Tag: nz_first
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New Zealand First to Require Infrastructure Before Fast-Track Housing Approvals
New Zealand First says fast-track housing projects must prove roads, pipes and water services are funded and deliverable before approval, with expert panels able to decline projects.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesReal EstateState GovernmentsSocial Issues New Zealand Firstfast-track housinginfrastructurehousing developmentsMinister for Housingexpert panelsNZ FirstElection
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NZ Election Intelligence Update: 14 October 2026
The central uncertainty is increasingly not simply whether National or Labour finishes first, but how votes for the smaller parties translate into seats and viable governing arrangements.
Politics and GovernmentElectionGeneral PoliticsEconomySocial Issues NZ election 20261News-Verian pollNational PartyLabour PartyOpportunity PartyMMP thresholdcoalition negotiationscost of livingChristopher LuxonChris HipkinsQiulae WongACT PartyNZ FirstGreensTe Pāti Māorifiscal plansTVNZ multi-party debate
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New Zealand First Pledges to Scrap Accredited Employer Work Visa
New Zealand First says it will end the Accredited Employer Work Visa and replace it with a shortage-led Skilled Work Visa tied to named occupations, regions and proven need.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesEmployment and LaborEconomySocial Issues New Zealand FirstAccredited Employer Work VisaSkilled Work Visaimmigration policymigrant workersskills shortageNew Zealand unemploymentNZ FirstElection
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NZ First Pledges Annual Minimum Wage Rises and $120 Weekly Working for Families Boost
New Zealand First says it will lift the minimum wage every year for three years and make the $50 in-work tax credit permanent, adding $70 a week for a total of $120.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesEconomyEmployment and LaborElection New Zealand Firstminimum wageWorking for Familiesin-work tax creditcost of livingeconomic recoveryNZ First
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New Zealand First Pledges to Ban Public Fireworks Sales
New Zealand First says it will campaign on banning public fireworks sales and use, tabling ready-written legislation within 100 days of the next government, while allowing approved public displays.
Politics and GovernmentOther PartiesGeneral PoliticsSocial IssuesLaw Enforcement New Zealand Firstfireworks banGuy Fawkesmembers billpublic displaysACCNZ FirstElection
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New Poll Puts Opportunity Party Below 5% MMP Threshold as National and Labour Stay Level
The Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll has National on 28.5% and Labour on 28.2%, with NZ First the largest mover at 12%, while Opportunity's 4.8% is its first reading below the threshold in six recent polls.
Politics and GovernmentElectionGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesEconomySocial IssuesEnvironmentMedia NZ Election 2026Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll1News-Verian pollOpportunity Party5% MMP thresholdNational PartyLabour PartyNew Zealand FirstGreensACTTe Pāti MāoriWaiarikiRawiri Waititicost of livingIpsos Issues Monitorpolling uncertaintyseat arithmeticoverhang seatsNew Zealand politicsOpinion polls5% thresholdChristopher LuxonChris HipkinsRNZ-Reid ResearchCoalition negotiationsTax policyClimate policyParis AgreementMill RoadACT PartyNZ FirstGreen Partypolling1News Verian pollRNZ Reid Research pollTe Pati MaoriMMP thresholdPoll Intelligenceelection 2026
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NZ First Unveils 2026 Party List Led by Winston Peters
New Zealand First releases its 2026 General Election party list, with Rt Hon Winston Peters at number one and 50 candidates named across electorates nationwide.
Politics and GovernmentElectionOther PartiesGeneral Politics New Zealand FirstWinston Peters2026 General Electionparty listShane JonesCasey CostelloNew Zealand politicsNZ First
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POLITICAL POLL INTELLIGENCE #2 | 6 October 2026
Poll Intelligence #2: RNZ-Reid has Labour five points clear of National, but a near-simultaneous 1News-Verian survey finds the opposite bloc result in a reminder that polls are estimates, not measurements.
Politics and GovernmentElectionGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesMedia RNZ-Reid Research poll1News-Verian pollNew Zealand politicsLabour PartyNational PartyGreen PartyNZ FirstACT PartyOpportunity PartyTe Pati MaoriMMP thresholdpollingparty voteelection 2026Poll Intelligence
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New Zealand First Pledges to Abolish Waitangi Tribunal Within 100 Days
New Zealand First says it will abolish the Waitangi Tribunal and replace it with a Treaty of Waitangi Completion Commission if elected, finalising all pre-2008 claims.
Politics and GovernmentElectionOther PartiesLegalSocial Issues New Zealand FirstWaitangi TribunalTreaty of Waitangi Completion CommissionMaori Land CourtMinistry of Maori DevelopmentNew Zealand politicsTreaty of Waitangi settlementsNZ First
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Winston Peters Pledges to Abolish Waitangi Tribunal Within 100 Days
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters announces plans to abolish the Waitangi Tribunal, cut small business tax to 20%, and reform health and immigration policy ahead of the November 7 election.
