AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 9, 2026 – Full Text
1. Legislation – Accessibility Standards Bill creates opportunity for more accessible New Zealand
July 8, 2026
Auckland, New Zealand – Access Matters Aotearoa (AMA) welcomes the introduction of the Accessibility Standards Bill by New Zealand First, a Member’s Bill in the name of Jenny Marcroft, as an important opportunity to build cross-party support for lasting accessibility reform.
AMA Co-Chair Amy Hogan says disabled people and those with access needs deserve accessibility planned from the outset, rather than relying on goodwill, exceptions and workarounds.
“For more than three decades, disabled people, advocates, families and community organisations have called for stronger accessibility legislation.
Accessibility affects participation in education, employment, housing, healthcare, transport, information and community life. Good accessibility standards benefit everyone.
The Accessibility Standards Bill is an opportunity to advance practical reforms, making accessibility simpler, fairer and more consistent across New Zealand.”
Dr Rebekah Graham, AMA Co-Chair, says today’s announcement is a constructive step towards improving a system that has left too many New Zealanders facing avoidable barriers.
“Too often, disabled people are expected to adapt to systems, environments and services that were never designed to be accessible in the first place.
Stronger accessibility standards help prevent barriers before they even happen and provide government agencies, businesses, service providers, and communities with clearer guidance on what accessibility looks like in everyday situations.”
Through its Kōrero for Change programme, Accessible Futures Summit, policy research, and engagement with lived-experience leaders, AMA has worked alongside hundreds of participants and organisations to identify practical solutions to improve accessibility across New Zealand – many of which are addressed in the first draft of the Accessibility Standards Bill.
Hogan says AMA encourages all political parties to engage as the Accessibility Standards Bill progresses.
“Accessibility reform belongs to all New Zealanders. Lasting change will require broad support across Parliament and across society.
We welcome New Zealand First’s commitment, and encourage all political parties to work together toward a more accessible New Zealand, one that works better for disabled people, people with access needs, older people, families, carers, businesses and the wider community.
As the Bill progresses, we look forward to constructive engagement with disabled people and people with access needs, community organisations, businesses, and government agencies, as we work together towards a more accessible New Zealand.”
About Access Matters Aotearoa
Access Matters Aotearoa is a solutions-driven, non-partisan advocacy trust working to secure strong accessibility legislation so everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand can participate fully.
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2. Green Party calls on Parliament to get on with solar loans before election
July 8, 2026
Source: Green Party
With Labour today announcing their support for a version of the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme, the Green Party is calling on Parliament to pass legislation to make it happen before the House rises for election 2026.
“Parliament can lower New Zealanders’ power bills and reduce emissions before the election kicks off. Now both the red team and the blue team have announced their support for the Ratepayer Assistance scheme, there’s no reason we can’t progress on a cross-partisan agreement to do this right now,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.
“The Greens have offered the National Party our 15 votes to pass this scheme since the fossil fuel crisis first hit, months ago. Now both the legacy parties are on board, why don’t we just get on with formalising the agreement already locked in? Every month waiting is another month families pay more than they need to for the basics.”
“Passing the scheme right now takes unnecessary point-scoring off the election table, locks in progress and puts solar panels on roofs sooner. We can then have the election contest over the things parties genuinely disagree on.”
“The Green Party will have plenty more to say on energy policy soon, but for now, we welcome Labour’s contribution to the debate. We are stoked to see political parties now competing with each other over who can cut power bills and climate pollution fastest. That is the real contest of ideas our country deserves,” says Swarbrick.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/08/green-party-calls-on-parliament-to-get-on-with-solar-loans-before-election/
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3. eInvoicing surge gets Kiwi businesses paid faster
July 8, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Kiwi businesses are on track for up to $800 million a year in productivity gains once eInvoicing is fully adopted, with uptake already more than doubling in the past year as businesses get paid faster and spend less time on paperwork, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer says.
Around 113,000 businesses are now registered to receive eInvoices, up from 52,000 earlier this year. eInvoicing lets businesses send and receive invoices directly between their accounting systems, with no printing, emailing, or manually keying in numbers.
“For small businesses, cash is king. Late payments choke cashflow, and that’s exactly what this fixes. eInvoicing helps you get paid faster, cuts the admin, and reduces invoice fraud and scams,” Mr Brewer says.
The $800 million figure comes from new research by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER), which finds businesses can save at least 16 minutes on every invoice, or around $11 each, just by making the switch.
“It’s one of the simplest, proven productivity wins going. If you’ve got cloud accounting, you’ve already got eInvoicing sitting there ready to switch on,” Mr Brewer says.
“Our Government is leading the charge with its own prompt payments, which we initiated and continue to closely monitor. The results speak for themselves and mean more cash into our local communities, faster,” Mr Brewer says.
