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AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 22, 2026 – Full Text

June 22, 2026

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AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 22, 2026 – Full Text

AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 22, 2026 – Full Text

Generated June 22, 2026 06:00 NZST · Included sources: 10

1. Child deaths in conflict surge by a third amid rise of tech-driven warfare – Save the Children

June 19, 2026

MIL OSI

Source: Save the Children

The number of children killed in conflict soared to at least 6,266 in 2025, up about 34% from 2024, with the increased use of high-tech explosive weapons driving the trend, said Save the Children [1].
The latest United Nations Annual Report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict showed a record 24,174 children had their rights violated in conflict last year, the highest number since the protection of Children in Armed Conflict (CAAC) mandate was established 30 years ago [2]. These numbers represent the tip of the iceberg for grave violations against children, as most attacks on children go unverified, said Save the Children.
The number of children maimed in conflict rose by nearly 10% to 7,958 in 2025, continuing a steady trend of increasing child casualties in conflict since 2020 [3].
Many of these deaths and injuries are linked to unmanned aerial systems, drone-enabled and remotely operated attacks, and AI-supported target selection, all of which pose grave new risks to children’s lives and safety in conflict zones, said Save the Children. Once exclusive to advanced militaries, drones are now cheap, commercially available, and deployable by any armed actor, making them the small arms of this era.
Notably, for the first time since the establishment of the CAAC mandate, government forces were the main perpetrators of grave violations against children. Governments around the world are not only failing to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children in conflict zones, they are doing so with near-total impunity, said Save the Children.
The highest numbers of grave violations were verified in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel (12,445), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (4,114) and Nigeria (2,560).
According to the UN report, the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel saw the sharpest rise in violations verified in 2025, up over 45% from 2024 [2]. Of these, 9,465 violations were attributed to Israeli armed and security forces who were responsible for the highest number of verified violations globally in 2025. The violations perpetrated by the Israeli armed and security forces include 5,946 incidents of denial of humanitarian access, 2,760 cases of maiming, and 828 attacks on schools and hospitals.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, cases of children killed or maimed in conflict more than doubled from 438 in 2024 to 918 children in 2025 and cases of sexual violence nearly doubled from 358 to 592 children in 2025. This reflected a deteriorating security situation in a country battling multiple humanitarian crises.
Inger Ashing, Save the Children International CEO, said:
“Wars are being waged in a fundamentally different way to 30 years ago when the CAAC mandate was established. Around the world, Save the Children is watching drone strikes hit the places children gather: kindergartens, schools, hospitals, maternity wards, markets, and displacement camps. Children’s smaller bodies, developing organs, and lower harm thresholds mean they are disproportionately killed and maimed by these weapons, and the psychological toll of living under constant drone threat compound that harm for years after the attack.
“More damning still is the fact that for the first time in 30 years, government forces were the main perpetrators of grave violations against children. No longer can shadowy ‘armed groups’ be scapegoated for the killing and maiming of children in war. It’s governments making the choices they know will cost children their lives – with a complete disdain and disregard for international law.
“We know that drones and other tech-enabled weapons can be deployed covertly, across borders, and without combatants present, making attribution and accountability exceptionally difficult-compounding the ongoing erosion of norms designed to protect civilians.
“With States responsible for much of this harm, it is for States to act and stop the bloodshed of children. Governments must uphold the rules that govern conflict, especially when it comes to protecting children, who are always the most vulnerable. There is both a legal obligation and a moral duty to speak out against those who harm children in war. And just as importantly, there is a responsibility to invest in the programmes that protect them, care for them, and help them rebuild their lives. Because ultimately, the future of millions of children depends on the choices we make today-and on whether we act with urgency and resolve.”
NOTES:
[1] According to the United Nations Annual Report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict , killing and maiming increased from 11,967 children in the 2025 report to 14,224 in the 2026 report (+18.9%). The 2026 report singles out killing and maiming as having surged by 34% and 10% respectively, with harm linked to airstrikes, artillery, explosive remnants of war and explosive-armed drones.
[2] The six grave violations against children: the UN Security Council has identified six grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict: killing and maiming of children; recruitment or use of children in armed forces and groups; rape and other forms of sexual violence against children; abduction of children; attacks against schools and hospitals; and denial of humanitarian access to children.
[3] A 9.1% increase, from 7,291 in 2024 to 7,958 in 2025.
[4] In Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, there were 12,445 verified violations in 2025, up from 8,554 in 2024 (+45.5%).

