PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 25, 2026 – Full Text

MIL OSI

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – In a labour market shaped by rapid industry transformation and evolving skills demands, the link between higher education and employment outcomes has become a key consideration for students and families evaluating their education pathways.

In Singapore today, employability is no longer defined by academic achievement alone. Employers are looking for graduates who can apply knowledge in real workplace settings, work across cultures, adapt to new technologies and continue learning as industries evolve. This is especially relevant as Singapore’s labour market continues to move towards growth areas such as digitalisation, technology, sustainability, healthcare, business transformation and professional services.

Against this backdrop, Singapore Institute of Management Global Education, or SIM GE, continues to strengthen its role as a private education institution that prepares learners for the demands of today’s workplace and the opportunities of tomorrow’s economy.

Employability begins with industry relevance
For prospective students, one of the biggest considerations when choosing a higher education pathway is whether their studies will remain relevant by the time they graduate. This is particularly important in a job market where roles are changing quickly and where employers increasingly value both technical capability and transferable workplace skills.

SIM GE addresses this by offering a broad range of academic programmes through partnerships with reputable universities from Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. These programmes span disciplines such as business, computing, social sciences, aviation, nursing and other applied fields, giving students access to international curricula while studying in Singapore.

This global education model is particularly relevant for Singapore’s open economy. Graduates entering the workforce are expected to understand local business realities while being able to operate in regional and international contexts. By learning from local and international faculty, and studying alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, SIM students are exposed to global perspectives that can support their workplace readiness.

Career support that connects learning to work
Employability also depends on how students translate classroom learning into career action. At SIM GE, career preparation is supported through Career Connect, which provides career workshops, career guidance, résumé reviews, mock interviews, profiling support, internship and job opportunities, as well as career events such as company visits, networking sessions, career talks and fairs.

This structured support is important because many students do not only need a qualification, they also need guidance in understanding industries, articulating their strengths, preparing for interviews and building professional networks. These practical areas can influence how confidently graduates enter the job market.

Through CareerSense, SIM students can also access an integrated online platform to browse and apply for internships, jobs and career events. This helps students take a more proactive approach to career planning while creating a clearer bridge between academic life and employment opportunities.

Real world exposure through internships and traineeships
One of the strongest contributors to graduate employability is exposure to work before graduation. Internships allow students to understand workplace expectations, test their skills in real business scenarios and build confidence before entering full time employment. SIM GE supports this through internships with a range of employers, from SMEs to multinational corporations. Its Work Integrated Learning for Life initiatives and internship related awards further encourage students to gain practical experience and develop holistically across cognitive, interpersonal and applied skills.

For fresh graduates, SIM’s Graduate Traineeship Programme provides structured traineeship opportunities across industries, typically lasting three to six months. The programme is designed to help graduates gain hands on experience, build workplace confidence and develop industry relevant capabilities as they transition into full time employment. This emphasis on work exposure responds directly to a key concern among prospective students, which is whether they will be ready for employment after graduation. By combining academic learning with career guidance, internships and traineeships, SIM GE helps students build not only credentials but also workplace familiarity.

The value of practical exposure is reflected in the experience of Keisha Shevila, a SIM-University of Wollongong Computer Science graduate who secured a Software Engineer role before completing her degree. In sharing her journey, she credited Career Connect with helping her better understand the job search process and preparing her “more confidently for entering the workforce”.

Building future ready graduates through skills and adaptability
The future of work is increasingly shaped by AI, automation, sustainability and cross functional collaboration. In this environment, students need more than role specific knowledge. They need adaptability, communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness and the confidence to keep learning.

SIM GE’s broader student experience supports this development. Beyond academic programmes, students can participate in more than 70 student clubs and co-curricular activities that build leadership, communication and teamwork skills. The EDGE Award, developed in partnership with employers, recognises students’ cumulative achievements across their learning journey and encourages a more holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

SIM GE’s diverse learning environment also plays an important role. With students from more than 50 nationalities, the campus experience provides opportunities for cultural exchange, collaboration and global awareness. These are qualities that are increasingly valuable in multinational and regional workplaces.

