AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 30, 2026 – Full Text

AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 30, 2026 – Full Text

Generated June 30, 2026 06:00 NZST · Included sources: 10

1. Politics – Federated Farmers backs commonsense conservation reform

June 29, 2026

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is calling for the Government to be bold and continue with plans to modernise New Zealand’s outdated, clunky and overly complicated conservation laws.

“These reforms are long overdue and desperately needed to support conservation efforts and help grow the economy,” says Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Richard Dawkins.

“The current legislation is outdated, unnecessarily restrictive and slow, and has been holding back the country’s conservation ambitions for decades – in fact, we’re rapidly going backwards.

“Despite significantly increased budgets, our conservation estate is being totally overrun by pests, weeds and wilding pines. The case for reform couldn’t be any clearer or more urgent.”

Federated Farmers supports a pragmatic approach to conservation that protects and enhances high-value conservation land while allowing sensible economic decisions.

“The Department of Conservation manages one of the largest public land estates in the world, covering more than eight million hectares,” Dawkins says.

“Unfortunately, conservation isn’t free. Somebody has to do the day-to-day work required to maintain New Zealand’s unique natural landscapes.

“It’s completely unrealistic to expect a government agency to manage weeds, pests, infrastructure needs and fire risk across an estate of that scale by themselves, funded by taxpayers.

“Successful conservation depends on strong partnerships with the people who live alongside the land every day – farmers, hunters, anglers and tourism operators.

“It should come as no surprise to anyone that it’s these same groups who are most passionately supporting the Government’s proposed reforms, because we can see the opportunity.”

Environmental activist groups have been quick to scaremonger in election year, claiming pristine conservation land will be sold off for mining, but Dawkins says that’s “total nonsense”.

“Groups like Forest & Bird and EDS have been running an incredibly divisive campaign of fear that hasn’t been particularly constructive or helpful for the national conversation,” he says.

“I think they’ve lost sight of what this is all about – modernising our conservation system to improve environmental outcomes, reduce the burden for taxpayers and grow the economy.

“There are plenty of economic activities we could be doing on that land with an environmental benefit, including grazing, wild animal recovery operations and tourism.”

Federated Farmers West Coast president Simon Cameron is also a passionate supporter of the Government’s proposed conservation reforms, particularly when it comes to grazing.

“New Zealand can’t conserve more than eight million hectares of conservation land through passive protection alone. It requires active management,” Cameron says.

“If we truly want to see better long-term conservation outcomes for future generations of New Zealanders, then we can’t afford to let ideology or politics get in the way of pragmatism.

“In practice, this will require a fundamental shift in thinking to recognise that a ‘lock up and leave’ approach to conservation – excluding people from the landscape – simply doesn’t work.

“Instead, we should be recognising the role of active, practical management like grazing in improving biodiversity, managing pests and protecting our famous natural landscapes.”

Cameron says that, since 1990, the Department of Conservation has inherited and retired 1.2 million hectares of land that was previously grazed – but it’s since gone backwards.

“That land was absolutely immaculate when it was actively managed by farmers who kept on top of the weeds and pests – like you’d see on a postcard,” Cameron says.

“Those farmers were outstanding stewards of the land, but they also contributed significantly to the economy producing world-class beef, lamb and wool.

“Unfortunately, when the farmers moved out, the pests and weeds moved in. That land has since been taken over by wilding pines, gorse, deer, pigs, wallabies and goats.”

Cameron says huge areas of our high country were retired because they had significant conservation value, but that value didn’t develop in the absence of human contact.

“The value was created by generations of farmers who invested time and money in protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations,” he says.

“They weren’t just grazing livestock. They were also fencing, hunting, maintaining tracks and controlling weeds. These are all important conservation activities that were lost.”

Cameron is scathing of the environmental activist groups who have tried to play politics and derail long-overdue conservation reforms.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable that, after years of work, anyone would be calling for the entire bill to be thrown in the bin,” he says.

“Surely everyone can agree the current system simply isn’t delivering the outcomes New Zealanders expect, and that change is needed to modernise our laws.

“It’s time those groups put the politics aside, stop playing petty games, and start working alongside the rest of us who are trying to do the right thing for the country.”

MIL OSI

Back to index · Read original article

2. Government backs major North Island freight hub

June 29, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has approved up to $22.4 million in funding to support the rail component of Te Utanganui – a major new freight hub in Palmerston North, Rail Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say.

