Donald Trump has been sworn in as US president for the second time.

The 47th president delivered his inauguration speech from inside the US Capitol where he outlined his immediate priorities whilst also criticising the previous Biden administration.

Outgoing US President Joe Biden has given his farewell speech to the American people from the Oval Office.

As well as hailing his administrations accomplishments over the past four years, he also warned of a “dangerous concentration of power”, saying an “oligarchy” of ultra-wealthy is “taking shape in America”.

Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming died after being struck by a vehicle in central Nelson just after 2am on New Year’s Day. She has been farewelled in a ceremony in Nelson with heartfelt tributes from family and colleagues, including Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. 

Erica Stanford, the Minister in charge Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care, has confirmed survivors of torture at Lake Alice will receive a $150,000 redress payment, or can request an independent arbiter make an individual assessment.

Stanford said the government has set aside up to $22.68 million for the redress scheme.

Six60 frontman Matiu Walters says he no longer cares about topping the charts and the band’s “legacy” as much as he once did, saying he now prefers to focus on being “creatively brave" instead. The reason for the change? Fatherhood.

Walters spoke openly and honestly about how being a dad has changed him on Paddy Gower's "The F#$%ing News" show this week.

Click here to watch the full episode, or search for "Paddy Gower's TFN" to listen on your favourite podcast player.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addressed questions put to him by media on a number of issues currently under the spotlight, including the Government's plan for the Cook Strait ferries, the changes to ACC levies, and an indecent assault of two women by visiting members of the Vietnamese Government.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis and newly-appointed Minister for Rail Winston Peters have announced it is establishing a new company to procure two new ferries for the Cook Strait. 

The ferries are expected to begin operation in 2029 as the existing ferries reach the end of their operating lives.

Willis would not disclose what the project will cost, saying that information is commercially confidential until procurement and negotiations for the associated landside infrastructure have been completed.

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has released details of the Government's blueprint for emissions reduction over the next five years.

The second Emissions Reduction Plan sets the foundation to meet the net zero 2050 target as early as 2044, and will focus on eight key policies that have the greatest potential emissions savings.

Greyhound racing is to be phased out in New Zealand over the next 20 months Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced.

The decision was driven by multiple reviews and high injury rates, and has cross-party support.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis have outlined plans to improve competition in New Zealand's banking sector.

The government will accelerate moves to provide Kiwibank with access to more capital, and take steps to ensure the Reserve Bank places greater importance on banking competition.