Christopher Luxon has unveiled a 26-point programme for the first 100 days of a re-elected National-led government, promising action on household costs, public services, criminal justice and economic growth. But behind the headlines lies a critical distinction between passing laws, announcing investigations and delivering measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary New Zealanders. Report by eLocal | 25 October 2026 · A Plan for…
Photographs of Green Party and Te Pāti Māori politicians meeting Mongrel Mob members have triggered a national political dispute just weeks before the general election. Beyond the photographs lies a more consequential question: how should elected representatives engage with organised criminal groups without compromising accountability to their victims? Report by eLocal · A Political Meeting That Demands Closer Examination · On 14 October 2026,…
Labour has entered the 2026 election campaign promising restrictions on social media access for children under 16, a new digital regulator and stronger controls over technology companies. The proposal raises legitimate questions about protecting young people, but also about whether blanket restrictions can work without imposing new identification requirements and privacy risks on everyone. Report by eLocal · A Promise Made During an Election…
Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins both defended their honesty during the latest leaders' debate, yet independent fact-checking exposed inaccurate and misleading claims from both sides. Beyond the political exchanges lies a larger question: after decades of promises, are New Zealanders being offered credible mechanisms for rebuilding national prosperity, or simply competing explanations for why the economy has failed to deliver? Report by…
Classically trained musician, former teacher and government adviser Emma Chatterton joins Mykeljon Winckel for a wide-ranging eLocal Conversation about the experiences shaping her approach to politics. As she seeks to succeed Judith Collins in Papakura, the discussion explores her personal journey, her ambitions for a rapidly growing electorate and the questions facing New Zealand's next generation Report by eLocal | eLocal Conversations | 16…
Chris Hipkins says voters appreciate a politician who answers questions. But as Labour seeks another term in government, the more important question is whether those answers withstand scrutiny. From household costs and healthcare funding to political accountability and the legacy of Labour's previous administration, eLocal examines what was said, what remains unproven, and what New Zealanders should demand before casting their votes. Report by…
Winston Peters says New Zealand remains a desirable country, but is no longer as attractive as it once was. Behind that observation lies a deeper economic problem: a country that has struggled for decades to increase the value it produces for every hour worked Report by eLocal · New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has acknowledged something increasingly difficult to ignore: New Zealand is not the country of economic opportunity it once…
New Zealand's election debate is increasingly focused on how wealth should be taxed and redistributed. But behind the competing proposals lies a more fundamental question: can a country maintain its economic sovereignty if it fails to build productive businesses, retain investment and improve the purchasing power of its people? · An examination of Labour's capital gains tax, the Greens' wealth tax and Opportunity's land tax reveals different…
Labour's latest West Coast mining royalty proposal has been portrayed as outflanking New Zealand First. Yet the proposal has no published rate, no confirmed revenue forecast and no guarantee of surviving post-election negotiations under MMP. For Westport families and businesses, the real issue is not which party wins the announcement, but whether either policy can deliver lasting economic security Report by eLocal | 11 October 2026 · Westport…
Who won, who struggled, and who gave voters a reason to back them? · Duncan Garner goes LIVE from 8pm Tuesday 6 October with reaction and analysis following the TVNZ leaders’ debate between Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins. · Joining Duncan are Ani O’Brien and former Labour minister Stuart Nash to unpack the biggest clashes, strongest answers and unanswered questions. · Who made the stronger case on the economy and cost of living? Who stood…
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