AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 20, 2026 – Full Text
1. Funding boost for aged residential care sector
June 19, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A funding boost will strengthen aged residential care services and improve support for older New Zealanders, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello say.
“Older New Zealanders deserve access to safe, quality care that meets their needs and supports them to live with dignity,” Mr Brown says.
Health New Zealand will provide a 4 per cent funding uplift worth approximately $79 million to aged residential care providers for 2026/27.
“This investment will help providers improve access to aged residential care and support better care for older New Zealanders.
“We know demand for aged care services is growing as New Zealand’s population ages. This investment will help providers respond to that demand and continue delivering quality care for older New Zealanders.”
The funding includes a 2.66 per cent base increase, alongside targeted investment to improve service delivery, strengthen responsiveness to demand, and enhance access to care.
Mr Brown says a key focus of the package is helping older people move more quickly into the care setting that best meets their needs.
“A central part of this investment is supporting timely, clinically appropriate admissions into aged residential care, including over weekends where it is safe to do so.”
Historically, weekend admissions from hospital into aged residential care have not been a common feature. Under this funding package, providers will be expected to support admissions over weekends where it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so.
“Too often, older people remain in hospital longer than necessary while waiting to transition into residential care, contributing to delayed discharges and reducing capacity for other patients who need hospital treatment.
“Helping people move into the right care setting sooner can improve patient outcomes, reduce pressure on hospitals, and ensure beds are available for those who need acute and urgent care.
“It will also support better continuity of care and a more joined-up experience for patients and their families.”
Ms Costello says the investment complements broader work already underway to modernise aged care services and ensure they remain sustainable as demand grows.
“We know the current aged care model is out of date and needs to evolve to meet the needs of New Zealand’s ageing population, with reform work underway,” Ms Costello says.
“This investment supports those longer-term reforms while also delivering practical improvements now and we appreciate the sector’s engagement in both processes.
“While there is more work ahead, with the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group to deliver its report to Ministers in the next few weeks, the funding uplift provides additional support to the sector as we work through the reform process.
“New Zealand has a strong aged care sector, supported by dedicated providers and staff who deliver quality care every day. This funding will help services remain responsive to growing demand while we continue the work needed to build a more sustainable system for the future.
“This is about strengthening support for older New Zealanders and their families, improving access to care, and ensuring the sector is better placed to meet future demand.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/funding-boost-for-aged-residential-care-sector/
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2. GPs overwhelmingly back funding deal
June 19, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Local GP clinics will receive a major funding boost to help more New Zealanders get an appointment when they need one, with investment targeted to where patients need it most, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
- Keeping GP visit costs the same for patients as last year
- Updating the way GP clinics are funded for the first time in over 20 years, so clinics serving patients with greater health needs receive more money
- Rewarding GP clinics who get improved results on immunisations, cancer screening, and long-term health conditions
“New Zealanders are better off when they can see their GP quickly and close to home. When people can access care early, they stay healthier and out of hospital, which is better for patients and the whole health system,” Mr Brown says.
“An overwhelming 86 per cent of GP clinics voted in favour of Health New Zealand’s 2026/27 funding package, which will provide general practice with an additional $120.6 million each year.
“Last year the Government delivered the largest-ever funding uplift to GP clinics, and this package builds on that. It puts more money into frontline services so clinics can stay open, see more patients, and deliver the care their communities rely on.”
From 1 July 2026, the formula used to distribute funding will also change for the first time in more than 20 years. Previously, funding was based on the age and sex of enrolled patients, and didn’t include many other indicators of health needs or the cost of delivering care in different areas.
“The way we fund general practice no longer reflects the needs of patients. For the first time, funding will go beyond age and sex to also include multimorbidity, rurality, and socioeconomic deprivation – better recognising the real health needs of the people each clinic serves.”
Mr Brown says rural communities will benefit significantly from the changes.
“Rural and remote practices face higher demand and greater challenges in delivering care. This change ensures a patient in a small rural town is valued just as much as one in a major city.