Te Utanganui is an intermodal distribution hub in the lower North Island that links rail, road, air and sea. The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan will support pre-construction and construction stages of the Bunnythorpe Regional Freight Hub, one of three projects in the wider Te Utanganui freight hub programme.

Full Coverage

Source: New Zealand Government

“This is critical freight infrastructure that will improve efficiency using rail and roads, strengthen supply chains, and drive economic growth in the lower North Island,” Mr Peters says.

“The full development will require investment commitments from freight and port companies but this investment enables the next stage of works to develop and to continue to secure the landholdings to generate value for the taxpayer.”

The funding will be delivered in stages, with $1.9m allocated to pre-construction, followed by up to $20.5m for construction once a robust business case and delivery plan have been confirmed.

Mr Jones says government support was key to the project staying on track.

“Early-stage infrastructure is expensive and doesn’t usually create immediate income for investors. Through the RIF, we have helped de-risk the wider project to enable private sector investors’ confidence to co-invest.” Mr Jones says.

Led by Manawatū’s Central Economic Development Agency, the project will be delivered with local councils, iwi, KiwiRail and private co-funders.

Around 100-300 jobs are expected to be created during early works on the freight hub, with significantly more jobs created over time as the wider Te Utanganui programme develops, potentially supporting thousands of roles across logistics, manufacturing and related industries.

“This funding helps address the infrastructure gap constraining economic growth in the lower North Island regions. It will unlock industrial land, build resilience and strengthen efficiency in the logistics network,” Mr Jones says.

“This investment will enable our regions to grow and set them on a strong path for the future.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/29/government-backs-major-north-island-freight-hub/

Back to index · Read original article

3. Government twiddling thumbs while the wood sector burns – Workers First Union

June 29, 2026

MIL OSI

Full Coverage

Source: Workers First Union

Workers First Union is calling out the National-NZ First-ACT Government for abandoning Northland’s workers with empty words and a blame game, as the proposed closure of Juken New Zealand’s Northland Mill in Kaitāia is likely to become the seventh major wood processing site lost on their watch, with over 800 jobs lost in the industry since late 2023. The union is calling for intervention and public ownership of the Northland Mill, even if temporary.

Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary, said the Government’s response to this week’s announcement had been as useful as a wet log.

“We got two responses from this Government. The Prime Minister blamed Labour’s oil and gas ban and said MSD will be on the ground for affected families. Shane Jones said it was ‘enormously disappointing’ and that Juken never asked him for help,” said Mr Maga.

“What’s enormously disappointing is this lack of interest and lack of intervention by a Government that appears to have given up on New Zealand manufacturing altogether.”

“Chris Luxon has referred workers to WINZ and blamed Labour with an irrelevant accusation that has no relation to the problem at hand – that is the sum total of his leadership.”

“Shane Jones, supposedly the Minister for Resources and Regional Development, would have us believe that he is the great champion of the regions and understands the working people of Northland.”

“He shouldn’t need to be asked for help. A skilled Minister keeps an eye on their portfolios and does whatever they can to support local jobs, a value-adding industry and a major employer in the Northland region.”

“But Shane Jones is not a champion of the regions. He is a champion of Shane Jones.”

The proposed closure of the Northland Mill is the latest in a mounting toll under this administration. Since taking office in late 2023, the Government has presided over the loss of Karioi Pulpmill and Tangiwai Sawmill (Ruapehu), Oji Fibre Solutions (Penrose, Auckland), Kinleith paper production line (Tokoroa), Eves Valley Sawmill (Tasman), the Carter Holt Harvey plywood plant (Tokoroa) and now the Northland Mill (Kaitāia).

“More than 800 jobs in wood processing have been lost during the term of the National, NZ First and ACT Government,” said Mr Maga.

“This will forever be remembered as the Government that burnt the wood sector to the ground.”

Shipping our future overseas

Workers First organiser Marcus Coverdale said this week that the Northland and Triboard mills operated as an integrated system, with the full log used between them. Without the sawmill, roughly two-thirds of every log leaving the Far North will go overseas unprocessed, with the value added somewhere else.

“We grow the trees. We own the land. We build the infrastructure. And then we hand the logs to someone else to turn into profit while New Zealand woodworkers sign up for benefits,” said Mr Maga.

“This Government is content to be a raw log exporter. It has no manufacturing strategy, no industrial policy, and apparently no interest in developing one.”

