Common Sense - 21/03/2026

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As the Israeli-US war on Iran continues and oil prices continue to skyrocket, concerns about New Zealand’s domestic supply continue to grow. Gas stations have begun to run out more regularly, and the government has rolled out a Level 1-4 plan ranging from “Minor” to “Severe” in the case of further disruption.

'Things could get worse' PM warns, Willis outlines main risks to fuel supply - Justin Hu (1News)

Back in the world of Levels 1-4. Here are the fuel alert levels, and when we might need them - Emma Ricketts (Stuff)

Government not acting quick enough in face of rising fuel prices - Labour - Morning Report (RNZ)

New Zealand’s petrol supply is terrifyingly fragile - Joel MacManus (The Spinoff)

Luxon had a whirlwind 3-day tour of Samoa and Tonga this week, slightly derailed by a kerfuffle over whether or not he requested a Samoan chiefly “matai” title, and debates over New Zealand’s approach to Pacific country visas.

The wins and woes of Luxon’s Pacific visit - Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom)

The spike in drug shipments bedevilling NZ and the Pacific - Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom)

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon refuses to say if he tried to call off Samoa matai ceremony - Lillian Hanly (RNZ)

Pacific’s family ties place Luxon in visa bind - Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom)

Peters and Collins have met with their counterparts in Australia, releasing a joint statement re-affirming the ANZAC alliance and committing to closer military ties over the next decade. The Chinese embassy has hit back, accusing the two governments of ‘colonial-style arrogance’ over the statement’s comments on China and ANZAC operations in the South China Sea.

NZ and Australia boost military co-operation over decade - 1News

'Colonial-style arrogance': China unhappy with NZ-Australia statement - RNZ

Anzac ‘force multiplier’ talk risks NZ defence identity – expert - Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom)

Sunday marked 7 years since the 2019 Christchurch massacre, New Zealand’s worst terror attack in its modern history.

Unity Week helps heal scars of Christchurch mosque attack seven years later - Keiller MacDuff (RNZ)

Christchurch mosque attacks coronial inquiry paused because of other court action - RNZ

Survivors remember Aotearoa’s worst terrorist attack - Lineni Tuitupou (Te Ao Māori News)

We must all listen out for the sound of hatred - Lianne Dalziel (Newsroom)

Chris Hipkins has been under fire this week following allegations made by his ex-wife on Facebook Sunday night quickly making their way to social media and newsrooms. At a press conference Tuesday, Hipkins denied the allegations and said he wouldn’t be stepping down (though later said he’s been considering it).

Watch: Labour leader Chris Hipkins holds media conference over ex-wife's allegations - Lillian Hanly (RNZ)

How Hipkins claims spread from Facebook to news headlines - Newsroom Staff

When the personal goes nuclear - Bryce Edwards