The Latest Breaking News from Newsroom.co.nz

This week on the Raw Politics podcast: We ask why Labour leader Chris Hipkins has failed to fire, as it party would have hoped, in this campaign so far. Plus this week's debate, the latest polls and how relatively good economic news changes things in the run-up to election day.

Crime has been one of the dominant themes of this election campaign and it proved to be the hot button in the second televised debate this week. As Mark Jennings writes, the leaders of the minor parties were taking no prisoners in their battle for crucial votes.

The entire community of Naseby has decided to turn down the lights – and reach for the stars.

The Māori party, whose central pou is supporting kaupapa Māori, is attempting to take us back to 1975 when Māori did not have a choice about which electoral roll we would be on, argues Holly Bennett

Gateway cities around the world are so important to national prosperity that they need to be actively supported and with customised arrangements. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is right when he says a new relationship between government and the council is required, argues Mark Thomas

Football, netball, cricket and rugby - it's all on for Kiwi women's sports teams across the globe this weekend. Merryn Anderson gives the lowdown on all the Ferns action.

Former MP laments lack of aged care policy in the 2023 election

The latest Nielsen BookScan New Zealand bestseller list, described by Steve Braunias

A new National Policy Statement on natural hazards would prevent councils from consenting development in areas exposed to high levels of climate risk and prioritise nature-based adaptation, reports Marc Daalder

Candidates vying for the Whanganui electorate are clocking up the miles as they attempt to get as much face time with voters ahead of October 14

Winston Peters is predicting a mini-Budget before Christmas and says it will come from a government his party will help form with “like-minded parties” after the election