Politics Central

The Government says this year's budget especially strengthens Auckland's role as New Zealand's economic engine room.

They point out that they're investing in health, including funding to purchase land for a future South Auckland Hospital, and a share of the Government's $5.5-billion health package.

Additionally, they highlight plans for housing growth with a new $400-million fund for councils to enable more homes.

Lastly, they're putting aside a billion for rail improvements, and another billion for school upgrades. 

But Mayor Wayne Brown says the devil is in the detail - and we'll need more clarity into a timeline of these initiatives, along with an explanation of how the Government's funding their share of the CRL.

So what do these investments actually mean for Aucklanders - and how confident can we be in keeping a globally competitive city? 

Minister for Auckland Simon Watts talks to Tim Beveridge to discuss...

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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says New Zealand is "freeloading" from the American military because of our low military spend.

The remarks were made at an Asia-Pacific security conference in Singapore, attended by Defence Minister Chris Penk.

The New Zealand Government has already announced plans to lift defence spending to around 2% of GDP over coming years — nearly double what we currently spend — but Hegseth says allies should really be aiming closer to 3.5%.

That raises some big questions. At a time when New Zealanders are worried about the cost of living, hospitals and public services, why should defence move up the priority list? What are the risks if countries like New Zealand don’t step up militarily?

Defence Minister Chris Penk joins Tim Beveridge to discuss.

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Finance Minister Nicola Willis will be presenting the 2026 budget on this coming Thursday. 

A number of pre-budget announcements have already been made including money directed to maths and literary in schools and maritime security, while social housing and the public sector have faced budget cuts. 

Founder of Bagrie Economics, Cameron Bagrie, spoke to Tim Beveridge about what he expects and what he thinks should be done. 

One change Bagrie believes is unpopular but crucial is reforming NZ Super saying 'the current system is unsustainable'.

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Today Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard, along with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, announced a $79 million boost over three years for tourism and farming by stopping the spread of wilding pines.

The work will be concentrated around Queenstown, the Mackenzie Basin, the North Island’s Central Plateau, and New Zealand’s largest farm in South Marlborough.

The extra funding will take the total for stopping the spread of wilding pines to $109m over the next three years.

Hoggard joined Tim Beveridge to chat about the pines and their negative impact on our environment. 

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Russian president Vladimir Putin says the war in Ukraine is coming to an end. 

The conflict has been ongoing since Russia's initial invasion in 2022, and Putin had been speaking in the Kremlin following a very scaled-back Victory Day parade.

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Winston Peters has leaked, and the Government has confirmed, that this will be the final year of fees-free support for tertiary students. 

The support was first introduced as a first year free incentive to help get more young people into further education, and was changed to be final year free last year. 

The policy has cost almost $350 million a year since it was introduced, but it seems the Government has decided that money is better spent elsewhere. 

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New Zealand has received a preliminary proposal from the United States requesting help in opening the Strait of Hormuz -  possibly as part of a coalition that would restore access to the strait.

So yes we're apparently just one of a number of countries that received a proposal. 

Foreign Affairs minister Winston Peters says we're seeking more information and as such won't be making a decision anytime soon. 

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SailGP won't be going ahead in the city of sails next year as the Government has pulled funding. 

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston wrote in a letter to mayor Wayne Brown that the event did not meet funding criteria, which requires a specific net economic benefit. 

It's been met with disappointment, as funding continues for larger events such as Robbie Williams and Linkin Park, of which some argue could have sold out on their own, without Government funding. 

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After much deliberation, the Labour Party has announced they'll back the India free trade agreement. 

We do see cross party agreements, but just how important will bipartisanship be for this year's election? 

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The Green Party have just had their annual State of the Planet Address, and this year they're calling for a National Electrification Plan. 

They say it's in response to the current fossil fuels crisis, and would add to their previous calls for free public transport and solutions to ease the cost of living. 

The plan would lay out a clear plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and use renewable energy like solar panels to reduce the cost of living. 

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