Author: Mike Bain/cvnznews.com

By Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com Brian Tamaki has launched a fresh push to put the size of New Zealand’s Parliament back in the hands of voters — but the move raises a deeper question politicians rarely want to answer: Do they support fewer MPs, or do they simply prefer longer, safer terms in government? The Destiny Church leader has begun a citizens‑initiated referendum campaign asking New Zealanders whether the House of Representatives should be cut from 120 MPs to 65. The proposed question — “Should the House of Representatives be reformed by reducing the number of Members of Parliament from 120 to…

By Mike Bain/cvnznews.com National is accusing Labour of signalling support for a raft of new taxes after Labour’s Revenue spokesperson Deborah Russell described proposals from advocacy group Tax Justice Aotearoa as “really good suggestions.” The lobby group released a report calling for a series of major tax changes, including a 50% top income tax rate for earnings over $150,000, a broader capital gains tax, an inheritance tax, a wealth tax, windfall profit taxes, and higher trust tax rates. National MP Simeon Brown said Russell’s comments showed Labour was “pulling back the curtain” on its appetite for further taxation. He argued…

By Mike Bain/cvnznews.com The future of New Zealand’s broadcasting regulator has become a live political battleground, as ACT intensifies its push to scrap the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) and the Government signals it may be ready to follow. The pressure escalated after a high‑profile jurisdiction ruling involving online talkback outlet The Platform, which reignited long‑running questions about whether a regulator created in 1989 can meaningfully govern a digital‑first media landscape. ACT MP Laura McClure says the Minister’s recent comments — suggesting the BSA may be abolished — show the Government is “finally catching up” with public sentiment. McClure argues the…

By Gavin Blackburn. Such misfires are common in Nigeria, where the military often conducts air raids to battle armed groups who control vast forest enclaves. A Nigerian Air Force strike targeting jihadist rebels hit a local market in the northeast, killing as many as 200 civilians, a local chief reported on Monday. Officials confirmed a misfire but provided no further details. Amnesty International cited survivors as saying that at least 100 people were killed in the air strike on Saturday on a village in Yobe state, near the border with Borno state, which is the epicentre of the insurgency that…

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon dismissed Hawke’s Bay mayor’s concerns regarding the use of state of emergencies, stating a preference for being over-prepared for significant weather events. Wairoa Mayor Craig Little stated firmly on Monday that he declined the invitation to join Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Napier, Hastings, and Central Hawke’s Bay councils in declaring a local state of emergency for Cyclone Vaianu. “We’re becoming woke as a country when it comes to states of emergency,” Little said. “We didn’t need a state of emergency. When you make a call like that, it means you are under the pump. “I think…

cvnznews.com/ Editorial. The clean‑up from Cyclone Vaianau has barely started and already the fallout is as much about trust as it is about debris. Forecasts promised a hammer blow; the reality was a glancing strike. The result is predictable: frightened children, furious parents, and a public increasingly convinced the Met Service and Emergency Management are crying wolf. This is not mere annoyance. My own nine-year-old grandchild had heard the news and noted parental concerns feared going to bed because of the storm Other parents reported the same raw terror. That fear is real, and it is the direct product of…

By Mike Bain/cvnznews.com A new UK study, Religion at Work: the invisible dimension of workplace diversity, finds many employees who identify with a religion feel unable to speak openly about their faith at work. While the research surveyed UK workers, its findings raise questions for New Zealand employers about whether workplaces here are doing enough to include people of faith. Key findings from the study (summary) Why this matters in New Zealand Practical steps for New Zealand employers If you want to read the research Bottom lineEven if New Zealand lacks a directly comparable national survey, the UK findings are…

