AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 11, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is funding three pilot projects to help reduce the impacts of wild deer on privately-owned production land, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard, and Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager.

“The Government is investing $750,000 to back catchment groups in Rangitīkei, Wairarapa, and North Canterbury to support farmers and growers to work together to measure and reduce wild deer numbers on privately-owned land,” Mr Hoggard says. 

“Wild deer are valued for recreation and as a food source, but growing numbers in parts of the country are causing problems for farmers, growers, and foresters.

“These pilot projects will test ways to measure deer populations and assess their impact on productive farmland, such as grazing on pasture, forestry, crops, and native vegetation.”

The information collected during the projects, which run until August 2027, will help inform future investment decisions.

“The pilots will help evaluate the effectiveness and cost of different control techniques and provide practical input into the development of co-ordinated management plans.

“Catchment groups are a good place to start because they involve landowners already working collaboratively on other issues,” Mr Hoggard says.

The pilots are part of a programme established by the Ministry for Primary Industries this year to help communities improve wild deer management.

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager says wider community interests, including hunters and regional councils, will also be involved.

“Hunter-led conservation is an important part of managing wild deer in New Zealand and representatives of the hunting community have been included on an oversight group for the programme,” Mr Meager says. 

“I want to reassure local communities that, despite some reports, toxins such as brodifacoum will not be used to control deer as part of conservation.”

The catchment groups involved in the pilot projects are Hurunui District Landcare Group ($250,000), Wairarapa Catchment Collective ($250,000), and the Rangitīkei River Catchment Collective ($250,000).

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/government-backs-wild-deer-control-pilots/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government and industry are jointly backing a new AgriZeroNZ programme to help roll out world-leading farm technologies that will strengthen the competitiveness and profitability of New Zealand farmers, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today.

The Early Adoption Accelerator will contribute up to $51 million of existing Crown funding, with the Government matching dollar-for-dollar investment from industry partners.

Nicola Willis says the co-funded model is a key strength of the programme.

“What is particularly exciting about this initiative is that it is a genuine partnership between Government and industry, for every commercial dollar invested through AgriZeroNZ, the Government will match it to help scale up practical on-farm innovation.

“That means everyone has skin in the game and we are all backing innovation that can make a real difference on farms and ensure New Zealand agriculture remains globally competitive.”

Nicola Willis says the focus is on developing usable technologies and helping farmers to adopt them at scale. 

“New Zealand farmers are already among the world’s most emissions-efficient producers, this programme is about helping them adopt practical new technologies that support productivity, profitability and long-term competitiveness as global markets increasingly expect lower-emissions food and fibre production.”

Todd McClay says the Early Adoption Accelerator builds on significant existing investment through AgriZeroNZ into emissions-reducing research and development.

“To date AgriZeroNZ has invested $79.9 million in 18 companies, research projects and trials, accelerating a number of tools ranging from inhibitors to probiotics, pastures, animal wearables and vaccines.   

A growing pipeline of tools is expected to become available over the next few years, giving farmers more practical options to reduce emissions while maintaining production.

“One emissions reduction technology, EcoPond, is already available in New Zealand, with additional tools such as boluses expected later this year. Other technologies, including methane inhibitors, probiotics and vaccines, are expected to follow over the next few years.” 

“This is not about telling farmers what to do. It is about giving them more choices to adopt technologies that fit their farm systems and business models.”

AgriZeroNZ is now seeking expressions of interest from companies and industry groups interested in participating in Early Adoption Accelerator projects over the next three years.

Further information is available on the AgriZeroNZ website.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/government-industry-accelerate-world-leading-farm-technology/

Source: New Zealand Government

A thriving food and fibre sector depends on lifting productivity through greater flexibility, and the Government is backing that future, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay say.

“The food and fibre sector is the engine room of New Zealand’s economy, delivering more than 80 per cent of our exports,” Mr Luxon says.

“That’s why we’re investing $143 million in six commercial projects to show how we can further lift productivity and returns through innovation and greater land use flexibility.”

The partnerships span dairy, sheep and beef, horticulture, forestry, whenua Māori and aquaculture, with the Government committing $59 million and the sector contributing $84 million.

“Together, these projects matter because they will demonstrate, on real farms and orchards, what is possible when innovation, capital and ambition come together.

“This is about building confidence for our farmers and producers, rural lenders and investors. To show proof that innovation can deliver growth,” Mr Luxon says.

Mr McClay says this Government’s sensible regulatory reform and cutting of red tape and costs, combined with the latest science, technology and farming methods provides the opportunity for strong returns with a smaller environmental impact.

“The National-led Government is committed to backing farmers and growers achieve their aspirations. Appropriate rules and regulation coupled with innovation ensures their ideas are not just pipedreams, but viable and profitable pathways.

