Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 28 January 2026

Political reporter Russell Palmer spoke to Guyon Espiner as the political year gets underway in Wellington; Waikato University Professor Al Gillespie spoke to Guyon Espiner following comments from Labour Leader Chris Hipkins, hitting out at the government for considering New Zealand's possible position in Donald Trump's Board of Peace; While the Prime Minister has acknowledged the role climate change is playing in the frequency and intensity of recent weather events incidents; NZ Post is closing more than 140 service counters inside urban convenience stores, pharmacies and libraries around the country; Guyon Espiner talks to correspondent Laura Taglianetti in New York.