Politics
Former Reserve Bank acting governor appointed to its board
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has approved the appointment of Grant Spencer for a five-year term to fill one of two vacancies.
Youth MPs accuse government of censoring them
Youth MPs are accusing the government of censoring them over changes to their speeches in Parliament. The 11th Youth Parliament is underway, drawing young people from all over the country to… Audio
Watch: Justice Minister introduces stronger penalties for low-level theft
Shoplifters could be issued on-the-spot tickets up to $1000 as part of the government's latest crime crackdown.
Government urges Pharmac, Medsafe to embrace artificial intelligence
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says he has recently written to the agencies and both have replied positively.
Port companies and KiwiRail reach agreements over two new Cook Strait ferries
The agreements cover the type of infrastructure and equipment needed before two new Cook Strait ferries arrive in 2029.
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 1 July 2025
In today's episode, more than a thousand people are expected at Opaea Marae as Te Pati Maori MP Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp is laid to rest, friends and family of the farmer who was killed while trying… Audio
'All we're asking is to be heard': Youth MPs renew call to lower voting age
A majority of this year's youth MPs have, once again, signed an open letter calling for the voting age to be lowered to 16.
'New era for science' as Crown Research Institutes merge into PROs
Scientists are hopeful a supercharged weather forecaster will be one of the winners in the biggest overhaul of the science sector in 30 years.
Youth MPs told to remove criticisms of government from speeches
Changes had been made to at least one speech.
Top cop says recruits know money is 'not everything' as new police college opens
The police commissioner says he is hearing from former Kiwi cops who relocated to Australia who want to come back - but admitted the pay across the ditch is better.
League veteran and councillor Ken Laban to run for Lower Hutt mayor
Sports commentator, league player and coach and Wellington regional councillor Ken Laban says he is running for mayor of Lower Hutt.
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 1 July 2025
In today's episode, the Government announces it will introduce new penalties for those who hurl coward punches, to reflect the gravity of their crime. The weight-loss injection Wegovy, that has the… Audio
Te Pati Maori MP laid to rest
Te Pati Maori MP Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp is being laid to rest at Opaea Marae near Taihape. Political reporter Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
The bill that's left people dazed, confused and angry
Is the Regulatory Standards Bill the key to better law making for the future, or a gigantic waste of time and an affront to democracy?
Nicola Willis: FamilyBoost rebate increased, abatement raised
Nicola Willis joins First Up to talk politics from the Government's perspective. Audio
The Bill that's left people dazed, confused and angry
Is the Regulatory Standards Bill the key to better law making for the future, or a gigantic waste of time and an affront to democracy? Audio
Justice Minister announces harsher penalties for one-punch attacks
Specific offences will reflect the gravity of the crime, the Minister says.
More support for flood-affected farmers as residents pick up the pieces
The government has unlocked extra support for flood-affected farmers and growers in Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough, following last week's deluge. Audio
Watch: Luxon holds media stand-up at Parliament
The Prime Minister holds first post-cabinet conference following China trip
Healthy Homes, KiwiSaver, Jobseeker and more - What's changing on 1 July?
Explainer - From Tuesday, new rules are affecting everything from Healthy Homes to ACC to Jobseeker and KiwiSaver. Here's a roundup. Audio
