The Best Of

An artist’s impression of Wayne Brown’s vision for the country

Here’s the problem with Wayne Brown’s National-Labour coalition idea

The Auckland mayor wants a grand coalition. The idea neglects two major factors in politics: emotion and self-interest.

By Andrew Geddis | 3rd April, 2026

Contributing writer

A helpful guide to Government NZ. (Image: Emily Wong)

An organisational chart to help CEO Christopher Luxon understand the government

The prime minister still thinks he’s running a company. But we can work with that.

By Hayden Donnell | 2nd April, 2026

Brooke van Velden.

One MP, One Pint: Brooke van Velden on knowing when you’ve reached your peak

The Act MP, who recently announced she's calling it quits, explains why she feels disconnected from her peers – and what she's most looking forward to post-politics.

By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 1st April, 2026

Politics reporter

Queues for fuel in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo by Shammi MEHRA / AFP via Getty Images)

$50 a week for some in NZ. How are other countries dealing with the fuel crisis?

From fuel caps to fuel subsidies, from rationing to four-day weeks.

By Toby Manhire | 26th March, 2026

Editor-at-large

Nicola Willis tours Marsden Point. (Photo: The New Zealand Herald)

Hard hats, the ultimate accessory for the plan-challenged politician

As long as you’re wearing a hard hat, it looks like you’re working hard and taking action.

By Hayden Donnell | 25th March, 2026

A depiction of the mandatory occupation field on special vote declarations. (Image: Tina Tiller)

Wtf: we are throwing out so many votes for no good reason

In Auckland, nearly 2000 special votes were chucked in the bin because people failed to list their occupation.

By Hayden Donnell | 24th March, 2026

John Key and some of the alternative flag designs (Photo: Getty Images; design Tina Tiller)

Insiders look back on the failed attempt to change New Zealand’s flag, 10 years on

In March 2016, after a $20m-plus process, New Zealanders voted for the status quo.

By Brian Cham | 23rd March, 2026

Holy cow there were a lot of lasers and pyrotechnics at Synthony. (Photo: Radlab)

Review: Synthony was at once joyous and a bit depressing

The festival features some incredible musicianship. It can also feel like Solid Gold FM for people on MDMA.

By Hayden Donnell | 23rd March, 2026

Slipping on a banana peel: hilarious stunt or mortal danger?

A history of New Zealanders slipping on banana peels

Today, slipping on a banana peel is the ultimate comedy cliche. A century ago, it was a serious public health hazard.

By Joel MacManus | 21st March, 2026

Amanda Wood

Middle age feels like the forgotten season of life

The quiet grind of life changes you – and now makes you perpetually tired.

By Amanda Wood | 21st March, 2026

(Image: Shanti Mathias)

The music played at the Christchurch bus interchange, reviewed

We asked local musicians – and people waiting for the bus – their thoughts on the playlist of opera, classical music and easy-listening jazz.

By Shanti Mathias | 20th March, 2026

Contributing writer

Chris Hipkins (Image: Tina Tiller)

The Jade Paul-Chris Hipkins story was messy for a reason

No longer know what to think? Join the club.

By Veronica Schmidt | 19th March, 2026

An example of how oil might get from the UAE to New Zealand.

New Zealand’s petrol supply is terrifyingly fragile

How can New Zealand protect its energy independence in an era of war?

By Joel MacManus | 18th March, 2026

Hopefully the men setting our transport priorities have been reducing our exposure to the volatile global oil market.

Petrol is so expensive. Hopefully we’ve been reducing our dependence on it?

It would be a real shame if we’d done something like stop NZTA spending on walking and cycling. Ha ha ha.

By Hayden Donnell | 17th March, 2026