AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 26, 2026 – Full Text
1. Clarity for Herds of Special Interest confirmed
June 25, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager is welcoming the passing of legislation to clarify how a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) operates in a national park.
The Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament today, ensuring there is no requirement to exterminate valued introduced species that have been designated as a HOSI in a national park.
Mr Meager says it represents a minor but important change to ensure the legislation for designating a HOSI is clear and unambiguous.
“The National Parks Act’s requirement to ‘exterminate’ introduced animals as far as possible was potentially at odds with the purpose of designating a HOSI, which is to manage game animals for hunting purposes while preserving conservation outcomes,” Mr Meager says.
“The Game Animal Council Act always intended for a HOSI to be allowed in national parks. This passing of this legislation provides clarity and certainty for all involved. It retains the requirements for a HOSI to be consistent with New Zealand’s wider conservation framework, including the preservation of indigenous habitats and natural features.
“HOSIs are another tool to effectively and sustainably manage deer, tahr, and other valued introduced species on our conservation estate. By utilising hunter-led conservation groups we can manage deer numbers down to healthier, sustainable herd levels, while better protecting our biodiversity.
“Groups like the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation and the Central North Island Sika Foundation undertake significant trapping and track maintenance, helping to control dangerous predators which kill our native birds.
“I thank all members of the public who gave their views on the Bill at the Environment Select Committee process.
“I expect to make decisions on whether to formally designate sika and wapiti deer as New Zealand’s first Herds of Special Interest in the near future.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/25/clarity-for-herds-of-special-interest-confirmed/
Back to index · Read original article
2. FIRED UP STILETTOS CELEBRATES AS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR CONTRACTORS BECOMES MORE LIKELY
June 25, 2026
The Economic Development, Science, and Innovation subcommittee has released its report on the Commerce Act (Promoting Competition and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. As it goes back to the House for its second reading, Fired Up Stilettos (FUS) is very happy to see one of its key policy platforms, and several other recommendations, will likely soon become law. (ref. https://selectcommittees.parliament.nz/v/6/40e720f9-32c7-452b-64a2-08dec1e20b6a?lang=en )
Since its founding in 2023, Fired Up Stilettos has fought for the right to collectively bargain while maintaining sex workers’ independent contracting status. They have always expressed a preference to be treated as independent contractors, but they say the asymmetric power dynamics between venues and workers mean they are often highly surveilled, controlled, and punished far beyond what could ever be appropriate for an employee–nevermind a supposedly independent contractor. They wanted to collectively demand better treatment from clubs, but doing so risked prosecution. The Commerce Act 1986 prohibited collective bargaining among contractors in almost all circumstances, as it was legally considered cartel-like behaviour. Independent contractors were allowed to apply for authorisation to collectively bargain through the Commerce Commission, but the application fee alone was $36,800, so it was materially impossible for them.
As the Commerce Act (Promoting Competition and Other Matters) Amendment Bill waits for its second reading, Fired Up Stilettos is very pleased to see the Committee integrated several of the suggestions presented by its Chair, Bianca Beebe (begins at 00:19:17). If this Bill becomes law, independent contractors who do not pose a threat of cartel behaviour will be able to pay a relatively low fee (individually or by a third-party entity representing the collective) to simply notify the Commission of their intent to collectively bargain, and then begin doing so if there are no objections. Sex workers have fought for years to get this change over the line, and FUS is proud of how far they’ve come.
However, Fired Up Stilettos maintains the criticism that was voiced by Beebe in the EDSI oral submission, and also reflected in opposition Parties’ viewpoint: declining to include independent contractors in protections against retaliatory behaviour has the potential to create a situation where they have a right in theory but not in practice. FUS says if contractors have the right to notify the Commission to collectively bargain, but lack protection from immediately being fired for doing so, they do not materially have that right. But they also note they understand the concern that contractors having protection from retaliation for bargaining could create unusual distortions in the labour market in other fields. FUS has suggested to MPs from each Party in EDSI that a reasonable compromise might be extending these protections to dependent contractors (like sex workers or courier drivers). This more limited, targeted protection would preserve the intent of the law without risking ramifications to competition. FUS hopes Members of EDSI will take this suggestion back to their caucuses, and they see this change in the second reading.
Quote from Bianca Beebe, Chair of Fired Up Stilettos: “We are very happy the Government saw the blanket prohibition on contractors collectively bargaining was enabling anti-competitive behaviour and eroding freedom of contract. Most independent contractors–regardless of profession–gaining collective bargaining rights under a particularly conservative Government speaks to the power of persistence in political organising, and the importance of finding common ground. We appreciate the Government’s sincere engagement, and the direction of this Bill. We encourage Parliament to support the Commerce Act Amendment Bill through its final reading, though we remain hopeful an amendment will be added to provide a narrow protection against retaliation for contractors who notify the Commission.”
