in major donations this month - including the biggest donation of election year so far. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:00:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-to-make-fuel-supply-announcement-at-post-cabinet-press-conference/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-to-make-fuel-supply-announcement-at-post-cabinet-press-conference/ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to make an announcement related to fuel supply as he fronts his post-Cabinet press conference. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 03:48:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/act-mp-hits-out-at-louise-upston-over-major-event-fund/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/act-mp-hits-out-at-louise-upston-over-major-event-fund/ The Government’s $40 million Events Attraction Package is coming under fire from within the coalition. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:00:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/media-insider-pm-christopher-luxon-pulls-out-of-weekly-tvnz-breakfast-show-interview-with-tova-o-brien/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/media-insider-pm-christopher-luxon-pulls-out-of-weekly-tvnz-breakfast-show-interview-with-tova-o-brien/ PM pulls out of weekly slot with state broadcaster - just as National Party raises an official complaint about an incident involving TVNZ political staff. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:29:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-at-hamiltonjet-global-in-christchurch-after-caucus-vote-secures-leadership-amid-rumbles/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-at-hamiltonjet-global-in-christchurch-after-caucus-vote-secures-leadership-amid-rumbles/ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to media after a week staring down leadership rumbles amid poor polling and ongoing economic challenges. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:37:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/nz-first-deputy-shane-jones-apologises-for-comment-about-nicola-willis-weight-loss/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/nz-first-deputy-shane-jones-apologises-for-comment-about-nicola-willis-weight-loss/ New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones has apologised after making a comment seemingly about Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ weight loss. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:38:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/election-2026-winston-peters-says-nz-first-won-t-do-a-deal-with-labour-as-chris-hipkins-remains-non-committal-nicola-willis-unconvinced/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/election-2026-winston-peters-says-nz-first-won-t-do-a-deal-with-labour-as-chris-hipkins-remains-non-committal-nicola-willis-unconvinced/ New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says his party “won’t do a deal with Labour”, as “nothing has changed” since his 2022 promise to rule out the left-wing party. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:58:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/finance-minister-nicola-willis-gives-economic-update-amid-geopolitical-turmoil-nz-s-financial-outlook-downgrade/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/finance-minister-nicola-willis-gives-economic-update-amid-geopolitical-turmoil-nz-s-financial-outlook-downgrade/ Finance Minister Nicola Willis says New Zealand faces “significant short-term challenges” and potential “heightened medium- to long-term risks” economically.  Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:30:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/free-trade-chris-hipkins-confirms-labour-will-support-deal-with-india/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/free-trade-chris-hipkins-confirms-labour-will-support-deal-with-india/ Labour leader Chris Hipkins has written to PM Christopher Luxon to say Labour would support legislation to pass the India free trade deal. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:37:52 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/goldsmith-backs-move-on-orders-despite-treasury-corrections-cost-warnings/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/goldsmith-backs-move-on-orders-despite-treasury-corrections-cost-warnings/ The Justice Minister is standing by the proposal for move-on orders, as documents reveal further concerns raised by Government agencies. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:00:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/real-life-national-mp-vanessa-weenink-on-upbringing-career-and-path-to-parliament/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/real-life-national-mp-vanessa-weenink-on-upbringing-career-and-path-to-parliament/ For an accomplished politician, Vanessa Weenink had an unlikely start to life. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:33:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/national-whip-stuart-smith-stands-by-denial-he-tried-to-contact-christopher-luxon-over-flagging-support/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/national-whip-stuart-smith-stands-by-denial-he-tried-to-contact-christopher-luxon-over-flagging-support/ National Party senior whip Stuart Smith is continuing to deny he attempted to contact party leader Christopher Luxon over concerns his support from caucus was flagging, as revealed in the Herald last week. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:01:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/latest-fuel-numbers-dip-in-stock-levels-normal-says-mbie/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/latest-fuel-numbers-dip-in-stock-levels-normal-says-mbie/ The dip in New Zealand’s fuel stock levels is normal, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) says. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:27:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/national-mps-angry-over-claim-they-were-leaking-amid-christopher-luxon-leadership-speculation/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/national-mps-angry-over-claim-they-were-leaking-amid-christopher-luxon-leadership-speculation/ National MPs alleged to be among those causing trouble for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have denied leaking to the media, with one saying they were “p****d off” and another “outraged”. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:17:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/christopher-luxon-fires-up-at-winston-peters-says-nz-first-responsible-for-prime-minister-dame-jacinda-ardern/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/christopher-luxon-fires-up-at-winston-peters-says-nz-first-responsible-for-prime-minister-dame-jacinda-ardern/ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has fired up at his coalition partner New Zealand First, including claiming its leader Winston Peters is trying to “scaremonger” and reminding New Zealanders the party put Dame Jacinda Ardern into power.  Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:51:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/election-2026-several-green-mps-receive-small-boost-but-still-at-risk-as-party-releases-final-candidate-list/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/election-2026-several-green-mps-receive-small-boost-but-still-at-risk-as-party-releases-final-candidate-list/ Several current Green MPs have moved higher up the party’s 2026 election candidate list but some still remain at risk of not returning to Parliament if recent polling is reflected on November 7.  Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:30:23 Z