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2. World Refugee Day: Almost 2 million children estimated to have returned to “unliveable conditions” in Syria in 18 months

June 19, 2026

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Source: Save the Children
Almost 2 million children have returned to their hometowns in Syria in the past 18 months – the largest voluntary movement of returnees globally – but many find their homes damaged, basic services collapsed and the land contaminated by explosive devices, Save the Children said [1].
Ahead of World Refugee Day tomorrow, the child rights organisation fears the large scale of returns creates the illusion that conditions are safe after the end of 14 years of conflict in December 2024, putting pressure on Syrians to return [2].
An estimated 953,000 children are among more than 1.6 million refugees who have returned since Syria’s political transition on 8 December 2024, according to latest UNHCR figures. Save the Children estimates that about 1.02 million children [3] internally displaced within Syria have also returned to their areas of origin. 
As people return, 15.6 million people – nearly 70% of the population – remain in need of humanitarian assistance, including 7.5 million children [4]. Families are going back to communities where basic services, infrastructure and protection systems remain severely weakened due to conflict, economic collapse, and mass destruction. 
A survey by Save the Children at the end of last year in 90 households found that children are returning to conditions that are unsafe and unliveable. Nearly two-thirds of families said they arrived back to find their homes damaged or destroyed. Almost the same number said their level of access to both water and electricity was low. [5]
Save the Children said returning families are living one shock away from being forced to move again. In the survey, three in four said a further deterioration in the economy would push them to leave and nearly two thirds said the same of a deterioration in security. 
Adolescent girls face particular risks, including unsafe routes to school, dropout, and early marriage. Children with disabilities are also often excluded from the services their families seek for them. 
Children also face the risk of unexploded remnants of war. Between December 2024 and December 2025, children accounted for 37% of all reported civilian casualties from explosive ordnance in Syria, and 28% of those killed, according to NGO safety advisory body INSO . Much of the contamination is in agricultural land and the routes families walk every day. 
Only 57% of hospitals and 37% of primary health centres remain fully functional.
Lina-, 12, tried to go home with her family but found her home and school reduced to rubble. They ended up returning to their camp where they had been living for five years. 
She said: ” When we reached our village, our house and our school were both in rubble, and we could not stay, so we returned to the camp. We are not numbers. We are faces, dreams, and small but strong hearts.”
Jeremy Stoner, Save the Children Syria Acting Country Director, said: 
“Fourteen years of war in Syria displaced half the country’s 25 million people and shaped an entire generation of children born into rubble and ruin, who have never known life before the war. Now, families are coming back home, hoping their children can finally grow up in safety and peace.” 
“But no child can make a new beginning when there is no electricity or water supply; not enough food; no school or healthcare. When they are too scared to take a step outside due to the ground being littered with explosives. 
“International law dictates that any return of refugees must be voluntary, safe, dignified and informed. This is not safe. Already, an entire generation had their childhoods stolen during the war in Syria. We now need to see mass investment in reconstruction so that this generation of children does not continue to pay the price.”
Save the Children is calling on the Government of Syria, host governments, the United Nations, and donors to place children’s safety, rights, and recovery at the heart of decisions about return. The organisation is also calling for investment in the conditions children need to return safely and to stay, such as large-scale clearance of explosive ordnance, restoration of healthcare, water and education, and guaranteed civil documentation for returnee children.
Save the Children has been working in Syria since 2012, reaching over five million people, including more than three million children, with child protection, education, food security and livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene, health and nutrition.
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

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3. Art+AI Fuels Innovation & Entrepreneurship: 2026 Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program Opens Recruitment

June 18, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2026 – Amid the global wave of technological advancement, the next generation of young leaders is presented with unprecedented growth opportunities. As such, today’s youth must learn beyond the boundary of traditional classrooms, engage with real communities, tackle social challenges with creative thinking, and chart sustainable paths for the future of humanity. To nurture young talents and turn inspiring ideas into tangible action, the Third Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program is now open for applications.

