Articles in ‘Central Government’

Questions over one clause in New Zealand's new Free Trade Agreement with India have prompted renewed political debate, after India's Prime Minister described it differently from the wording contained in the legal text. Trade Minister Todd McClay insists both countries signed exactly the same agreement. Report by elocal Based on reporting by RNZ. Original article · Investment clause questioned · Trade Minister Todd McClay has defended the…

New Zealand and India have formally elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, setting out an ambitious Roadmap to 2030 that spans trade, defence, maritime security, technology and education. The announcement comes during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first official visit to New Zealand in four decades. Report by elocal · Based on reporting by Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira for RNZ. Original article HERE. · Strategic relationship…

New maps released by conservation lobby group Forest & Bird have intensified debate over the Government's proposed Conservation Amendment Bill, with critics warning that significant areas of New Zealand's public conservation estate could become easier to sell, exchange or open to expanded economic activity. By eLocal Report · The legislation, which passed its first reading in Parliament last month, is being promoted by the Government as a…

The Beehive could be vacated for up to 18 months in the coming years as Parliament considers a major refurbishment programme for one of New Zealand's most recognisable government buildings. Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee says the building's ageing infrastructure means significant work can no longer be delayed indefinitely. · Completed in 1981, the Beehive houses government ministers, ministerial staff, Cabinet facilities, and the…

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has launched an extraordinary public criticism of officials within Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), following the collapse of a technology project that consumed more than $31 million and delivered no operational outcome. Report by elocal · The comments follow the release of an independent review into Immigration New Zealand's Biometric Capability Upgrade…

A public dispute has erupted between Labour leader Chris Hipkins and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers over the decision to launch a review into Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo's conduct during the period he was engaging with the Labour Party before being announced as one of Labour's highest-ranked election candidates. Naidoo, who currently serves as New Zealand Police's Ethnic, Iwi and Community Relationships Manager, was unveiled this week as…

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has delivered what may prove to be one of the most politically cautious budgets in recent years. · Budget 2026 was framed around discipline, restraint and “responsible management” during a period of global instability, rising fuel prices and slowing economic growth. The Government’s central message is clear: New Zealand cannot continue spending beyond its means while debt, interest costs and demographic pressures…

The government’s proposed social media ban for under-16s appears increasingly uncertain, with coalition tensions, legislative confusion and broader debates over online regulation now complicating National’s flagship child safety proposal. Education Minister Erica Stanford says the government is still aiming to introduce legislation this year, but a promised update has now been delayed until June as wider policy work moves through Cabinet. · The…

A heated clash inside Parliament between Resources Minister Shane Jones and Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer has escalated into a wider political dispute involving Treaty relationships, seabed mining, ministerial conduct, and the future direction of New Zealand resource policy. The controversy erupted after Jones made remarks targeting Ngāti Ruanui during a parliamentary debate over mining and fast-track legislation. · The comments…

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has used a major pre-Budget address to the New Zealand Business Association to outline what he described as a new era of “national resilience,” warning that the global rules-based order is weakening and New Zealand must urgently adapt to a more volatile world. In a wide-ranging speech titled “Securing New Zealand’s Future,” Luxon argued the world is shifting from one governed by international rules to one…