Politics.

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Stories

Todd Energy Secures $23.5 Million Government Loan to Boost Taranaki Gas Production

Todd Energy will receive a $23.5 million loan from the Government's Gas Security Fund to support two natural gas projects in North Taranaki.

Tony Skilling1 day ago

Business News

Shane Jones Points to Defence Contracts as Lifeline for Taranaki Engineering

Resources Minister Shane Jones says lucrative military contracts could provide a vital lifeline for Taranaki's heavy engineering sector following the announced closure of the Methanex Motunui plant.

Tony Skilling6 days ago

Council News

New Plymouth District Council retains STV voting system and funds water billing prep

New Plymouth District Council has voted to retain the STV voting system, approved $660,000 for volumetric water billing preparation, and updated beach horse-riding restrictions.

Tony Skilling1 week ago

Energy News

New 10-year petroleum mining permit granted for Taranaki's Puka field

Regulator New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals has awarded a 10-year petroleum mining permit to Matahio NZ Onshore Limited for the Puka field in onshore Taranaki.

Tony Skilling3 weeks ago

National News

Employment Leave Bill Passes Final Reading, Replacing Holidays Act 2003

The newly passed Employment Leave Bill will allow New Zealand workers to accrue annual and sick leave from their very first day on the job, replacing the Holidays Act 2003.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Energy Policy

Government Grants First Offshore Petroleum Exploration Permit Since Ban Reversal

Resources Minister Shane Jones has announced a 12-year offshore petroleum exploration permit for EnZed Energy in the Taranaki Basin, marking the first since the exploration ban was lifted.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Council Reform

South Taranaki and Stratford Councils Back Two-Council Model for Reform

South Taranaki and Stratford district councils have voted to support a two-council model for local government reform, rejecting a single region-wide authority.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Council Reform

NPDC to Hold Extraordinary Meeting on Local Government Reforms and $1.3M Cost

New Plymouth District Council is meeting to decide on the Taranaki Future Local Government Programme, which could cost the council over $660,000.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Rates Cap

Government to Legally Cap Local Council Rate Increases at Four Percent

Local Government Minister Simon Watts has announced a new policy introducing a two to four percent target range for annual rate increases per capita.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Election 2026

Green Party Unveils 'Kiwipower' Energy Policy Targeting Fossil Fuels

The Green Party has launched an ambitious election energy policy proposing a state-owned power generator and a transition away from natural gas.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

RMA Reform

Government Scraps Council-Iwi Resource Management Agreements Ahead of RMA Reforms

The Coalition Government has blocked existing and pending Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements from transferring into New Zealand's new planning framework.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Election Policy

NZ First Pledges $1 Billion to Map Offshore Oil and Gas Reserves

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has pledged an initial $1 billion to map the country's offshore oil and gas reserves if elected, focusing on energy security.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Council Reform

NPDC to Progress 'Pathfinder' Proposal on Future of Taranaki Local Government

New Plymouth District Council has agreed to draft a 'Pathfinder' proposal on local government reform to submit to the Government by August 9.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Council Reform

NPDC to decide on fast-track local government reform timeline

New Plymouth District Council will hold an extraordinary meeting to choose its strategic direction and timeline for the Taranaki Future Local Government reform programme.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Election 2026

Paul Henry resigns from TVNZ board to stand as ACT Party candidate

Broadcaster Paul Henry has resigned from his position on the TVNZ board to stand as an ACT Party list candidate in the upcoming general election.

Tony Skilling1 month ago

Election Policy

ACT Proposes Three-Year Mandatory Minimum Prison Sentence for Three-Strike Burglars

ACT has announced a new "Three Strikes for Burglary" election policy that would mandate a three-year minimum prison sentence with no parole for third-time offenders.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Government Report

Auditor-General Report Criticises Government's Revamped School Lunch Programme

An inquiry has revealed that the government's cost-cutting school lunch model failed to meet basic nutritional standards and led to increased food waste.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Policy Launch

Winston Peters Proposes Restricting Voting Rights to New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has announced a policy that would strip non-citizen permanent residents of their right to vote in general and local body elections.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Health Reform

