Adam Pearse is a Political Reporter for the New Zealand Herald based in the gallery in Wellington.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
![Fishing tragedy: Brothers farewell ‘fearless’ Damien Macpherson](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Fishing tragedy: Brothers farewell ‘fearless’ Damien Macpherson
Brothers Brad and Karl are speaking for the first time about losing their brother.
![PM lauds scrapping Auckland fuel tax, increasing paid parental leave](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
PM lauds scrapping Auckland fuel tax, increasing paid parental leave
It comes as the Govt reaches the deadline for its second-quarter action plan.
![Govt reveals mental health targets, hints at alcohol law reform in health roadmap](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Govt reveals mental health targets, hints at alcohol law reform in health roadmap
The Health Minister admits his expectations will be challenging to achieve.
![‘Worse than Gabrielle’: Locals where dead fishermen found describe horrible rescue conditions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
‘Worse than Gabrielle’: Locals where dead fishermen found describe horrible rescue conditions
The wild weather had been the worst one local had seen in three decades.
![‘Devastated’: Emotions raw as friends pay tribute to fishermen who died at sea](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
‘Devastated’: Emotions raw as friends pay tribute to fishermen who died at sea
A minute's silence was held at the local fishing club to honour the three East Coast men.
![PM brushes off poll result as Kiwis deliver verdict on Budget 2024](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
PM brushes off poll result as Kiwis deliver verdict on Budget 2024
Christopher Luxon also stayed ahead of Chris Hipkins as preferred PM but the gap closed.
![Governing coalition bounces back in new poll, Hipkins closes preferred PM gap](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Governing coalition bounces back in new poll, Hipkins closes preferred PM gap
How the Government is faring in the first 1News Verian poll since the Budget.
![Watch live: Three Strikes legislation hits House as Question Time returns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch live: Three Strikes legislation hits House as Question Time returns
The Opposition is expected to probe the Government on the future of Cook Strait ferries.
![Coalition friction: NZ First invokes first 'agree to disagree' clause](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Coalition friction: NZ First invokes first 'agree to disagree' clause
It's the first time the 'agree to disagree' clause has been used during the term.
![Pharmac ‘on notice’ as cancer patient advocates welcome ‘incredible’ medicines spend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Pharmac ‘on notice’ as cancer patient advocates welcome ‘incredible’ medicines spend
Up to 54 medicines, including up to 26 cancer drugs, would be funded.
![Watch: 'Delivering on our promise' - Govt funds new cancer treatments and drugs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch: 'Delivering on our promise' - Govt funds new cancer treatments and drugs
Luxon said "this is a great day for many New Zealanders".
![Winston Peters’ demand Sport NZ re-writes transgender policy disappears in ‘no comment’ vortex](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Winston Peters’ demand Sport NZ re-writes transgender policy disappears in ‘no comment’ vortex
It's unclear whether the NZ First leader will follow up on his demand.
![Northland power cut: Cabinet to address energy and fuel security after blackout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Northland power cut: Cabinet to address energy and fuel security after blackout
Energy Minister Simeon Brown is expected to provide more details this afternoon.
![Winston Peters delivers serious warning as scrutiny week concludes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Winston Peters delivers serious warning as scrutiny week concludes
Ministers have survived hours of questioning by Opposition MPs during the week.
![Pharmac Minister won't guarantee National’s 13 cancer drugs will be funded](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Pharmac Minister won't guarantee National’s 13 cancer drugs will be funded
David Seymour's comments put him at odds with the Health Minister.
![Health Minister admits Govt and National’s failures on cancer drug promise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Health Minister admits Govt and National’s failures on cancer drug promise
The Government has faced a wide backlash after it broke its promise.
![Public service CEO pay bonuses more than 12 months away - minister](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Public service CEO pay bonuses more than 12 months away - minister
The bonuses would be "directly related" to the Govt's public service targets.
!['Love you, boss': Chlöe's message, PM reacts to Greens co-leader's cancer diagnosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Love you, boss': Chlöe's message, PM reacts to Greens co-leader's cancer diagnosis
Marama Davidson's treatment, due to start after Matariki, is expected to take four months.
![Greens co-leader Marama Davidson reveals breast cancer diagnosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Greens co-leader Marama Davidson reveals breast cancer diagnosis
Davidson said the cancer had been caught early, giving her the best odds of beating it.