“These six projects will provide the confidence they need to not only meet environmental outcomes, but respond to changing consumer demand, trade opportunities, and increasing competition in international markets.

“Greater land use flexibility results in prosperity through productivity, and enabling that is part of this Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future.”

A Lincoln University and ASB Bank report found that adopting a mix of land use and new technology, science and systems could boost the economy by $10 billion over the next five to seven years.

“Greater land use flexibility results in prosperity through productivity, and enabling that is part of this Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/optimising-land-use-to-power-rural-productivity/

Source: New Zealand Government

Greater land use flexibility ensures whenua Māori landowners can achieve their productivity and environmental aspirations, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.

“Greater land use flexibility results in prosperity through productivity, and enabling that is part of this Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future,” Mr McClay says.

“This National-led Government is committed to backing farmers and growers, including through sensible regulatory reform and the cutting of red tape and costs, combined with the latest science, technology and farming methods provides the opportunity for strong returns with a smaller environmental impact.”

Leveraging this, the Government is investing up to $2.6 million over two years in a project that uses metrics to enhance Māori landowners’ understanding of their farming systems, provide options to optimise farm production and land uses and maintain or improve environmental performance.

“Land use flexibility is about backing kiwi farmers and growers to feed the world.”

This work is being undertaken in partnership with Te Arawa Primary Sector Incorporated.

“The project will work with Māori landowners to identify options to generate more value from their land, grow their businesses and help protect their whenua for future generations,” Mr Potaka says.

Early modelling identified potential productivity and profitability gains ranging from 10 to 30 per cent, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions ranging from 5 to 25 per cent.

“Data and information from this and similar projects will be shared with farmers and growers to give them further confidence to innovate and grow their businesses – supporting a more productive and responsive sector that is better positioned to feed New Zealand and the world,” Mr McClay says.

“The primary industries are the backbone of this economy and the lifeblood of rural communities. Supporting their success is a priority for this Government.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/land-use-flexibility-greater-options-for-whenua-maori/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing in the next generation of young rural leaders by backing a new initiative that will grow our grassroots rural wellbeing leaders, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced today at Fieldays.

“Building the future means investing in our young farmers who help shape one of New Zealand’s most important industries,” Mr Doocey says.

“This new investment will support the creation of a Rural Wellbeing Champions Programme embedded in the iconic New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year Contest. It will help develop regional wellbeing champions who can lead wellbeing conversations and support their peers in rural communities.

The Government is investing $98,000 to support the 100 Champions Rural Wellbeing Programme, delivered by New Zealand Young Farmers in partnership with Farmstrong.

The New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year Contest is recognised as a pathway for future regional wellbeing champions. The programme will be delivered through the contest and will support up to 150 participants throughout their journey focusing on providing young farmers with tools they can use in everyday life to check in on themselves, and their mates. 

“Rural communities face unique pressures. We need to ensure young people have the confidence and skills to navigate these challenges, maintain their wellbeing, and look out for others when times are tough by leading wellbeing conversations.

“Our young people today are particularly impressive at leading the discussion on mental health. They have a vocabulary a lot of us never had when we were growing up. They can speak about their mental health and voice a lot more openly when they need support.

“This new initiative will help further breakdown barriers and help young people connect in with each other to get the support that they need.”

Mr Patterson says initiatives like this make a big difference for those in our rural communities.

“Our young farmers are more than the future of New Zealand agriculture—they are the future of our rural communities. By investing in their wellbeing today, the Rural Champions Wellbeing Programme helps cultivate resilient leaders, stronger families, and thriving rural communities for generations to come.” Mr Patterson says.

“Partnering with trusted organisations like New Zealand Young Farmers and Farmstrong means support is delivered in a way that works for rural New Zealand. These organisations understand the realities of rural life and have the credibility to engage young people where they are, in ways that work best for them,” Mr Doocey says.

“The announcement follows more than $100 million being invested this week into mental health services, including improved access to maternal mental health support, new inpatient beds, and psychology assistant roles.

“This Government’s mental health plan is delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/building-the-future-generation-of-young-farmers/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has released its Science Investment Plan, setting a clear long‑term direction for how public science funding will drive New Zealand’s economic growth, resilience and prosperity, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Penny Simmonds says.

“The Science Investment Plan positions science as a powerful driver of economic transformation – supporting high-value jobs, lifting productivity, and strengthening New Zealand’s international competitiveness.

“It is a major milestone in the Government’s reform of the science, innovation and technology system, helping to grow the economy and prepare New Zealand for future success.”

“We are creating a science system that enables our world-class scientists, universities and research organisations to drive new ideas to market and ensure New Zealand competes and wins on the global stage, while continuing to invest in investigator-led research that helps our economy, environment and people to thrive.”

