AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 5, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s mental health laws are set for their biggest overhaul in more than 30 years, with Parliament today passing landmark legislation, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“This is a huge day for mental health in New Zealand, with a once-in-a-generation reform that will modernise compulsory mental health care, strengthen people’s rights, end the use of seclusion for young people, and introduce new protections to keep mothers and their babies together wherever possible,” Mr Doocey says.

“Our old mental health law was written more than 30 years ago and no longer reflects how mental health care is delivered today. Our understanding of mental health has changed dramatically, and people rightly expect care that is more respectful of their rights and focused on recovery.

“New protections will be introduced to support mothers and their newborn babies staying together while under compulsory mental health care. Under the new protections, separation may only happen where the responsible practitioner deems it is in the best interest of the mother and baby. 

“Another significant change I am proud of is ending the use of seclusion for young people.

“For adults, the Bill introduces stronger safeguards and oversight around seclusion, significantly limiting the circumstances in which it can be used, while continuing to reduce its use as we work towards eliminating seclusion altogether.

“The Bill also strengthens supported decision-making, increases family involvement, introduces independent advocacy, and raises the threshold for the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), ensuring it is used only in much more limited circumstances.

“This responds to at least ten recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions, reinforcing our commitment to improving the safety, dignity and rights of people receiving compulsory mental health care.

“I want to acknowledge everyone who helped shape these reforms, particularly people with lived experience and their families. Their feedback has helped create a Bill that will improve mental health care for generations of New Zealanders.

“The changes will come into force in two years, allowing time for clinicians and the wider mental health system to prepare for these significant reforms.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/04/biggest-mental-health-law-change-in-over-30-years/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is working closely with farmers and rural communities in the Wairarapa to assess the impacts of recent heavy rain, which has damaged local roads and bridges and caused significant erosion on hillside farms.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) staff are working with and in regular contact with the local Rural Support Trust, to gauge the full extent of the damage and whether a formal adverse event classification is warranted.

“We will provide targeted support to affected farmers and growers where it is needed most,” Mr McClay says. 

“I am also talking with local MP and Associate Agriculture Minister Mike Butterick, a Wairarapa farmer himself, to make sure everything possible is being done for the region to be well prepared for further weather events over the coming week.

 “MetService is forecasting further periods of heavy rain across the region over the coming week. I encourage farmers and growers to keep a close watch on weather warnings and to act early to protect their stock, infrastructure and properties.

“That means moving stock to safer ground where possible, reviewing feed and supply plans, and making sure animal welfare comes first through what is a tough stretch of winter.”

Farmers and growers needing support can contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254. For animal welfare advice or assistance during adverse weather, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33.

“MPI continues to monitor weather warnings and watches nationwide, and the Government stands ready to scale up its response if more is required,” Mr McClay says.

“I want to thank the Rural Support Trust in the Wairarapa for their hard work and commitment.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/04/government-supporting-wairarapa-farmers-after-heavy-rain/

Source: New Zealand Government

Defence Minister Chris Penk will travel to Ankara, Türkiye, for NATO Summit events and engagements with overseas counterparts.

“New Zealand is committed to a rules-based international system and attending the Summit, including for the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum, places us at the table with like-minded countries,” Mr Penk says.

“I am looking forward to engaging with partners to share perspectives on the geostrategic environment and to discuss how we can further bolster our collective security, fundamental to safeguarding our communities and prosperity.”

New Zealand is attending the Summit as a member of the Indo-Pacific Four – alongside Australia, the Republic of Korea and Japan.

Mr Penk will join those partners in meeting with NATO counterparts, as well as attend the Defence Industry Forum alongside representatives from New Zealand companies.

“As New Zealand focuses on building a more combat capable and interoperable Defence Force, we need to continue to explore opportunities for Kiwi businesses and look for innovative ways to deliver capability faster and with resilience. The Forum presents an opportunity for this.”

Mr Penk leaves tomorrow and returns to New Zealand on 10 July.
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/04/defence-minister-to-attend-nato-summit/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

New rules come into force today requiring the large power companies to provide customers with power plans that reflect the different costs of electricity throughout the day, giving customers more choice and helping to make power bills more affordable, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The big power companies generate power for different prices at different times of the day, but those same companies usually sell that power to residential and small business customers at one price, regardless of when they use the power. 