![Proposal to address media industry challenges set for Cabinet this month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Proposal to address media industry challenges set for Cabinet this month
Paul Goldsmith became the minister after Melissa Lee was demoted.
![Mining sector body decries 'hysteria' in debate on fast-track bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Mining sector body decries 'hysteria' in debate on fast-track bill
It comes just days after thousands marched in Auckland against the bill.
![Opinion: What threatens Act’s goal of 15 per cent in the next election?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Opinion: What threatens Act’s goal of 15 per cent in the next election?
Act's polling suggests it could drastically improve its 2023 party vote.
![Watch: Act sets 15 per cent target for 2026 election at annual rally, Seymour fronts media](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch: Act sets 15 per cent target for 2026 election at annual rally, Seymour fronts media
The sold-out rally was attended by more than 500 people, with Paul Henry as guest speaker.
![PM’s Fiji visit diary: Wife Amanda shows diplomatic chops; rugby revenge fails](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
PM’s Fiji visit diary: Wife Amanda shows diplomatic chops; rugby revenge fails
Luxon had a score to settle with Fiji after what happened to his beloved Crusaders.
![PM finds friends in the Pacific but true challenge looms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
PM finds friends in the Pacific but true challenge looms
This week's trip to the Pacific went smoothly but potholes appear on the road ahead.
![Luxon confirms NZ will make annual $1m UN payment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Luxon confirms NZ will make annual $1m UN payment
Christopher Luxon expressed a desire to see Fiji products on New Zealand shelves.
![Fiji PM very supportive of New Zealand’s Aukus consideration](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Fiji PM very supportive of New Zealand’s Aukus consideration
New Zealand says no decision has been made regarding Aukus yet.
![Luxon not ruling out public inquiry into Te Pāti Māori allegations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Luxon not ruling out public inquiry into Te Pāti Māori allegations
The Prime Minister says the current investigation must first run its course.
![PM's Niue visit diary: Island paradise, manu challenges and greenkeeping dogs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
PM's Niue visit diary: Island paradise, manu challenges and greenkeeping dogs
See how the PM fared on the first leg of his Pacific trip.
![How Niue is adapting to a more geopolitically competitive Pacific](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
How Niue is adapting to a more geopolitically competitive Pacific
As tensions rise, how does a tiny island of 1500 people benefit?
![What can you expect from Wellington on a Plate in 2024?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
What can you expect from Wellington on a Plate in 2024?
The full programme for this year’s festivities has been released.
!['Serious' - Luxon responds to Te Pāti Māori allegations from Niue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Serious' - Luxon responds to Te Pāti Māori allegations from Niue
Luxon said the allegations "deserve to be investigated".
![PM signals infrastructure spend for Niue as he touches down in Pacific](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
PM signals infrastructure spend for Niue as he touches down in Pacific
Luxon was treated to a stunning flyover of the island before landing.
![Watch: Christopher Luxon addresses media on first leg of trip to Niue and Fiji](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch: Christopher Luxon addresses media on first leg of trip to Niue and Fiji
PM defends public service cuts as he lands in Niue, before heading on to Fiji.
![Exclusive poll reveals voters’ views on Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Exclusive poll reveals voters’ views on Budget
Voters don't love the Budget, but they don't hate it either.
![PM unsure if 501s will increase after Australia rewrites deportation policy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
PM unsure if 501s will increase after Australia rewrites deportation policy
Luxon says he has grave concerns after the comments by his Australian counterpart.
![Minister accepts 500 police boost might not be achievable as promised](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Minister accepts 500 police boost might not be achievable as promised
The deadline for the policy is November 27 next year.
!['Unnecessary suffering': Promised cancer drugs won't be funded for at least a year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Unnecessary suffering': Promised cancer drugs won't be funded for at least a year
Cancer patients have expressed disappointment that the promise was not honoured yet.
!['We regret that': Nicola Willis' broken promise to cancer patients](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'We regret that': Nicola Willis' broken promise to cancer patients
Free breast screening is expanded and emergency department security strengthened.
![Govt sticks to 500 police boost but leaves fiscal cliff on cost pressures](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Govt sticks to 500 police boost but leaves fiscal cliff on cost pressures
Today's Budget allocated money to renew police's fleet.
