Common Sense - 09/05/2026

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Coalition ministers Chris Bishop and Simon Watts unveiled plans earlier this week to force councils to amalgamate within 3 months, or that the government will do it for them.

Plan for merger or we’ll do it for you: the government’s council ultimatum - Catherine McGregor (The Spinoff)

ACT MP and Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has announced plans to introduce a new written test as part of the citizenship application, with the announcement notably excluding any mention of te ao Māori or Te Tiriti.

What you need to know about New Zealand's new citizenship test plans - Nik Dirga (RNZ)

TVNZ’s political editor Maiki Sherman resigned Friday as part of the ongoing fallout of an 2025 pre-budget drinks incident in Nicola Willis’ office, leaked by dirty politics players like Ani O’Brien.

Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara says Maiki Sherman treatment ‘deeply upsetting’ - Rachel Maher (New Zealand Herald)

David Seymour on Thursday said the government would be replacing RNZ’s board to “change the management”, complaining about recent coverage and appointments from the state broadcaster.

David Seymour says changes are coming for RNZ leadership, RNZ Board disagrees - Craig McCulloch (RNZ)