Climate Activist Calls Government Move to Block His Court Case ‘Dictatorial’
The New Zealand government announced a legislative amendment to the Climate Change Response Act that will prohibit tort‑based climate‑change claims against both private companies and the state, effectively halting activist Mike Smith’s lawsuit against six major emitters. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith framed the change as a way to provide certainty for businesses and bolster investment confidence. The move overturns a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that allowed the case to proceed and has been denounced by climate activists and opposition leaders as an abuse of parliamentary power. Critics argue it undermines the rule of law and public accountability.
New Zealand Faces ‘Massive Negative Energy Shock’, OECD Warns
The OECD’s 2026 economic review warns New Zealand of a "massive negative energy shock" that could cripple export‑driven industries unless the country dramatically expands renewable electricity generation. It critiques the government’s $1 billion LNG port plan as a short‑term band‑aid that will...
Dear PM: The BSA Situation Is Merely a Symptom of a Much Wider Malaise
Former NZ Herald editor Gavin Ellis urges Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to launch a public inquiry into the country's media regulatory framework. He argues that the recent controversy surrounding the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) is a symptom of an outdated,...
Watch: Minister ‘Just Not in Favour’ of Regulating Social Media, Says BSA Axing ‘Simplest Thing to Do’
The New Zealand government announced plans to abolish the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA), arguing that the regulator was designed for a bygone broadcasting era. Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith said extending the BSA to cover podcasts and social media would...
Young People Increasingly Struggling to Find Work, and It’s Tough in Auckland and Wellington - New Stats
New Stats NZ data shows New Zealand’s overall unemployment rate slipped to 5.3% in the March quarter, representing 163,000 jobless individuals, down from 165,000 the prior quarter. However, urban centres are seeing rising joblessness: Auckland’s rate climbed to 6.6% and Wellington’s...
Kiwi Exporters Eye $1b Windfall After US Supreme Court Overrules Tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down IEEPA‑based tariffs, unlocking up to NZ$1 billion (≈US$600 million) in refunds for New Zealand exporters. EY New Zealand’s modelling shows eligibility depends on whether the exporter is the U.S. importer of record, creating an uneven recovery landscape. The...
Damien Grant: Reading the NZ-India Free Trade Agreement Made My Stress Levels Rise
Damien Grant’s opinion piece warns that the 1,364‑page NZ‑India free‑trade agreement is dense and politically charged. The deal grants temporary visas for 5,000 Indian professionals across sectors such as yoga, engineering, construction, teaching and nursing, while eliminating most tariffs on...
Workers’ Lives Will Be ‘Materially Worse’ After Law Change, MPs Told
New Zealand's Education and Workforce Select Committee reviewed the Employment Leave Bill, which proposes that both annual and sick leave be accrued based on hours worked. Public Service Association members, representing part‑time and shift workers, warned the change will reduce...
National Said Cancelling Interviews Was ‘Chicken’, so Why Did Luxon Cancel Breakfast?
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced he will no longer appear on TVNZ’s Breakfast programme, citing a routine review of his media engagements. The decision came weeks after TVNZ political reporters aggressively pursued an interview with chief whip Stuart Smith, prompting a...
Nicola Willis Shows NZ Three Economic Scenarios, From Best to Worst. Even the Best Isn’t Great
Finance Minister Nicola Willis presented three oil‑price driven inflation scenarios after Moody’s moved New Zealand’s fiscal outlook from stable to negative, though the AAA rating remains. The best‑case scenario assumes oil at $110 per barrel and inflation at 3.9%, while a...
‘Disgraceful Sellout’: Peters Condemns Labour, While Seymour Praises Them, After Trade Deal Move
New Zealand Labour leader Chris Hipkins announced the party will support the India free‑trade agreement after extracting concessions on immigration processing, additional labour‑inspectorate staff, and fast‑tracking the Modern Slavery Bill. The deal, finalised in December, requires New Zealand to promote $20 billion...
Labour Warns Signing India Trade Deal Would Be ‘Recklessly Irresponsible’
New Zealand and India are poised to sign a free‑trade agreement on 27 April in New Delhi, but the deal faces political headwinds at home. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the FTA is a "tremendous opportunity," yet Labour leader Chris Hipkins warns...
Luxon Is Still Ghosting His Chief Whip, and It Might Come Back to Haunt Him
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon admitted that about five National backbenchers are “moaning” as fresh polls show Labour overtaking his party and the coalition slipping toward a minority. Luxon repeatedly claimed he was unaware of chief whip Stuart Smith’s attempts to raise...
Here's How Often Your Car Will Have to Get a WoF Under Proposed Changes
New Zealand will shift its Warrant of Fitness (WoF) regime, allowing light vehicles under 14 years old registered after 1 Nov 2019 to undergo biennial inspections starting 1 Nov 2026, with a full rollout for those registered after 1 Nov 2013 by 1 Nov 2027. Vehicles aged 14 years and...
If only We Didn't Need so Much Petrol... The Electrification Plans NZ Has Dreamed up, and Abandoned
Rising diesel prices—now about $4 per litre and up 33 % for households—have revived New Zealand’s stalled electrification agenda. The Clean Car Discount, which collected roughly $71 million USD in levies and paid $173 million USD in subsidies, was terminated in 2023, yet EV...