![Budget build-up: Cookies over sausage rolls - Luxon and Willis say they're 'ready to deliver'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Budget build-up: Cookies over sausage rolls - Luxon and Willis say they're 'ready to deliver'
Today, the Government puts its money where its mouth is.
![What has the Govt already unveiled in today’s Budget?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
What has the Govt already unveiled in today’s Budget?
Tax cuts will be the centrepiece but plenty of announcements have been made.
![Speaker Gerry Brownlee again backs Maureen Pugh interrupting Whakatōhea rangatira](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Speaker Gerry Brownlee again backs Maureen Pugh interrupting Whakatōhea rangatira
Pugh has face criticism and calls to apologise.
![Finance Minister Nicola Willis unveils cover of Budget document](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Finance Minister Nicola Willis unveils cover of Budget document
No pretty pictures but lots of substance, says Willis.
![MP 'confusion' causes select committee to favour scrapping news bargaining bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
MP 'confusion' causes select committee to favour scrapping news bargaining bill
The minister responsible had to clarify what his position was on the bill.
!['Absolute tragedy': Govt commits $1.5m for Papua New Guinea after deadly landslide](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Absolute tragedy': Govt commits $1.5m for Papua New Guinea after deadly landslide
There are varying estimates of how many people have perished.
![ACC boss flies business class for $32k Europe work trip amid 390 proposed job cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
ACC boss flies business class for $32k Europe work trip amid 390 proposed job cuts
The chief executive concedes the trip coinciding with the cuts proposal is not ideal.
![Public service cuts becoming clear as Nicola Willis forecasts ‘frontline’ Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Public service cuts becoming clear as Nicola Willis forecasts ‘frontline’ Budget
Almost 4000 roles would be cut as part of the Government's aim to reduce spending.
![Luxon and Willis speak ahead of their 'careful' Budget, 240-plus savings initiatives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Luxon and Willis speak ahead of their 'careful' Budget, 240-plus savings initiatives
The Finance Minister is promising the tax cuts won't be inflationary.
!['Unsupported by evidence': Auckland Council opposes fast-track bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Unsupported by evidence': Auckland Council opposes fast-track bill
It comes after hundreds marched on Parliament to protest the bill.
![Parliament to launch aged care inquiry to satisfy coalition agreement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Parliament to launch aged care inquiry to satisfy coalition agreement
Health NZ is conducting its own review into aged care's funding and service models.
![Which MPs have the heftiest credit card and travel expenses in 2024?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Which MPs have the heftiest credit card and travel expenses in 2024?
Collins says she makes no excuses for the amount of travel she's done this year.
![Budget 24: Mike King’s Gumboot Friday gets $24m for mental health boost](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Budget 24: Mike King’s Gumboot Friday gets $24m for mental health boost
The spend would increase the service's counsellor pool by 300.
![Former PM Chris Hipkins was gifted a bike by Chinese Premier Li Qiang](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Former PM Chris Hipkins was gifted a bike by Chinese Premier Li Qiang
David Seymour may have to declare an expensive bottle of cologne he was reportedly gifted.
![Labour warns of Govt’s ‘smoke and mirrors’ in upcoming Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Labour warns of Govt’s ‘smoke and mirrors’ in upcoming Budget
It's Barbara Edmonds' first pre-Budget speech as Labour finance spokeswoman.
![PM declares total refresh of Kāinga Ora board, KiwiBuild ditched](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
PM declares total refresh of Kāinga Ora board, KiwiBuild ditched
The review was announced amid projections Kāinga Ora’s debt could reach $28.9 billion.
![Suspended Green MP Darleen Tana probe cost reaches $43k](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Suspended Green MP Darleen Tana probe cost reaches $43k
The investigation has taken nine weeks and is yet to conclude.
![Watch: Govt spends 'much-needed' $63m to keep Surf Life Saving and Coastguard running](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch: Govt spends 'much-needed' $63m to keep Surf Life Saving and Coastguard running
Prime Minister Chris Luxon was joined by Transport Minister Simeon Brown.
![Police Assn concerned by lack of detail in National Gang Unit plans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Police Assn concerned by lack of detail in National Gang Unit plans
The national unit will be up and running from July, Andrew Coster says.