A number of Christian organisations have called for an end to violent hostilities in Lebanon as the country continues to be targeted despite a ceasefire between the US and Iran. Earlier this week the US and Iran announced a two week ceasefire, the exact terms of which are unclear and disputed. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued military action in Lebanon. At around 2pm on Wednesday, Israel launched an intense aerial bombardment on the Lebanese capital, Beirut, allegedly targeting the militant group Hezbollah. The Lebanese Health Ministry says at least 182 people were killed and 890 wounded. The country’s president,…

Supplied by Partner Media Ceirion H Dewar, a missionary bishop in the Confessing Anglican Church (CAC), has called upon the people of Britain to repent and return to the Christian faith. The CAC was founded in 2019 and, although not a part of the Anglican Communion, sees its spiritual roots as going back to the earliest days of Christianity in the British Isles. Bishop Dewar last month wrote an open letter to His Majesty King Charles III, calling upon him to end the “erosion of Britain’s Christian inheritance”. In recent days some have criticised the King, who is also Supreme Governor…

by Mike Bain/cvnznews.com “Watch that no one deceives you.” — Matthew 24:4 Another weekend, another weather warning — but this one is different. Cyclone Vaianu is not a distant headline or a hypothetical threat. It is a real, fast‑moving system tracking directly toward Aotearoa, and both MetService and the National Emergency Management Agency are urging New Zealanders to act now, not later. Even the Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the seriousness of what’s coming. And yet, as always, there will be some who shrug, delay, or assume it will “blow over.” That mindset is not new. Scripture tells us that…

The announcement of a conditional two‑week ceasefire between the United States and Iran has sent ripples through global markets and diplomatic circles, offering the first real pause in a conflict that has dominated headlines for more than a month. The deal, brokered with Pakistan’s mediation, hinges on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global oil shipments — and a halt to attacks on US and regional targets. For New Zealand, the ceasefire brings immediate economic and strategic implications. Oil prices, which surged above US$110 a barrel during the height of the crisis, have now…

by Mike Bain/cvnznews.com. Wellingtonians didn’t need a glossy report to tell them rates have become unaffordable — but now they have one anyway, and the reaction has been swift and furious. The Wellington City Council’s newly released Rates Affordability Research, commissioned from Infometrics, confirms what households have been shouting through submissions, emails and comment threads: rates have surged to some of the highest and least affordable in the country. Residential rates have more than doubled since 2012, rising from 2.2 percent of household income to an average of 3.8 percent today. In suburbs like Oriental Bay, the burden has blown…

The Commerce Commission is proposing to approve Transpower’s plan to replace and expand the ageing undersea electricity cables that connect the North and South Island power networks — a project carrying a major capital allowance of $1.1386 billion. The draft decision covers the first stage of a two‑part upgrade to the high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) link, including replacing the existing submarine cables and installing an additional fourth cable. The upgrade also includes replacing the HVDC control system, which manages power flow between the islands. If approved, the project would protect current transfer capacity and add an extra 200 MW, strengthening…

Pharmac is facing mounting pressure from frontline pharmacists who say New Zealanders are being left in the dark as the Iran war disrupts global medicine supply chains. The first confirmed casualty: isosorbide mononitrate — a lifeline drug for angina patients — now officially delayed, with pharmacies warning they have no clear guidance to reassure increasingly anxious patients. Industry leaders say the silence from Wellington is “unacceptable” as the Strait of Hormuz shutdown begins to bite. Isosorbide mononitrate — a widely used angina medication — is the first drug Pharmac has formally listed as facing shipping delays because of the conflict.…

Story by Staff/PNW News. There was a time when Christians in America were told they were imagining things. No one is targeting your faith, they said. No one is trying to silence biblical truth. No one is punishing believers for simply standing on what Scripture teaches. Then a story like Jaden Ivey’s comes along–and the mask slips. The Chicago Bulls did not waive Jaden Ivey because he committed a crime. He was not arrested. He was not accused of violence. He was not cut for some drunken scandal, sexual misconduct, or disgraceful off-court behavior that so often gets excused in…

