Coalition Government stories
Cross-party backing for a 30-year infrastructure plan could curb election-year pork-barrel spending and improve value for money.
Councils could receive funding from international visitor levy receipts two years earlier under National's plan, with Auckland due NZD $19.1 million.
Ratepayers face an extra NZD $1.286 million bill over three years unless Tararua's road funding cut is reversed.
The plan faces an uncertain path in Parliament, with coalition partners ACT and New Zealand First refusing support for the under-16s ban.
Funding for sports facilities and community grants could be cut as Marlborough council tries to stay within a 4% rates cap.
More than NZD $106 million has already been spent on the project, as ministers insist a detailed business case is needed before work can start.
Businesses will face new duties from April 2027 as Wellington puts serious harm at the centre of workplace safety law.
A looming election clash may stall the draft National Infrastructure Plan, despite warnings that New Zealand is getting poor value from heavy spending.
Farmers and other sectors face tougher cuts after Wellington scaled back methane targets, drawing criticism over a weaker path to 1.5°C.
Councils warn the bill could saddle ratepayers with unfunded duties, as toilets, cemeteries and consenting are left off the core services list.
Frustrated employers could soon get clearer chemical safety guidance as WorkSafe NZ weighs a more supportive role and updated industry codes.
Measured against its assets, New Zealand's debt looks far less alarming, but spending cuts could still deepen the recession and hurt recovery.
New Zealand researchers warn the US funding freeze could disrupt ocean, Antarctic and health science, and strengthen anti-science politics.
Homeowners face average rates rises of 15% as ministers sidestep calls to give councils more funding powers and local autonomy.
Government officials are calling for renewable energy use for data centres, highlighting support for New Zealand's Net Zero 2050 goals.
Civil contractors warn the slow pipeline could force more job cuts unless immediate work is brought forward to keep firms afloat.
New Zealand's Budget 2024 tackles cost-of-living pressures with substantial investments in healthcare, education, and law and order, funded by public sector savings.
Experts warn the proposed fast-track regime could cut community input and leave major projects with weaker environmental scrutiny.
Finance minister, Nicola Willis, proposes new fiscal measures aimed to boost transparency while criticising the previous government's management strategies.
In contrast to the global outlook, New Zealanders are more optimistic about the future economic climate, according to the latest Global Predictions Survey.