“On top of rurality being part of the way GP clinics are funded, 22 rural practices that don’t currently get rural funding will be eligible for rural funding top ups.
“Ensuring patients have access to timely GP appointments is exactly why this Government has been so focused on responsible fiscal management – so we can continue investing in the health services that matter most to New Zealanders.
“We are focused on fixing the basics and strengthening our healthcare system. Investing in the cornerstone of the healthcare system is key to ensuring people can access the primary care they need close to home.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/gps-overwhelmingly-back-funding-deal/
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3. Funding boost for community pharmacies
June 19, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Community pharmacies will receive a funding boost to help more New Zealanders access timely healthcare closer to home, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Community pharmacies are often the front door to New Zealand’s health system. They provide trusted advice, dispense medicines, deliver vaccinations, and help people get the care they need in their local communities,” Mr Brown says.
“We are focused on making it easier for people to access care earlier and strengthening community pharmacy services is a key part of that.”
Health New Zealand has agreed to a 3.16 per cent funding uplift for community pharmacy services, worth $26.6 million, alongside further investment to support an expanded range of clinical services delivered through local pharmacies.
The agreement includes:
a 3.16 per cent increase to pharmacy service fees
$11.9 million annual funding to support expanded clinical services, which is a $6.9 million increase to the Extended Pharmacy Services fund
a 3.16 per cent increase for pharmacy immunisation services, ensuring pharmacies continue to be funded at the same rate as general practice
changes to funding arrangements to better support the delivery of core pharmacy services
“Pharmacists and pharmacy staff play a vital role in delivering healthcare in communities across New Zealand. They are often the most accessible health professionals in a community, helping people get advice, treatment, vaccinations, and medicines when they need them.
“This funding boost will help pharmacies continue providing the services communities rely on every day, while supporting them to meet growing demand and deliver more healthcare services locally.
“It also builds on the Government’s wider work to expand the role pharmacies play in the health system. Health New Zealand had previously committed $5 million a year to expand pharmacy clinical services. The increase to $11.9 million annually will enable pharmacists to provide funded medicines and treatment for more common conditions in the community.
“That means people can access treatment sooner for everyday health concerns including pain and fever management, oral rehydration, and conditions such as scabies, head lice and conjunctivitis.
“This access will reduce pressure on other parts of the health system
“This is all part of the Government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future of our healthcare system. We are backing the pharmacy workforce, expanding access to community-based services, and making it easier for New Zealanders to get the care they need, close to home.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/funding-boost-for-community-pharmacies/
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4. Awards – Two wins at Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards
June 19, 2026
Source: Northland Regional Council
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5. Health – Historic vote backs historic change for general practice funding
June 19, 2026
The General Practice Owners Association (GenPro) says today’s overwhelming vote by contracted primary care providers in favour of a new Government funding package marks a historic moment for general practice.
| Contracted providers representing general practices across New Zealand voted by an 85 percent majority to accept the package, which includes the first significant reweighting of capitation funding since the system was introduced more than two decades ago.
GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers said the result demonstrated clear support for reform across the sector. “This is a historic vote for historic change,” Dr Chambers said. “For the first time ever, general practice has had a direct say on a major funding reform that will shape its future. That is a significant milestone for the profession and for primary care in New Zealand.” The vote followed a ratification process secured by GenPro, enabling all contracted providers to participate in the decision. “I have been involved in general practice for 36 years and I cannot recall another occasion where general practices have been given the opportunity to vote on a change of this significance,” Dr Chambers said. “It is important that general practice has a voice in decisions that affect its future, and this process has shown that the sector is ready and willing to take that responsibility.” Dr Chambers said the package represented the most substantial review of general practice funding in more than 20 years and reflected the Government’s willingness to address longstanding flaws in the funding system. “We congratulate Health Minister Simeon Brown and Health New Zealand for recognising that the funding model needed updating and for engaging seriously with the sector.” “We are pleased to see capitation reweighting introduced. While ethnicity has not been included in the new formula, that discussion is not over and will be part of future reviews.” The revised funding formula will direct more funding towards patients with greater health needs and, together with annual funding uplifts, will result in most practices receiving increased funding. “It is a solid package overall. Around half of practices will be clear beneficiaries, another sizeable group will be reasonably well supported, and transitional arrangements mean no practice should be significantly worse off in the short term.” Dr Chambers acknowledged that not every practice would benefit equally from the reforms. Around 20 percent of practices may come under greater pressure than usual to increase fees in future years as the transition arrangements wind down. “What’s particularly encouraging is that some practice owners who might not have personally benefited from the changes, still voted in favour because they recognised the wider benefits for patients and the sector. That reflects a genuine commitment to the greater good.” “We still face workforce shortages and growing demand for services. This package helps improve financial sustainability, but it is not a complete solution to access issues.” GenPro also welcomed changes to rural funding arrangements and the additional investment being directed towards rural practices, while noting that further work remains necessary. “The Government has taken positive steps to strengthen rural funding, but rural communities continue to face significant healthcare challenges. We expect that to remain an important area for future negotiations and there remains a need for significant further investment.” “By and large, this is a positive step forward. It demonstrates that government and the sector can work together to tackle longstanding issues and build a more sustainable future for general practice.” |
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6. Investment in Lower North Island Classrooms
June 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced $10 million to deliver new classrooms across the lower North Island, taking the total spend on new classrooms to over $1.2 billion over the past 3 years.
Today’s announcement will deliver 14 new teaching spaces to schools in the lower North Island that are at, or over, capacity.
“This investment will ensure students have the space they need to learn, and that schools can respond to growing rolls,” Ms Stanford says.
The $10 million growth package for lower North Island schools includes classrooms for:
- Feilding High School – 2 classrooms
- Paraparaumu College – 6 classrooms
- Wainuiomata High School – 4 classrooms
Ms Stanford said this investment also provides two new technology spaces at Mount Cook School in Wellington, which will support students from across the local area.
“These schools have been under pressure from growing student numbers. Delivering these classrooms will ease that pressure and support better environments for teaching and learning.”
She said today’s announcement brings the total number of new classrooms funded in the lower North Island to 153 over the past three years and nearly 1400 across New Zealand.
“As a result of this, more students will be learning in new, warm, safe, dry classrooms.
“The Government has been able to deliver more bang for buck by improving the way school property is planned and built.
“Since July 2024, the average cost of a classroom has reduced significantly by using standard designs, off-site manufacturing, and making better use of existing assets. This has resulted in $300 million worth of savings that have been reinvested into the education sector.
“This means our funding is going further than it did before, and even more classrooms can be delivered.”
Ms Stanford says that while parts of the lower North Island may not be under pressure from population growth, there is a clear need to address condition-related property issues across the region. We are working to take a coordinated approach, so alongside targeted growth investment, we are focused on protecting what we already have.”
Eight schools will also receive significant upgrade and redevelopment funding to address long-standing condition issues:
- Hutt Valley High School in Lower Hutt
- Mana College in Porirua
- Porirua School in Porirua
- Porritt School in Napier
- Raureka School in Hastings
- Te Paepae o Aotea in Hāwera
- Waiopehu College in Levin
- Waipukurau School in Waipukurau
“These schools have been dealing with aging buildings that are no longer fit for purpose. This investment will allow us to fix those issues and bring facilities up to a standard that students and staff expect,” says Ms Stanford.
Ms Stanford says maintaining existing school property is a priority.
“Across the country we need to look after the infrastructure that we already have. This means investing in repairs and upgrades so classrooms remain fit for purpose.”
“We are getting the balance right. Schools need to have enough space, and that space needs to be in good condition. This investment supports both new investment and looking after what we already have.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/investment-in-lower-north-island-classrooms/
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7. GDP shows underlying economic strength
June 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Today’s GDP figures confirm the economy had real momentum at the beginning of this year, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Stats NZ figures put GDP growth for the March 2026 quarter at 0.8 per cent.