Aligning with Singapore’s skills first economy
Singapore’s workforce strategy continues to place strong emphasis on skills, lifelong learning and adaptability. National reports and government agencies have highlighted rising demand in areas linked to the digital, green and care economies, as well as the importance of AI literacy and transferable skills. This makes higher education choices more consequential. Prospective students are not simply choosing a programme. They are choosing a platform for long term career resilience.

SIM GE’s approach aligns with this direction by combining academic pathways, global university partnerships, employability support, industry exposure and continuous skills development. Its graduate outcomes also reflect this emphasis, with SIM reporting a secured employment rate of 81 per cent based on the Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey 2024/2025.

Preparing graduates for Singapore today and tomorrow
Employability in Singapore today is shaped by industry relevance, practical exposure and future ready skills. SIM GE’s proposition sits at the intersection of these priorities. For students, this means access to internationally recognised academic pathways, career services, internships, traineeships, employer engagement, student development opportunities and a diverse campus environment. For employers, it means a pool of graduates who have been encouraged to build both knowledge and workplace ready capabilities.

As prospective students consider their higher learning options, the question is no longer only what they can study. It is also how that education will prepare them for the future of work. For SIM GE graduates, the answer lies in an education experience designed not only to support academic achievement but also to develop employable, adaptable and globally minded individuals ready to contribute to Singapore’s evolving economy.

References

1. The SIM Advantage – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/sim-advantage
2. SIM Career Services – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
3. Achieving the three “Beyond” at individual, industry and institutional levels: Minister Chan Chun Sing at the inaugural SIM Future of Work Series – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/achieving-the-three-beyonds-at-individual-industry-and-institutional-levels
4. How One International Student Graduated Career-Ready: Keisha Shevila’s Journey at SIM – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-one-international-student-graduated-career-ready-keisha-shevila-journey-at-sim
5. Job Vacancies 2025: Labour demand gradually shifting to growth areas as firms adjust hiring plans – https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2026/0320-job-vacancies-report-2025
6. Opening Address by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Education for the Launch of the Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 2025, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre – https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/speeches/20250122-opening-address-by-ms-gan-siow-huang-minister-of-state-ministry-of-education-for-the-launch-of-the-skills-demand-for-the-future-economy-report-2025-marina-bay-sands-expo-and-convention-centre
7. SDFE 2025 report – https://jobsandskills.skillsfuture.gov.sg/sdfe-2025

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

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Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – As organizations across Southeast Asia accelerate digital transformation and AI adoption, cybersecurity has become a strategic priority. At the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Launch Event held in Bangkok on June 23–24, ASUS Thailand and WebComm Technology jointly unveiled Thailand’s first integrated “Zero Trust PC” aligned with Thailand’s Digital Identity and cybersecurity initiatives, combining hardware security with FIDO-based passwordless and biometric authentication to help organizations strengthen security.

The newly launched ASUS ExpertBook Ultra offers powerful AI computing capabilities, advanced security features, and business-ready manageability. Through integration with WebComm’s OETH passwordless authentication platform or OETHenticator AI fingerprint authenticator, organizations can continuously verify identities and device access under a Zero Trust framework.

Thailand has also accelerated its cybersecurity initiatives across government, education, finance, and enterprise sectors in recent years. Government agencies including the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA), and the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) have actively promoted stronger frameworks, trusted Digital Identity (TDID), digital onboarding, and secure electronic transactions. ETDA is also developing digital identity authentication capabilities based on FIDO standards and integrating them with national identity platforms to strengthen secure and passwordless authentication across Thailand’s digital ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Bank of Thailand continues to enhance risk management and secure authentication requirements for digital financial services and mobile banking.