“That is unfair and, from today, the Electricity Authority is requiring the big power companies to offer ‘time-of-use’ pricing plans to households and small businesses. 

“This will give more people the option of shifting some of their power usage to take advantage of cheaper rates where possible, making their power bills lower than they otherwise would have been.

Time-of-use plans usually have three price periods:

• Peak – Prices are highest when demand for electricity is highest, typically 7am to 10am and 5pm to 9pm.
• Off-peak or shoulder – These are the periods following peak periods when demand starts dropping off. Typically, they’re:10am to 5pm and 9pm to 11pm.
• Night – Prices are lowest when demand is lowest. Typically: 11pm to 7am. 

“The new rules will also support those with solar and batteries by making time-of-use pricing available for electricity exported back into the system, which can better reward those able to do so.

“This means customers who export power back to the grid during peak times can be rewarded with higher returns for doing so. 

“Together, these changes will not only support more affordable power bills but also make the uptake of solar and batteries more attractive. This sits alongside recent changes doubling the export limits for households exporting power back to the grid from 5kW to 10kW. 

“This is one more action in the Government’s plan for abundant, affordable and reliable energy for all New Zealanders. 

“There is no single or overnight fix to achieve this, but there are a number of measures the Government is rolling out to give consumers more control and flexibility over their power usage and bills.

“Introducing time-of-use plans which can make power cheaper, or even free, during off-peak times, is one of those steps.

“To see whether a time-of-use plan suits your needs, check with your power company or visit billy.govt.nz – the Electricity Authority’s free price comparison and switching tool. You can check whether you are on the best deal and find realistic estimates on savings.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/01/off-peak-pricing-to-make-power-more-affordable/

Source: New Zealand Government

A further 1300 Defence veterans will have their service to New Zealand recognised through health, rehabilitation and financial support for deployment-related conditions, Veterans Minister Chris Penk says.

“These veterans undertook a wide range of maritime security activities, including the disruption of drug smuggling operations and the gathering of intelligence that contributed to security efforts across the region,” Mr Penk says.

“Their work protecting key maritime and international shipping routes supports freedom of navigation, which is vital for New Zealand’s economic prosperity.”

Support has been extended to New Zealand Defence Force personnel who served in the seas around the Middle East and along the East Coast of Africa as part of Operational Service Maritime Area Tahi for:

• Deployments spanning 1 April 1991 to 30 June 2024, and 15 March 2025 to 25 May 2025
• The current deployment period from 16 March 2026 to 16 September 2026

“For many, this will provide practical assistance that can make a meaningful difference to their health, wellbeing, and quality of life,” Mr Penk says.

“This Government values veterans for their service and contribution to New Zealand’s international efforts, and is committed to ensuring they are well supported both now and into the future.”

More information can be found on the Veterans Affairs website: https://www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/02/backing-kiwi-veterans-with-support-extension/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Māhinerangi Wind Farm project in Otago has been granted Fast-track approval.

This is the 26th project and the sixth renewable energy project to receive approval through the fast-track process. 

Tararua Wind Power Limited lodged a substantive application in November 2025 to expand and operate the existing Māhinerangi Wind Farm near Eldorado Track, approximately 50 kilometres west of Dunedin and 5 kilometres north of Lake Māhinerangi.

Approval has taken four and a half months since the independent expert panel commenced.

“The approved Stage 2 development, known as Puke Kapo Hau, will expand the existing wind farm, which has been operating since 2011,” Mr Bishop says.

“The project will involve the construction and operation of approximately 44 additional wind turbines, a new 110kV transmission line, a substation, and a 60MW battery energy storage system capable of supplying electricity for up to two hours during periods of peak demand.

“Once complete, the development is expected to have an installed capacity of up to 190MW and generate around 550GWh of electricity each year, enough to power the equivalent of around 68,000 homes.

“The project represents a significant investment in Otago and will contribute to the region’s economic growth while supporting New Zealand’s transition to a more secure and sustainable energy future,” Mr Jones says.

“Fast-tracking major infrastructure projects helps unlock investment, supports regional development, and creates opportunities for local communities while delivering the infrastructure New Zealand needs.”

Mr Brown says the Government’s goal is abundant, affordable and reliable power for all New Zealanders. 

“We are fixing the basics and building the future by taking key actions to increase energy supply and put downward pressure on prices. 