By PNW Staff This Easter weekend, sanctuaries across America will be packed. Parking lots will overflow. Extra chairs will be unfolded. Families dressed in spring colors will fill pews, sing “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” and hear once again the greatest announcement in human history: Jesus Christ is alive. And in one sense, that is deeply encouraging. Pastors are expecting one of their biggest crowds of the year, just as they have for years. More than half of U.S. Protestant pastors say Easter is their church’s highest-attendance Sunday, and for many others it ranks second or third–alongside Christmas and…

The Empty Tomb John: 20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” 3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but…

Donald Trump delivered a rare primetime address today, declaring that the United States is “nearing completion” of its military objectives in Iran while signalling that the conflict will continue for another two to three weeks. The speech, framed as an update on the month‑long US‑Israeli offensive, mixed claims of decisive battlefield success with warnings of intensified strikes ahead. President Trump opened by praising what he described as “swift, decisive, overwhelming victories” achieved since the joint campaign began on February 28. He asserted that Iran’s navy had been destroyed, its air force “in ruins,” and its missile and drone capabilities dramatically…

Christopher Luxon has unveiled his election‑year Cabinet reshuffle, elevating Chris Penk and Penny Simmonds into Cabinet and promoting Cameron Brewer and Mike Butterick as ministers outside it. Simeon Brown picks up Energy, Paul Goldsmith takes over the Public Service, and Louise Upston becomes Leader of the House. Those moves matter — but the real story is what happened to Chris Bishop. Bishop has been stripped of three roles: Leader of the House, associate sport, and, most dramatically, his position as National’s campaign chair. In exchange, he receives the Attorney‑General portfolio. On paper, it looks like a sideways shift. In reality,…

Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What’s at Stake Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will reveal his long‑anticipated Cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, a move forced by two major departures and shaped by the political realities of an election year. Senior minister Judith Collins is set to leave Parliament mid‑year to become president of the Law Commission, while Shane Reti has already confirmed he will retire at the election. Their exits open up a rare pair of Cabinet‑level vacancies — and with them, a chance for Luxon to reward rising talent and rebalance his top team. Collins currently oversees Defence, the Public Service,…

By political reporter Maani Truu/ ABC News. Anthony Albanese has asked Australians to trade their cars for public transport if they can, while reassuring those who need to drive they can continue to do so, as the global oil crisis continues with no clear end in sight. The prime minister issued the plea in a rare address to the nation, which was broadcast simultaneously on all radio and television networks this evening. Speaking directly to the public, he acknowledged that the oil crisis and subsequent spike in petrol prices had made “it hard to be positive”, but urged Australians to “go…

Ōtaki MP Tim Costley has announced that the Governance and Administration Select Committee will investigate fleet issues at Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). This inquiry follows the last two annual reviews of FENZ, and the extra Select Committee hearing with FENZ two weeks ago, all of which raised serious questions. “I stand by our firefighters. That’s why I wrote to the Select Committee and moved a motion asking for an inquiry and I’m pleased all members have agreed. “I am increasingly concerned by the fleet issues within FENZ that continue to provide more questions than answers, and by the…

The UK is sending additional troops and air defence systems to the Middle East as Iranian attacks escalate, lifting the number of British personnel involved in defending the Gulf and Cyprus to around 1,000. Defence Secretary John Healey, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, confirmed new deployments to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, along with an extended use of UK Typhoon jets in Qatar. “Britain’s best will help you defend your skies,” he told Gulf partners, who he said view UK forces as “a cornerstone” of regional defence. Healey warned that Iran had been “expanding” its attacks and that the…

Open Banking will be extended to business banking channels from 2027, unlocking a wider range of digital tools and financial services for New Zealand businesses, Ministers Scott Simpson and Chris Penk have announced. The change will allow small and medium‑sized enterprises to securely share their banking data with accredited providers, enabling faster loan assessments, automated accounting, and real‑time cashflow tools designed to lift productivity and reduce admin. “This is about making life easier for businesses,” Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson said. “Fintechs will be able to build new tools that cut paperwork and free up time for growth.…