Disclosure: Bianca Beebe is currently a candidate for Opportunity Party, but Fired Up Stilettos is a non-partisan organisation.
Back to index · Read original article
3. Government acts on conservation bill concerns
June 25, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Toitū te taiao – nature endures.
The Government has listened to public concerns and will remove provisions from the Conservation Amendment Bill around the disposal or exchange of conservation land, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
“New Zealanders care deeply about conservation – and so does the Government. We know how dear our pristine landscapes are to the hearts of New Zealanders and we will never dispose of those iconic landscapes,” Mr Potaka says.
“But we were not clear enough about how the Conservation Amendment Bill improves outcomes for conservation, so we are fixing it.
“We have heard loud and clear the concerns about the potential disposal or exchange of conservation land, and we are acting on those concerns by removing those provisions from this bill.”
Mr Potaka met with the Environmental Defence Society and Forest and Bird and agreed the disposal and exchange parts of the bill would be removed.
He also undertook to work with those groups, and other stakeholders and iwi, to work through the economic development aspects of the bill to ensure they support strong conservation outcomes and stand the test of time.
The provisions were part of a bill which modernises how conservation land is managed, support economic growth and improve environmental outcomes. It is currently being considered by a parliamentary select committee.
“This remains the most significant reform of conservation legislation in nearly 40 years. It will improve the conservation system for all New Zealanders,” Mr Potaka says.
“But to achieve that we need to be very clear about what we’re doing, and why.
“We have listened and we have acted.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/25/government-acts-on-conservation-bill-concerns/
Back to index · Read original article
4. Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill passes third reading
June 25, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Legislation to protect the integrity of the State redress system passed its third reading today, Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions, Erica Stanford says.
“The Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill is one of several initiatives underway to improve the redress system in response to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry,” says Ms Stanford.
The Bill provides that the purpose of a state redress scheme is to:
- recognise a person’s experience of abuse in care, and
- offer a pathway as an alternative to litigation to provide for redress for abuse in care.
“The Bill also resolves a long-standing gap in redress where survivors of abuse in mental health facilities after 1993 faced dead-ends and a lack of recognition. The Bill gives effect to Charlotte’s Change to extend the State redress scheme to include claims of abuse in State mental health facilities from 1 July 1993 to 30 June 2022.”
“Under the current redress system, survivors of abuse and neglect in State care can make a redress claim that includes access to care records, a financial payment, wellbeing support, legal services support, and an apology.
“The Government considers that a financial payment to survivors with convictions for serious violent or sexual offences, who were sentenced to five years or more, could bring the State redress system into disrepute or adversely affect public confidence in the redress system.
This Bill introduces a presumption against financial redress for survivors with convictions for certain serious sexual and/or violent offences who have received a sentence of five years or more for that offence.
“The presumption only applies to financial redress payments. Survivors with serious violent or sexual offences can still access other forms of redress.
“An independent decision-maker, called the ‘redress officer’, is established through the Bill to consider applications to overturn the presumption.
“The redress officer must be a retired Judge, King’s Counsel or senior lawyer and have a range of skills and experience relevant to the role. They will also be responsible for ensuring the process is fair and consistent with natural justice.
“The redress officer will have discretion to exempt a survivor from the serious offender process if they have a terminal illness with a prognosis of less than six months.
“This extension will be implemented on 14 July 2027, with some people already pre-registered.
“The Bill has also been future-proofed to include a redress scheme which covers abuse in mental health settings from 1 July 2022,” says Ms Stanford.
Notes to editors
- A serious violent or sexual offence is defined as an offence listed in Schedule 1AB of the Sentencing Act 2002. These are the “three strikes” offences.
- The offences are the most serious sexual and violent offences in the Crimes Act and include murder, manslaughter, sexual violation, sexual connection with a child, grievous bodily harm, and aggravated robbery.
- The presumption applies to all new redress claims made to State redress agencies since 9 May 2025. An interim process is in place for survivors making new claims. This process will continue until the legislation comes into force. If survivors are terminally ill and will not survive until the legislation comes into force, they can apply for a Ministerial exemption from the serious offender process.
