Latest from Government Administration and Defence

Wellington sewage failure: "It will be getting into seafood products"

Marine Science Professor Andrew Jeffs says the Moa Point failure will be affecting marine life at sea and humans on the shore. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

Driver’s licence fees could be hiked next year despite Government celebrating 'initially' cutting them

More changes to the fees could be consulted on within months of the reduction.

Retired judge urges halt to suburban Auckland housing push, as mayor warns of returning to scratch

Christopher Luxon's Government is weighing a lower Auckland housing number.

NZ Herald Headlines | Saturday, February 7, 2026

NZ Herald Headlines | Saturday, February 7, 2026. Peter Mandelson is being investigated for his ties with Epstein. A high-ranking Russian general has been shot in Moscow.

Thomas Coughlan: Grumpy Parliament gets ready to welcome most powerful visitor in a decade

OPINION: Tensions abound over the India FTA as Parliament readies for a famous visitor.

Waitangi 2026 in photos: Pukana, pōwhiri and protest mark 186th anniversary

Herald photographers captured the week's events as they unfolded.

Inside the quiet war at Christchurch’s border: How Customs fights rising drug threats

Christchurch Customs officers talk about their working environment.

Adam Pearse: Promises of unity not easy to see from Waitangi 2026

OPINION: Many are quick to echo the late Kīngi Tūheitia's call for kotahitanga.

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi speaks to media following the Government Pōwhiri at Waitangi

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi speaks to media following the Government Pōwhiri at Waitangi. Video / NZ Herald

David Seymour speaks to media following the Government Pōwhiri at Waitangi

Deputy PM David Seymour speaks to media following the Government pōwhiri at Waitangi. Video / NZ Herald

Audrey Young: Hipkins' blunt message to iwi leaders – lower your expectations

OPINION: Labour has learned a critical lesson after the rapid change of the Ardern era.

'Spin and excuses': Labour critical of Govt over rising unemployment, Willis sees green shoots

Unemployment is now at the highest level since 2015.

Luxon claims NZ-US critical minerals chat at early stage, Seymour says framework summary produced

The Prime Minister wouldn't commit to public consultation on it.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins talks to the media from Waitangi

Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to media from Waitangi today. Video / NZ Herald

How a dusty Gerry Brownlee led to a road to Waitangi being sealed

Ministers, council celebrate collaboration ahead of invective at Thursday's pōwhiri.

Analysis: When Peters met Germany’s foreign minister at luxury Northland lodge - and their deal to reshape the Pacific

David Fisher: Meeting between NZ and Germany sees shaping of a new global order.