Common Sense - 28/03/2026

News

Main stories

The ongoing war on Iran and the wider economic effects are continuing to be felt in New Zealand, as the conflict seems to prolong if not worsen. Despite a NATO statement listing New Zealand as one of 22 countries “coming together” to “implement [Trump’s] vision” of opening the Strait of Hormuz, the government says it has not made any commitment to the illegal war so far.

NZ not yet committed to Strait of Hormuz action, despite NATO statement - David Seymour - (RNZ)

Winston Peters says New Zealand not 'rushing to contribute military forces to this conflict' - Lillian Hanly (RNZ)

A four-level fuel crisis plan (recycled from a 2023 report) has been unveiled by Nicola Willis and Shane Jones, with concrete details on the higher stages still being worked out (alongside criticism that it’s too little, too late).

Government reveals details of fuel crisis rationing plan - and who will be prioritised - Russell Palmer (RNZ)

Fuel 'demand restraint' being considered by government, Shane Jones says - Morning Report (RNZ)

What will it take for NZ to move to fuel alert level two? - Catherine McGregor (The Spinoff)

$50 a week for some in NZ. How are other countries dealing with the fuel crisis? - Toby Manhire (The Spinoff)

A $50-a-week extra payment for fuel will be given to 143,000 families through the Working for Families scheme, while providing no support to beneficiaries or other working-class people not covered by the scheme who will inevitably be squeezed with fuel costs. Transport Minister Chris Bishop is also floating delaying National’s planned fuel tax rises originally set to start 2027.

Fuel crisis package: Nearly 150,000 families to receive $50 a week - Craig McCulloch (RNZ)

Fuel costs support package: Will those who most need help get any? - Russell Palmer, Checkpoint (RNZ)

‘Squeezed middle’ gets $50 weekly fuel relief as beneficiaries left in the cold - Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom)

Government may pause fuel taxes increases - Giles Dexter (RNZ)

There are growing fears about the impact the crisis could have on New Zealand’s economy, with RBNZ governor Anna Breman having to rewrite a planned speech this week to talk about the crisis, warning of high inflation and weaker growth in the coming months.

Higher inflation in near term, lower growth due to Iran – RBNZ - (1News)

Fuel prices to stay high for months, officials tell Labour - Jo Moir (RNZ)

As oil prices surge, how realistic is a worst-case inflation scenario of 3.7%? - Edward Miller (labourcartel)

Truckies worry as diesel slows to a trickle: ‘Shortage would bring economy to its knees’ - Jonathan Milne (Newsroom)

Distant conflict, local crisis: is this oil shock the wake‑up call NZ needed? - Murat Ungor (The Conversation)

The government has been criticized for not responding sooner or more urgently, with the Greens announcing support for the coalition’s crisis relief package - on the condition of additions like free public transport, reversing cuts on school buses and mobility services, and instituting a windfall profits tax.

'Fails to meet the crisis': Govt fuel relief draws opposition reaction - Justin Hu (1News)

Greens offer votes for National Party crisis-relief package - with conditions - Morning Report (RNZ)

High petrol prices: Cost of public transport 'still a significant barrier to people' - Pretoria Gordon (RNZ)

Free public transport the fuel crisis response that makes sense - Dr Timothy F Welch (Newsroom)

David Seymour’s expected successor, Brooke van Velden, resigned at an emergency press conference earlier this week, sparking speculation about her reasoning and the future of the party.

ACT Party deputy and minister Brooke van Velden retires from politics - (RNZ)

Act Party faces succession questions as van Velden bows out - Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom)

Labour has unveiled more candidates for 2026, announcing ex-Auckland mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni for Māori electorate Tāmaki Makaurau, and writer/campaigner Max Harris for Tāmaki, the east Auckland seat currently held by Brooke van Velden.

Labour selects Kerrin Leoni to contest for Tāmaki Makaurau seat - (RNZ)

NZ First kicked off their election campaign on Sunday, with Winston unveiling the party’s 2026 policies and announcing ex-National MP Alfred Ngaro as a new candidate at his State of the Union event in Tauranga.

Nationalist with a capital W: Winston Peters sets out NZ First’s plan to win 2026 - Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (The Spinoff)

With his move to NZ First, Alfred Ngaro joins the party hopper hall of fame - Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (The Spinoff)

A defamation suit against TVNZ, lodged by anti-cogovernance roadshow organiser Julian Batchelor and bankrolled by Canadian billionaire and NZME board member Jim Grenon, was lost this week, with the court finding a TVNZ host and researcher’s comments calling Batchelor racist weren’t defamatory.

'Wholly unsuccessful': Julian Batchelor loses defamation case against TVNZ - Justin Hu (1News)

Opinion: What I learned from Julian Batchelor’s defamation case against TVNZ - Te Aniwa Hurihanganui (1News)

‘A question of trust’: Why I’m walking away from the NZ Herald - Sir Ian Taylor (Stuff)