NZ First senior minister Shane Jones has used a wide-ranging interview with Radio Waatea’s Dale Husband to defend the party’s direction ahead of the General Election, discussing everything from high-profile political recruits and mining policy to the naming of the Government’s new Cook Strait ferries. The conversation touched on several of the Coalition Government’s most…

Recovery efforts on Mauao (Mount Maunganui) are entering a critical new phase following a series of significant landslides, with Recovery Manager Charlie Rahiri saying the focus has shifted from immediate emergency response to ensuring the long-term safety of the maunga and the communities that surround it. Rahiri, who also serves as Chair of Te Rūnanga…

Māori Development Minister and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka has defended the Government’s local government reforms, responding to concerns raised by Wairoa Mayor Craig Little and others who fear the changes could weaken Māori participation in local decision-making. The debate centres on the Government’s proposal to remove statutory council–iwi partnership arrangements known as Mana Whakahono…