The Bulletin

The greater Wellington region has a population of 545,000, represented by eight mayors and nine councils. (Image: GWRC)

Could Wellington finally be ready to merge?

Wellington's mayors have agreed to explore amalgamation – a decade after the last attempt collapsed.

By Catherine McGregor | 12th December, 2025

Contributing writer

The Taxpayer’s Union has launched a campaign against Nicola Willis’s management of the economy, arguing she has let borrowing balloon and failed to rein in spending. (Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty/The Spinoff)

Is Nicola Willis losing the right?

A war of words between the finance minister and Ruth Richardson has forced open long-simmering tensions over the government's economic direction.

By Catherine McGregor | 11th December, 2025

Contributing writer

Once a visionary piece of legislation, the RMA had grown bloated through successive amendments and wildly inconsistent local interpretation. (Image: Tina Tiller/The Spinoff)

RMA era ends as government launches ‘once-in-a-generation’ planning overhaul

The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill promise simpler rules, faster consents and a sharper focus on property rights.

By Catherine McGregor | 10th December, 2025

Contributing writer

For National, a narrative that the economy is finally healing is a big political win

Right bloc buoyed as economy shows signs of life

An improving economic outlook could give National fresh momentum – but it may be too little, too late.

By Catherine McGregor | 9th December, 2025

Contributing writer

For many New Zealanders, the summer break extends far beyond the days they’re officially on leave, argues a business commentator. (Image: Getty / The Spinoff)

Is the long summer break hurting our economy?

A 'circle back in February' mentality may be contributing to New Zealand's stubbornly low productivity.

By Catherine McGregor | 8th December, 2025

Contributing writer

Senior minister Chris Bishop has tried and failed to unseat Christopher Luxon, reports Andrea Vance. (Photo: Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images)

Luxon, Bishop and the coup that never happened

Christopher Luxon has reportedly beaten back a leadership push from Chris Bishop – for now. But the forces that fuelled the bid have not gone away.

By Catherine McGregor | 1st December, 2025

Contributing writer

After a flat year, forecasters expect only modest house price rises in 2026. (Image: Tina Tiller)

The OCR falls again – so why are house prices stuck in neutral?

Economists say house price growth in 2026 is likely to stay muted. Would that be such a bad thing?

By Catherine McGregor | 28th November, 2025

Contributing writer

The reforms are ‘a once-in-a-generation chance” to create a more efficient local government system, says Chris Bishop.

Is the regional council reboot a government power grab in disguise?

As regional councils prepare to be restructured out of existence, critics warn the real battle will be over who controls the reorganisation that follows.

By Catherine McGregor | 27th November, 2025

Contributing writer

National is promising to begin lifting employer Kiwisaver contributions if it wins next year’s election. (Image: The Spinoff)

A sudden shift on KiwiSaver reshapes the election terrain

A policy reversal from National has opened a wider debate on retirement savings – and suspicions that old fights over Super eligibility are about to return.

By Catherine McGregor | 26th November, 2025

Contributing writer

An artist’s depiction of the Golden Mile upgrade on Courtenay Place. (Image: WCC)

Is the Golden Mile pause the beginning of the end?

A fresh review of the troubled project has revived questions about the city’s faltering confidence in its own future.

By Catherine McGregor | 25th November, 2025

Contributing writer

For once, Winston Peters’ party looks comfortably secure rather than holding on by its fingernails. (Photo: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

With election year approaching, Winston Peters is practising his greatest hits

Like clockwork, Peters has started distancing NZ First from its coalition partners while doubling down on identity politics and anti-immigration.

By Catherine McGregor | 24th November, 2025

Contributing writer

Kmart NZ has sold 67,000 units across four children’s sand products, one of which has been on its shelves since 2015

How a chance lab finding sparked a national coloured sand recall

Parents and schools are asking questions about the level of risk posed by the asbestos – and how the contamination slipped through unnoticed.

By Catherine McGregor | 21st November, 2025

Contributing writer

Police are investigating around 20 cases of alleged misuse and inappropriate content on work-issued devices. (Photo: Getty Images)

20 officers investigated for device misuse amid widening McSkimming turmoil

The investigation is the latest escalation in a scandal that has exposed deep failures in police culture and oversight.

By Catherine McGregor | 20th November, 2025

Contributing writer

National is failing to convince voters in areas it has traditionally been strongest, say commentators. (Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Trust in National slips further as voters turn away

The latest Ipsos Monitor survey reveals National has lost the public's trust across almost every major issue.

By Catherine McGregor | 19th November, 2025

Contributing writer

OceanaGold’s existing open-pit gold mine in Waihi (Photo: Getty Images)

Greens vow to scrap mining consents as fast-track changes rushed through

The public was given just 11 days to make submissions on dozens of controversial changes to the fast-track law.

By Catherine McGregor | 18th November, 2025

Contributing writer

More than 2500 hospitality businesses closed this year, including hundreds in liquidation. (Photo: Getty Images)

Can Michelin stars save New Zealand’s struggling restaurant scene?

As thousands of eateries shutter and diners tighten their belts, the government is spending millions to bring the Michelin Guide to New Zealand. Will it help?

By Catherine McGregor | 17th November, 2025

Contributing writer