- The commencement date for the serious offender process is 1 August 2026. The rest of the Bill will come into force the day after Royal assent.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/25/redress-system-for-abuse-in-care-bill-passes-third-reading/
Back to index · Read original article
5. Tourism Policy Statement sets sector direction
June 25, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is setting a clear pathway to grow tourism so that New Zealand businesses, workers and communities see benefits, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
“As our second largest export earner, tourism is vital to growing our economy. Tourism supports jobs and businesses right across the country which helps our regions and communities to thrive.
“The Tourism Policy Statement released today sets a clear direction for how central government, local government and industry will work together to set priorities, take action and respond to change,” Louise Upston says.
“A deliberate, planned approach is essential to achieving our tourism growth goals and maintaining New Zealand’s international competitiveness. The Statement sets a long‑term direction to guide decisions on policy, investment, infrastructure and marketing across the tourism system.
“It’s about making sure our foundations are solid, we continue to build the quality of our visitor experience so tourism delivers more value, more jobs, brilliant events and superb hospitality offerings in our communities.
“This will help us achieve our ambitious goal of doubling the 2023 value of tourism exports by 2034.
“We’re already making strong progress towards this goal, supported by investments in international marketing and major events, the introduction of a visa-waiver trial, and the promotion of regional tourism.
“An example of this in action is our Regional Tourism Boost, which has encouraged more visitors to explore beyond the main centres and outside peak seasons.
“I’m also pleased to announce today that $5 million will be available through round three of the Regional Tourism Boost. It will open to applications for campaigns to attract more international visitors to travel, stay and dine in New Zealand from Spring 2026 to early summer 2027.
“Regional Tourism Boost is a great example of partnership between industry and government – the same collaborative approach that underpins the Tourism Policy Statement.
“By working together, we can create a tourism system that reflects the best of who we are and delivers real value for New Zealanders across the country,” Louise Upston says.
Notes for Editors
- The Tourism Policy Statement can be found here.
- The Regional Tourism Boost Round 3 is a contestable process providing $5 million to attract more international visitors.
- Round 3 funding is made up of $2 million from the International Visitor Levy and a $3 million reallocation of funding from the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, announced in September 2025.
- Round three will prioritise campaigns targeting the Australian, Chinese and North American markets.
- Previous campaigns have had a positive impact on international visitor arrivals and dispersals.
- This month’s Stats NZ data show 288,500 international visitors came to New Zealand in April 2026 – up 8 per cent on the same period last year, and 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/25/tourism-policy-statement-sets-sector-direction/
Back to index · Read original article
6. New East Wing opens at Taranaki Base Hospital
June 25, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Taranaki patients will benefit from significantly improved hospital care with the official opening of Taranaki Base Hospital’s New East Wing, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey say.
“The Taranaki Base Hospital redevelopment is a critical investment in modernising healthcare for the people of Taranaki,” Mr Brown says.
“Stage two, the centrepiece of the $462.6 million redevelopment, opens to patients on Monday and represents a significant step change in the delivery of acute and specialised healthcare services across the region.
“Last year, we invested an additional $59.2 million to meet cost pressures that had emerged since 2022 – ensuring we could complete stage two and deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital that meets the region’s needs now and into the future.
“The New East Wing brings emergency, intensive care, radiology, diagnostics, laboratory, maternity and neonatal services together in one integrated acute care precinct, alongside a new Acute Assessment Unit to support earlier senior clinical decision-making and reduce unnecessary admissions.
“It increases the number of patient spaces to 151, up 55 from current capacity – a 57 per cent increase to meet growing demand for services across the region. The building has also been designed with future expansion in mind.”
Key features of the New East Wing include:
• A significantly expanded emergency department with around double the current capacity
• Co-located radiology and imaging services to support faster diagnosis and treatment
• A new ICU located alongside emergency and diagnostic services
• A modern maternity service with new delivery suites, postnatal wards and improved family facilities
• A dedicated primary birthing unit in a purpose-built setting
• A new neonatal unit integrated with maternity and delivery services
• A new Acute Assessment Unit to improve early clinical decision-making and reduce unnecessary admissions
• Upgraded laboratory services, with 34 workstations, to support faster diagnostic turnaround times
• A rooftop helipad providing direct access to the ED, ICU and theatres, so critically unwell patients can receive life-saving treatment as quickly as possible
• A new Integrated Operations Centre, improving hospital-wide coordination and the efficient delivery of care across the campus
Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey represented the Government at today’s opening, officially cutting the ribbon on the New East Wing and marking the completion of this significant stage of the redevelopment.
“The opening of the New East Wing means more capacity, faster access to treatment, and more modern facilities – delivering better care closer to home for Taranaki patients. It’s about improving patient flow, reducing delays, and ensuring people get the right care as quickly as possible,” Mr Doocey says.