Photo: Group shot of 2025 program participants at Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2026 – Amid the global wave of technological advancement, the next generation of young leaders is presented with unprecedented growth opportunities. As such, today’s youth must learn beyond the boundary of traditional classrooms, engage with real communities, tackle social challenges with creative thinking, and chart sustainable paths for the future of humanity. To nurture young talents and turn inspiring ideas into tangible action, the Third Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program is now open for applications.

Photo: Group shot of 2025 program participants at Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Since its inception in 2024, the annual program has spent three consecutive years fostering outstanding young social innovators across Asia. The 2026 summer camp will be hosted by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and will center on the theme “Art + AI for Social Good.” It equips participants with practical AI skills, inspires creativity through art, and encourages collaboration across disciplines and cultures. Top teams from the Creative Challenge will receive seed funding and one-on-one mentorship to further scale their projects, boosting youth-led social innovation across Hong Kong and the broader Asian region.

Representing much more than a regular summer camp, this long-term initiative empowers young people to take action and drive social entrepreneurship. The past two cohorts have gathered nearly 100 exceptional high school students from all over Asia, with around 90% of them giving overwhelmingly positive feedback on their learning experience.

“I used to believe leadership was all about individual excellence,” shared a former participant. “Working in teams taught me that true leadership lies in uniting people and moving forward together.”

The previous sessions were held at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), with official support from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) under the Singapore Youth Programme. Under the guidance of seasoned practitioners from government, business, academia and social sectors, participants translated creative concepts into implementable projects. Standout initiatives including Silver Sayang which dedicated to alleviating elderly loneliness, and NourishMind which leverages AI to promote mental wellness and mindfulness, have secured seed funding and ongoing incubation support, delivering lasting social value. These success stories prove that young people can make a real difference when given the right platform and resources.

Richard Buttrey, Program Director at ARM, a world-leading semiconductor IP provider affiliated with the University of Cambridge and a veteran mentor of the program, commented, “Philanthropy is not always linked to young people. While youths may lack financial means, they hold a strong sense of fairness and justice, a quality widely recognized by top academic institutions, enterprises and the whole society.”

Viswa Sadasivan, former Member of Parliament of Singapore, also spoke highly of the program. “Participants will visit renowned charitable foundations and NGOs throughout the camp. We adopt immersive, experiential learning to make growth engaging and rewarding. Joining this program marks the first step toward a lifelong journey of giving and service.”

Keeping pace with AI trends, the 2026 program will select 50 outstanding young talents for a five-day immersive learning experience in Hong Kong. Participants will attend structured entrepreneurship workshops to develop sustainable business models, turning social solutions into financially viable and long-running public welfare projects. The core highlights of this year’s program are as follows:

  • Expert-led Workshops: Hands-on training in AI creative application, leadership development, public speaking and social project design.
  • Field Visits: On-site tours of local Hong Kong communities and NGOs to gain first-hand insights into social welfare issues.
  • Art + AI Creative Challenge: Cross-team competitions for innovative social impact solutions, with seed funding awarded to winning teams.

Concurrently, a dedicated Welfare Support Scheme is also launched alongside the main program. Full sponsorship, including travel expenses and accommodations, will be provided for students from remote impoverished areas in China and disadvantaged students worldwide, including student leaders among left-behind children supported by the Maitian Project. Online courses are additionally available for youth across Asia who are passionate about philanthropy. We welcome innovative-minded high school students to join us in Hong Kong this summer, and explore boundless possibilities where technology, art and social change intersect.

