Immigration Showdown: New Zealand First has unveiled sweeping immigration overhaul plans, including a referendum on a 20,000 annual resident visa cap, tighter birthright citizenship, stricter asylum settings, and longer citizenship qualifying periods. Pacific Overstayer Policy: The party also proposes a 24-month clemency window for Pacific overstayers, followed by deportation and a permanent visa ban for those who miss the deadline. Māori Rights at the Ballot: Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi is urging Māori to enrol and vote in Election 2026, warning ACT’s plan to end the Waitangi Tribunal’s role in contemporary claims could reshape Treaty protections. Health Equity Pressure: Rural health leaders are calling for rural healthcare to be a major election priority, arguing distance and workforce shortages still decide who gets timely care. Hearing Loss Cost: New research says untreated hearing loss is costing NZ more than $1 billion a year through lost productivity, isolation, and poorer health outcomes. Culture & Taonga: Ngāi Tahu has reconnected with a long-forgotten Shortland pounamu collection, bringing 1800s taonga back into iwi hands. Arts in Motion: TAHI Ōtepoti, a new solo-performance festival in Dunedin, launches with shows across theatres and marae. Wildlife Park Crisis: Orana Wildlife Park says it needs about $4.1m support to avoid running out of cash by March 2027, after reviews into culture and governance. Food Habits: New data shows 45% of Kiwis now eat 5+ servings of fruit and veg daily, with Māori leading at 60%. Tech & Education: University of Canterbury tops education employer brand results, while debate continues over reading support and classroom pressures.