WebComm OETH enables passwordless login and multi-factor authentication(MFA) while supporting a Zero Trust architecture that helps organizations safeguard sensitive data and strengthen access security. The platform offers seamless SaaS-based hardware-software integration, enabling enterprises to accelerate implementation while maintaining low operational costs.

Complementing the platform, OETHenticator is an AI chip-based fingerprint authenticator that delivers comprehensive, ultra-fast verification with FIDO2 standards for both desktop and mobile environments. Beyond enterprise security, FIDO-based authentication can also help organizations address evolving regulatory expectations for secure customer authentication in mobile banking, digital payments, e-KYC, and online services, while reducing fraud risks and improving user convenience. WebComm also provides Level 1 local technical support in Thailand to ensure smooth deployment and ongoing operations.

“Organizations today need security solutions that protect sensitive information without compromising user experience,” said Charles Liu, Director, ASUS Thailand. “By combining the ASUS Business PC series with WebComm’s OETH passwordless authentication, we are helping organizations strengthen cybersecurity through Zero Trust. We believe this partnership will support Thailand’s digital transformation journey and accelerate adoption of identity security practices.”

Jay Chen, General Manager of WebComm Technology, added, “WebComm is committed to delivering intelligent cybersecurity solutions. Together with ASUS, we help enterprises enhance security with a seamless user experience while accelerating Zero Trust adoption across industries.”

As a Taiwan-listed cybersecurity company, WebComm serves more than 70% of Taiwan’s banking sector. The collaboration demonstrates how integrated hardware and software innovation can help organizations build resilient cyber defenses in the AI era. Together, the two companies are committed to expanding Zero Trust adoption across Thailand and empowering enterprises to embrace a more secure digital future.

https://www.webcomm.com.tw/web/en
https://www.linkedin.com/company/webcommtechnology
https://www.facebook.com/WebcommTechnology
https://www.instagram.com/webcomm.tw/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKEBZIlrUNGiMk5MQF99ICA

Hashtag: #ASUS #FIDO

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

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MIL OSI

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC) has signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading partners in the exhibition, events, and trade promotion sectors, including Informa Markets, NC Network, Exporum, Vinexad, Chaoyu Expo, and the Vietnam Exhibition & Convention Association (VECA). These partnerships create new opportunities to develop and expand a series of international-scale exhibitions and events in Vietnam.

Under the agreements, VEC and its partners will collaborate to develop, co-organize, and expand specialized exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences, and international events in Vietnam. The parties will also explore opportunities to create new exhibition brands and attract established global event series to be held regularly at VEC’s exhibition and event facilities.

The partnerships with Informa Markets, NC Network, Exporum, Chaoyu Expo, and Vinexad will provide VEC with access to a global network of leading exhibition organizers, enhancing its ability to attract large-scale B2B exhibitions, increase international trade visitor traffic, and maximize infrastructure utilization. The parties will also explore deeper collaboration models, including the joint development and ownership of high-growth exhibition brands in Vietnam, while supporting the international expansion of Vietnamese trade fairs, exhibitions, and event brands.

Through its collaboration with the Vietnam Exhibition & Convention Association (VECA), VEC aims to build strong relationships with the multinational business community in the exhibition industry, expand bilateral trade promotion opportunities, and attract high-level international business delegations to conduct business directly in Vietnam.

Centered around the theme “Strategic Partnerships – Setting Standards – Leading the Future,” the signing ceremony marks a significant milestone in VEC’s development and reinforces its strategic ambition to co-own and develop a new generation of internationally-recognized exhibition and conference brands. This ecosystem of strategic partners will not only strengthen VEC’s capabilities in hosting international events but also enable the organization to participate more deeply in the exhibition and events value chain, from infrastructure operations to the co-creation of high-value exhibition products. At the same time, VEC’s partners will gain greater opportunities to expand their business activities in Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets, while leveraging the advantages of VEC’s large-scale, state-of-the-art exhibition complex.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Pham Thi Hien, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Business Development and Marketing at Vietnam Exposition Center, said: “As part of our market development strategy, VEC sees its role as far more than simply providing venue space for events. We aspire to be a strategic partner, working closely with organizers, businesses, and industry associations to attract investment and elevate the scale and standing of specialized exhibitions. We believe today’s strategic partnerships will create new momentum for growth, proactively bringing more world-class exhibitions and high-quality business networking programs to Vietnam. Our ultimate goal is to help position Vietnam as a new destination and a strategic connectivity hub for the region.”