Politics and GovernmentElectionGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesHealthEconomySocial Issues Winston PetersNew Zealand FirstWaitangi TribunalTreaty of Waitangi Completion Commission2026 New Zealand electionhealth policyimmigration policyNZ First
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New Zealand First to Campaign on 20% Company Tax Rate for SMEs
New Zealand First says it will campaign to cut the company tax rate for small and medium businesses with turnover under $30 million from 28% to 20%, at an initial annual fiscal cost of about $1 billion.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesEconomyEmployment and LaborElection New Zealand Firstcompany tax rateSMEssmall businessOECDAustraliaproductivityNZ First
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New Zealand First Pledges Shift From Treating Illness to Preventing It in 'Make NZ Healthy' Plan
New Zealand First says $33 billion a year is spent on health, with 59% treating chronic diseases and only 1.75% on prevention, and wants that focus reversed.
Politics and GovernmentHealthElectionGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesEconomyAgricultureSocial Issues New Zealand FirstMake NZ Healthyhealth systempreventive healthcarechronic illnessmetabolic healthdietary guidelinesNZ First
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Winston Peters Accuses National of Copying NZ First Policies
Winston Peters says the "Copy Nats" have cut and pasted NZ First's supermarket duopoly breakup policy, adding to a growing list of copied policies.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesEconomyElection Winston PetersNew Zealand FirstNational Partysupermarket duopolyCommerce CommissionKiwiSaverNew Zealand politicsNZ First
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Winston Peters Unveils Sweeping New Zealand First Immigration Overhaul
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters announces major immigration reforms including a 20,000 resident visa cap referendum, longer citizenship waits and a 10-year welfare stand-down for visa holders.
Politics and GovernmentElectionGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesEconomySocial Issues Winston PetersNew Zealand FirstImmigration PolicyResident Visa CapCitizenshipNew Zealand PoliticsElection CampaignNZ First
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New Zealand First Announces Sweeping Immigration Reforms
Winston Peters' New Zealand First plans to cut non-essential immigration, double citizenship qualification to 10 years, extend residency to five, restrict benefits, broaden deportation, and hold a resident visa cap referendum.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementGeneral PoliticsElectionOther PartiesSocial IssuesLegalEmployment and Labor New Zealand FirstWinston PetersImmigrationPoliticsCitizenshipDeportationResident Visa Cap ReferendumNZ First
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New Zealand First Vows to Defend Superannuation and Unveils Bold Economic Plan
Winston Peters of New Zealand First pledges to protect Superannuation from proposed changes, outlining a comprehensive economic plan and criticizing rival parties' policies, including the Opportunity Party's Universal Basic Income proposal.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessHealthGeneral PoliticsEconomyEmployment and LaborSocial IssuesElection New Zealand FirstWinston PetersNew Zealand SuperannuationElection 2026Economic PolicySeniorsUniversal Basic IncomeNZ First
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New Zealand First Rejects Under-16 Social Media Ban, Citing Freedom and Parental Rights Concerns
New Zealand First will not back National's proposed social media ban for under-16s, citing concerns over privacy, freedom, and parental rights, and referencing Australia's failed attempts.
Politics and GovernmentGeneral PoliticsNational PartyOther PartiesSocial IssuesLegal New Zealand FirstSocial MediaU16Parental RightsPrivacyGovernment PolicyNZ FirstElection
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New Zealand First Proposes 'Kiwi Kids Grant' to Boost Birthrate
New Zealand First unveils its 'Kiwi Kids Grant' policy, offering $5000 annually for the first three children of citizen families. This initiative aims to combat declining birthrates and reduce future dependence on immigration.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsEconomySocial IssuesElection New Zealand FirstKiwi Kids Grantbirthratepopulation declinefamily policyimmigrationNZ First
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Ron Mark Confirmed as NZFirst Candidate for Wairarapa
Former Defence Minister Ron Mark will stand for New Zealand First in Wairarapa. Bringing extensive experience from military, local government, and ministerial roles, he aims to serve New Zealanders.
Politics and GovernmentConflictGeneral PoliticsElectionMilitarySocial IssuesEconomy Ron MarkNew Zealand FirstWairarapaPoliticsDefenceVeterans' AffairsNZ First
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Stuart Nash Withdraws as 2026 Election Candidate Amid 'Distraction'
Stuart Nash has withdrawn as an NZ First candidate for the 2026 election, citing a private message as a "significant distraction." He expressed regret over the interpretation of his words, affirming his commitment to advocating for Hawke's Bay.