Superannuitants, working families, students and beneficiaries are among the New Zealanders who will receive additional support from 1 April, as conflict in the Middle East continues to impact Kiwi wallets, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “The global fuel-price surge is hitting hard at home, causing a cost-of-living headache for many New Zealanders. While the Government can’t afford to ease all the pain, we are determined to keep progressing sensible, measured changes that provide some relief. On 1 April this week, policy changes and annual adjustments will increase financial support for more than a million New Zealanders. “These changes from 1…

By Bill Russell/ UK Correspondent As Western forces launched strikes against Iran, most expected tensions to rise in the Middle East. Few expected a different kind of shockwave–one rippling through the streets, communities, and polling data of Britain itself. Yet that is exactly what has emerged: not just disagreement, but a deep and widening divide over who the enemy is–and who deserves support. New polling conducted between March 2nd and 13th–during the opening phase of the American-Israeli military operation against Iran–reveals something far more serious than policy disagreement. It suggests that a significant portion of Britain’s Muslim population did not…

Auckland, please be aware that we’re expecting more rain and wind across the country, so stay safe and prepared. The Whangārei District Council and the Far North District Council have declared a State of Emergency for the next week for everyone’s safety. Please stay informed and take precautions. Here’s what Aucklanders need to know to stay safe amid the stormy weather. Auckland has received almost a month’s worth of rain in just one day. More heavy rain and strong winds are expected through Friday. An orange strong wind warning is in place for nine hours from 4pm today to 1am…

Two sharply contrasting visions for the future of housing have emerged this week, as the Green Party and ACT released competing statements on how to address one of the country’s most pressing social challenges. The Green Party launched its new campaign, A Home for Everybody, arguing that secure, affordable housing is a basic human right. Co‑leader Marama Davidson said the current situation—where nearly half of renting households spend more than 30% of their income on rent—shows the system is failing too many families. The Greens are calling for stronger renters’ rights, a cap on rent increases, and a large-scale investment…

While many New Zealand households are choosing between petrol and pasta, the National Party is offering a different kind of austerity plan: a $10,000 ticket to sit next to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at a Christchurch fundraiser. If you’ve ever wondered what “out of touch” looks like in haute cuisine, here it is — plated and priced. The “Mainland Dinner” at Christchurch Town Hall sells tables in tiers: $5,000 silver, $8,000 gold (with a Cabinet minister), and the $10,000 platinum seat beside the PM. The invitation — briefly posted then quietly deleted by National MP Maureen Pugh — lists senior…

From the Editors desk There are many questions buzzing in New Zealand at the moment about what really is at stake for New Zealand going forward. Here at cvnznews.com our small team sat down and workshopped some of the points of interest and then researched some answers, hopefully the following will help you understand, as a country and as individuals, what is exactly happening. We haven’t all the answers, but this is a good start. 1. Where New Zealand actually stands on the conflict The joint statement and “readiness to contribute” So yes—New Zealand has signed up to language that…

Supplied by Partner Media Outlet. Authorities in Pakistani capital Islamabad have temporarily halted plans to evict around 25,000 people, most of whom are Christians, from settlements currently occupying government land. Last week the interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi said the government had “launched an operation against informal settlements and illegal occupants in Islamabad. Wherever there is government land that has been encroached, it will be vacated.” The move led to significant protests by Christians affected by the move, who say that due to poverty and discrimination, they have nowhere else to go. The situation has also attracted the notice of the…

People struggling with increased fuel costs will be eligible for an extra $50 a week – if they qualify for the in-work tax credit. The Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Parliament the temporary boost — paid directly from 7 April to about 143,000 low- to middle-income working families, with eligibility widened to roughly 14,000 more at an abated rate — is designed to target those under the most pressure without stoking inflation or adding long‑term debt. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon framed the package as a measured response to a global supply shock caused by the Middle East conflict, saying New…