The signing ceremony comes at a pivotal time for Vietnam’s exhibition, events, and advertising industries, which face an urgent need to restructure, enhance competitiveness, and align with international standards. These efforts are expected to contribute to a new era for the country’s cultural industries and experience economy.

In the coming period, VEC will continue to establish strategic partnerships with leading domestic and international organizations, launching a series of landmark events that reinforce its role as a national hub for trade, culture, and large-scale events. These initiatives will contribute to positioning Vietnam as one of Asia’s premier destinations for exhibitions and events.

Hashtag: #VEC

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

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Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Paris VivaTech 2026, Europe’s largest startup and technology event, has successfully concluded. The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) led four top Hong Kong innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises in a strong showing, presenting Hong Kong’s cutting-edge technologies in emerging and future industries, including smart mobility, green technology, advanced manufacturing and the low-altitude economy, to global industry leaders, technology experts and investors from around the world. This year, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in partnership with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels as a Strategic Partner, has set up the “Hong Kong Tech Pavilion”. As one of the supporting organisations, HKPC collaborated with various partners to collectively advance the growth of Hong Kong’s vibrant I&T ecosystem.

As one of the members of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s GoGlobal Task Force, HKPC provides enterprises with “Six Tactics to Go Global” through “The Cradle – Go Global Service Centre” (The Cradle), delivering comprehensive going-global services spanning smart manufacturing, international standards and testing services, as well as technology R&D and evaluation. HKPC actively empowers both Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to expand into global markets. Simultaneously, HKPC is actively enabling European and international enterprises to access the Chinese Mainland market through Hong Kong, fully building a seamless, two-way bridge that highlights Hong Kong’s unique strategic advantage as an indispensable “two-way springboard”.

Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC, attended the Hong Kong Seminar-cum-Networking Reception, themed “Building Resilient Tech Ecosystems: Powering the Next Wave of International Tech Leadership from Hong Kong,” organised by the HKTDC, engaging in in-depth exchanges with global industry leaders to advance Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T centre connected to the global innovation ecosystem.

Empowering Local I&T Enterprises to Seize Global Business Opportunities, Deepening Two-way Collaboration Between the Chinese Mainland and Europe

Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC, said: “As one of the world’s leading technology events, VivaTech serves as an exceptional gateway for Hong Kong’s I&T enterprises to step onto the international stage. HKPC continues to lead the industry in participating in prestigious exhibitions at home and abroad, showcasing Hong Kong’s R&D strengths in full. Hong Kong’s unique advantage in integrating with the world allows it to provide high-quality strategic support that helps Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to ‘go global’, while also serving as a key ‘two-way springboard’ that helps outstanding European and international enterprises entre the Chinese Mainland market through Hong Kong. HKPC will continue its unique position as a bridge, driving complementary strengths and fostering mutually beneficial collaboration across regions.”

He added that since its establishment, “The Cradle” has received more than 500 expressions of interest and has provided over 300 projects with go global services, including preliminary assessments, smart manufacturing technologies, testing and certification, as well as on-site visits. Drawing on HKPC’s extensive experience in leading enterprises to go global, HKPC will continue to empower more I&T enterprises successfully expand overseas and tap into global markets.

