https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/rss NZME Get the latest political and government news from Newstalk ZB's Beehive team. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:42:27 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-update-government-releases-fresh-figures-amid-reports-us-iran-agree-to-ceasefire/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-update-government-releases-fresh-figures-amid-reports-us-iran-agree-to-ceasefire/ New Zealand’s fuel stocks have slightly improved, with the latest update showing increases across all fuel types since the Government’s last summary. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:36:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-speaks-after-national-s-latest-poor-poll-result-fuel-stock-updates/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-speaks-after-national-s-latest-poor-poll-result-fuel-stock-updates/ The Prime Minister is expected to speak to reporters this afternoon, shortly after the release of a poll which shows National remains below 30%. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:53:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/labour-claims-jobs-for-mates-as-national-election-candidate-appointed-to-sport-new-zealand-board/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/labour-claims-jobs-for-mates-as-national-election-candidate-appointed-to-sport-new-zealand-board/ Labour is claiming the appointment of a National Party candidate to Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa’s board proves the Government is “giving jobs to their mates”. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:50:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/new-poll-national-up-slightly-still-below-30-nz-first-sees-surge-in-taxpayers-union-curia-results/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/new-poll-national-up-slightly-still-below-30-nz-first-sees-surge-in-taxpayers-union-curia-results/ The National Party has risen slightly in the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll, but it remains under 30% and the results would see a sizeable number of MPs lose their jobs if the result was replicated at the election.  Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:05:20 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/winston-peters-to-meet-us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-as-middle-east-war-continues/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/winston-peters-to-meet-us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-as-middle-east-war-continues/ Foreign Minister Winston Peters will meet with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the war in Iran continues. Sun, 05 Apr 2026 23:48:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/greyhound-racing-to-end-in-august-as-bill-passes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/greyhound-racing-to-end-in-august-as-bill-passes/ Racing Minister Winston Peters is welcoming the passing of legislation that will end greyhound racing in August. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:44:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/christopher-luxon-s-cabinet-reshuffle-ministers-mps-quizzed-on-possible-promotions-ahead-of-announcement/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/christopher-luxon-s-cabinet-reshuffle-ministers-mps-quizzed-on-possible-promotions-ahead-of-announcement/ National Party minister Chris Bishop has spoken for the first time since Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced he’d be removed as Leader of the House and the party’s campaign chair and given the Attorney-General job.  Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:00:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-disruption-latest-stock-numbers-to-be-revealed/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-disruption-latest-stock-numbers-to-be-revealed/ The Government has unveiled the latest fuel stock figures, revealing the impact on New Zealand’s supply since the last update on Monday. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:51:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/m%C4%81ori-medium-curriculum-changes-were-pushed-back-deemed-unachieveable-in-govt-quarterly-report/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/m%C4%81ori-medium-curriculum-changes-were-pushed-back-deemed-unachieveable-in-govt-quarterly-report/ Parts of the Coalition Government’s curriculum changes were labelled “unachievable” in its own official documents, as it was unable to meet a self-imposed deadline. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:00:27 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/grumpy-national-selection-and-sunday-night-meeting-trigger-national-leadership-speculation/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/grumpy-national-selection-and-sunday-night-meeting-trigger-national-leadership-speculation/ National Party insiders claim a flurry of meetings over the weekend are normal and not related to speculation of party instability or the position of Christopher Luxon as leader. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:05:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/chris-penk-to-fight-boxing-bout-fundraising-for-helensville-local-legend-s-cancer-treatment/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/chris-penk-to-fight-boxing-bout-fundraising-for-helensville-local-legend-s-cancer-treatment/ Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk will swap suit and tie for boxing gloves as “The Penk Panther” in a bout to raise money for a constituent’s cancer treatment. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:48:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/auckland-housing-plan-cut-again-from-2-million-to-16-million-to-14-million/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/auckland-housing-plan-cut-again-from-2-million-to-16-million-to-14-million/ The Government has again cut the number of new homes potentially enabled by Auckland Council plan changes, this time reducing the maximum number of homes enabled by the plan to 1.4 million.  Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:16:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/departments-have-been-slow-act-mp-presses-judith-collins-on-english-first-branding-as-minister-concerned-at-costs/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/departments-have-been-slow-act-mp-presses-judith-collins-on-english-first-branding-as-minister-concerned-at-costs/ The Public Service Minister is admitting concern around the cost to rebrand some Government agencies, as an Act MP claims departments have been “slow” to adopt an English-first directive. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:00:06 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-stocks-rise-with-more-than-50-days-currently-in-stock-including-diesel/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-stocks-rise-with-more-than-50-days-currently-in-stock-including-diesel/ Fuel stocks have risen since the Government’s late update, with data showing New Zealand has over 50 days’ worth of fuel across the three major fuel types as of midnight last Wednesday. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:33:47 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/coastal-v-inland-councillors-clash-over-hb-flood-protection-priorities/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/coastal-v-inland-councillors-clash-over-hb-flood-protection-priorities/ A councillor clash over whether it is reasonable to compare inland flood protection projects to those in coastal areas has spilled into a Hawke’s Bay Regional Council meeting. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:34:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-response-nicola-willis-criticised-labour-for-cost-saving-campaign-but-now-she-s-launching-her-own/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-response-nicola-willis-criticised-labour-for-cost-saving-campaign-but-now-she-s-launching-her-own/ Nicola Willis ridiculed a campaign launched by the Labour Government in 2023 to provide New Zealanders with tips to save energy and lower their power bills. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:07:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/the-covid-vaccine-and-the-risk-to-under-18s-chris-hipkins-defends-not-making-advice-public/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/the-covid-vaccine-and-the-risk-to-under-18s-chris-hipkins-defends-not-making-advice-public/ Labour leader Chris Hipkins is defending not sharing advice on the risks of two vaccine doses for under 18s with the public during the pandemic.  Fri, 27 Mar 2026 01:44:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/watch-govt-to-announce-nz-s-latest-fuel-stocks-plus-trigger-points-to-move-nz-up-alert-level/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/watch-govt-to-announce-nz-s-latest-fuel-stocks-plus-trigger-points-to-move-nz-up-alert-level/ The Government has unveiled four new phases to reflect New Zealand’s response to risks to fuel security, as well as the six criteria that will be used to assess a move up or down. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:03:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/half-of-country-s-most-vulnerable-children-excluded-from-govt-s-fuel-relief-package/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/half-of-country-s-most-vulnerable-children-excluded-from-govt-s-fuel-relief-package/ About half of the country’s most vulnerable children living in material hardship will not benefit from the Government’s latest relief addressing rising fuel prices. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:44:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/mbie-clarifies-fuel-data-showing-far-more-diesel-and-jet-fuel-adds-extra-shipment/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/mbie-clarifies-fuel-data-showing-far-more-diesel-and-jet-fuel-adds-extra-shipment/ New Zealand has more diesel stocks than thought yesterday, according to clarified data published by MBIE on Thursday. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:39:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/ncea-to-be-abolished-government-confirms-new-secondary-school-qualifications-coming-what-parents-students-need-to-know/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/ncea-to-be-abolished-government-confirms-new-secondary-school-qualifications-coming-what-parents-students-need-to-know/ The Government has officially confirmed it will proceed with a significant overhaul of New Zealand’s secondary school qualification system, including the replacement of the current NCEA programme.  Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:25:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/controversial-pay-equity-overhaul-govt-minister-surprised-by-rights-watchdog-pushback/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/controversial-pay-equity-overhaul-govt-minister-surprised-by-rights-watchdog-pushback/ The Workplace Relations and Safety Minister is pushing back at claims by the Human Rights Commission that pay equity changes undermine human rights, as it conducts more work on the matter. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:00:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/green-party-election-housing-policy-rent-increase-caps-a-rental-wof-and-tens-of-thousands-of-new-public-homes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/green-party-election-housing-policy-rent-increase-caps-a-rental-wof-and-tens-of-thousands-of-new-public-homes/ The Green Party is promising to build tens of thousands of new public homes, cap rent increases at 2% a year and create a national register of all landlords as it unveils its housing election policy. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:42:06 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/shane-jones-drops-plan-to-scrap-legal-fish-size-limits-after-backlash/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/shane-jones-drops-plan-to-scrap-legal-fish-size-limits-after-backlash/ There’s been a major backdown from New Zealand First’s Shane Jones over plans to remove almost all minimum legal-size limits for commercial fishing operators. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:08:27 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/education-minister-admits-sending-national-party-video-to-principals-through-ministerial-email/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/education-minister-admits-sending-national-party-video-to-principals-through-ministerial-email/ Education Minister Erica Stanford is copping criticism after an email from her ministerial address urged principals to show their teachers a promotional video published by the National Party’s YouTube channel.  Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:23:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-update-just-two-ships-on-their-way-to-new-zealand-in-next-fortnight-as-stocks-continue-to-fall/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-update-just-two-ships-on-their-way-to-new-zealand-in-next-fortnight-as-stocks-continue-to-fall/ Just two ships bearing fuel are expected to arrive in New Zealand in the next fortnight, according to the Government’s latest fuel update, which showed overall diminishing stocks. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:09:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/speaker-gerry-brownlee-asks-court-to-recall-and-reconsider-mariameno-kapa-kingi-judgment/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/speaker-gerry-brownlee-asks-court-to-recall-and-reconsider-mariameno-kapa-kingi-judgment/ Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee is asking the High Court to recall a judgment that ultimately reinstated Mariameno Kapa-Kingi to Te Pāti Māori.  Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:22:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/cabinet-set-to-make-decision-on-a-potential-long-term-lease-for-chateau-tongariro/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/cabinet-set-to-make-decision-on-a-potential-long-term-lease-for-chateau-tongariro/ The Government may decide Chateau Tongariro’s fate for the next six decades, depending on the response to requests for proposals to do up the site. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:00:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-relief-how-new-zealand-s-50-support-package-compares-with-support-overseas/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/fuel-relief-how-new-zealand-s-50-support-package-compares-with-support-overseas/ New Zealand’s newly announced fuel relief package will give about 143,000 “squeezed middle” families $50 a week through a boost to the In-Work Tax Credit. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:57:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/road-rules-shake-up-on-the-table-here-s-what-you-need-to-know/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/road-rules-shake-up-on-the-table-here-s-what-you-need-to-know/ By Charlyse Tansey of RNZ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 03:29:18 Z