Public Service Minister Judith Collins is leading a legislative overhaul that would remove diversity and inclusion (DEI) requirements from the Public Service Act.
The proposed changes would no longer require chief executives to “promote” DEI or take it into account when hiring, replacing those provisions with a focus on “merit-based” appointments.
A March 2025 Talbot Mills survey commissioned by Health Coalition Aotearoa and the Cancer Society suggests widespread public backing for stronger alcohol regulation across New Zealand.
The nationally representative poll of 1,161 adults shows increasing support for measures addressing alcohol affordability, availability, advertising, and policymaking, with many results up sharply from a similar 2023 survey.
Jevon McSkimming, appointed Deputy Police Commissioner under former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in April 2023, has resigned following the discovery of alleged pornography containing “objectionable material” on his work computer, according to media reports.
University of Auckland lecturer Shohil Kishore argues that the government will need to take the lead in enforcing any proposed age restrictions on social media.
National MP Catherine Wedd’s member’s bill would require platforms to verify users are aged 16 or older – a move backed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, but not yet formally adopted by the coalition.
Political scientist Dr Bryce Edwards argues New Zealand’s rules on political donations and conflicts of interest are no longer fit for purpose, especially when large donations coincide with government decisions on fast-tracked projects.
Writing in his Integrity Briefing, Edwards says recent disclosures show companies linked to fast-track applications gave over $180,000 to governing parties in 2024 alone.
Edwards asks if a lack of safeguards means public decisions are for sale.
The United States is rolling back long-standing federal regulations on water and energy use in household appliances, including taps, showers, dishwashers, washing machines and toilets.
A presidential directive issued on 9 May 2025 stated:
“‘Efficiency’ standards render other American appliances like clothes washers and dishwashers less useful, more breakable, and more expensive to repair. The Federal Government should not impose or enforce regulations that make taxpayers’ lives worse.”