Parliament Passes Landmark Overhaul of New Zealand Mental Health Laws

Parliament has passed historic legislation representing the biggest reform of New Zealand's mental health laws in over 30 years, banning youth seclusion and strengthening patient rights.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Road Rules

Government Confirms Four Key Changes to New Zealand Road Rules

The Government has confirmed four upcoming changes to New Zealand road rules, including allowing children to cycle on footpaths and requiring drivers to give buses right of way.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Public Meeting

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to host public meeting in New Plymouth

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will host a public meeting at the Plymouth International Hotel in New Plymouth this Saturday to discuss key issues affecting New Zealanders.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Election Policy

Green Party Corrects $800 Million Accounting Error in Election Tax Policy

The Green Party has defended its economic credibility after correcting an $826 million accounting error in its newly released election tax policy, which co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick described as a typo.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Hospital Opening

Photos: Taranaki Base Hospital's New East Wing officially opened

The official opening of Taranaki Base Hospital's $462.6 million New East Wing redevelopment will significantly improve acute and specialised healthcare services across the region.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Election Policy

Labour Unveils Flagship Election Policy to Cap Regional Public Transport Fares at $10 Weekly

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a policy to cap public transport fares at $10 a week in regions and $20 in major centres starting July 2027 if elected.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Election 2026

NZ First Selects Lee Smith to Contest Taranaki-King Country Electorate

New Zealand First has selected former Groundswell spokesperson and dairy farmer Lee Smith to contest the Taranaki-King Country electorate in the upcoming election.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Political Bill

Public Feedback Deadline Approaches for Controversial Definitions of Woman and Man Bill

New Zealanders have until July 2nd to submit feedback on a controversial private member's bill that proposes locking biological definitions of sex into statutory law.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Policy Launch

National Party Proposes Mandatory KiwiSaver and Newborn Kickstart Payments by 2028

The National Party has announced a major policy shift to make KiwiSaver contributions mandatory for all workers by 2028 and introduce automatic enrolment for newborns.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Bank Merger

Mayor Max Brough Demands Pause on Proposed $620m TSB and Heartland Bank Merger

New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough has formally requested the Toi Foundation pause the conditional $620 million merger of TSB and Heartland Bank to allow for community consultation.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Local Government

Mayor Calls for Pause on Proposed TSB and Heartland Bank Merger

New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough has formally requested the Toi Foundation to halt the proposed $620 million merger between TSB and Heartland Bank to allow for community consultation.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Public Survey

NPDC Launches Survey to Shape the Future of Local Government in Taranaki

The New Plymouth District Council has opened its 'Shaping Taranaki's Future' survey, inviting residents to share their views on upcoming local government reforms and structure.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Public Survey

South Taranaki District Council Launches Survey on Local Government Reform

The South Taranaki District Council has launched a public survey asking residents to weigh in on whether Taranaki should have one or two councils under upcoming local government reforms.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Local Politics

Taranaki Leaders Unite to Oppose Government's Disability Support Services Bill

The Taranaki Mayoral Forum has sent an urgent letter to the Government opposing key aspects of the proposed Disability Support Services Bill over concerns of cost-shifting to ratepayers.

Tony Skilling2 months ago

Election 2026

Labour Unveils 2026 Party List: Glen Bennett Well-Placed for Parliamentary Return

The Labour Party has released its list for the 2026 election, placing former New Plymouth MP Glen Bennett at number 25, virtually guaranteeing his return to Parliament.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Election Update

The Opportunity Party Hits 6% in Latest Poll as New Plymouth Campaign Heats Up

The Opportunity Party has reached six percent support in the latest Roy Morgan poll, positioning candidate Sarah Lucas for a strong campaign in the New Plymouth electorate.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

New Appointment

Dion Tuuta appointed Secretary for Māori Development and chief executive of Te Puni Kōkiri

Taranaki governance leader Dion Tuuta has been appointed as the country's new Secretary for Māori Development and chief executive of Te Puni Kōkiri.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Local Politics

Taranaki advocates and councillor push back against government disability support bill