“Fast-tracking consenting rules to encourage energy investment, is one of those actions.

“Renewable energy projects like this are critical to strengthening New Zealand’s energy security and supporting a more reliable national electricity system.”

Notes to editor

For more information about the project:  Māhinerangi Wind Farm

Fast-track by the numbers: 

• 26 projects approved by expert panels. 
• 20 projects with expert panels appointed. 
• 55 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 27 active substantive and 28 referral applications.
• 56 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure. 
• 149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval. 
• On average, it has taken 117 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope. 

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 

• Arataki [Housing/Land]  
• Ashbourne [Housing/Land]  
• Ayrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
• Green Steel [Infrastructure] 
• Homestead Bay [Housing/Land] 
• Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]  
• Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land] 
• Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying] 
• Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying] 
• Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme [Renewable energy] 
• Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works [Renewable energy]
• Māhinerangi Wind Farm [Renewable energy] 
• Maitahi Village [Housing/Land] 
• Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land] 
• The Point Mission Bay [Housing/Land]  
• Pound Road [Housing/Land]  
• Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]  
• Ryans Road [Housing/Land]  
• Southland Wind Farm Project [Renewable energy]
• Sunfield [Housing/Land]  
• Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy] 
• Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure] 
• Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying] 
• Waitaha Hydro [Renewable energy] 
• Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]
• Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal [Infrastructure]

  Expert panels have been appointed for: 

• 188 Beaumont Street
• Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills
• Auckland Prison Capacity Increase
• Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project  
• Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
• Central and Southern Block Mining Project
• Delmore
• Downtown Carpark Site Development
• Foxton Solar Farm
• Haldon Solar Farm 
• Hananui Aquaculture Project 
• Hunua Quarry Development
• Mt Iron Junction
• Mt Welcome, Pukerua Bay, Porirua
• Northwest Rapid Transit
• Southern Link Inland Port
• State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus)
• Stella Passage Development
• The Point Solar Farm 
• Waikanae North Development

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/03/sixth-renewable-energy-project-fast-tracked/

Source: New Zealand Government

A home test rolling out nationwide will mean more New Zealanders can get faster assessment of bowel symptoms, while also helping free up specialist capacity needed to safely bring down the bowel screening age, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

• Simple home test for people with bowel cancer symptoms (FIT for Symptomatic pathway)
• Prioritises colonoscopies for those who need it most
• Unlocks colonoscopy capacity, supporting further bowel screening age reductions

“The Government is committed to lowering the screening age as fast as we can to match Australia, because catching bowel cancer earlier saves lives. It’s already come down from 60 to 58 nationwide, and from September it begins to drop to 56 – making more than 200,000 additional New Zealanders eligible for free screening over four years. 

“We will keep going, and this new test is a key part of delivering that.”

The key to lowering the screening age quickly is ensuring colonoscopy capacity can keep up.

“Every time the age is lowered, more people become eligible, more results need follow-up, and more colonoscopies are required. Colonoscopies are the hardest part of the system to scale – each one needs a trained specialist, theatre time, and equipment.

“To keep lowering the age, capacity has to be built at every step of the pathway, and we’re doing that in two ways.

“The first is direct investment in more diagnostic capacity, including additional colonoscopies, so more patients can be seen sooner.

“The second is better use of existing capacity – and that’s where the new test, rolling out nationwide from today, comes in. It helps identify who needs a colonoscopy, so we can prioritise those patients and keep reducing waiting times.”

Known officially as the FIT (faecal immunochemical test) for symptomatic pathway, the simple home test checks a stool sample for hidden traces of blood, an early warning sign of bowel cancer.

It is the same physical test already used in the screening programme and works in exactly the same way. The difference is that, because these patients already have symptoms, it is set to be more sensitive – flagging a positive result at lower levels of blood. This means people with symptoms can be assessed quickly to determine whether they have a high risk of a serious bowel condition.

“Until now, many patients with bowel cancer symptoms have been referred for a colonoscopy, meaning they go on a wait list. This simple home test changes that, giving fast, reliable results within a few days of being returned, which helps clinicians prioritise care. Patients who need urgent investigation can be seen for a colonoscopy sooner.”

Under the pathway, most patients referred by their GP to hospital with bowel cancer symptoms will be offered the test first. It is available to people aged 18 and over. Those with a positive result will be prioritised for a colonoscopy or an alternative bowel investigation.

