NZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Sunday, July 26, 2026

NZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Sunday, July 26, 2026 <!--mynz:youtube-chapters--> {"v":1,"chapters":[{"timeSeconds":0,"label":"National Party promises extended parental leave","summary":"The National Party plans to extend paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks by 2029 if re-elected. They also aim for a long-term goal of 40 weeks."},{"timeSeconds":25,"label":"Cost of extended parental leave","summary":"The cost of extending paid parental leave is estimated at $27 million next year. This is projected to rise to $124 million annually by 2029."},{"timeSeconds":37,"label":"Mount Maunganui slip causes road closure","summary":"Tauranga Council has closed Adams Avenue due to earth movements at Mount Maunganui. A recent slip has extended approximately 20 meters with a run-out of about 100 meters."},{"timeSeconds":109,"label":"ACT policy on health funding","summary":"The ACT Party proposes increasing spending on medicines by 1% each year until 2033. This aims to close the gap with Australia's medicine funding levels."},{"timeSeconds":147,"label":"Wildfires displace over a million people","summary":"Wildfires in France and Spain have forced more than a quarter of a million people to flee their homes. France has deployed 1500 soldiers to combat fires near Bordeaux."},{"timeSeconds":211,"label":"Green Party calls for AI data centre pause","summary":"The Green Party is advocating for a one-year pause on approving new AI data centres. They want to develop regulations to manage the impact on electricity, water, and the environment."},{"timeSeconds":244,"label":"Captain Cook's Endeavour keel for auction","summary":"A rare piece of timber from Captain Cook's ship, the Endeavour, is set to be auctioned in Sydney. The keel fragment is estimated to be worth $250,000."}]} <!--/mynz:youtube-chapters-->