Program & Application Information

  • Venue: The University of Hong Kong
  • Eligibility: Youth aged 14 to 20, including high school and university students, with a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship and social welfare
  • Scholarship: All 50 selected participants will receive full scholarships covering all course and activity fees
  • Admission: Rolling admission. Applications will close once all vacancies are filled.
  • Application Link: https://www.nextgenphilanthropy.net/register-for-the nextgen-program-2026/

Based in Singapore, Good Soil Foundation commits to empowering the next generation of young leaders. Through education, experiential learning and impact investment, it cultivates future social entrepreneurs with global vision and a strong sense of social responsibility. To learn more, please visit our official website: https://goodsoilfoundationsg.com/ or follow our social media accounts.

Hashtag: #GoodSoilFoundation

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

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4. 2026 Hainan Cultural and Tourism Promotion Events Held in Hong Kong

June 18, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2026 – On June 16, the 2026 Hainan Cultural and Tourism Promotion Events, under the theme of “Sunny Hainan · Heart’s Desire,” were held in Hong Kong. Leaders from Hong Kong’s cultural and tourism authorities, heads of industry associations, and representatives of key cultural and tourism enterprises from home and abroad gathered to explore new opportunities for cooperation and draw up a blueprint for the industry’s future.

2026 Hainan Cultural and Tourism Promotion Events Held in Hong Kong

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2026 – On June 16, the 2026 Hainan Cultural and Tourism Promotion Events, under the theme of “Sunny Hainan · Heart’s Desire,” were held in Hong Kong. Leaders from Hong Kong’s cultural and tourism authorities, heads of industry associations, and representatives of key cultural and tourism enterprises from home and abroad gathered to explore new opportunities for cooperation and draw up a blueprint for the industry’s future.

2026 Hainan Cultural and Tourism Promotion Events Held in Hong Kong

Liu Xiaoming, Governor of the People’s Government of Hainan Province, and Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, attended the events and delivered speeches. During the promotional session, Chen Tiejun, Director of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province, unveiled the “Top Ten Calling Cards of Hainan Tourism,” which received enthusiastic responses and positive feedback from various sectors in Hong Kong. Attendees from Hong Kong unanimously agreed that Hong Kong and Hainan boast highly complementary cultural and tourism resources and immense potential for cooperation.

Since the launch of special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port, its distinctive opening-up advantages, such as “zero tariffs, low tax rates, a simplified tax system” and “tariff exemption for value-added processing,” have become increasingly prominent. These policies have continuously made Hainan more attractive to businesses and opened up broader opportunities for Hong Kong investors and entrepreneurs.

On the same day, at the “Invest in the Free Trade Port, Share New Opportunities” Symposium for Hong Kong Enterprises held in Hong Kong, four cooperation agreements were formally signed, covering high-end commerce, cultural and tourism integration, and regional industrial coordination. Hong Kong business representatives expressed strong interest in deepening their presence in Hainan.

Hainan and Hong Kong share a long history of cooperation, and in recent years, a steady stream of favorable policies has been introduced. Since the signing of the Hainan-Hong Kong Memorandum of Cooperation in March 2025, bilateral cooperation has accelerated across the board. In 2025, goods trade between the two sides reached RMB 9.35 billion, increasing by more than two times from 2020. A total of 793 new Hong Kong-funded enterprises were established in Hainan, a year-on-year increase of 21.5%. Hainan has also issued offshore RMB bonds in Hong Kong for four consecutive years, with a cumulative total of RMB 18 billion. Currently, an average of four direct flights operate daily between Hong Kong and Hainan, with the fastest travel time under two hours, facilitating the rapid emergence of the “Hainan-Hong Kong Living Circle.”

Hashtag: #HainanCulturalandTourismPromotionEvents

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

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5. CUHK ranks 18th in QS World University Rankings 2027

June 18, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “CUHK’s entry into the global top 20 marks a significant milestone in the University’s development and stands as a testament to the collective efforts of our faculty, students, alumni, and partners over the years. Rooted in Hong Kong, China’s most international city, CUHK is committed to the education of outstanding students and scholars from across the globe with a dynamic environment that integrates academic excellence, cultural diversity, and innovation. The notable rise in employer reputation underscores the effectiveness of CUHK’s collegiate system and liberal arts education, combined with the strengths of a research university. We are dedicated to nurturing a new generation of leaders with independent thinking, cross-cultural perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility, enabling them to excel across diverse fields. CUHK is also a global hub for academic excellence that brings together top scholars from around the world. The full score in the international faculty ratio once again highlights our sustained strength in attracting world-class talent.”