Health New Zealand expects the test to reduce colonoscopy referrals for people with bowel cancer symptoms by up to 30 per cent.

“That’s a significant amount of specialist capacity freed up, allowing people who need a colonoscopy to be seen faster, and reducing wait times. That freed-up capacity is what allows us to keep safely lowering the screening age.”

Mr Brown is encouraging New Zealanders to remain aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.

“If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. See your GP. Finding bowel cancer early gives people the best possible chance of successful treatment, and that’s exactly what this test is designed to support.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/01/home-test-will-unlock-lower-bowel-screening-age/

Source: New Zealand Government

Today marks a major step toward a smarter, more practical anti-money laundering system, with the Department of Internal Affairs becoming New Zealand’s single AML/CFT regulator, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.

“Around 1,200 businesses will move under DIA’s supervision, bringing all of the approximately 6,100 reporting entities under one regulator. That means clearer guidance, more consistent oversight, and less confusion for businesses trying to do the right thing,” says Mrs McKee.

“Businesses and their customers should not be buried in pointless paperwork when the real target is organised crime, fraudsters, and those moving dirty money through New Zealand.

“DIA already has intelligence-led experience supervising casinos, money remitters, and other high-risk sectors. Since the single supervisor was announced in 2024, DIA has worked closely with the Financial Markets Authority and the Reserve Bank to ensure a coordinated and seamless transition.

“With three reform Bills now passed into law and a final one still to come, the Government is cutting unnecessary compliance, reducing costs where the risk is low, and making the system easier to navigate.

“The first of July also marks the beginning of a four-year programme to implement the new AML/CFT National Strategy 2026–2030 which sets out a vision of making it easier to do business and harder to commit crime.”

An industry levy will be introduced to part-fund the reform programme in parallel with Crown funding. The new levy will provide better resourcing for the New Zealand Financial Intelligence Unit to improve intelligence sharing, DIA to enhance their supervision function, and for the Ministry of Justice to administer the regulatory system. The levy was designed in consultation with industry, will be payable from July 2027, and will be reviewed every three years.  

“These reforms will strengthen our ability to detect and disrupt the more than $1.6 billion laundered in New Zealand each year, protect access to global financial markets, and make the system far more workable for the businesses expected to comply with it,” says Mrs McKee.

Notes to editors:

Registered banks, non-bank deposit takers and firms operating in securities markets make up the 1,200 businesses transferring to DIA’s supervision.
Levy decisions, including the Cabinet paper, Summary of Submissions and the Ministry’s response to submissions, will be proactively released once levy regulations are published.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/01/aml-reforms-enter-new-phase-with-one-clear-regulator/

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell has today welcomed a major milestone in New Zealand’s public safety sector with the launch of SafetyNet Critical Communications (SafetyNet).

SafetyNet, a new independent Crown company, replaces Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC).  With an expanded mandate, SafetyNet will help strengthen New Zealand’s emergency preparedness and response capability and ultimately, deliver better support to communities across the country.

“SafetyNet has a solid platform to build from. It will continue to lead and facilitate the ongoing development of a shared, secure, modern emergency grade communications ecosystem for the public safety sector,” says Mr Mitchell. 

“Responders need reliable and resilient communications for everyday safety and during emergencies. SafetyNet will help ensure the people and organisations involved in protecting New Zealanders have access to the information and communications they need.”

SafetyNet will offer organisations active in everyday safety and emergency management access to its Public Safety Network Cellular Services (PSN) on a commercial basis.   

“The aggregated provision of shared emergency infrastructure and services – to be used by potentially hundreds of public safety sector organisations – is something that will benefit all New Zealanders,” says Mr Mitchell.  

“SafetyNet will use its wide network of relationships to develop, deliver, and maintain investment in communication infrastructure and services. The approach of ‘build it once and use it many times’ is a good model for the government and the public safety sector.”

Appointed to the Board of SafetyNet are Rob Fyfe (Chair), Deborah Battel, Glen Sowry, Greg Lowe, and TJ Kennedy. They will be advised by a panel of experts comprised of the chief executives of Hato Hone St John, New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and Wellington Free Ambulance. Steve Ferguson has been appointed to the role of SafetyNet CEO.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/01/launch-of-safetynet-critical-communications/