“We’re focused on fixing the basics and building the future of our healthcare system with the infrastructure it needs. This building will serve the people of Taranaki for many generations to come, ensuring patients get the care they need when they need it.”
The New East Wing sits within the broader Taranaki Base Hospital redevelopment, which has already delivered the $56.1 million cancer centre, a mental health facility, a renal unit, an energy centre, resilience upgrades, and an earlier inpatient building.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/25/new-east-wing-opens-at-taranaki-base-hospital/
Back to index · Read original article
7. India FTA bill passes first reading
June 25, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Legislation to implement the historic New Zealand – India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has passed its first reading, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.
“India is one of the world’s largest economies and is the fastest-growing economy in the G20. With a GDP equivalent to seven trillion New Zealand dollars and an average growth of 8.25 percent since 2021, India represents a major opportunity for New Zealand businesses.
“Many New Zealand products are effectively locked out of the India market because of high tariffs and restrictive quotas. This FTA will level the playing field for Kiwi businesses in the India market because it will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India, when fully implemented.
“From day one, 57 per cent of our exports will be tariff-free. This will unlock new opportunities to grow our goods and services exports into a market of 1.4 billion people and contribute to achieving the Government’s goal of building the future by doubling the value of exports by 2034.
“The FTA also futureproofs our wine exports and priority services access by securing a Most-Favoured-Nation commitment, which ensures that we will automatically benefit from improved access given to other Indian FTA partners.
“The Bill will be referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee where the public will have an opportunity to make submissions. We are working towards ratification later this year, after the select committee has completed its process and the implementing bill is passed.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/25/india-fta-bill-passes-first-reading/
Back to index · Read original article
8. Legislation – Potaka announcement not enough, scrap Conservation Bill says Greenpeace
June 25, 2026
Source: Greenpeace
- establishing new zones within National Parks where a non-exhaustive list of commercial activities would be able to occur,
- changes to the commercial permissions (concessions) framework that would make it easier to mine public conservation land,
- and removals of vital checks and balances on the Ministers power over the conservation estate.
Back to index · Read original article
9. Amnesty International – New human rights data shows New Zealand failing to protect basic rights
June 25, 2026
Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand
Back to index · Read original article
10. Green Party will protect public conservation land for future generations
June 25, 2026
Source: Green Party
The Green Party is announcing in government it will overhaul the laws protecting Aotearoa’s conservation land and wildlife, scrapping the Government’s current reform and starting again with a process focused on protecting what we have for future generations.
“Our public conservation land is not the Government’s to sell. It belongs to all of us, and to the generations who come after us. Conservation reform should give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, put indigenous-led land stewardship at the centre, and make it the job of the system to halt and reverse nature loss,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.
The commitment is part of the Green Party’s 2026 Manifesto.
“The laws meant to protect our wildlife and our wild places are failing. Nature loss is accelerating and the conservation system is not up to today’s challenges. In Government, the Green Party will rewrite those laws.”
The Green Party will:
- Stop this Government’s Conservation Amendment Bill.
- Restore the purpose of the Conservation Act 1987 so conservation comes first, reversing any shift towards the prioritisation of commercial development on conservation land.
- Protect conservation land from being sold or disposed of by restoring the strong test for any disposal.
- Make halting and reversing nature loss the core purpose of the conservation system.
- End any requirements for the Department of Conservation to enable commercial use and commercial development of conservation land.
- Give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and prioritise indigenous-led stewardship of the whenua.
- Resource and empower the New Zealand Conservation Authority, conservation boards, and the public to have a real say in decisions about conservation land.
“This Government is rewriting the purpose of the Conservation Act so it serves developers instead of nature. We will undo that, close the door to selling off conservation land, and start the reform process again, this time built for future generations rather than commercial interests.”
“Tangata whenua have cared for these lands, rivers and lakes for generations. A system that gives effect to Te Tiriti and resources indigenous-led stewardship is one that protects nature for the long haul, not just the next electoral cycle.”
“This Government is looking at our conservation land and seeing a balance sheet. We look at it and see the inheritance of every child in this country.”
“Nearly 50,000 people have signed our petition to protect conservation land, and polling shows 64 per cent of New Zealanders do not support selling it off.”
“New Zealanders have been clear about what they want, and it is not a fire sale of the places that make this country what it is. This Government has the power to rule that out and protect conservation land, but it is choosing not to.”
“The choice is simple. We can keep treating our wild places as something to be carved up and sold, or we can lock in their protection for the tamariki and mokopuna who will inherit them,” says Davidson.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/25/green-party-will-protect-public-conservation-land-for-future-generations/
Back to index · Read original article