The Bulletin

With the whole planning system about to change, says David Seymour, ‘the logical question is, do we need that extra layer of government?’ (Image; Tina Tiller)

Are regional councils on the chopping block?

With new planning laws set to centralise environmental decision-making, ministers are openly debating whether regional councils still serve a purpose.

By Catherine McGregor | 27th June, 2025

Contributing writer

The draft plan paints a picture of underinvestment in maintenance, chaotic project selection and dismal returns. (Photo: Getty Images)

The draft plan to finally fix New Zealand’s broken infrastructure

The Infrastructure Commission says we’re spending more than most developed countries on infrastructure – while getting some of the worst returns.

By Catherine McGregor | 26th June, 2025

Contributing writer

Kāinga Ora’s Ngā Kāinga Anamata passive housing project in Glendowie, Auckland, was cancelled in May 2024. (Image: Supplied / The Spinoff).

‘Short-term pain’ and long-term fallout as Kāinga Ora scraps thousands of state homes

Nearly 3500 planned homes have been cut from the pipeline in a sweeping overhaul aimed at restoring the agency’s finances.

By Catherine McGregor | 25th June, 2025

Contributing writer

David Seymour is defending his ‘Victim of the Day’ Facebook posts, arguing they’re a humorous way of highlighting exaggerated claims about the Regulatory Standards Bill. (Image: Getty / Tina Tiller)

Do David Seymour’s ‘Victim of the Day’ social media posts go too far?

As the deputy PM defends his controversial Regulatory Standards Bill, his opponents say he’s harassing critics and threatening academic freedom.

By Catherine McGregor | 24th June, 2025

Contributing writer

Donald Trump addresses the nation, alongside vice president JD Vance, secretary of state Marco Rubio and secretary of defense Pete Hegseth. Trump was speaking from the White House in Washington, DC on June 21, 2025, following the announcement that the US bombed nuclear sites in Iran. (Photo: CARLOS BARRIA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

NZDF rescue aircraft on standby as Middle East crisis deepens

New Zealand is preparing for a possible evacuation of citizens from Iran and Israel, while government ministers call for restraint.

By Catherine McGregor | 23rd June, 2025

Contributing writer

Many suppliers remain too fearful to push back on supermarket demands. (Image: The Spinoff)

Supermarkets wringing billions of dollars a year from suppliers, review finds

A proposed update to the grocery supply code would prohibit major supermarkets from charging suppliers for shelf placement and merchandising.

By Catherine McGregor | 13th June, 2025

Contributing writer

Photo: Getty Images

Golden visas bring in big bucks as one-percenters look to NZ

The government is celebrating a $25 million boost from wealthy migrants, but questions remain about the visa's wider economic impact.

By Catherine McGregor | 12th June, 2025

Contributing writer

Photo: Getty Images

High cost of dying under scrutiny as MPs call for change

A new select committee report confirms what many already know: funerals in New Zealand are often too expensive and reform is long overdue.

By Catherine McGregor | 11th June, 2025

Contributing writer

Finance minister Nicola Willis and her 2025 budget. (Image: Hagen Hopkins/Getty/The Spinoff)

What happened to Nicola Willis’s plan for charities tax reform?

New reporting helps explain why the finance minister decided to leave charities' tax affairs out of the budget.

By Catherine McGregor | 10th June, 2025

Contributing writer

Photo: Getty Images

AI job losses are coming – and entry-level workers could be the first to go

After years of hype and hesitation, artificial intelligence is beginning to displace real jobs. What will that mean for university graduates?

By Catherine McGregor | 9th June, 2025

Contributing writer

Photo: Getty Images

Press secretary case raises questions for police and officials

The disturbing allegations have sparked a review of vetting processes and questions about the adequacy of our laws.

By Catherine McGregor | 6th June, 2025

Contributing writer

(Supplied)

NZ Post under scrutiny as ministers demand better returns from SOEs

The government has issued stern warnings to a range of SOEs over poor performance, while quietly laying the groundwork for a future conversation about selling state assets.

By Catherine McGregor | 5th June, 2025

Contributing writer

Surprise pay parity changes spark fears of ‘dark future’ for ECE

Surprise pay parity changes spark fears of ‘dark future’ for ECE

As the former PM's memoir hits shelves, Penguin is hoping her enduring star power can turn A Different Kind of Power into a bestseller

By Alice Neville | 4th June, 2025

Jacinda Ardern at a Sundance Film Festival screening of the documentary Prime Minister, and the cover of her new memoir. (Photos: Getty Images, Supplied)

Jacinda Ardern steps back into the global spotlight

As the former PM's memoir hits shelves, Penguin is hoping her enduring star power can turn A Different Kind of Power into a bestseller

By Catherine McGregor | 3rd June, 2025

Contributing writer

David Seymour is preparing to step into Winston Peters’ shoes as deputy prime minister. (Photo: Getty / The Spinoff)

Introducing David Seymour, deputy prime minister

As the Act leader officially steps into the deputy prime ministership this weekend, some political onlookers are bracing for fireworks.

By Catherine McGregor | 30th May, 2025

Contributing writer

Reserve Bank governor Christian Hawkesby speaks at the media conference following the OCR announcement. (Photo: Mark Coote/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

OCR cut promises a mild boost for still-stagnant property market

Economists saw it coming, banks moved early, and mortgage holders will feel the effects – but the OCR cut heralds only a housing bump at best.

By Catherine McGregor | 29th May, 2025

Contributing writer