Government agencies are set a target of paying 95 percent of invoices within 10 working days, and last quarter they beat it, paying 95.9 percent on time across more than 1.6 million invoices.
“We’re not just asking businesses to make the switch, we’re doing it ourselves. When government pays on time, that money flows straight through to the small businesses and subcontractors down the chain,” Mr Brewer says.
To lock in that lead, from 1 January 2027 large businesses will be required to send eInvoices when billing government agencies, with subcontractors paid on terms no less favourable than large firms receive.
“This is about making it easier to do business in New Zealand. It’s fixing the basics and building the future, so Kiwi businesses have the incentives and the tools to get paid faster and lift productivity,” Mr Brewer says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/08/einvoicing-surge-gets-kiwi-businesses-paid-faster/
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4. Legislation – NZ Government taking the country down a chilling path – Amnesty International
July 8, 2026
Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand
- Climate Change Response (Tort Liability) Amendment Bill (the Bill). This Bill amends the Climate Change Response Act 2002 creating a bar on the ability of people to bring claims against greenhouse gas emitters for climate-related harm.
- Conservation Amendment Bill proposes significant changes to how public conservation land is managed.
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5. Teaching Council – Appointments to new Governing Council
July 8, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Education Minister Hon Erica Stanford has announced appointments to the Governing Council of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
“The Teaching Council has faced significant challenges, including an independent review into its practices that found it had lost focus on its core role of ensuring child safety,” Ms Stanford says.
“It is important that we have frontline educators on the Governing Council, as they understand the needs of the sector.
“The depth and diversity of the members’ experience mean they will provide a balanced perspective on regulatory systems, and have critical governance skills and insights, including around financial management, organisational performance, audit and risk management.”
Minister Stanford said she is confident the Governing Council will have the collective skills and experience needed to provide strong governance, aligned with the Teaching Council’s enhanced regulatory focus.
The new appointees are:
- Dr Sarah Brown, Principal at Kerikeri Primary School;
- Patrick Drumm, Headmaster at Mount Albert Grammar School;
- Heath Chittenden, Principal at Ashhurst School;
- Dame Susan Hassall, former Headmaster of Hamilton Boys’ High School and Chancellor of the University of Waikato;
- Patrick Walsh, Headmaster at Sacred Heart College in Auckland;
- Andrée Atkinson, a qualified accountant with strong financial advisory skills. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a director and has significant experience chairing risk and audit committees. She also serves on the boards of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and Te Kura (formerly The Correspondence School);
- Debbie Francis, who has led change programmes across both the public and private sectors. She was lead partner for the PwC People and Change practice and head of the PwC central government practice;
- Tom Gott, who will commence a new term on the Governing Council following the conclusion of his role as Interim Chief Executive. He is an associate with MartinJenkins, with expertise in governance, strategy and development, organisational performance and regulatory practice.
The following current ministerial appointees will be reappointed for three-year terms:
- Andrée Atkinson
- Dr Sarah Brown
- Heath Chittenden
- Patrick Drumm
- Debbie Francis
- Dame Susan Hassall DNZM JP
A further appointment will be made to fill a current vacancy and strengthen early childhood education representation on the Council.
Members’ terms are expected to begin in July, aligning with commencement of the Education (System Reform) Amendment Bill.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/08/teaching-council-appointments-to-new-governing-council/
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6. Women’s Health Hub provides life stages health information
July 8, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A new Women’s Health Hub designed to make it easier for women across New Zealand to find trusted health information has been launched today by Minister for Women Nicola Grigg and Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello.
“The online hub brings together reliable information, practical tools and guidance in one place, helping women find what they need more quickly,” Ms Grigg says.
“Women have told us they’re often overwhelmed by health information and can’t find what they need. This hub provides a clear starting point, with practical, reliable information and resources that support women to make informed decisions and take an active role in their health and wellbeing. It’s also designed to navigate commonly-occurring health needs at different life stages.”
Developed by the Ministry for Women in partnership with Health New Zealand, the Women’s Health Hub brings comprehensive information about common health issues into one place.
“The hub makes it easier for women to find information relevant to their life stage. Women’s health needs change over time, and it is important they are supported to look after their health, act early when something does not feel right, and know where to find reliable information and support,” Ms Costello says.
It also provides guidance to help women prepare for appointments and make the most of their time with a healthcare provider, and educational videos with healthcare providers sharing practical advice on life stage health considerations.
Women, on average, live longer but spend more of their lives in poor health, and many have fed back they need clearer, more accessible information at key life stages.