Disability advocates and a New Plymouth district councillor are calling on local mayors to oppose a controversial government bill overhauling disability support.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Local Government

Government to Restrict Council Committee Voting Rights to Elected Members Only

The government has announced a law change that will remove voting rights from unelected iwi and community representatives on local council committees.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Funding Cut

Government Cuts Funding for New Plymouth-Based Energy Centre Ara Ake

The Government will discontinue funding for Ara Ake, New Zealand's national energy innovation centre based in New Plymouth, as part of Budget 2026 reprioritisation.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Local Democracy

Taranaki Councils to Vote on Government's Head Start Local Reform Pathway

All four Taranaki local authorities will hold extraordinary meetings to decide whether to join the government's voluntary Head Start pathway for local government reform.

Tony Skilling3 months ago

Energy News

Proposed Taranaki LNG Terminal Must Make Commercial Sense, Warns PM

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has warned that the proposed liquefied natural gas import terminal at Port Taranaki will only proceed if there is a strong business case.

Tony Skilling5 months ago

Council Decision

New Plymouth District Council Votes to Renew LGNZ Membership for 12 Months

New Plymouth District councillors have voted to renew their membership of Local Government New Zealand for another year, following debate over costs and the value of the organisation.

Tony Skilling5 months ago

Election News

Sarah Lucas Announced as The Opportunity Party Candidate for New Plymouth

Former New Plymouth mayoral candidate Sarah Lucas has been selected as The Opportunity Party's candidate to contest the New Plymouth seat in this year's general election.

Tony Skilling5 months ago

Election 2026

Amanda Clinton-Gohdes Confirmed as Labour Candidate for New Plymouth

Former councillor Amanda Clinton-Gohdes has been confirmed as the Labour Party candidate for the New Plymouth electorate, aiming to challenge National MP David MacLeod in the 2026 general election.

Tony Skilling5 months ago

Council Update

Steve Ruru Appointed Interim CEO of New Plymouth District Council

Taranaki Regional Council CEO Steve Ruru will step in as interim chief executive of the New Plymouth District Council for the next six to nine months.

Tony Skilling6 months ago

Council Decision

Watch: NPDC Councillors Debate 'Tim Tam' Removal After Motion Defeated 9–6

New Plymouth District Council debated the controversial "Tim Tam" cycleway barriers, ultimately approving a localised trial of alternative separators while the majority of the existing infrastructure remains.

Tony Skilling8 months ago

Council Unity

NPDC Reinstates Age and Accessibility Working Party After Unanimous Vote

New Plymouth District Councillors unanimously voted to reinstate the Age and Accessibility Working Party for a 12-month term, following strong community deputations and a mayoral apology for previous distress.

Tony Skilling8 months ago

Project Update

New Plymouth's Queen Street Project Sees $545k Savings, Budget Trimmed to $2.9 Million

New Plymouth District Council has identified over $545,000 in cost savings for the Queen Street development, reducing the project's budget from $3.5 million to approximately $2.9 million through design adjustments.

Tony Skilling9 months ago

Book Release

NPDC Councillor John Woodward Releases Autobiography Detailing Police Career and Challenges

New Plymouth District Councillor and former police officer John Woodward has released his 400-page autobiography, "Risking It All," detailing his frontline career and experiences challenging internal corruption.

Tony Skilling9 months ago

Cycleway Debate

New Plymouth Mayor and Councillor Seek Wellington Support on Tim Tam Cycleway Barriers

New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough and Councillor Damon Fox met with ACT MP Cameron Luxton in Wellington to discuss the controversial Tim Tam cycleway barriers, with Waka Kotahi confirming no funding repayment if changes are made.

Tony Skilling9 months ago

Housing Project

Construction Begins on NPDC's Affordable Housing for Seniors in Bell Block

Construction has commenced on the first stage of New Plymouth District Council's $12 million affordable housing programme, with 12 new one-bedroom units for seniors now underway in Bell Block.