“New Zealand’s economy grew almost three times faster than Australia’s in the March 2026 quarter and around twice as fast as that of the United States.
“This positive movement reflects the hard work of New Zealanders – the farmers, tradies, exporters, entrepreneurs and workers – who have kept going through really challenging economic conditions.
“This result builds on the growth of the previous two quarters. Over the nine months to March, the economy grew 2.1 per cent. Growth in the first quarter is more than twice what Treasury forecast at Budget 2026.
“Encouragingly, GDP per capita rose 0.5 per cent in the quarter and real purchasing power rose 0.4 per cent.
“However, we also have to be realistic. While this result reflects an economy that was recovering strongly at the start of the year, the conflict in the Middle East has created significant uncertainty and we expect that to weigh on growth in the second quarter.
“Kiwis will be relieved that pressure on fuel prices is beginning to ease following the announcement of a peace deal, with prices at the pump continuing to fall. The international oil prices are now lower than what Treasury was forecasting at Budget 2026.
“Business investment for the quarter reached 3.7 per cent, which will have been supported by our Investment Boost tax policy.
“Economic recoveries rarely follow a straight line, particularly in an uncertain global environment, and we must not let international events send us off course.
“The Government remains focused on restoring the country’s finances so we can continue investing in the things that matter most to New Zealanders, including better health services, new schools and critical infrastructure.
“While we remain cautious in the short term, Treasury expects economic growth to strengthen over time. The stronger growth trajectory over the longer term will create more jobs and higher incomes.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/gdp-shows-underlying-economic-strength/
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8. 2026 New Zealand Space Scholarship winners announced
June 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Seven postgraduate students have been awarded the 2026 New Zealand Space Scholarship and will intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California, Space Minister Chris Penk announced today.
“The Space Scholarship presents a career-defining opportunity for these talented young New Zealanders who are set to spend three months at JPL working alongside scientists and engineers on real-world missions,” Mr Penk says.
“As part of their work, they will be contributing to cutting-edge space technology projects and gain experience right at the forefront of global space innovation.”
The students, Alexander Wiseman, Angela Xue, Laura Doyle and Zhen Hong Chai (Victoria University of Wellington), Laura Franssen (Auckland University of Technology), and Kyja McCabe and Thomas Phillips (University of Auckland), received their scholarships at a ceremony today.
The 2026 cohort’s studies span physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, microbiology and aerospace engineering. They will work across a range of projects including astrovirology, analysing gas reactions under vacuum ultraviolet (UV) light, developing power electronics systems, and end-to-end telemetry analysis.
Mr Penk says it is an exciting time for the space industry, both locally and overseas. In recent years, New Zealand’s space sector has grown rapidly, with revenue increasing an estimated 53 percent in the five years to 2024.
“That growth is delivering real economic benefit and cementing New Zealand’s position as a credible, active global player.
“Building and sustaining a highly skilled, future-ready space workforce is a key priority of New Zealand’s Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy – the Space Scholarship gives postgraduate students the opportunity to gain valuable international experience before bringing that expertise home,” Mr Penk says.
More information about the 2026 recipients and their projects is available on the MBIE website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/careers-scholarships-and-awards/new-zealand-space-scholarship
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/2026-new-zealand-space-scholarship-winners-announced/
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9. New parents to receive increased support
June 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The amount paid to parents taking time off from work to care for their new children will increase from 1 July 2026, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today.
The maximum weekly paid parental leave rate will increase to $811.05 per week from $788.66, in line with movement in average weekly earnings.
“Eligible parents can count on this valuable financial support for up to 26 weeks when taking leave from their job to care for their new child,” says Brooke van Velden.
“The first weeks after the arrival of a new baby are incredibly special, and crucial for parents being able to bond with their child.
