We ask 1News readers their thoughts in the lead-up to the 2026 general election.

'I don't really like them, but I plan to vote for them'

OPINION: A Wellington landscaper knows exactly which way he's going to vote.

6:00am

In Coastal Wonders, Tom Webster showcases divine homes at the edge of the ocean, in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific.

Grand Designs' Tom Webster reveals one item you'll never see in his house

As he launches new home-grown show, Coastal Wonders, tomorrow night, we subject Tom Webster to a 1News Grill.

6:00am

Karl Te Nana kicks off a new 1News series of interviews: The Grill. (Composite image: Vinay Ranchhod, 1News)

Karl Te Nana reveals key player to watch as NPC rugby kicks off

Free-to-screen rugby is being revived this season with the NPC live and free on TVNZ+.

Sat, Jul 25

A 30-something Auckland voter reveals her views about the pending general election. (Composite image: Vinay Ranchhod, 1News)

'I can see the appeal of leaving NZ, and I know exactly which way I'll vote'

Opinion: In the latest in our State of the Nation series, a 30-something parent and operations manager shares her views about the current direction of Aotearoa.

Sat, Jul 25

Journalist Greg Bruce was made redundant one year ago. (Composite image: Vania Chandrawidjaja)

My job lost its soul, then I lost my job: how it feels to be redundant at 49

OPINION: Working in an industry that reduced humans to numbers on a spreadsheet was depressing – but losing that work was alarming.

Sat, Jul 18

Mary Brennan is one of New Zealand's most high-profile madams. (Composite image: Anna Bittle)

Brothel madam notes tough times in sex industry: 'We're a luxury spend'

In the latest in our Finances after Fifty series we talk to Mary Brennan, 64, a former dominatrix and now owner and madam of Wellington brothel Funhouse.

Sat, Jul 11

Nicole Gaviria (Composite image: Vinay Ranchhod)

I lost 50kg after bariatric surgery; here's what I'd tell those considering Wegovy

Major weight loss might deliver your dream body, but the part of you that used food for comfort will not be instantly 'fixed'. In fact, it's sometimes after you shed the kilos that the real work begins.

Fri, Jul 10

Kole Tohovaka and his wife Sophia Teirney-Tohovaka.

Young dad's devastating stroke reflects disturbing surge in Pacific, Māori rates

Health experts have warned us for years: The incidence of stroke is on the rise, particularly among young Māori and Pasifika.

Sat, Jul 4

Which Chris? (Composite image: 1News.co.nz)

'There's no way I'm voting for the party I voted for three years ago'

OPINION: A 53-year-old Wellington lawyer reveals her views on the two main political party leaders and who she plans to vote for in November.

Sat, Jul 4

June 2026
Composite image: Di McCauley

'I'm smack-bang in the political centre, and I know how I'll vote in November'

OPINION: In the latest in our State of the Nation interviews with Kiwis, we talk to a 49-year-old family man and social worker from Christchurch.

Sat, Jun 27

A different kind of person is gaining value in the age of AI.

Why the new workplace stars are a very different breed – and how to be one

What we once called 'soft skills' are now the skills that will keep you employed.

Mon, Jun 22

Composite image: Vinay Ranchhod, 1News

'I'm generally a swing voter but I know which Chris I'd choose to be PM'

OPINION: State of the Nation is a new series asking Kiwis who they'll vote for, how much they earn, and other nosey questions about their views and experience of Aotearoa.

Sat, Jun 20

Nichole Lewis (Composite image: Vania Chandrawidjaja)

From luxury to baked beans and back again: One investor's rollercoaster ride

When it comes to money, property investor Nichole Lewis has experienced dizzy highs and devastating lows.

Sat, Jun 13

Jane Puckey

How regular doses of hookworms revolutionised my health and gave me back my life

OPINION: Being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease was scary and debilitating. I struggled for years, before a chance discovery changed my life.

Sat, Jun 6

May 2026
Lady Deborah Chambers (Composite image: Vania Chandrawidjaja, 1News)

Lady Deborah Chambers: 'It's a million times better to be middle class'

In the latest in our Finances after Fifty series we talk to one of New Zealand's leading divorce lawyers Lady Deborah Chambers about breaking up, moving on and her working class origins.

Sat, May 30

Financial advisor Sumita Paul (Composite image: Leon Hyman, 1News)

'After 50, you see big transitions in women’s lives' – finance expert

In the latest in our Finances after 50 series, we talk to Sumita Paul, a financial advisor whose business is focused on women over the age of 50.

Sat, May 23

NZ's population estimates revealed

NZ's population estimates revealed

New data on New Zealand's estimated population has been released by Stats NZ.

Mon, May 18

While classic goodbyes are expected, leaving quietly can be more comfortable.

'Irish goodbyes': Why people quietly exit parties without saying goodbye

Whether you call it an Irish goodbye, French leave or filer à l'anglaise, the act of quietly slipping out of a party without fanfare is a familiar social impulse.

Mon, May 18

Mikaere Hina

Three heart attacks in a year led to early retirement for this hard-working chef

In the latest in our Finances after 50 series, we talk to 60-year-old Mikaere Hina of Taranaki about work, stress and the gap between the Māori and Pākehā approaches to money.

Sat, May 16

Writer Sarah Catherall with her three daughters, now all in their 20s.

Six priceless lessons I've learned from my Gen Z daughters

We might moan about Generation Z, with their supposed entitlement and screen dependency, but what about the wisdom they have to share?

Sun, May 10

Max Richards (Composite image: Vania Chandrawidjaja, 1News)

‘Life's a gamble’: Max works in a supermarket, pays rent, and is almost 89

In the latest in our Finances after 50 series, we talk to Max Richards who Pak’nSave Napier shoppers will recognise as a vibrant presence in the store.

Sun, May 10

Carole and Kyle Whorrall (Composite image: Eamon Doyle)

'Grief doesn't go away': Kyle Whorrall's mum visits NZ one year after his tragic death

Carole Whorrall has travelled to Auckland from California to cherish the memory of her much loved son.

Sat, May 9

First house at 17, first million by 32: Steve Goodey talks property investment

First house at 17, first million by 32: Steve Goodey talks property investment

In the latest in our 'Finances after 50' series, we talk to an investor, property coach and author about riding the ups and downs of the property market.

Mon, May 4

April 2026
Terry Pomare Fergusson, vintage photos of people buried in the vaults. (Composite image: Vinay Ranchhod, 1News

Soldiers, sailors, spinsters, babies: nearly 2000 Kiwis buried unnamed in vault

For decades, family members of the deceased have campaigned for the council to show some respect.

Sat, Apr 25

Suzy Cato spoke to 1News Digital Reporter Emma Hildesley about the emotional return of her show You and Me

Suzy Cato: 'I've never had work done, there's value to older faces on the screen'

As one of the most beloved icons of NZ television prepares to return, she talks about imposter syndrome, kids on screens and the joy of being 58.

Sat, Apr 18