Politics Central

National have announced a post-election policy looking at consent laws.

It aims to better define consent as the presence of a 'yes', rather than the lack of a 'no'.

Labour responded accusing National of walking away from a bipartisan agreement to use this as a campaign piece.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith did not clarify whether the bipartisanship claims were true, but said, "(Labour) had 6 years in government, didn't get around ...

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited Auckland to meet with Prime Minister Chris Luxon yesterday.

The two exchanged warm words, attended a business conference together, and agreed to elevate the countries' relationship to that of a strategic partnership.

With Auckland being the economic-hub for international businesses here, and the Government's Auckland Deal to consult with the Mayor on significant plans, what conversation...

Yesterday's Strategic Partnership with India means we've elevated our relationship to more than just a bilateral affair.

We've set out a goal to double two-way trade by 2030, expressed interest in other sectors like tourism, farming, and sport, and agreed to increase our maritime cooperation with India's Defence Force.

With tensions already lurking in the Indo-Pacific with China, and global volatility feeling like it could come fro...

The National Party has just announced it's trade policy, should the party be re-elected in November. 

They've said that the aim is to secure markets with seven new economies across Europe, Africa and South America, with more to be chased further down the line. 

Trade Minister Todd McClay told Tim Beveridge that it's important to expand trade, as the target countries in Europe especially are 'particularly wealthy nations'.

It's been a busy week between New Zealand and India. 

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to make his first official visit to New Zealand as the FTA gets over the line, however Winston Peters has raised concerns around Indian immigrants receiving unfair scrutiny at the border. 

The Chair of India New Zealand Business Council Edwin Paul told Tim Beveridge that, 'This is a start of a journey' of trade between Ind...

Nicole McKee will be the new ACT Party Deputy Leader, replacing Brooke Van Velden who's leaving politics this year.

Nicole only stood for Parliament six years ago, coming with a background as a small-business owner, volunteer and firearms advocate.

But she's risen through the ranks, becoming a cabinet minister, minister for courts, and rewriting the Firearms Act.

Party Leader David Seymour's confident in her, noting that she's is s...

ACT has announced its plans to radically downsize Government departments, and bring fairness back into our benefit-system.

Firstly: They're making medical certification for health-related benefits mandatory, and only issued by MSD-approved doctors with objective criteria rather than a leaving it to a GP's discretion.

Secondly: Those on the Jobseeker benefit for more than four months will be given an electronic payment card that's o...

GP fees could be frozen for 12 months from July under a proposed Health NZ shake-up of the funding system.

Under the proposals, around 60 percent of practices would receive increased funding through capitation re-weighting and annual funding increased.

Overall funding for GPs would reportedly increase by six percent, as part of a $120.6 million injection for primary health. 

Health Minister Simeon Brown joined the Weekend Coll...

Christopher Luxon has returned from Queensland, after meeting with Anthony Albanese with a group of New Zealand businesses. 

No announcements have been unveiled, but the leaders discussed defence options and Luxon has been eying opportunities to get involved in the 2032 Olympics. 

NZ Herald deputy political editor Adam Pearse joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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The Government says this year's budget especially strengthens Auckland's role as New Zealand's economic engine room.

They point out that they're investing in health, including funding to purchase land for a future South Auckland Hospital, and a share of the Government's $5.5-billion health package.

Additionally, they highlight plans for housing growth with a new $400-million fund for councils to enable more homes.

Lastly, they're p...

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says New Zealand is "freeloading" from the American military because of our low military spend.

The remarks were made at an Asia-Pacific security conference in Singapore, attended by Defence Minister Chris Penk.

The New Zealand Government has already announced plans to lift defence spending to around 2% of GDP over coming years — nearly double what we currently spend — but Hegseth says a...

Finance Minister Nicola Willis will be presenting the 2026 budget on this coming Thursday. 

A number of pre-budget announcements have already been made including money directed to maths and literary in schools and maritime security, while social housing and the public sector have faced budget cuts. 

Founder of Bagrie Economics, Cameron Bagrie, spoke to Tim Beveridge about what he expects and what he thinks should be done....

Today Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard, along with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, announced a $79 million boost over three years for tourism and farming by stopping the spread of wilding pines.

The work will be concentrated around Queenstown, the Mackenzie Basin, the North Island’s Central Plateau, and New Zealand’s largest farm in South Marlborough.

The extra funding will t...

Winston Peters has leaked, and the Government has confirmed, that this will be the final year of fees-free support for tertiary students. 

The support was first introduced as a first year free incentive to help get more young people into further education, and was changed to be final year free last year. 

The policy has cost almost $350 million a year since it was introduced, but it seems the Government has decided that m...

New Zealand has received a preliminary proposal from the United States requesting help in opening the Strait of Hormuz -  possibly as part of a coalition that would restore access to the strait.

So yes we're apparently just one of a number of countries that received a proposal. 

Foreign Affairs minister Winston Peters says we're seeking more information and as such won't be making a decision anytime soon. 

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SailGP won't be going ahead in the city of sails next year as the Government has pulled funding. 

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston wrote in a letter to mayor Wayne Brown that the event did not meet funding criteria, which requires a specific net economic benefit. 

It's been met with disappointment, as funding continues for larger events such as Robbie Williams and Linkin Park, of which some argue could have ...

The Green Party have just had their annual State of the Planet Address, and this year they're calling for a National Electrification Plan. 

They say it's in response to the current fossil fuels crisis, and would add to their previous calls for free public transport and solutions to ease the cost of living. 

The plan would lay out a clear plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and use renewable energy like solar panels t...