Politics and GovernmentGeneral PoliticsElectionOther Parties Stuart NashNZ First2026 ElectionNapierHawke's BayCandidate WithdrawalPolitical Campaign
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Media Monitor: NZ First candidate criticized for 'sexist' remarks; Road rage, golf win, and penguin threat also in news
One News NZ is reporting on NZ First candidate Stuart Nash's 'sexist' remarks, a Pāpāmoa road rage attack, Ryan Fox's Open Championship victory lap, and the critical threat to northern hoiho penguins.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementSportHealthGeneral PoliticsSocial IssuesEnvironmentMedical ScienceTransportation Stuart NashKatie NimonNZ FirstRoad RageRyan FoxNorthern HoihoNew Zealand PoliticsOne News NZ
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New Zealand First Unveils $1 Billion Fuel Security Plan, Marks 33rd Anniversary
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters announced a $1 billion plan for national fuel security through offshore oil and gas exploration. Marking the party's 33rd anniversary, he criticized the Indian FTA and other parties, urging voters to support New Zealand…
Politics and GovernmentBusinessWorldHealthGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesEconomyTradeEnergy New Zealand FirstWinston PetersFuel SecurityOil and Gas ExplorationNew Zealand PoliticsTrade AgreementsNationalismNZ FirstElection
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NZ First Demands Pause on Waikato Plan Change 1 to Protect Farmers
New Zealand First calls for an immediate halt to Waikato Regional Council's Plan Change 1, arguing it's an outdated "bureaucratic death sentence" for over 4500 farmers, threatening food production and increasing costs amidst a cost-of-living crisis.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEconomyAgricultureSocial IssuesLegal New Zealand FirstWaikato Regional CouncilPlan Change 1FarmersResource Management ActShane JonesNZ FirstElection
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New Zealand First to Campaign for 'Citizens Only Voting'
New Zealand First announced a campaign to restrict voting rights to citizens, arguing current laws allow permanent residents and some visa holders to vote without full allegiance. The party seeks to restore the principle that only committed citizens should decide…
Politics and GovernmentGeneral PoliticsElectionSocial Issues New Zealand FirstVoting RightsElectoral LawCitizenshipPermanent ResidentsPolitical CampaignNZ First
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Michael Laws to Contest Waitaki Electorate for NZ First
Michael Laws, a veteran of Parliament, local government, and broadcasting, will stand for New Zealand First in the Waitaki Electorate, bringing decades of public service experience and leadership to the party.
Politics and GovernmentMediaGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsElectionDigital and Print Publishing Michael LawsNew Zealand FirstWaitaki ElectorateGeneral ElectionPoliticsLocal GovernmentBroadcastingNZ First
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NZ First Leader Winston Peters Declares 'Election Like No Other,' Criticizes Rivals and Key Trade Deal
Winston Peters launched NZ First's campaign in Hawkes Bay, criticizing Labour, Greens, and the Māori Party. He opposed the India FTA and Paris Accord, while promoting a local racecourse project and NZ First's 'common sense' policies.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsEconomyTradeElectionEnvironmentSocial Issues Winston PetersNew Zealand FirstHawkes BayIndia Free Trade AgreementParis AccordNew Zealand PoliticsElection 2026NZ First
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NZFirst Campaigns to Disestablish Auckland's Unelected Māori Statutory Board
New Zealand First launches a campaign to disestablish Auckland Council's unelected Independent Māori Statutory Board, citing concerns over democratic accountability, ratepayer costs, and its significant influence on council decisions.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEconomySocial IssuesElection New Zealand FirstAuckland CouncilIndependent Māori Statutory BoardLocal GovernmentPolitical CampaignsPublic AccountabilityNZ First
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New Zealand First Names Nicola Laboyrie as Hamilton East Candidate
New Zealand First has announced Nicola Laboyrie as its candidate for Hamilton East. With a strong background in business, farming, and local governance, Laboyrie aims to advocate for effective government and community voice in the upcoming general election.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessEducationGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesState GovernmentsEconomyElection New Zealand FirstNicola LaboyrieHamilton EastGeneral ElectionWaikatoRaglan Community BoardPoliticsNZ First
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NZ First Names Lee Smith as Taranaki-King Country Candidate
Lee Smith, a former dairy farmer and rural advocate, will represent New Zealand First in Taranaki-King Country, bringing over 20 years of business experience and a commitment to local democracy and regional support.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessElectionState GovernmentsOther PartiesAgricultureEconomySocial Issues Lee SmithNew Zealand FirstTaranaki-King CountryGroundswell New ZealandRural communitiesGeneral electionLocal democracyNZ First
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Elliot Ikilei to Stand for New Zealand First in General Election
Political commentator and community advocate Elliot Ikilei will stand for New Zealand First in the upcoming general election. Known for his work with Hobson's Pledge and previous leadership of the New Conservative Party, Ikilei brings extensive experience in advocacy and…
Politics and GovernmentGeneral PoliticsElectionSocial IssuesEducation Elliot IkileiNew Zealand FirstGeneral ElectionPoliticsCommunity AdvocateHobson's PledgeNZ First