Top-tier and Diverse I&T Achievements Make Their Debut, Shining on the European Tech Stage

The four participating Hong Kong I&T enterprises showcased a range of cutting-edge technology fields to the European market at the “Hong Kong Tech Pavilion”, including Asgard Group Limited, specialising in smart energy and EV charging solutions; Laputa Eco-Construction Material Company Ltd, which develops sustainable construction technology, specialising in carbon capture and utilisation technologies; Oriental Materials Hong Kong Limited, which focuses on advanced manufacturing and manufacturing of semiconductor equipment; and Harmony SkyTech Limited, which specialises in the low-altitude economy and unmanned systems.

Representatives from all four I&T enterprises agreed that their participation helped them tap into cross-regional business opportunities, making a significant landmark for Hong Kong’s I&T sector, while HKPC’s “The Cradle” provided indispensable professional team support, helping them align precisely with international technical standards and localise their products, serving as a solid backing for their cross-regional expansion and rapid entry onto the international stage.

https://www.hkpc.org/en/

Hashtag: #HKPC

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

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Source: Media Outreach

Backed by US$300 million in funding, the company provides a multi-model platform, local deployment teams, and Forward Deployed Engineers to accelerate AI adoption in enterprises.

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Source: New Zealand Government

It is a genuine pleasure to join you at this important Agriculture Conference — a key gathering for our primary sector as we look ahead to the opportunities and challenges shaping rural New Zealand’s future.

I want to acknowledge our MC Rowena, and all the industry leaders and representatives here today who champion the interests of farmers, growers, foresters, and processors. Your commitment to rural New Zealand, often without fanfare, strengthens our country immeasurably.

In particular, I want to recognise Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford and thank you for your considerable leadership and vision. A big part of why farming is doing so well is the advocacy that you and Federated Farmers have undertaken over the last three years. A clear example of this impact is Prime Minister Luxon’s announcement of $109 million for wilding pine control — the result of sustained, effective advocacy on an issue that is genuinely damaging productive farmland.

Minister of Agriculture Future Leaders Scholarship

The quality of leadership I’ve seen across the primary sector over the past three years has led me to focus on how we grow the farm leaders of tomorrow. At the Fieldays opening two weeks ago, I announced the Minister of Agriculture Future Leaders Scholarship — a new initiative to support emerging talent in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry with grants of $10,000 for study, capability building, and industry experience.

I’m grateful that the Fieldays and Ravensdown have joined me as partners, and I’m pleased to confirm that five scholars will be announced each year at the Fieldays, ensuring the next generation of leaders — those who embody the Kiwi can-do spirit — can continue to drive this sector forward.

There Has Never Been a Better Time to Farm

Farming has never been easy, and recent seasons have tested resilience — with dry conditions on parts of the East Coast, storms in the Bay of Plenty, around Otorohanga, and across Southland, Tasman, and Marlborough, alongside volatile international markets, geopolitical tensions, and evolving trade policies.

Yet the results you are delivering are truly remarkable. I would argue there has never been a better time to be a food producer — in New Zealand or around the world. In the face of growing protectionism, higher tariffs, and the disruptions caused by geopolitical uncertainty, you continue to produce more and earn more for every New Zealander.

Fixing the Basics and Building the Future

You may have heard the National Party’s focus over recent months: fixing the basics and building the future. That means fixing healthcare, restoring educational achievement so children learn to read, write, and do maths, restoring law and order with fewer ram raids and reduced violent crime — and supporting the primary sector by simplifying rules and working with farmers, not against them. That is commonsense governing.

And, in return, you are helping us build the future: a growing economy, more jobs, higher wages, and a farming community whose contribution is recognised and who have every right to be proud.

Record Results: A Sector on the Rise

New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is on an extraordinary trajectory. The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI), released just two weeks ago, forecasts export revenue of $64.3 billion for the year to June 2026 — a strong performance driven by robust dairy and red meat prices, growth in apples and kiwifruit, and favourable exchange rates.

Dairy is forecast to reach a record $28.6 billion. Meat and wool are at $14.1 billion. Horticulture is approaching $9.5 billion, and forestry remains a key contributor. These figures are not abstract — they support the wages of hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, sustain provincial towns and communities, and underpin our ability to invest in infrastructure, health, and education across the country.

