Ministers have warned regions to design new structures in three months or face intervention, with concerns smaller communities will lose voice and influence.
Politics
6:35pm
2:25
This year's cohort will be the final one in which students will be eligible for fees-free support, Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed.
11:36am
Caroline picked up on the vibe here quickly during a two-week trip with her family.
7:17am
From late next year, applicants will be quizzed on the responsibilities and privileges of being a citizen.
Friday 6:00am
Regulation Minister says it's too hard for home-owners and businesses to set up panels.
Thu, May 7
2:12
Former regional council chair says the Government’s suggestion that New Zealand has too many councils was not consistent with similar sized countries in Europe.
The former PM joked she had considered putting "washed-up politician" on flight arrival cards into Australia.
Since 2023, political parties have been required to report the names of donors and contributors who gave more than $5000.
A long-running debate on the status of the most commonly spoken language in New Zealand is nearing its climax in Parliament.
Urgent, decisive action is needed on how communities will pay for the costs of adapting to climate change, a major new report says.
Environment
Officials warned a $50,000 fine for leaking footage from fishing boat cameras was "unreasonable", but Fisheries Minister Shane Jones pushed ahead anyway.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended the new test for migrants seeking New Zealand citizenship.
Northlanders' rates payments are expected to climb to $374 million in the coming financial year, as a Kerikeri district ratepayer says years of cumulative rates increases are forcing her off her land.
Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says the BSA "doesn't make sense".
Business
Wed, May 6
New Zealand citizenship by grant requires holding a resident visa for at least five years, basic English, good character, and being present in the country for 240 days per year.
A group of organisations is asking the United Nations to investigate if the changes amount to systemic discrimination against women.
Ministers tell councils to come up with amalgamation plans within three months.
Tue, May 5
The ACT Party wants children to be able to hop on any passing school bus as long as there's space onboard.
The Interislander is hiking its fuel surcharge to 54% on commercial vehicles and trucks crossing the Cook Strait due to soaring energy prices from the Middle East conflict.
"I don’t even think the Government have a clue about what local councils deliver on the ground," Matamata-Piako District Council Mayor Ash Tanner said.
New Zealand's prime minister and Singaporean leader Lawrence Wong spoke after officially signing the agreement.
Mon, May 4
A King's Counsel's investigation concluded there was "just cause" for the minister to recommend Stobo's removal from the Financial Markets Authority board.
Today's data release delivered mostly good news ahead of the official signing of New Zealand's so-called "food-for-fuel" deal with Singapore.
The funding was part of the Government's $2 billion investment in school infrastructure, intended to "fix longstanding condition issues and bring facilities up to standard".
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a grisly murder shocks Sydney police, and Liam Lawson crashes out of the Miami Grand Prix.