Buy the mill, or at least stop the clock

Workers First is calling on the Government to intervene before the 16 July decision date and to consider temporary public ownership of the Northland Mill while a viable buyer is found.

It would not be the first time New Zealand has intervened in this way. When the rail network had been run into the ground by private owners, the Government bought back the infrastructure for $1 in 2004, then paid $690 million to bring operations fully back into public ownership in 2008. It established a clear principle that some assets are too important to the national interest to be left to market failure.

“The Northland Mill is Kaitāia’s second-largest employer, in a town of 6,000 people where there limited other work. It is the centre of a value chain that, without it, exports raw logs instead of finished products,” said Mr Maga.

“We are not asking for a handout. We are asking for a government that understands that letting this mill close permanently without a fight is a choice, not an inevitability.”

“The consultation window closes on 16 July and there is still time. The question is whether this Government has the will or whether it will keep blaming Labour and wishing these workers good luck at MSD.”

MIL OSI

Back to index · Read original article

4. New Dunedin Hospital reaches new heights with tower cranes

June 29, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

The erection of three tower cranes at the New Dunedin Hospital’s inpatient building site marks a major milestone as construction moves into its next phase, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The Government is committed to delivering the world-class hospital that Dunedin, Otago, and Southland deserve, and it’s great to see visible progress being made on site,” Mr Brown says.

Full Coverage

Source: New Zealand Government

The erection of three tower cranes at the New Dunedin Hospital’s inpatient building site marks a major milestone as construction moves into its next phase, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The Government is committed to delivering the world-class hospital that Dunedin, Otago, and Southland deserve, and it’s great to see visible progress being made on site,” Mr Brown says.

“With three tower cranes now being erected, the project is transitioning from foundation works into the main vertical construction phase. This is a significant step forward in the delivery of New Zealand’s largest health infrastructure project.”

Over the past two months, work has focused on installing the crane bases required to support the next stage of construction. With that work now complete, installation of the cranes is underway.

“These cranes will play a critical role over the next two and a half years, lifting the heavy structural steel and major building components needed to construct the hospital.

“Their arrival is a clear sign that this project is advancing as planned and that momentum is continuing to build.”

Mr Brown says the project is already delivering benefits for the region.

“As construction activity ramps up, the project is creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and providing a significant boost to the regional economy.

“About 40 workers are currently on site each day, with that number expected to increase to about 80 in the coming weeks as construction progresses.

“At peak construction, the project will support more than 900 full-time equivalent jobs and inject around $100 million into the local economy each year.”

Mr Brown says significant progress is also being made on the outpatient building, which remains on track to open later this year.

“On 6 July, we will see another major milestone when an MRI scanner and CT scanner are craned into the outpatient building in a highly coordinated operation.

“Installing this specialist equipment marks the transition from constructing the facility to preparing it for patient care. Their arrival is another visible sign that the outpatient building is nearing completion.”

The installation of fixtures, furnishings, and equipment throughout the building is also well underway, including operating tables, waiting room seating, staff workstations, and storage solutions.

“We are focused on fixing the basics and building the future. Every milestone at both the inpatient and outpatient buildings brings us closer to delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital that will serve the people of Dunedin, Otago, and Southland for generations to come.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/29/new-dunedin-hospital-reaches-new-heights-with-tower-cranes/

Back to index · Read original article

5. Politics – Federated Farmers backs National’s plan to slash solar red tape

June 29, 2026

MIL OSI

Full Coverage

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers says the National Party’s commitment to make small-scale solar projects a permitted activity is exactly the commonsense farmers need.

National says, if re-elected to Government in November, it will remove planning rules that make it hard for Kiwis to generate their own power.

The announcement delivers on a key recommendation in Federated Farmers’ 2026 election platform, launched just a few weeks ago.

“At Fieldays we challenged political parties to back practical policies that reduce costs and cut unnecessary red tape for farmers,” Federated Farmers energy spokesperson Mark Hooper says.

“One of those asks was a national permitted activity standard for small- and medium-scale solar because the current consenting system is creating needless costs, delays and frustration.

“It’s great to see National pick that up so quickly.”

Hooper says farmers have been calling for simple, practical changes like this to cut the cost of farming.

“Solar technology has come a long way, but the planning system simply hasn’t kept up.

“Too many farmers wanting to invest in on-farm solar have found themselves tangled in expensive, unnecessary and completely unjustified consenting processes.

