Newsable

Six60 frontman Matiu Walters says he no longer cares about topping the charts and the band’s “legacy” as much as he once did, saying he now prefers to focus on being “creatively brave" instead. The reason for the change? Fatherhood. Walters spoke openly and honestly about how being a dad has changed him on Paddy Gower's "The F#$%ing News" show this week. Click here to watch the full episode, or search for "Paddy Gower's TFN" to listen on your favourite podcast player.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addressed questions put to him by media on a number of issues currently under the spotlight, including the Government's plan for the Cook Strait ferries, the changes to ACC levies, and an indecent assault of two women by visiting members of the Vietnamese Government.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis and newly-appointed Minister for Rail Winston Peters have announced it is establishing a new company to procure two new ferries for the Cook Strait.  The ferries are expected to begin operation in 2029 as the existing ferries reach the end of their operating lives. Willis would not disclose what the project will cost, saying that information is commercially confidential until procurement and negotiations for the associated landside infrastructure have been completed.

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has released details of the Government's blueprint for emissions reduction over the next five years. The second Emissions Reduction Plan sets the foundation to meet the net zero 2050 target as early as 2044, and will focus on eight key policies that have the greatest potential emissions savings.