“I also recognise that this time will look different depending on a person’s circumstances, and our paid parental leave scheme accounts for that.
“While this most often applies to parents with a newborn, it also applies to those who have suffered miscarriage or stillbirth to allow time away for rest and recovery in these difficult situations. Support is also available to those who have adopted or had a child born through surrogacy.
“As an expectant mother myself, I give my congratulations to every Kiwi awaiting the arrival of their baby and wish them a speedy recovery and special time with their baby in the months ahead.”
For more information about parental leave including eligibility, payments and returning to work visit the Employment New Zealand website.
Notes for editor:
The increase to paid parental leave rates is a legislated annual increase under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987. It applies to employees and self-employed parents.
Under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987, eligible parents are entitled to payments equal to their normal pay up to the current maximum rate. The maximum rate is adjusted annually to account for any increase in average ordinary time weekly earnings.
The minimum paid parental leave rate for self-employed people will increase to $239.50 per week from $235.00. This reflects the increase to the minimum wage effective from 1 April 2026.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/new-parents-to-receive-increased-support/
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10. Hong Kong rises to No.2 globally in competitiveness
June 18, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2026 – Hong Kong jumped one place to become the world’s second most competitive economy, according to the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking published today (June 18) by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD). It is Hong Kong’s highest ranking since 2019, and builds on three consecutive years of improvement.
Welcoming the report, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said, “The World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) 2026 reaffirms Hong Kong as one of the most competitive economies in the world, and notes that Hong Kong’s rise to second sustains the strong upward trajectory from 2024 and 2025.”
<figure data-width="100%" data-caption="Hong Kong ranks No.2 globally in 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking Hong Kong ranks No.2 globally in 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking In announcing the results, the IMD noted that, amid rising geopolitical tensions, competitive advantage hinges on credible institutions, predictable rules, enforceable commitments and public trust. According to WCY 2026, Hong Kong’s rise reflects sustained performance across the four competitiveness factors measured. Among these factors, Hong Kong ranks second in “Government efficiency” and third in “Business efficiency”. “Infrastructure” and “Economic performance” rank eighth and 11th respectively. As regards the various competitiveness sub-factors, Hong Kong tops the rankings in “Tax policy” and “Business legislation”, ranks second in “Finance”, third in “International trade”, “International investment”, “Management practices” and “Education”, and fourth in “Public finance” and “Basic infrastructure”. “In the competitiveness factor ‘Government efficiency’, Hong Kong continues to rank second globally, reflecting the HKSAR Government’s ongoing efforts to promote free and open, stable, predictable and business-friendly economic policies, as well as the international community’s trust in Hong Kong’s legal and regulatory environment,” the spokesperson said. “Hong Kong’s ‘Business efficiency’ is ranked third globally, reflecting the strong support for industry development rendered by our robust financial ecosystem, as well as the seamless alignment of the city’s business practices and environment with international best standards.” <figure data-width="100%" data-caption="Hong Kong has become a “value hub” that offers both security and growth opportunities Hong Kong has become a “value hub” that offers both security and growth opportunities Amid rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics, Hong Kong, with its close connectivity to both the Chinese Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and its sound institutions, open markets and sustained investments in innovation, has become a “value hub” that offers both security and growth opportunities. In fact, Hong Kong continues to excel in various international rankings including those for economy, finance, and talent. The International Monetary Fund has also given positive recognition to Hong Kong in recent months, and major credit rating agencies have successively reaffirmed Hong Kong’s credit ratings and ‘stable’ outlook. “All these echo the WCY 2026 results,” the spokesperson said. Currently, Hong Kong is formulating at full speed its first Five-Year Plan, to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. “With the staunch support of our country, the HKSAR Government will work together with all sectors of society to strengthen our role and function as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, with a view to better integrating into and serving the overall national development, achieving our own high-quality development, creating more new room for development for our people and businesses, as well as opening up new opportunities for global investors and enterprises,” the spokesperson said. https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/ Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #Global #Competitiveness The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. – Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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