It’s been another massive weekend across Aotearoa with politics, sport, cost of living pressures and Māori development dominating headlines across WaateaNews.com.
From fresh questions around a new political movement linked to former NZ First MP Tukoroirangi Morgan, to major sporting victories and growing concern over whānau hardship, here’s your Waatea First@5AM wrap-up.
New Political Party Rumours Continue To Grow
Questions continue to mount around the formation of a new political party linked to former NZ First MP Tukoroirangi Morgan.
Waatea confirmed further evidence over the weekend that the NuA0 political movement has formally registered a domain name and website through the Domain Name Commission. Sources close to the movement suggest the project is heavily focused around the Hauraki-Waikato electorate and may look beyond a single-seat campaign.
Waatea also reported earlier that senior figures connected to the movement appear to be encouraging sitting Hauraki-Waikato MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke to join the emerging party.
Hone Harawira Backs Aperahama Edwards
In Te Tai Tokerau, Hone Harawira announced he will not seek the Te Pāti Māori candidacy for the 2026 election and instead has endorsed Ngātiwai leader Aperahama Edwards.
The move follows efforts to rebuild Te Pāti Māori branches throughout Te Tai Tokerau after the departure of Mariameno Kapa-Kingi.
Cost Of Living Pressures Continue
Economic pressure on whānau remained a major talking point throughout the weekend.
The Government’s move to tighten emergency welfare payments — expected to save nearly $200 million — drew sharp criticism from advocates worried vulnerable whānau will be hardest hit.
Waatea also covered growing public frustration over Budget promises as many families continue struggling with rising rents, food prices and household costs.
🔗 https://waateanews.com/2026/05/24/budget-promises-under-fire-as-whanau-struggle-with-rising-costs/
Meanwhile, fears were raised over proposed cuts to Early Childhood Education review and safety oversight roles.
🔗 https://waateanews.com/2026/05/23/fears-for-child-safety-as-ece-review-roles-face-cuts/
Ngāpuhi Moves Iwi-Led Development Forward
A major Ngāpuhi-led social development initiative moved into action over the weekend, with Te Māhurehure Marae in Auckland being called on to support Ngāpuhi whānau living in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The iwi-led prototype aims to return more decision-making and support systems directly into iwi and hapū hands.
Sir Tamati Reedy Remembered
Ngāti Porou and the wider Māori world continue mourning the passing of Sir Tamati Reedy at the age of 89.
The respected academic, public servant and Māori language advocate played a transformative role in Māori education, kōhanga reo and te reo revitalisation.
🔗 https://waateanews.com/2026/05/24/ngati-porou-mourns-loss-of-sir-tamati-reedy-at-89/
Treaty And Te Reo Debates Intensify
Political and social tensions around Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te reo Māori continued to dominate national discussion over the weekend.
Advocates warned growing rhetoric around Māori rights and language risks deepening division across Aotearoa.
Big Weekend In Sport
Warriors Continue Their NRL Surge
The Warriors continued their impressive NRL season with another strong showing against the struggling Dragons, keeping finals momentum alive.
🔗 https://waateanews.com/2026/05/24/hakinakina-warriors-continue-nrl-surge-against-struggling-dragons/
Hurricanes Lock Top Spot
The Hurricanes crushed the Highlanders to secure top spot in Super Rugby Pacific heading into the business end of the season.
Auckland FC Makes History
Auckland FC created history by winning the A-League title in only their second season, becoming the first New Zealand club to lift the championship.
Moana Pasifika Future Under Spotlight
Tana Umaga defended the legacy and cultural importance of Moana Pasifika amid growing uncertainty about the future of the franchise.
🔗 https://waateanews.com/2026/05/24/tana-umaga-defends-moana-pasifika-legacy-amid-uncertain-future/
Netball Thrillers Across The Weekend
Southern Steel survived the first extra-time thriller of the ANZ Premiership season against the Magic.
🔗 https://waateanews.com/2026/05/24/steel-survive-magic-scare-in-first-extra-time-thriller-of-season/
The Tactix also strengthened their finals hopes with a gritty win over the Stars.
🔗 https://waateanews.com/2026/05/24/tactix-tighten-finals-grip-with-hard-fought-win-over-stars/
Maiki Sherman Wins Top Journalism Honour
Former TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman was named Political Journalist of the Year at the 2026 New Zealand Media Awards.
International Pressure Builds On Israel
New Zealand joined a coalition of Western nations increasing pressure on Israel over expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Marlon Williams Continues To Shine
Marlon Williams’ latest waiata is being celebrated as one of Aotearoa’s finest modern country songs, continuing the global rise of te reo Māori music.
Juken Mill Fears Continue In The Far North
Uncertainty around the future of Juken New Zealand continues to create anxiety across Te Tai Tokerau communities reliant on forestry and mill employment.
🔗 https://waateanews.com/2026/05/23/far-north-fears-grow-as-juken-mills-future-hangs-in-balance/
Education Sector Reacts To Court Decision
Te Rūnanga Nui welcomed the Employment Relations Authority decision relating to education sector issues and workforce concerns.
Stay with Waatea News throughout the day for continuing coverage across politics, hākinakina, Māori development, business and current affairs.
