Common Sense - 25/04/2026

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Wellington was hit with severe flooding Monday this week, with little warning and widespread damage. A ($100k) mayoral recovery fund has been created, and a red and yellow-sticker wave is expected as the city picks up the pieces.

Body of New Zealand man swept away by floods found, as Wellington recovers after widespread damage - Eva Corlett (The Guardian)

Storm-battered people flock to Wellington City Mission after losing everything - Mary Argue (RNZ)

Wellington flood relief: $100k support fund announced, how you can help - Ethan Manera (NZH)

After much speculation, Luxon won the confidence vote he called against himself at Wednesday’s National Party caucus, but without "unanimous" support. National’s internal power struggle seems to have quietened, for now, as Luxon’s faction attempts to project unity and stability amid sliding poll numbers.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon survives confidence vote - Giles Dexter (RNZ)

Peters: Luxon's leadership vote could invite further challenges - (1News)

Labour agreed to National and ACT’s India-NZ free trade agreement, after initially expressing reservations. The bill, boycotted by NZF, will be supported by Labour on the condition of discussion on certain revisions.

Labour Party to back India free trade deal, with reservations - (1News)

Peters on X this week shut down rumours of a NZF-Labour coalition, saying “No, we won’t do a deal with Labour or their Marxist and separatist mates”.

Election 2026: Winston Peters says NZ First ‘won’t do a deal with Labour’ as Chris Hipkins remains non-committal, Nicola Willis unconvinced - Jamie Ensor (NZH)

The Green Party announced their member list ranking for 2026 this week.

Green Party releases initial candidate list for 2026 General Election - Marama Davidson, Chlöe Swarbrick (Greens)

1of200’s Kyle Church hosted a webinar discussion this week with Nicky Hager, Dr. Mahdis Azarmandi, and Gabriella Brayne discussing the US-Israel war on Iran, how the coalition government has responded to the conflict, and what we in Aotearoa can do.

US-Israel War on Iran | Anti-War Aotearoa Webinar - Nicky Hager, Dr Mahdis Azarmandi, Gabriella Brayne, Kyle Church (1of200)