Many expected fireworks at Waitangi this year. In an election year, with the Government’s record on Treaty issues still fresh and raw, the annual commemorations looked set to be a battleground. Instead, the week turned out to be remarkably calm on the surface. And deeply fractured underneath. The real story of Waitangi 2026 wasn’t about Māori versus the Crown. It was about Māori versus Māori, and an opposition that seems incapable of getting its act together nine months out from polling day....

This post begins with a message from the Ministry of Social Development: "Unfortunately, because of further system issues we will not be able to publish the full December monthly and quarterly data and benefit factsheets on 5 February. We apologise for the delay. However, we can provide the high-level numbers as at the end of December 2025, including number of people on working age benefits, Jobseeker Support, Jobseeker Support – Work Ready and Jobseeker Support – Health Condition or...

Address at Waitangi Pōwhiri: 5 February, 2026 David Seymour, Deputy Prime Minister E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā iwi, e rau rangatira mā. Tenā, koutou katoa. I'm proud to be here, celebrating the 186th anniversary of the Treaty being signed on these grounds. I show up because I care about this country, and about liberal democracy. That is the idea that each person has an equal right over political decision making in this country. Someone has to deliver that message because the comfort we enjoy...