“The hub is a practical step toward helping women feel more informed and supported around their health, with information that helps them prepare, ask questions, and make decisions that are right for them,” Ms Costello says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/08/womens-health-hub-provides-life-stages-health-information/
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7. Fifth new petroleum application targets Taranaki
July 8, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
An application targeting frontier deepwater in the Taranaki Basin marks the fifth permit application to prospect or explore for petroleum since the removal of the exploration ban, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
Today, New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) opened a three-month competitive window for a petroleum prospecting permit application from Taranaki Energy Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Perth-based Pancontinental Energy.
The application includes a proposed two-year work programme focused on reprocessing and interpreting 2D seismic data, basin modelling, and identifying potential exploration targets to inform future investment decisions.
“New Zealand is seeing renewed momentum in petroleum exploration, with four recent applications from a mix of new and established operators already progressing through competitive processes or under assessment,” Mr Jones says.
“Alongside recent commercial activity and interest levels, this reflects growing confidence and a clear lift in interest since the removal of the exploration ban, reinforced by the Government’s clear direction regarding the sector’s role in supporting our energy security and economic resilience.”
The proposed permit area covers 9972.5 sq km in deepwater offshore Taranaki, an area long recognised as highly prospective but largely underexplored. No exploration wells have been drilled within the area to date, highlighting the potential for new discoveries as geological understanding improves.
“I welcome Pancontinental’s interest in New Zealand and in advancing our petroleum potential,” Mr Jones says.
Interested parties have until 5pm, 8 October 2026, to submit competing applications. At the close of the period of competition, NZP&M will determine the order in which to process applications in accordance with the provisions of the Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025. Applications will then be evaluated against the considerations in the Crown Minerals Act 1991. These include the technical and financial capabilities of the applicant, the applicant’s record of compliance, and the merits of the proposed work programme.
The Government’s open market regime, introduced following the removal of the exploration ban, enables companies to apply for petroleum permits at any time, ensuring New Zealand can respond to emerging opportunities while maintaining a transparent and competitive allocation system.
More information can be found here: Applications under the open market competitive process – New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/08/fifth-new-petroleum-application-targets-taranaki/
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8. Health and Taxes – Cutting tobacco excise tax wrongfooted, say researchers
July 7, 2026
Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa
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9. Construction contract awarded for permanent SH39 Mangati Bridge
July 8, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today that a construction contract has been awarded by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to Oxcon for the two-lane replacement of the Mangati Bridge on State Highway 39 (SH39) between Ōtorohanga and Pirongia.
“NZTA has worked at pace since a single-lane Acrow (Bailey-style) temporary bridge was installed in March to reconnect the Pirongia community following heavy rain and flash flooding which damaged the original bridge beyond repair,” Mr Bishop says.
“Construction for the permanent replacement is expected to start on site before the end of this month and it will be open to traffic by early 2027,” Mr Bishop says.
“The new bridge will be built higher and stronger, improving the corridor’s resilience to flooding and extreme weather events.
“SH39 is a vital route for traffic travelling through the western Waikato, and an important link between Taranaki and Auckland. That’s why it’s a priority to restore the road to two lanes of traffic by early next year.
“The new Mangati Bridge will be constructed in the same location as the original bridge, meaning there will be minimal impact to SH39 traffic which will continue to use the temporary bridge until the permanent one opens.
“I look forward to work getting underway on a new two-lane bridge that will provide safer, more reliable access for this community,” says Mr Bishop
Notes to editor:
- The total project cost is expected to be $12.5 million, funded from NZTA’s emergency works budget. This figure includes the cost of the new bridge ($8 million), removing the damaged bridge and installing, maintaining and then removing the temporary Acrow bridge.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/08/construction-contract-awarded-for-permanent-sh39-mangati-bridge/
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10. Children’s Commissioner appointed
July 8, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Jane Searle has been appointed Children’s Commissioner, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston has announced.
Ms Searle has served as the chief executive of charity Child Matters for nine years, having been at the organisation for 11 years. She has also been a New Zealand Police detective who has worked in child protection, as well as a barrister and solicitor.
She has also served on a wide range of boards and specialist advisory groups.
Louise Upston says Ms Searle’s experience puts her in good stead for the role of Children’s Commissioner.
“Jane has a deep understanding of issues faced by children today, informed by more than 15 years’ combined experience in different parts of the children’s sector. She has the experience and skills to advocate on children’s wellbeing.
“Every child and young person in New Zealand should go to bed every night safe, well, and knowing how loved they are, and every child should be able to reach their full potential. The Children’s Commissioner plays an important role in advocating for what makes a difference in kids’ lives.”
Louise Upston thanked outgoing Children’s Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad, for her advocacy on behalf of children.
“Dr Achmad has led the organisation through a period of significant change, and passionately championed children’s rights. I thank her for her dedication and wish her very well for the future.”
Ms Searle will begin her five-year term on 1 August 2026.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/08/childrens-commissioner-appointed/
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