“When councils are demanding resource consents for straightforward solar installations, something has clearly gone terribly wrong.”

Hooper says a consistent national permitted activity standard would remove unnecessary costs and delays while giving farmers greater confidence to invest.

“This is exactly the sort of practical red tape reduction we’ve been asking for to cut the cost of farming.

“Every council currently has different rules, which creates huge uncertainty and frustration.

“A single national standard will make life much simpler for farmers wanting to generate their own electricity.”

Hooper says on-farm solar has enormous potential to improve the resilience and profitability of New Zealand farms.

“Generating more power on-farm can reduce electricity costs, improve energy security during outages, reduce emissions and even create additional income opportunities.

“Rising fuel and electricity prices have seen what was once considered an environmental niche become a mainstream business decision.

“The economics of solar now stack up for many farming businesses, and removing unnecessary planning barriers will help unlock much more investment.”

In its announcement, National said it plans to make small-scale renewables largely permitted under the new resource management system.

It means Kiwis would be able install rooftop solar without a consent, put ground-mounted solar on farms as a permitted activity, with sensible safeguards, and add small-scale battery storage as of right.

Federated Farmers also supports National’s proposed Home Energy Fund, which would offer low-interest, long-term loans to be repaid through rates.

“Lower-cost finance could help more households and rural property owners invest in renewable energy,” Hooper says.

“Strategic use of rooftops and small on-farm installations is an efficient, effective use of resources to help supplement NZ’s energy demands and support on-farm resilience.

“Making it easier and more affordable for people to invest in their own energy resilience is a positive step.”

MIL OSI

Back to index · Read original article

6. Build begins for Southland space headquarters

June 29, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction of a new headquarters at the Awarua Satellite Ground Station near Bluff has begun, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson say.

“You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see why this is a great opportunity for Southland and New Zealand,” Mr Jones says.

Full Coverage

Source: New Zealand Government

“You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see why this is a great opportunity for Southland and New Zealand,” Mr Jones says.

“Awarua is already a critical part of global satellite operations, and this expansion will enable further growth over time, lifting the local workforce from 21 to around 30 highly skilled roles, increasing high-value economic activity in Southland, and strengthening New Zealand’s ground-based space infrastructure.”

The $4.55 million project, led by Space Operations New Zealand (SpaceOps NZ), includes a multi-purpose headquarters, workshops, and supporting infrastructure. It is supported by a loan of up to $2.25 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund alongside co-investment from SpaceOps NZ.

Mr Patterson welcomed the milestone.

“We’re seeing real momentum for a project that will strengthen New Zealand’s position in the global space industry while delivering jobs and economic opportunity at home,” Mr Patterson says.

“Southland continues to diversify its regional economy, and this project builds on that by creating new, high-tech opportunities alongside the region’s traditional strengths in primary production.”

The project is expected to create around 10 jobs during construction. Completion is estimated for early 2027.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/29/build-begins-for-southland-space-headquarters/

Back to index · Read original article

7. Stronger rules to protect power lines from trees

June 29, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Stronger rules about the planting, maintenance and removal of trees near power lines will better protect New Zealanders’ homes and businesses from sudden power outages, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.

Regulations already provide for a zone around electricity lines that must be kept clear of vegetation. Those are now being extended so that:

Full Coverage

Source: New Zealand Government

Regulations already provide for a zone around electricity lines that must be kept clear of vegetation. Those are now being extended so that:

Power line owners can assess the likelihood and potential impact of a tree falling on their lines. If a tree is considered a risk, it will be removed at the line owner’s expense.
In rural areas (other than forests or shelter belts) trees cannot be planted in a new low height planting zone – either side of a power line – unless their anticipated height at maturity is less than their distance from the line. This means that if a mature tree fell over, it would not hit the power lines.
Landowners will be responsible for costs associated with trimming or removing trees that breach the new low height planting zone.

“This Government respects property owner’s rights and has balanced those with the need to protect communities from avoidable power outages, and protect power lines from costly and disruptive damage,” Mr Brown says.

“The changes have been made following extensive consultation including with groups representing forestry, farming, Māori and arboriculturists’ interests, as well as the electricity industry.