This Government’s vision is clear: to position New Zealand as a world-leading, high-value producer of premium, sustainable food and fibre. We are on track to double the value of our exports within a decade, and the latest forecasts show we are ahead of schedule. By 2030, we are looking at primary exports exceeding $70 billion. I salute every farmer, grower, and processor whose innovation and hard work are making this possible.

Regulatory Reform: Ending the War on Farming

When we took office, the sector faced an ever-growing regulatory burden that eroded certainty and increased compliance costs. We have acted decisively to change this.

The first RMA Amendment Act removed prescriptive winter grazing consents, shifted stock exclusion to a risk-based approach, and better integrated farm environment plans with freshwater requirements.

We are now replacing the Resource Management Act with a modern framework — the Natural and Built Environments Act — that will deliver simpler, more predictable consenting, fewer prescriptive rules, and clearer national direction. This is not about removing environmental standards; it is about making them workable and practical so that farmers can focus on production while delivering genuine environmental outcomes. Improved environmental performance is a must — but it can and should be achieved without imposing unnecessary and excessive costs on the primary sector.

Waikato – Plan Change 1

I know many in this room are concerned about the potential effects of Plan Change 1 in the Waikato. I met with Minister Bishop yesterday to make the case for Waikato farmers. It does not make sense to have a new national planning system adopted by Parliament before the election, while the Waikato remains subject to rules developed under the old system. Minister Bishop will instruct officials to provide advice on options to better align rule-making in the Waikato with the replaced RMA.

Catchment Groups: Backing Local, Farmer-Led Solutions

One of the strongest examples of genuine partnership is the growth of farmer-led catchment groups. These practical, locally focused initiatives are delivering real environmental improvements on the ground.

Two weeks ago, I announced further support through a total commitment of $40.5 million over four years for catchment groups. This includes $13.5 million in the 2026/27 year for 17 catchment collectives, representing 51 individual groups and thousands of farmers. We are also working on longer-term funding certainty, including support for the New Zealand Landcare Trust. These groups have proven their value — they deserve stability and scaled-up backing.

Trade: Opening Markets and Creating Opportunity

Domestic reforms and innovation only matter if we have viable, high-value markets in which to sell. That is why this Government has pursued a deliberate “And” trade strategy — advancing new agreements with India while strengthening and deepening ties with China, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, the UAE, and the GCC. This balanced approach is delivering real results for New Zealand exporters, particularly our primary sector.

We are seeing strong momentum across key markets. Exports to the United Kingdom have risen 79 percent over the past three years, driven predominantly by our food and fibre industries. Trade with the European Union has generated an additional $3 billion in exports in just the first two years, again with the bulk coming from the primary sector. 

Exports to China have reached $42.3 billion this year, supported by a beef quota that now exceeds Australia’s. The UAE has recorded a 34 percent increase in trade in the first six months alone, while even in the challenging environment of 10 to 15 percent US tariffs, our exports to the United States have grown by 4 percent year-on-year, with beef and kiwifruit returning to zero-tariff access.

The New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement, signed in April this year, stands as one of the most significant market access breakthroughs in a generation for our primary industries. This landmark deal opens the door to a market of 1.4 billion people and provides tariff reductions or elimination on 95 percent of our current exports to India. Key wins include immediate duty-free access for sheep meat and wool, seafood, and infant formula; substantial new quota access for apples — the first preferential access India has granted in any FTA — and tariff-free entry for kiwifruit within quota, with a 50 percent tariff reduction outside it.

Horticultural exporters will also gain improved access for avocados, cherries, blueberries, and other products, while over 95 percent of forestry products will enter tariff-free immediately. Together with gains in wine, honey, and selected dairy ingredients, these outcomes will deliver higher returns for our farmers, growers, and processors, create jobs on the land, and bring new vitality to rural communities. We expect lamb exports alone to double within the first year.