“Looking ahead, with the forthcoming launch of the CUHK Strategic Plan 2026–2030, we will deepen our strategic partnerships with leading universities, industries, and government organisations. By advancing impactful research and knowledge transfer, we aim to collaborate in addressing the common challenges facing humanity. We extend our sincere gratitude to the HKSAR Government, our nation and partners across sectors for their steadfast support, and warmly invite outstanding students, scholars, and collaborators from around the world to join us in shaping the next chapter of higher education.”

Source: Media Outreach

Advancement in international reputation, employer reputation, and global engagement

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2026 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has been ranked 18th globally in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2027, climbing 14 places from 32nd in the previous year and entering the global top 20 for the first time. This achievement reflects CUHK’s steady progress in the global higher education landscape, with notable improvements across multiple indicators, including employer reputation, international research network, international student ratio, and faculty student ratio. The University once again achieved a full score in the international faculty ratio, reinforcing its position as a leading research university in Asia with global recognition.

Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “CUHK’s entry into the global top 20 marks a significant milestone in the University’s development and stands as a testament to the collective efforts of our faculty, students, alumni, and partners over the years. Rooted in Hong Kong, China’s most international city, CUHK is committed to the education of outstanding students and scholars from across the globe with a dynamic environment that integrates academic excellence, cultural diversity, and innovation. The notable rise in employer reputation underscores the effectiveness of CUHK’s collegiate system and liberal arts education, combined with the strengths of a research university. We are dedicated to nurturing a new generation of leaders with independent thinking, cross-cultural perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility, enabling them to excel across diverse fields. CUHK is also a global hub for academic excellence that brings together top scholars from around the world. The full score in the international faculty ratio once again highlights our sustained strength in attracting world-class talent.”

“Looking ahead, with the forthcoming launch of the CUHK Strategic Plan 2026–2030, we will deepen our strategic partnerships with leading universities, industries, and government organisations. By advancing impactful research and knowledge transfer, we aim to collaborate in addressing the common challenges facing humanity. We extend our sincere gratitude to the HKSAR Government, our nation and partners across sectors for their steadfast support, and warmly invite outstanding students, scholars, and collaborators from around the world to join us in shaping the next chapter of higher education.”

The 2027 rankings assessed the performance of over 1,500 universities worldwide. CUHK showed substantial improvement across several indicators, including:

  • Rising 14 places to 18th globally, marking a historic high for CUHK;
  • Ranking second in Hong Kong in academic reputation, employer reputation, employment outcomes and sustainability;
  • Recording a notable rise in employer reputation, reflecting growing recognition among global employers of the professional competence and leadership potential of CUHK graduates;
  • Achieving full score in the international faculty ratio once again, highlighting the University’s strength in attracting top academic talent from around the world;
  • Recording significant improvements in indicators such as international research network, international student ratio, and faculty student ratio, reflecting CUHK’s continued progress in internationalisation and global engagement, as well as its ongoing efforts to enhance teaching support and the student learning experience.

This year’s ranking represents CUHK’s best performance since the introduction of the QS World University Rankings in 2010. Building on this milestone, the University will continue to enhance the quality of teaching and learning, strengthen its global academic networks and research impact, to nurture outstanding talent for China and the international community.

For QS World University Rankings 2027, please click here for more details.

https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/school/13045
https://x.com/cuhkofficial
https://www.facebook.com/CUHKofficial
https://www.instagram.com/thechineseuniversityofhongkong/
https://www.youtube.com/user/CUHKchannel

Hashtag: #CUHK #QS #Rankings

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

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6. Meat leads rise in exports in May – Overseas merchandise trade: May 2026 – Stats NZ news story and information release

June 19, 2026

19 June 2026

New Zealand’s total exports were valued at $8.9 billion in May 2026, up $1.4 billion (18 percent) compared with the same period last year, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

Leading the rise in total exports were meat (up $436 million), dairy (up $147 million), aluminium (up $134 million), and fruit (up $113 million).

