New Zealand First stories
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.
With more than 600 delegates expected, the event will put transport, procurement and pipeline concerns in front of election-year politicians.
Consensus remained broad, but party MPs still clashed over who should pay for long-term works and how to curb costly overdesign.
The state-owned rail operator will keep control of the crucial Cook Strait freight link, with taxpayer support for the scheme capped at GBP £0.8 billion.
Rail’s economic case is growing, but deferred upgrades and an ageing workforce threaten reliable services and future freight gains.
Finance Now will launch New Zealand's first open loop Visa-powered fleet card in 2026, backed by Brazilian payments platform Pismo.
The Greens say restoring passenger rail could ease pressure on Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga as regional airlines cut routes and costs climb.
Record demand for New Zealand government bonds suggests ministers could borrow cheaply to tackle a $100 billion infrastructure gap.
New Zealand’s wage subsidy extension and infrastructure spending are meant to blunt soaring unemployment as the economy heads into recession.
Customers in Auckland could face shorter outages as Vector and IBM use weather forecasts and AI to spot storm and vegetation risks up to 72 hours ahead.
Businesses want more roads, rail and broadband investment, but most doubt the current plan will deliver the best economic outcomes.
Polls show climate policy is now central to voters, with every major party except New Zealand First facing science questions on emissions.
Planners face fresh pressure from fast-moving reforms, housing demand and hazard risks as more than 600 delegates gather in Wellington.
Planning reforms will face scrutiny in Wellington, with more than 600 delegates set to quiz parties on housing, growth and resilience.
NZ First deputy leader Tracey Martin demands Minister Joyce fix the botched Novopay payroll system, as teachers remain unpaid despite touted improvements.
