Freedom has unveiled a new technology policy that would require government agencies to consider open source software before purchasing commercial products, arguing the change could keep billions of taxpayer dollars within New Zealand. The party says the policy would strengthen digital sovereignty, support local technology businesses, reduce long-term software costs and increase transparency in government procurement while maintaining…
The resignation of former Labour minister Stuart Nash as New Zealand First's Napier candidate has prompted a rare display of cross-party unity, with women MPs from across Parliament condemning remarks made about National MP Katie Nimon's parental leave. The controversy has also resulted in a new candidate entering the Napier race ahead of the general election. Report by eLocal · Former Labour Cabinet minister Stuart Nash has been replaced as…
Senior National MPs are openly acknowledging concern over National's continued weak polling, with Chris Bishop saying it is "highly unlikely" he would retain his Hutt South electorate if the latest RNZ Reid Research poll reflected election day. Despite the slump, ministers insist the Government remains focused on improving its message ahead of the November election. Report by eLocal · National Party ministers are publicly acknowledging the…
The Green Party has unveiled an ambitious $980 million energy package aimed at lowering electricity bills, expanding household solar power and creating a new publicly owned renewable energy investment agency known as KiwiPower. While the proposal focuses on affordability and accelerating New Zealand's transition to renewable energy, it also raises broader questions about equal citizenship, energy security and the country's long-term economic…
For decades, New Zealand politics has largely operated within three-year election cycles. This weekend, Winston Peters attempted something different: presenting a long-term vision for New Zealand extending beyond the next election and into the next generation. Report by elocal · At New Zealand First’s 2026 campaign launch, Winston Peters delivered a speech that ranged across foreign policy, infrastructure, energy, banking, trade, immigration,…
Most New Zealanders support expanding retirement savings, but enthusiasm weakens considerably when it comes with a higher Superannuation age. A new RNZ-Reid Research poll suggests voters distinguish clearly between compulsory saving and delaying retirement. Report by eLocal · The latest RNZ-Reid Research poll indicates New Zealanders remain open to compulsory KiwiSaver, but that support largely disappears when it is paired with raising the…
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's speech to more than 10,000 members of New Zealand's Indian community has drawn praise from supporters and criticism from opponents who see it as election-year vote harvesting. Political commentator Duncan Garner argues both National and New Zealand First are appealing to different audiences as immigration becomes a defining campaign issue. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Duncan Garner for The People's…
Former broadcaster Paul Henry has announced he will stand for the ACT Party in this year's general election. Henry says he hopes to serve in government but has ruled out any ambition to replace ACT leader David Seymour. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Craig McCulloch for RNZ HERE. · ACT Announces High-Profile Candidate · Veteran broadcaster Paul Henry has officially entered New Zealand politics, announcing he will stand as an ACT Party…
National has recorded its weakest polling under Christopher Luxon, intensifying pressure on the party just weeks before the election. The latest RNZ-Reid Research poll suggests voter support continues to shift, with New Zealand First emerging as one of the campaign's biggest gainers. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Jo Moir for RNZ HERE. · National Hits New Low · National has fallen to its lowest level of support since Christopher Luxon…
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has used a wide-ranging interview with Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown to argue that New Zealand has reached a critical economic crossroads, warning that the 2026 General Election could determine whether the country reverses decades of declining productivity or continues along its current path. Report by elocal · The interview forms part of Auckland Unfiltered, a series produced by The Office of the Mayor of…
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