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7. Northland News – Total Mobility Scheme changes – Supporting our communities through change

June 19, 2026

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Source: Northland Regional Council

Residents in Whangārei and the Far North who use the Total Mobility (TM) scheme need to be aware that there are changes coming to the service.
The government has introduced updates to how the Total Mobility scheme is funded and delivered across the country. The changes are being implemented nationwide to support the long-term sustainability of the programme.
These changes will result in some adjustments to fares and subsidies and will apply from Wednesday 01 July 2026.
The subsidy available to service users is changing nationally, from 75% to 65%, and there are some changes to capped fares. This will mean a small increased cost for most journeys, though longer trips may cost more.
There are no changes to day-to-day use of the service. The booking process, use of Total Mobility cards and taxi operators all remain the same.
All registered Total Mobility clients in Whangārei and the Far North will have received, or will receive, a letter or email informing them of the changes. This communication will clearly outline what is changing and how individual journeys will be impacted.
Northland Regional Council (NRC) member Joe Carr, Chair of the Regional Transport Committee, encourages clients, whānau and caregivers to take the time to read this information carefully.
“We understand that changes can be unsettling, especially for those who depend on the scheme for everyday activities such as medical appointments, shopping, and social connections and that any additional financial burden may be difficult.”
Councillor Carr says if clients have any questions, concerns, or need help understanding how these changes affect them, they should contact the NRC Transport team directly on 0800 002 004.
“Staff are available to provide guidance and answer any queries, ensuring people feel supported throughout the transition and can continue to access essential services and stay connected to their communities.”

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8. ADVISORY: MARCH FOR PEACE (AUCKLAND) – Greenpeace

June 19, 2026

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Source: Greenpeace

Tomorrow, Aucklanders will gather at Aotea Square for the March for Peace, a major public mobilisation calling on the Coalition Government to prioritise people and the planet over escalating international conflicts.
Hosted jointly by Anti-War Aotearoa (AWA) and Greenpeace Aotearoa, the hīkoi will demand a fully independent foreign policy grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, diplomacy, and international law. The march is a public response to what organisers call a dangerous shift in domestic priorities and escalating imperial aggression.
Spokespeople from both Greenpeace Aotearoa and Anti-War Aotearoa will be available for interviews on the ground.
WHEN:
Tomorrow – Saturday, 20 June 2026
12:00 PM (Noon) NZST
WHERE:
Starting at Aotea Square, Auckland, and marching down Queen Street.
SPOKESPEOPLE:
  • Gabriella Brayne, Spokesperson, Anti-War Aotearoa
  • Niamh O’Flynn, Programme Director, Greenpeace Aotearoa.

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9. GDP increases 0.8 percent in the March 2026 quarter – Gross domestic product: March 2026 quarter – Stats NZ news story and information release

June 19, 2026

17 June 2026

New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.8 percent in the March 2026 quarter, following a 0.5 percent increase in the December 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

“GDP rose 0.8 percent in the March 2026 quarter, and annual GDP growth was also 0.8 percent,” general manager and macroeconomic spokesperson Jason Attewell said.

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10. Tax Reform – Facebook just the tip of the iceberg of Big Tech tax minimisation – new report

June 18, 2026

Recent reporting has highlighted Facebook’s practice of minimising the tax they pay in Aotearoa New Zealand, but fresh analysis released by the Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign shows this is a widespread practice among multinational tech companies – not just Facebook, and the amount of money being moved offshore is increasing, taking our tax revenue with it.

In an update to the 2025 Big Tech Little Tax report, author Nick Miller reviews the most recent financial statements of some of the biggest technology companies and looks back over the last 5 years to examine the trends.  