We campaigned on doubling the value of New Zealand’s exports within ten years. Since taking office, we have already delivered a $17 billion increase and remain firmly on track to achieve that goal — with the primary sector continuing to do the heavy lifting.

But we now have more market access and greater international consumer demand than we can currently satisfy. Consumers around the world choose New Zealand food and fibre because of its reputation for quality, safety, and environmental integrity. Grass-fed, safe, nutritious — they value the story of cows on pasture and sheep on the hills, and your commitment to clean water and environmental care.

But those consumers have choices. On the supermarket shelves of the world, they can look to Australia, Ireland, or any number of countries making similar claims. Our challenge — and our opportunity — is to produce more, in ways that strengthen rather than compromise our environmental standing.

Land Use Flexibility: Backing Kiwi Farmers and Growers to Feed the World

At the Fieldays I announced a significant new policy: Land Use Flexibility — backing Kiwi farmers and growers to feed the world. The principle is straightforward. If you can demonstrate the same or an improved environmental and climate footprint, you should have the freedom to choose what you use your land for. With one exception: I have banned the conversion of productive land to pine trees for carbon farming.

Using science and innovation to produce more from the same amount of land — or less — is something Kiwi farmers have done for generations: larger ewes, more meat per hectare, increased dairy solids per unit of production, the development of gold and red kiwifruit varieties, better apple cultivars. This is in our DNA.

To underpin this, we have announced six projects in partnership with the private sector, worth $143 million in total, to pilot and prove these concepts — in dairy to reduce nitrate loss, in sheep and beef to maximise pasture utilisation, in horticulture to boost kiwifruit production, in forestry to add value to our wood, on whenua Māori, and in aquaculture to make better use of land and sea resources. These are real projects on real farms, demonstrating that greater flexibility, paired with smart technology and investment, delivers both higher productivity and better environmental performance.

This is our strategy: workable rules, targeted innovation funding, and genuine trust in those who know the land best.

Conclusion

This National-led Government is unequivocally committed to the success of New Zealand’s primary industries as a core governing priority. Our vision is a resilient, innovative, high-value sector that drives national prosperity, supports thriving rural communities, and leads the world in sustainable production.

The SOPI numbers tell a compelling story of growth and optimism. But they are the result of your work. We will continue delivering workable regulations, practical environmental solutions, strong trade access, and investment in innovation and people.

We are with you. Keep building. Keep growing. And know that this Government will do everything in its power to ensure New Zealand agriculture remains competitive, profitable, and sustainable for generations to come.
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/25/primary-industries-new-zealand-summit/

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac will fund all medicines used in community emergency care to support Primary Response in Medical Emergency (PRIME) services from 1 July 2026. PRIME services are delivered by specially trained GPs and nurses who act as first responders in rural areas where ambulance services are not always immediately available.

These rural health practitioners now have access to the same emergency, trauma and pain medicines as their hospital and ambulance colleagues, reducing long-standing gaps between urban and rural emergency care.

Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network Clinical Director Rural Health, Dr Rebekah Doran, says the announcement reflects both clinical necessity and sustained rural advocacy. 

“In rural practice, time and distance matter,” she says. “When transfer to hospital can take an hour or more, what you have available in the clinic, the home, or at the roadside can directly influence an outcome.”

Previously, some community-based emergency services didn’t have access to the same funded medicines as hospital and ambulance teams, affecting people’s ability to get the medicines they needed, when they needed them.

“This change will ensure people living in rural areas will have access to the same quality of emergency medical treatment as those living in major urban centres,” says Pharmac’s Director Strategy, Policy, and Performance, Michael Johnson.

“It will mean that rural health professionals have funded access to key medicines, that will reduce imbalances in health care that existed between city and country areas.”