Tony Skilling10 months ago

Policy Change

NZ First Bill Seeks Nationwide Ban on Public Fireworks Sales and Private Use

New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill proposing to prohibit the retail sale, manufacture, and importation of fireworks for personal use, citing public frustration over damage, disruption, and the burden on emergency services and

Tony Skilling10 months ago

Fund Renamed

Watch: New Plymouth Mayoral Relief Fund Renamed to Honour Former Mayor David "Daisy" Lean

New Plymouth's mayoral relief fund has been renamed the David Lean Memorial Mayoral Relief Fund to honour the former mayor's legacy of community care and environmental focus.

Tony Skilling10 months ago

Public Strike

Watch: Public Service Workers "Mega Strike" Marches Through New Plymouth CBD

Hundreds of healthcare, education, and community service workers marched through New Plymouth's CBD in a nationwide "mega strike" protesting low pay and working conditions.

Tony Skilling10 months ago

Election Results

Meet New Plymouth District's Newly Elected Councillors and Their Key Policy Stances

Following the final declaration of local body election results, this overview introduces the eight newly-elected NPDC councillors and their stated positions on key issues.

Tony Skilling10 months ago

Election Confirmed

Final NPDC Election Results Confirmed: EJ Barrett Unseats Bryan Vickery, Max Brough Mayor

The final New Plymouth District Council election results, including a significant volume of special votes, confirm EJ Barrett has unseated Bryan Vickery, and Max Brough is the new Mayor.

Tony Skilling10 months ago

PM Passes

Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger, Ōpunake-Born, Dies Peacefully Aged 90

Jim Bolger, New Zealand's 35th Prime Minister and a Taranaki native, has died peacefully at 90, leaving a legacy of significant political reforms and public service.

Tony Skilling10 months ago

Preliminary Results

Preliminary NPDC Election Results: EJ Barrett Ahead of Bryan Vickery, Special Votes Pending

Preliminary New Plymouth District Council election results indicate EJ Barrett has unseated Bryan Vickery in the Kaitake-Ngāmotu ward, with final results awaiting special votes.

Tony Skilling11 months ago

Election Results

Max Brough Elected Mayor of New Plymouth in Landslide Victory

Max Brough has a commanding lead in the New Plymouth mayoral race based on progress results, with a significant margin over David Bublitz, indicating a clear mandate for change.

Tony Skilling11 months ago

Vote Now

New Plymouth Local Election Turnout at 30% with 1.5 Days Remaining

New Plymouth's local election turnout stands at 30.3% with just 1.5 days left, tracking similarly to 2022 despite an extended voting period.

Tony Skilling11 months ago

Court Ruling

Daytona Thompson Sentenced for Manslaughter, Sparks Calls for Tougher "Coward Punch" Laws

Daytona Thompson received a 4-year, 2-month sentence for the manslaughter of Daniel Nganeko, sparking outrage and renewed calls for tougher "coward punch" laws in New Zealand.

Tony Skilling11 months ago

Election Debate

Rates Cap a Key Election Issue in New Plymouth as Poll Shows 75% Support

A national RNZ-Reid Research poll reveals 75% of voters support a rates cap, making it a significant election issue in New Plymouth where mayoral hopeful Max Brough advocates for stricter spending limits.

Tony Skilling11 months ago

Cycleway Debate

"Tim Tam" Cycleway Survey Presented to Minister Shane Jones, Shows Overwhelming Opposition

A community survey with over 7,000 responses, presented to Minister Shane Jones, revealed only 2% support for New Plymouth's "Tim Tam" cycleway separators, sparking debate over their safety and impact on businesses.

Tony Skilling11 months ago

Council Vote

New Plymouth Council Approves $3.5 Million Queen Street Revamp for West End Crossing

New Plymouth District Council has approved a $3.5 million Queen Street makeover, creating a new shared zone between Devon and King streets despite some opposition, with construction set for November 2025.

Tony Skilling1 year ago

Videos

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First “Tim Tam” Cycleway Separators Removed

Taranaki Media3 March 2026

Education and Healthcare Mega Strike in New Plymouth

Taranaki Media14 November 2025

Max Brough Elected Mayor of New Plymouth District

Taranaki Media20 October 2025