![Taxpayer funding ceases for Christchurch Call but Jacinda Ardern retained in new foundation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Taxpayer funding ceases for Christchurch Call but Jacinda Ardern retained in new foundation
The leaders of France and New Zealand released a joint statement about the new foundation.
![Watch live: Govt pledges $571m for Defence Force pay, helicopter and vehicle upgrades](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch live: Govt pledges $571m for Defence Force pay, helicopter and vehicle upgrades
The new spend includes more than $100m of cuts to the NZDF and the Defence Ministry.
![Police strategy to combat knife crime amid rising trend in Britain, Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Police strategy to combat knife crime amid rising trend in Britain, Australia
Knife crime is an issue the Police Minister says he's monitoring closely.
![Govt ramps up threat of sanctions on beneficiaries if new obligations aren’t met](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Govt ramps up threat of sanctions on beneficiaries if new obligations aren’t met
Beneficiaries have two weeks to attend a seminar or they could be sanctioned.
![Iwi sends warning as hundreds march on Parliament against fast-track consenting bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Iwi sends warning as hundreds march on Parliament against fast-track consenting bill
Developers that advanced projects that harmed the environment were warned.
![Te Pāti Māori co-leaders back MP’s claim Govt is intent on exterminating Māori](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Te Pāti Māori co-leaders back MP’s claim Govt is intent on exterminating Māori
Te Pāti Māori has previously the accused the Government of displaying white supremacy.
![Julie Anne Genter speaks as Speaker refers her to Privileges Committee](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Julie Anne Genter speaks as Speaker refers her to Privileges Committee
Genter flew out to the Chatham Islands ahead of Parliament sitting this week.
![Govt revives Waikato mega-prison plans as $1.9b spend pays for 810-bed extension](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Govt revives Waikato mega-prison plans as $1.9b spend pays for 810-bed extension
About $440m of the spend was coming from cuts from the "back-office", Luxon said.
![PM announces $1.9b Corrections investment including 810 more prison beds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
PM announces $1.9b Corrections investment including 810 more prison beds
Govt will train 470 corrections officers and add 810 beds to Waikato’s Waikeria prison.
![Co-leaders discussing fresh claims of poor behaviour with MP Julie Anne Genter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Co-leaders discussing fresh claims of poor behaviour with MP Julie Anne Genter
Act leader David Seymour believes Greens' response to initial incident was a 'cop out'.
![Nats declare massive election donation haul - the most ever in a year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Nats declare massive election donation haul - the most ever in a year
Its largest donation was $500,000 from an Auckland businessman.
![University dismissive of public accountability amid former National minister contract probe - Auditor-General](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
University dismissive of public accountability amid former National minister contract probe - Auditor-General
The contract, initially for $288,000, has ballooned to more than $1 million.
![Spy agency watchdog assessing GCSB’s response to China group's hack of former MPs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy agency watchdog assessing GCSB’s response to China group's hack of former MPs
The Inspector-General is expected to be briefed by the GCSB in the coming days.
![Spy agency knew China-backed cyber attack targeted former MPs and didn’t tell them](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy agency knew China-backed cyber attack targeted former MPs and didn’t tell them
The two MPs and the one academic targeted in the attack are furious and disappointed.
![Economics, not politics: Former PM Sir John Key proposes theory explaining TV poll](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Economics, not politics: Former PM Sir John Key proposes theory explaining TV poll
Key felt the three parties in the Government were working well together.
![Politicians face off after poll dismissed as 'fruitcake business'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Politicians face off after poll dismissed as 'fruitcake business'
The poll comes a month before the Government's Budget.
![Demoted minister Melissa Lee accepts she was 'a little slow' with media portfolio](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Demoted minister Melissa Lee accepts she was 'a little slow' with media portfolio
The National MP said issues impacting the media sector came too fast.
![‘A few pirate jokes’: Minister's detached retina forces eye-patch use](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
‘A few pirate jokes’: Minister's detached retina forces eye-patch use
Hoggard thinks the injury was from being punched in the face playing rugby 20 years ago.
![Watch: Schools that flout cellphone ban will be audited by ERO, PM warns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch: Schools that flout cellphone ban will be audited by ERO, PM warns
Work programmes would soon be announced relating to the priority areas.