“Regulations were strengthened two years ago creating a ‘clear to the sky’ zone to prevent vegetation hanging over lines. These additional regulations around responsibility for managing the risks posed by trees will support a more reliable electricity supply for all consumers.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/29/stronger-rules-to-protect-power-lines-from-trees/

Back to index · Read original article

8. Kai Tak Sports Park Claims Top Honour

June 29, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

Ms Chang Yuk Kam, Patricia, Chairlady of the Quality Building Award 2026 Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude to Ms Bernadette Linn, JP, Secretary for Development, Development Bureau, HKSARG and Mr Ho Chun Hung, JP, Director of Buildings,HKSARGwho served as Chairman of the Jury Panel, and also congratulated all the award winners. Ms Chang said: “Hong Kong is now proactively integrating into the national development strategy and fully participating in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The construction industry is embracing unprecedented opportunities. The Quality Building Award is also keeping pace with the times, actively breaking down geographical boundaries and vigorously promoting cooperation and project exchanges among the construction sectors in the Greater Bay Area and beyond. We hope that outstanding construction practices and cutting-edge technologies from different regions can be shared and complement each other, and that we can jointly build a vibrant and sustainable cross-regional architectural ecosystem, while seizing opportunities together and pursuing shared development.”

For over two decades, the Quality Building Award has remained committed to its founding principles of recognizing excellence, driving innovation, and promoting inclusion, while witnessing the continuous evolution and growth of Hong Kong’s building industry and that of the wider region. Notably, this year’s Award significantly relaxed the entry requirements for the “Building Outside GBA (include International)” and “Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong)” categories, with participating teams no longer required to include a Hong Kong-registered company. This move has successfully attracted a number of high-quality non-local projects, including outstanding entries from Egypt and Shanghai, fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique advantage of being of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, and further consolidating its status as a regional building hub.

Full Coverage

Source: Media Outreach

Quality Building Award 2026 Winners Announced with Strong GBA and International Participation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 June 2026 – The winners of the Quality Building Award 2026 (QBA 2026) were announced and presented at a ceremony held last Friday (26 June) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event brought together industry leaders, representatives of professional institutions, and project teams to celebrate the outstanding achievements of building projects from Hong Kong and beyond. Ms Bernadette Linn, JP, Secretary for Development, Development Bureau, HKSARG graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Kai Tak Sports Park received two awards, including the highest honor – the “Quality Excellence Award” – and the “Quality Building Award” in the Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building – Government, Institution or Community) category.

The award-winning projects from past editions have covered a diverse spectrum of areas, including residential, non-residential, government and institutional buildings, renovation and revitalization projects, temporary structures, and cross-regional developments, showcasing the multifaceted value of architecture. This year’s winning projects not only combine aesthetic design with functional excellence, but also actively respond to the industry’s prevailing trends in green and low-carbon practices, as well as smart construction and management. They embody the core mission of driving urban development and enhancing the quality of living environments.

Ms Bernadette Linn, JP, Secretary for Development, Development Bureau, HKSARG, said: “The Quality Building Award has long been regarded as the ‘Oscar of the construction industry’. Over the past two decades, it has recognised numerous outstanding projects demonstrating excellence in design, construction, teamwork and sustainable development. This year’s Award is closely aligned with the policy direction of enhancing green development momentum under the National 15th Five-Year Plan. It reflects Hong Kong’s firm commitment to advancing high-quality sustainable development, and supports the national dual carbon goals as well as the broader green and low-carbon development strategy.”

The Quality Building Award 2026 featured eight award categories. Following months of rigorous evaluation by a 17-member judging panel comprising industry leaders, Kai Tak Sports Park stood out. With its “park-within-a-stadium” concept, it transformed the former airport site into an iconic landmark integrating sports, entertainment, community, and commercial functions. The design seamlessly blends aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, which particularly embodies this year’s theme: “Smartly We Build | Sustainably We Thrive | Inclusively We Lead.” It was therefore honored with the highest award of the ceremony, the “Quality Excellence Award,” as well as the “Grand Award” in the category of “Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building – Government, Institution or Community).”

This year, the Organizing Committee also presented two special awards: the “Innovative Project Award” and the “Sustainable Development Award”, which were awarded to Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park – Batch 1A Development: Building 11and Kai Tak District Cooling Plant No. 3 respectively. Among them, Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park – Batch 1A Development: Building 11 also received the “Grand Award” in the Hong Kong Residential (Single Building) category, while Kai Tak District Cooling Plant No. 3 also received the “Merit Award” in the Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building – Government, Institution or Community) category.

