Politics

Council grants – fair funding, Fairey says

Community groups are set to benefit as Auckland Council loosens the purse strings. The latest round of grants will back projects focused on everything from...

Pipe down! Don’t be ‘caught short’

Frankliners looking to build or renovate should ensure their plumbers are up to date with new rules regarding the use of lead components. All plumbing...

Expressway to benefit Auckland, Waikato and Tauranga

Extending the Waikato Expressway will make travel safer, faster, more reliable and benefit communities all along its route, Transport Minister Chris Bishop expects. Budget 2026...

Franklin farmers budget boom?

Farmers are set to reap the benefits of Budget 2026, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay expects. “We are working hard alongside farmers and growers to achieve...

Greens trash govt budget

While Labour has hardly been positive about the government’s 2026 Budget aims, the Green Party is positively scathing in its retort. The budget confirms the...

Anti-stalking laws take effect

A law has been passed criminalising the act of stalking in New Zealand. “Tonight stalking will become a criminal offence punishable by up to five...

Labour strikes back: ‘Budget leaves Kiwis to fend for themselves’

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins says this year’s Budget was the government’s last chance to show it had a plan to help New Zealanders...

Budget 2026 – ‘Building more secure future for New Zealand’

Budget 2026 demonstrates the economic and fiscal discipline needed to steer New Zealand through an uncertain global environment and into a brighter, more secure...

Home school changes – an open letter

New education legislation, currently in the pipeline, has raised concerns among the home school community, as Franklin Times junior journalist Mercedes Basevi explains. She...

Cartoon: budget blowout

All Whites captain Chris Wood may be back to full fitness in time for the upcoming World Cup, but another Chris may feel a...