ELECTION 2026 AND POLITICAL PARTIES
Jonathan Boston (The Conversation): NZ’s complex problems require visionary solutions, not quick fixes. Here’s how we can govern for the future
Peter Davis: Thinking long in tumultuous times
Simon Bridges (Herald): As Leader of the Opposition, I didn’t feel safe. The murder of a former UK MP validates such fears (paywalled)
Henry Cooke (Post): History says Christopher Luxon can’t win – but it isn’t really backing Chris Hipkins either (paywalled)
Tim Murphy (Newsroom): A governing party’s lament: Why don’t they appreciate us?
Nik Dirga (RNZ): Explainer: What do New Zealand MPs have to disclose to the public about their health?
Ben Thomas (Post): Election will reveal much about nature of today’s centre-right (paywalled)
Stewart Sowman-Lund (Post): Can Max Harris break Labour’s 69-year Tāmaki drought? He doesn’t seem sure (paywalled)
Brent Edwards (NBR): Indian PM’s rockstar visit, Hooray Henry, Act’s election risk (paywalled)
Bijou Johnson (Herald): Who is standing for Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Waiariki electorates, and why?
Henry Cooke (Post): Kiwi Labour strategist Hayden Munro to become political director for incoming UK PM Andy Burnham (paywalled)
Julia Gabel (Herald): New Zealand strategist set to become political director for incoming UK PM
No Right Turn: Eating Labour’s lunch
David Farrar: Who is behind Māori Roll Call?
Hamish McNeilly (Stuff): Former Green Party candidate in late night bar incident can now be named
Azaria Howell (Herald): Officials warned English-first logo change could harm Crown–Māori ties
Jamie Ensor (Herald): US urges global crackdown on ‘far-left terrorism’ - NZ says focus on behaviour rather than labels
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): Why is the NZ Super debate back?
NZ FIRST
Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): NZ First preaches rebuilding hope, opportunity at annual conference, election launch
Fox Meyer (Newsroom): Polling data hints at record election performance for NZ First
Anneke Smith (Post): NZ First claws at National, Labour for disillusioned vote (paywalled)
Adam Pearse (Herald): NZ First’s candidate conundrum and how it will shape its next caucus (paywalled)
The Post: Editorial: Winston Peters, the political price setter (paywalled)
Andrew Gunn (Post): Pony up and fasten your seatbelts: it’s not our first rodeo any more (paywalled)
BILL BIRCH (1934–2026)
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Former Finance Minister Sir Bill Birch dies at 92
Toby Manhire (Spinoff): ‘He asked me. And I said, yeah, why not?’ Bill Birch on a life in politics
David Farrar: RIP Bill Birch
Henry Cooke (Post): Former Finance Minister Bill Birch dies, aged 92 (paywalled)
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): ‘Giant of the National Party’: Former finance minister Sir Bill Birch dies at 92
RNZ: Former finance minister Sir Bill Birch dies
PAUL HENRY AND CELEBRITY POLITICS
Steve Braunias (Newsroom): The secret diary of .. Paul Henry’s media office
Chelsea Daniels (Herald): The rise of the celebrity politician
Duncan Garner (Listener): Why being an MP will drive Paul Henry bananas (paywalled)
Michael Swanson: So, when is Mike Hosking running for National? (paywalled)
COOK STRAIT FERRIES
Thomas Coughlan and Ethan Manera (Herald): New Interislander ferries to be called Kupe and Cook, will be operated but not owned by KiwiRail
Julia Gabel (Herald): Winston Peters v ‘snivelling wokesters’: Minister bracing for backlash over new ferry name
Nick James (Post): New Cook Strait ferries to be called Kupe and Cook (paywalled)
Nick James (Post): KiwiRail to run Interislander but not own new ships, port builders confirmed (paywalled)
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): ‘Snivelling wokesters’ won’t like this, says Winston Peters, as he names future ferries
Thomas Manch (BusinessDesk): KiwiRail to operate ‘Kupe’ and ‘Cook’ Interislander ferries, commercial agreements signed (paywalled)
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