Projects in the Hong Kong Residential (Multiple Buildings) category also performed exceptionally well, with NOVO LAND receiving the “Grand Award”. In the Hong Kong Building (Renovation / Revitalization) category, both Lo Pan Spirit Inheritance: Conservation of Lo Pan Temple and the Expansion of the Legislative Council Complex received the “Grand Award”. Meanwhile, W.I.S.E. Complex received the “Grand Award” in the Temporary Building category.

To bring together professional expertise from the Greater Bay Area and beyond, this year’s Award has specially revised the entry requirements for the categories of “Building Outside GBA (include International)” and “Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong)”, breaking geographical boundaries and broadening the international exchange landscape of Hong Kong’s construction industry. The “Grand Award” in the “Building Outside GBA (include International)” category was presented to Arbour and The Iconic Tower, New Capital CBD, Egypt; while the “Grand Award” in the “Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong)” category was presented to China Overseas Headquarters and Marisfrolg Industrial Park.

Mr Ho Chun Hung, JP, Director of Buildings, HKSARG who served as Chairman of the Jury Panel, said: “The pursuit of quality buildings, together with the creation of a sustainable and inclusive built environment, has long been a shared mission of the construction industry. Through recognising outstanding projects and exceptional professional teams, we aim to drive the industry forward, promoting the adoption of smart technologies, green and sustainable practices, and inclusive, people-oriented collaboration. Together, we can build a safer, higher-quality, and more liveable environment for all.”

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) will serve as the Chairing Organization of the next Quality Building Award. The Award will continue to serve as an outstanding platform for industry exchange, recognizing outstanding projects and actively driving innovation and transformation within the construction sector. By working hand in hand with stakeholders across all sectors, Quality Building Award aims to build a higher-quality and more sustainable urban environment together.

QBA 2026 Awardees (in alphabetical order):
Quality Excellence Award
Kai Tak Sports Park
Innovative Project Award
Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park – Batch 1A Development: Building 11
Sustainable Development Award
Kai Tak District Cooling Plant No. 3
Hong Kong Residential (Single Building)	Award Type
Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park – Batch 1A Development: Building 11	Grand
ECHO House	Merit
Parkwood	Merit
Belgravia Place I	Finalist
JARDINI	Finalist
One Central Place	Finalist
Hong Kong Residential (Multiple Buildings)	Award Type
NOVO LAND	Grand
Casa Sierra	Merit
Victoria Voyage	Merit
Baker Circle	Finalist
THE PAVILIA FOREST	Finalist
Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building – Government, Institution or Community)	Award Type
Kai Tak Sports Park	Grand
Kai Tak District Cooling Plant No. 3	Merit
Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool Complex	Merit
Hospital Authority Supporting Services Centre	Finalist
Kwai Chung Hospital	Finalist
The Pentecostal Holiness Church Wing Kwong Junior School	Finalist
Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building – Non-Government, Institution or Community)	Award Type
98 How Ming Street	Merit
One Causeway Bay	Merit
Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park – Batch 1A Development : Building 8 & Building 9	Finalist
Hong Kong Building (Renovation / Revitalization)	Award Type
Lo Pan Spirit Inheritance: Conservation of Lo Pan Temple	Grand
Expansion of the Legislative Council Complex	Grand
Conversion of the Old Wan Chai Police Station into the Headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation	Merit
Tai Po Civic Centre	Merit
Hong Kong Temporary Building	Award Type
W.I.S.E. Complex	Grand
Hip³ MiC Collaboration Centre	Merit
Light Public Housing at Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak (Phase 1)	Merit
Light Public Housing – Choi Hing Road, Ngau Tau Kok	Merit
Light Public Housing – Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long	Finalist
Building Outside GBA (include International)	Award Type
Arbour	Grand
The Iconic Tower, New Capital CBD, Egypt	Grand
Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong)	Award Type
China Overseas Headquarters	Grand
Marisfrolg Industrial Park	Grand
China State Construction Science and Technology Innovation Building	Merit
Guangzhou Respiratory Center	Merit

Photos of the Award Presentation Ceremony can be downloaded from the following link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WuprPeClXBBB6rr4iaWqR6qvsVheeGl7?usp=drive_link

For more information about the Quality Building Award, please visit:
Official Website: www.qba.com.hk; Facebook: QBAHK; LinkedIn: QBAHK;
Weibo: 優質建築大獎; WeChat Official Account: 優質建築大獎

Hashtag: #QualityBuildingAward2026

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

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

Back to index · Read original article

9. Master Plumbers’ new AI tool helps tradespeople navigate building standards in seconds

June 29, 2026

MIL OSI

Full Coverage

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

A new AI-powered tool called Toby will give plumbers, gas fitters and drainlayers access to critical building standards and regulations at their fingertips.

