Weekly Pacific Political Update
New Zealand
National Politics
The week was marked by a significant policy shift regarding urban development and heated exchanges in the debating chamber.
Auckland Housing "U-turn": Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced a major rollback on housing intensification rules. The government will amend the Resource Management Act to reduce the minimum housing capacity required for Auckland from 2 million homes to 1.6 million. The move has been criticized by opposition parties as a "humiliating backdown" influenced by coalition partners concerned about "leafy suburbs," while the government maintains it is listening to local liveability concerns.
Parliamentary Tensions: Labour leader Chris Hipkins accused NZ First leader Winston Peters of "outright racism" following comments made in the House. This led to the expulsion of Labour MP Kieran McAnulty from the debating chamber after he challenged the Speaker's ruling on the matter.
Policy Scrapping: The government officially ditched plans for a referendum on extending the parliamentary term to four years, citing time constraints. Additionally, promises to ban Paywave surcharges by May appear to be stalling, drawing criticism from consumer advocates.
Environmental & Infrastructure: Trans-Tasman Resources withdrew its fast-track application to mine the Taranaki seabed following a draft negative decision from an expert panel. Meanwhile, the Infrastructure Commission floated a hypothetical $9 toll for a second Waitematā Harbour crossing, which Finance Minister Nicola Willis quickly distanced the government from.
Local Body Politics
Regional and city councils are grappling with central government reforms and fiscal pressures.
Local Government Reform: Regional councillors in the Bay of Plenty have expressed strong opposition to a central government proposal that would replace the 11 elected regional councils with "Combined Territories" boards led by mayors. Critics argue the plan is "fundamentally flawed" and lacks adequate Māori representation.
Hutt City Fiscal Strategy: Hutt City Council released its "Adjusting Our Sails" report, a roadmap to find $24 million in annual savings by 2034 to meet proposed government rate caps. The report warns that "cost-trimming" is no longer enough and fundamental service changes are required.
Transport Trials: The Waikato Regional Council secured a 12-month extension for the Te Huia passenger rail service trial between Hamilton and Auckland. NZTA (Waka Kotahi) agreed to continue 60% of the funding through June 2027.
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Australia
Federal politics this week focused on national security, social cohesion, and the upcoming Royal Commission.
Repatriation Controversy: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced mounting pressure over the return of Australian women and children from detention camps in Northern Syria. One woman has been issued a Temporary Exclusion Order, delaying her return for up to two years, while others have been granted passports.
Royal Commission on Antisemitism: The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion announced its first public hearing for February 24. Commissioner Virginia Bell will outline the inquiry’s approach, with a final report expected by the first anniversary of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
One Nation Tensions: Politicians from across the spectrum condemned "divisive" comments made by Senator Pauline Hanson regarding Muslim Australians. Prime Minister Albanese argued that such rhetoric mainstreams division at a time when national unity is required.
International Relations: Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles attended the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the link between European security (Ukraine) and the Indo-Pacific.
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Pacific Islands
The region is navigating a complex landscape of constitutional changes and geostrategic competition.
Samoa & Tonga: Following 2025 elections, both nations are adjusting to new leadership. In Samoa, Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Schmidt is facing scrutiny over proposed constitutional changes to declare Samoa a Christian state. In Tonga, Lord Fakafānua continues to consolidate his new government.
Cook Islands: The government has forged a strategic alliance with the United States regarding critical minerals. This comes as the country prepares for its 2026 election, where deep-sea mining remains a central and contentious political issue.
Fiji: The political landscape remains tense as parties begin jockeying for position ahead of the 2026 polls. Recent court rulings regarding the dismissal of the anti-corruption chief have led to calls for greater judicial independence.
Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand and Palau have pledged to work closer together as they prepare to host the next two Pacific Islands Forums. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to increase its presence, though it recently barred several high-ranking Pacific officials from entry under specific sanctions or visa restrictions.
Tokelau: The territory recently held its elections following delays caused by severe tropical storms.
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