The plan has been guided by expert advice from the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council and provides a framework for how public investment will be directed over the next decade.

Public investment will be targeted to four priority areas that offer the greatest potential to deliver impact, commercialise research, and accelerate economic growth:

• Primary industries and bioeconomy
• Technology for prosperity
• Environmental sustainability and resilience
• Healthy people and a thriving society

Existing public science investment will be aligned across these priority areas, including a progressive shift of $122 million toward advanced technologies. This includes funding already committed to the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology. 

“This shift reflects the growing role advanced technologies play in lifting productivity and enabling innovation across the economy. 

“Investment in advanced technology is already delivering real benefits – boosting farm productivity, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting smarter, data‑driven decisions that improve health, resilience, and sustainability across New Zealand.

“The Plan ensures New Zealand can compete with the best internationally, while continuing to build on our strengths in the primary sector and environmental stewardship. 

“It’s about getting more impact from existing funding, with changes phased in to provide certainty and continuity so researchers and organisations can plan and invest for the long-term with confidence. It doesn’t reduce the quantum of funding available for science, innovation and technology and existing contracts will continue without change.

“This Plan turns ambition into action – backing our scientists and innovators to deliver for New Zealand and positioning the country to seize the opportunities ahead.”

Research Funding New Zealand will now develop Pillar Investment Plans that will outline how the four priority areas will be delivered. These are expected in September 2026. Expert Pillar Advisory Groups will advise Research Funding New Zealand and draw on their networks in government agencies and sector bodies.

Link to Science Investment Plan document:
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/32023-science-investment-plan-2026-2036

Link to Refining Science, Innovation and Technology System Priorities Report from the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation & Technology Advisory Council (PMSTIAC):

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/32064-refining-science-innovation-and-technology-system-priorities-report-pdf

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/new-science-investment-plan-to-drive-economic-growth-and-prosperity/

Source: New Zealand Government

Regional community resilience is being bolstered with new Government initiatives focused on building preparedness and capacity for dealing with adverse events, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have today announced.

The three initiatives are:

$160,000 to enhance and strengthen the capabilities of the country’s 16 Rural Advisory Groups to boost the resilience and preparedness of regions to withstand adverse events 
$50,000 to enable Taskforce Kiwi to swiftly mobilise and deploy its skilled volunteers to support rural communities affected by disasters 
$50,000 to develop the capacity and skills of rural leaders to plan for resilient futures for their regions

Mr McClay says both the advisory groups and Taskforce Kiwi have demonstrated effective and well-appreciated support when rural communities need it most.

“Farmers and growers across the country have seen first-hand how these groups can lend expertise and a helping hand following adverse events.”

“Rural New Zealanders are a resilient bunch and there are many in our communities who are ready to step up and provide support during an emergency. 

“We want to foster these individual’s strengths so they have what they need and their communities can be prepared.”

Rural advisory groups are critical regional bodies representing the primary sector and rural communities, especially during adverse weather events. They include sector groups such as Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ.

“Supporting farmers and growers to be well prepared for adverse events helps lessen the impact of such events on farms, food supplies and the wider economy.”

Mr Patterson says resilient rural communities are not built in the midst of adversity; they are built through preparation, connection, and capability long before challenges arise. That is why investing in initiatives such as Taskforce Kiwi and Rural Advisory Groups is an investment in stronger rural communities.

These initiatives help strengthen the skills, confidence, and capacity our communities need to respond, recover, and thrive when adverse events occur.

“Both in times of crisis and ahead of them, this Government is focused on ensuring rural New Zealanders remain resilient.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/ensuring-resilience-in-regional-new-zealand/

Source: New Zealand Government

More than $5.3 million in Māori Development Fund investments are helping grow Māori-owned businesses, create jobs, strengthen regional economies and expand export opportunities across New Zealand, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.

The investments support horticulture and aquaculture developments in Hawke’s Bay, Raupunga and Akaroa, aligning with the Government’s Going for Growth with Māori | Tōnui Māori framework and the overarching target to double exports within a decade.

“Iwi and Māori in the primary sector make significant contributions to New Zealand’s economic success. These investments are helping Māori businesses grow, create jobs, increase productivity and build long-term prosperity for their communities.”

Renewable energy will play a key role in intergenerational Māori business Parininihi ki Waitōtara Incorporation, increasing its ability to invest and diversify its asset base with renewable energy infrastructure using a mixed land-use whenua model. 

“Contributing to this energy initiative will support the business to unlock further potential of the whenua and open opportunities for the region to boost infrastructure, creating opportunities for reconnection, learning, and skills development,” says Mr Potaka.