The newly funded medicines from March this year include droperidol, glucose (5% 100 ml bag and 10% 500 ml bag), ketamine, methoxyflurane, intravenous tranexamic acid, enoxaparin 100 mg, and from 1 July 2026 tenecteplase 50mg.

“These medicines have been made available through Practitioner Supply Orders (PSO), meaning that authorised health professionals can stock them in advance so they are available for emergency situations,” says Johnson.

Dr Doran says funded access to methoxyflurane, for acute pain is a meaningful addition for PRIME services.

“Some rural PRIME sites have previously purchased methoxyflurane themselves because they could see the immediate benefit for patients in acute pain. Public funding recognises its clinical value and removes that cost pressure from local services.”

Pharmac is also funding ketamine for uncontrollable pain in people receiving palliative care in their communities.

“Ketamine was previously funded for palliative care in hospitals, but not in the community,” says Johnson. “Now it’s available by prescription or able to be pre-stocked in rest homes and hospices so that people can get it when they need it.

“These changes are a practical step toward strengthening rural health services and ensuring people can access timely, high-quality emergency care, no matter where they live.”

From 1 July, Pharmac will also fund medicines used by ambulance services, following a Government decision to transfer this responsibility from Health NZ and ACC. This supports a more consistent and coordinated approach to emergency care across New Zealand.

Decision to fund treatments in the community for trauma and medical emergencies, and ketamine for palliative care

Decision to update the Pharmaceutical Schedule for ambulance medicines, and tenecteplase for pre-hospital care

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/funding-strengthens-rural-emergency-response/

Source: New Zealand Government

Travellers arriving on a new, simpler travel option for eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors have already brought $215 million into New Zealand’s economy in only six months, a new analysis has found.

Since launching in November 2025, the 12‑month visa waiver trial for eligible Chinese and Pacific people travelling from Australia has made it faster and cheaper to visit New Zealand.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the trial has been a runaway success.

“The trial has really taken off, with more than 92,000 requests approved so far, and more than 80,000 Chinese and Pacific travellers already arriving using the new pathway.

“It goes to show that when the Government pays attention to the details and fixes the basics, small changes can yield big results for New Zealanders.”

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says halfway through, the trial is off to a flying start.

“Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment analysis of the first six months of the 12-month trial shows it directly resulted in an increase of more than 40 per cent in Chinese visitor arrivals, with travellers on the trial pathway delivering an estimated $215 million boost to the economy.

“That’s tourism dollars flowing into the New Zealand economy. It’s people filling hotel rooms, cafes, restaurants and shops. It’s jobs and incomes for Kiwis, and it’s growth for New Zealand businesses across the country.

“Tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export earner and provides jobs for one in nine New Zealanders, and it’s on a positive trajectory.

“Stats NZ’s most recent data shows total visitor arrivals for the month of April were up by 21,300 on the previous year. Chinese visitors made up more than half of that with a significant increase of 11,100 from April 2025.

“It’s great to see so many people making the most of the opportunity to come and experience all we have to offer here in New Zealand. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors during the next six months of this trial.”

Decisions on next steps for the trial will be made after a full evaluation at the end of the 12-month trial period.

Until further decisions are made, eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors will be able to continue to travel to New Zealand from Australia with a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) rather than a visitor visa.

Note to editor:

• Since November 2025, eligible Chinese and Pacific Island Forum passport holders travelling to New Zealand from Australia no longer need to obtain a visitor visa. Instead, as part of the 12-month trial, they can request a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
• Instead of spending $441 for a visitor visa and waiting an average of 4 days, individuals from China travelling via Australia can pay as little as $117 and have their request for an NZeTA processed in less than 72 hours. Individuals from the Pacific can pay as little as $17 instead of spending $216 for a visitor visa and waiting an average of four days.
• More details on the numbers, including a breakdown of Chinese and Pacific travellers, can be found on the INZ website: Background on the NZeTA: Why it was introduced and key statistics: Immigration New Zealand

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/25/215-million-boost-from-new-travel-option/