NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Wednesday, June 17, 2026

NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Wednesday, June 17, 2026 <!--mynz:youtube-chapters--> {"v":1,"chapters":[{"timeSeconds":2,"label":"Public Service Commissioner investigates MBIE","summary":"The Public Service Commissioner is deeply concerned about a breakdown in trust between MBIE staff, the minister, and officials. An investigation will be launched into the ministry's handling of a project to upgrade border biometric systems."},{"timeSeconds":20,"label":"Investigation into MBIE project costs","summary":"An investigation will be carried out into the cost overruns of a project to upgrade border biometric systems. The Public Service Commissioner aims to define the terms of reference and appoint an investigator by Monday."},{"timeSeconds":39,"label":"Cost of Christchurch terrorist's appeal","summary":"The appeal by the Christchurch mosque terrorist cost the public over $842,000. The court of appeal ruled against his claim that prison conditions led to his guilty plea due to poor mental health."},{"timeSeconds":55,"label":"Terrorist's appeal costs revealed","summary":"The Ministry of Justice reports that the appeal by the Christchurch mosque terrorist cost over $320,000 in legal aid and $141,000 in communication and wellbeing support. The total cost to the public was over $842,000."},{"timeSeconds":118,"label":"Auckland councillor claims 'toxic' culture","summary":"Auckland councillor Bo Burns has resigned from meetings twice in the past week. She claims to have been subjected to a culture of bullying, intimidation, hostility, and fear by some colleagues."},{"timeSeconds":143,"label":"ACT Party vows to restrict regulators","summary":"The ACT Party plans to restrict regulators like the Medical and Teaching Councils. They aim to keep them neutral on political issues and prevent them from disciplining professionals for lawful expression."},{"timeSeconds":205,"label":"Real estate agent banned for 5 years","summary":"A real estate agent with a spotless 30-year record was recently banned from working for five years. This was because she refused to attend mandatory ideological training."},{"timeSeconds":218,"label":"Oil prices to fall after Iran deal","summary":"Following a US-Iran peace deal, oil prices are predicted to fall. However, prices at the pump are not expected to return to pre-war levels for some time."}]} <!--/mynz:youtube-chapters-->