“Parininihi ki Waitōtara Incorporation has demonstrated renewable energy is a viable pathway for the company to create enduring value for their shareholders and wider Taranaki Māori especially given the oil and gas ban under the previous government.

“The Government is investing in various renewables projects and this initiative has the potential to generate enough electricity each year to power more than 8,500 homes. It also opens the door for a transition to clean energy for regional manufacturing businesses, while creating job opportunities in the construction and maintenance of the facility.”

In Hawke’s Bay, the Māori Development Fund is investing $2.6 million in Hineuru Orchards to support new protective infrastructure and orchard improvements.

The investment will help protect high-value crops from weather-related events and bird damage while supporting business plans to expand exports into Asian markets.

“Hineuru Orchards is already the largest cherry grower in the North Island. This investment will help increase production, improve resilience and support future export growth.”

In Akaroa, the Māori Development Fund is investing $1.5 million in Akaroa King Salmon to support infrastructure upgrades that will enable the business to scale production and meet growing international demand.

Akaroa King Salmon, a partnership involving Ōnuku Rūnanga and Ngāti Porou, expects the investment to support the creation of around 50 new jobs and significantly increase export revenue over the next three years.

“Akaroa King Salmon has built a world-class reputation for premium products and sustainable production. This investment will help unlock further growth and strengthen New Zealand’s export economy.

“When Māori businesses succeed, local communities benefit through new jobs, increased incomes, stronger regional economies and greater opportunities for future generations.

“These investments are helping unlock the potential of collectively owned Iwi and Māori assets, and supporting long-term growth across New Zealand. This Government backs Iwi and Māori to succeed and help to grow the New Zealand economy.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/maori-development-fund-backing-growth-jobs-and-exports/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is empowering New Zealand’s agricultural sector with greater land use flexibility, enabling innovation and sustainable productivity with a better environmental footprint, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.

“Greater land use flexibility results in prosperity through productivity, and enabling that is part of this Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future,” Mr McClay says.

“More than 257,000 Kiwis work in agriculture, a sector that contributes $52 billion in export revenue – supporting regional economies and jobs.

“This National-led Government is committed to backing farmers and growers, including through a suite of sensible regulatory reform and cutting of red tape and costs, combined with the latest science and technology – providing the opportunity for strong returns with a smaller environmental impact.”

Leveraging this, the Government is partnering with industry by investing $3.55 million in a $8.47 million five-year project to boost beef and sheep production, and $18.34 million on a $45.85 million seven-year project to to grow dairy output with improved environmental outcomes.

“Land use flexibility is about backing kiwi farmers and growers to feed the world.”

The dairy project will aim to deliver a 20 per cent reduction in nitrogen leaching per hectare while positioning the sector for sustainable growth and long-term resilience. It will focus on creating an uplift in economic, environmental, and social outcomes by creating replicable models for profitable and environmentally sustainable dairy farming.

The beef and sheep project establishes pilots on existing farms, with key work including modelling land use potential, supporting the adoption of virtual fencing, and analysing environmental and performance data. It is expected to increase hill country pasture utilisation by 20 per cent and feed conversion efficiency by 30 per cent.

“The primary industries are the backbone of this economy and the lifeblood of rural communities. Supporting their success is a priority for this Government.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/land-use-flexibility-improving-the-environment-while-producing-more/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is empowering New Zealand’s horticulture sector with greater land use flexibility, enabling innovation and sustainable productivity, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.

“Greater land use flexibility results in prosperity through productivity, and enabling that is part of this Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future,” Mr McClay says.

“More than 50,000 Kiwis work in horticulture, a sector that contributes $8.8 billion in export revenue – supporting regional economies and jobs.

“This National-led Government is committed to backing farmers and growers, including through a suite of sensible regulatory reform and cutting of red tape and costs, combined with the latest science and technology – providing the opportunity for strong returns with a smaller environmental impact.”

Leveraging this, the Government is partnering with industry by investing $19.14 million in a five-year commercial project that aims to unlock greater value from kiwifruit orchards by integrating on-orchard innovation, advanced decision-support tools, and new science.

It focuses on increasing yields, improving fruit quality, and using water and nutrients more efficiently while reducing environmental impact, and is expected to lift national kiwifruit tray volumes and export sales to $7.9 billion by 2035/36, with a total implied economic impact of about $15.8 billion.

“Land use flexibility is about backing kiwi farmers and growers to feed the world.”

This work is funded in partnership with Zespri and New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated for a total project cost of $47.87 million.

“Data and information from this and similar projects will be shared with farmers and growers to give them further confidence to innovate and grow their businesses – supporting a more productive and responsive sector that is better positioned to feed New Zealand and the world.”

“The primary industries are the backbone of this economy and the lifeblood of rural communities. Supporting their success is a priority for this Government.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/land-use-flexibility-empowering-horticulture/