“Google NZ paid away about 92% of its revenue in so called “service fees” to an associated company in Singapore in 2021 and has continued to do so every year, In that [5 year] period, its New Zealand revenues have increased by 66%…Google NZ has paid an aggregate sum of nearly $4.75bn to Google Asia Pacific Pte in Singapore while its average annual payment of corporate income tax [in New Zealand] has been about $6m.”

Source:  Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign

Recent reporting has highlighted Facebook’s practice of minimising the tax they pay in Aotearoa New Zealand, but fresh analysis released by the Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign shows this is a widespread practice among multinational tech companies – not just Facebook, and the amount of money being moved offshore is increasing, taking our tax revenue with it.

In an update to the 2025 Big Tech Little Tax report, author Nick Miller reviews the most recent financial statements of some of the biggest technology companies and looks back over the last 5 years to examine the trends.  

“Google NZ paid away about 92% of its revenue in so called “service fees” to an associated company in Singapore in 2021 and has continued to do so every year, In that [5 year] period, its New Zealand revenues have increased by 66%…Google NZ has paid an aggregate sum of nearly $4.75bn to Google Asia Pacific Pte in Singapore while its average annual payment of corporate income tax [in New Zealand] has been about $6m.”

“[Amazon Web Services New Zealand Ltd’s] revenues have increased by over 400% in the same 5 year period. The amount paid out as a service fee to its parent and other group companies quickly rose in 2022 to over 70%  of revenue and has remained at that level. AWS NZ has therefore paid away almost $1.25bn to Amazon group companies  over the 5 years while paying just over $10m in tax.”

[Report extract]

The updated report also looks at the two Uber operating companies and finds that they appear remarkably similar to Google and Facebook in terms of the size of the “service fees” paid to associated companies, how little taxable profits are reported and that almost no corporate income tax is paid here.

“This updated research shows that for at least the past five years, many of these Big Tech companies have been describing as “service fees” payments to group companies that appear likely to be mainly for the use of intellectual property. These ought to be regarded as “royalties” under existing New Zealand law and double taxation agreements, and subject to withholding taxes,” says report author, Nick Miller.

“By miscategorising these payments, companies that are earning aggregate revenues of billions of dollars in New Zealand are avoiding these taxes and minimising the overall tax they are contributing back into our economy.”

Another area of concern is the  practice adopted by Microsoft and Amazon data centres operating in New Zealand whereby the local subsidiaries receive a service fee from group companies while the actual revenue earned by the centre seems likely to be reported elsewhere.

There are still more companies that we don’t know anything about because they are not required to file financial statements because their assets were less than $22 million or their revenue was less than $11 million.

“These companies include MasterCard NZ, Netflix NZ, Booking,Com, AirBnB even though it is obvious that the revenues earned in New Zealand by these groups are going to be many times greater than $11m…these companies operate a “service company” model  in which the New Zealand subsidiary is remunerated for services while the revenue generated by the activities of the subsidiary here is paid offshore.”

[Report extract]

“Overall a conservative estimate of the tax loss to New Zealand over the last five years is over $600 million from just eight of the big tech companies. This excludes many tax minimising multinationals, including those that aren’t disclosing their financials,” says Miller.  

“Just this week we’ve seen Elon Musk be crowned the first trillionaire, and tech loomed large in the NBR’s Rich List. These companies are generating enormous profits for their executives and shareholders, relying on our infrastructure and services, but are not paying their fair share to maintain them. The Government needs to stand up for local businesses and hard working New Zealanders and make Big Tech pay.”

Read the updated analysis: https://www.bettertaxes.nz/big_tech_little_tax_update?e=a058f8e1b0ba0a060f4e57ba89e35ae1&utm_source=tja&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=big_tech_update&n=3

Read the 2025 Big Tech Little Tax full report. See recommendations from Big Tech Little Tax report here: https://www.bettertaxes.nz/big_tech_little_tax?e=a058f8e1b0ba0a060f4e57ba89e35ae1&utm_source=tja&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=big_tech_update&n=5

MIL OSI

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