Based on reporting from WORLD wng.org U.S. President Donald Trump has given Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that American forces will begin destroying Iranian power plants if the waterway remains closed. The ultimatum was issued on Saturday night in the United States, placing the deadline at late Tuesday afternoon New Zealand time. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying the equivalent of about 20 percent of global petroleum consumption in 2024. Trump said the route could be secured by other nations but confirmed the United States was willing…

After years of economic drift and fiscal looseness under the previous government, few New Zealanders will be surprised that global ratings agency Fitch has now placed New Zealand’s AA+ credit rating on a negative outlook. What may surprise some, however, is how quickly many expect the new Government to repair the damage — a task that, realistically, will take time, discipline, and a willingness to make unpopular decisions. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the latest warning from Fitch is a timely reminder that fiscal restraint is not optional in a volatile global environment. The agency’s move comes as conflict in…

Winston Peters – State Of The Nation 2026 speech Editors Note: As a media organisation we feel it is important to be truthful and fair. In the past we have published speeches from the nations political leaders when they have supplied the full text as we have done here and leave any thoughts or opinions to the readers discretion.   “Power to the People” Good afternoon. It’s great to be back in Tauranga and the Western Bay. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives and coming out in the numbers you have on this Sunday afternoon. Hon…

Home support workers are warning that rising fuel prices and stagnant reimbursement rates are pushing them to the brink, with some questioning how long they can keep doing the job that allows thousands of elderly and disabled New Zealanders to remain in their homes. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa‑Packer says the situation has become untenable and is calling on the Government to urgently lift the mileage rate. After meeting four Wellington-based workers this week, Ngarewa‑Packer says the picture is stark. The workers described juggling back‑to‑back clients across the city, maintaining their cars at their own expense, and receiving just…

As global fuel markets convulse under the pressure of Middle East conflict, few New Zealanders will be surprised that the Government is moving urgently to expand the country’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network. After years of underinvestment and policy drift, the fuel crisis has exposed just how vulnerable New Zealand is — and how much catch‑up work lies ahead. Yet even as Kiwis expect the Government to “fix it now,” the reality is that rebuilding resilience takes time, planning, and steady hands. Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Energy & Climate Change Minister Simon Watts have announced a major step in…

Charter schools have barely opened their doors — and they’re already out‑attending the state system. New baseline attendance data released today shows the new schools edging ahead of their state‑sector counterparts, with Associate Education Minister David Seymour calling the early signs “a good start — but nowhere near the finish line.” The numbers show charter schools recorded an average regular attendance rate of 59.7% in 2025, compared with 58% across state schools. A student is considered a regular attender when they are in class for at least 90% of the term. Seymour says the results are especially encouraging given the…

Labour leader Chris Hipkins returned to Wellington this week to a political storm he didn’t ask for and certainly didn’t welcome. Claims made online by his ex‑wife, Jade Paul, have triggered a wave of speculation, media scrutiny, and social‑media pile‑ons — none of which relate to criminal wrongdoing, but all of which have real‑world consequences for a man seeking to lead his party into an election. Hipkins admitted he briefly considered stepping down as the allegations spread, saying moments like this force anyone to “take stock,” especially when family is involved. But he insists he is staying put: “I’m passionate…

OPINION: Dr Bryce Edwards/Democracy Briefing. A huge new data centre has just been approved for Southland, and the tone of much of the coverage so far has been one of celebration. The headlines talk about a “$3.5 billion bet” on the south, an “AI factory”, a futuristic leap into the knowledge economy. Local leaders are upbeat. Business groups are upbeat. The company itself is, unsurprisingly, very upbeat. And perhaps some of that enthusiasm is justified. New Zealand does need more serious digital infrastructure. Southland does need more economic diversification. And if a giant new industry is going to arrive anywhere…