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk and Master Plumbers announced a pilot of the tool, available for up to 200 users, at the membership organisation’s annual conference held in Hamilton today.

Toby is embedded into ChatGPT as an assistant. It allows practitioners to ask a question in plain language and quickly locate the relevant information to comply with regulatory requirements.

For example, the maximum temperature of hot water from a tap in schools compared to other buildings.

Currently, practitioners have to conduct manual searches in lengthy documents.

Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace says Toby transforms this process into a fast, accessible and user-friendly experience.

“Toby can be used anywhere, at any time. Whether practitioners are checking a requirement, confirming their work is compliant or demonstrating the basis for a decision to an inspector or client, they now have the information they need at their fingertips.

“They will no longer be bogged down trying to find the right clause in the right document and can focus on getting on with the job, saving money and time.”

Wallace says the tool will drive productivity in the building and construction sector while also strengthening compliance outcomes.

“Ready access to trusted technical information gives consumers and practitioners confidence that work is completed safely and meets industry standards for Kiwi homes and businesses.”

Toby is more accurate and reliable than using generic AI tools because it is trained with current legislation, rules and regulations and will not generate a result based on old or inconsistent material.

There have been some challenging hurdles to get to this point, Wallace says.

“Master Plumbers has worked hard to navigate standards licensing, copyright and access issues with Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia. We are pleased to get the green light and co-funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment for an initial pilot that has the support of all parties involved.”

Master Plumbers has already received strong interest in Toby and believes the pilot is going to be a success, Wallace says.

“We will be engaging with the Government and interested parties to advocate for wider access to Toby and secure funding to support this tool beyond the pilot stage.”

About Master Plumbers:

Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 19 Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.

About Masterlink:

Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.

About NZ Plumber:

NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.

MIL OSI

Back to index · Read original article

10. Gumboot Friday records busiest month of 2026 so far, supporting 2,213 young Kiwis in May

June 29, 2026

In May 2026, 2,213 young people aged 5-25 accessed free counselling through Gumboot Friday – the highest monthly total recorded so far this year – with 3,578 sessions delivered nationwide.

Sessions are free, no referral is required, and young people choose the counsellor they want to talk to from Gumboot Friday’s registered network of counsellors.

Breakdown by age group:
• 640 young people aged 5–11 (28.9%)
• 608 young people aged 12–17 (27.5%)
• 965 young people aged 18–25 (43.6%)

Full Coverage

Source: Gumboot Friday

In May 2026, 2,213 young people aged 5-25 accessed free counselling through Gumboot Friday – the highest monthly total recorded so far this year – with 3,578 sessions delivered nationwide.

Sessions are free, no referral is required, and young people choose the counsellor they want to talk to from Gumboot Friday’s registered network of counsellors.

Breakdown by age group:
• 640 young people aged 5–11 (28.9%)
• 608 young people aged 12–17 (27.5%)
• 965 young people aged 18–25 (43.6%)

May’s figures show demand at its highest point this year, but they also show the system working: young people reaching out, appointments being made, and support getting to them.

“May was our busiest month of the year so far, and that tells us two things. The need is real, and the door has to stay open. When 2,213 young people come through in one month, you don’t get to look away or slow down. You make sure the help is there,” says I Am Hope founder Mike King.

“What matters to me is that these kids didn’t have to wait until everything fell apart before they could talk to someone. They didn’t need a referral, they didn’t need money, and they didn’t need to prove they were struggling enough. They put their hand up, chose a counsellor, and got started. That’s what meeting demand looks like — removing the excuses and getting help in front of them,” King says.

Government support helps pay for the counselling sessions, while community backing helps keep the rest of the work going — the platform, the counsellor network, the team behind it, and I Am Hope’s early-intervention work in schools and communities.

With May now the busiest month of the year so far, that support matters more than ever. Every donation, fundraiser, shared post and gumboot sold helps keep young people connected to free counselling when they need it.

If you or someone you know is 25 or under and needs someone to talk to, visit www.gumbootfriday.org.nz to book a free counsellor today – no referral needed.

To donate, fundraise, or get involved with I Am Hope, head to www.iamhope.org.nz or text HOPE to 469 for a $3 donation.

MIL OSI

Back to index · Read original article