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

Source: New Zealand First

NZFirst Announces Next Tranche of Candidates 

New Zealand First is today announcing our next set of confirmed candidates to stand in the general election. 

This latest tranche shows the growing list of candidates with a wide range of skills, experience, and backgrounds New Zealand First will have representing the party across the country in this coming election. 

 

Harete Hipango-Brownlie, Whanganui:  

Hipango-Brownlie is a former National Party Member of Parliament, lawyer, and dedicated public servant with more than 30 years’ experience serving New Zealand communities across law, health, governance and public policy. She is standing for New Zealand First in the Whanganui electorate, bringing a lifetime of leadership, advocacy and service to the community she calls home. 

Hipango-Brownlie served as the Member of Parliament holding the seat of Whanganui from 2017 to 2020 before returning to Parliament as a List MP in 2021 until 2023.  

Before entering Parliament, Hipango-Brownlie served on the Whanganui District Health Board. 

Grounded in both Māori and European heritage, Hipango-Brownlie brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience working across the justice system, public service, iwi organisations and Parliament. She is committed to strong communities, responsible governance, practical solutions and ensuring Whanganui has a strong, experienced voice advocating for its future. 

 

Te Kira Lawrence, East Cape: 

Lawrence is a sitting Napier City Councillor, dedicated community leader, and experienced public servant who has built her career around serving people, strengthening communities, and delivering practical results. 

With more than two decades of experience in administration, stakeholder engagement, governance, and community relations, Lawrence brings a strong record of getting things done. She currently serves as an Outreach Advisor in the New Zealand First Leader’s Office, working closely with communities, stakeholders, and Members of Parliament to ensure local voices are heard and reflected in decision-making. 

In 2025, Lawrence was elected to the Napier City Council, where she serves on several key committees, including Risk and Assurance, Community-Led Initiatives, flood resilience, and regional waste planning. She also holds the council’s multicultural portfolio and represents the council on the Waipureku Waitangi Charitable Trust, helping strengthen community partnerships and inclusive engagement across Hawke’s Bay. 

Her earlier career included roles in health, business management, architecture, and the wool industry, giving her broad experience across both the public and private sectors. 

As New Zealand First’s candidate for East Cape, she is committed to standing up for the region’s families, businesses, rural communities, and local industries, ensuring the region has a strong voice advocating for practical solutions and a prosperous future.

 

Tracey Coxhead, Mt Maunganui: 

Coxhead currently serves as a Western Bay of Plenty District Councillor being elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2025.  She brings more than 40 years of leadership experience across banking, financial services, business ownership and local government.  

A Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Life Underwriter, Tracey holds postgraduate business qualifications from Massey University and has served on numerous professional committees, including as a former director of the Insurance and Financial Advisers Association (IFA NZ). Her extensive governance experience has been strengthened through decades of leadership in both the financial sector and local government. 

Coxhead has built a reputation as a diligent and independent representative who values careful decision-making, strong financial management and listening to the communities she serves. 

Coxhead and her husband live in Te Puna and are proud parents of four adult children and grandparents. She enjoys spending time with family, travelling, hiking and giving back to her local community. She is standing for Parliament because she believes New Zealand needs experienced, practical leadership that puts communities first. 

 

Kym McDonald-King, Dunedin: 

McDonald-King is a lifelong advocate for community, public service and practical solutions. With a career spanning healthcare, business, community engagement and politics, she brings more than 25 years of frontline experience working with New Zealanders from all walks of life. 

Born and raised in the South Island, McDonald-King has made Dunedin her home and is passionate about ensuring the city and wider Otago region remain great places to live, work and raise families. She began her professional career as a registered nurse, spending over a decade in hospital and rural health services. Working in emergency care, palliative care, aged care and rural nursing, she developed a deep appreciation for the challenges facing New Zealand’s health system and the importance of compassionate, practical leadership. During her nursing career she also served as a union representative, advocating for staff and contributing to successful pay equity negotiations. 

McDonald-King serves as an Outreach Advisor in the New Zealand First Leader’s Office, where she works closely with MPs, community organisations and stakeholders throughout the South Island. Her role centres on building strong community connections, facilitating public engagement and ensuring local voices are heard in Parliament. 

Standing for New Zealand First in Dunedin, she is committed to championing local communities, supporting hardworking New Zealanders and ensuring government decisions reflect the realities faced by everyday families. Her focus is on listening, delivering practical outcomes and helping build a stronger future for Dunedin and New Zealand. 

 

Billy Brown, Rotorua: 

Brown is a respected infrastructure leader and business executive with more than 25 years’ experience delivering major civil construction and infrastructure projects across New Zealand and the Pacific.  

Brown currently serves as General Manager of MAP Projects Ltd, leading a business operating across New Zealand and the Pacific. He oversees a multi-million-dollar infrastructure portfolio, guiding strategic planning, financial governance, workforce development, and regional growth.  

Before joining MAP Projects, Brown was Construction and Operations Manager with Higgins, where he managed large-scale transport and civil infrastructure projects throughout New Zealand and Fiji. Earlier in his career, he held senior operational roles with McConnell Dowell and Civil Construction Ltd. 

Having started his career on the tools before progressing into senior executive leadership, Brown understands the challenges facing working New Zealanders and small businesses. His experience spans commercial governance, financial management, workforce development, and regional economic growth, giving him firsthand insight into the infrastructure and investment needed to strengthen local communities. 

As New Zealand First’s candidate for Rotorua, Brown is committed to delivering practical solutions, backing local enterprise, investing in essential infrastructure, and ensuring that government works for the people and communities it serves. He believes strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, and common sense are essential to building a more prosperous future for Rotorua and New Zealand. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/nzfirst-announces-next-tranche-of-candidates/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is providing $50,000 to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust to support flood-affected Kaikōura farmers, with Federated Farmers to match the funding through fundraising, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.

“Kaikōura received double its average July rainfall in just two days, triggering flooding and slips that have damaged farms, livestock feed, and vital infrastructure such as roads and fences,” Mr McClay says.

“The immediate priority is animal welfare. Ministry for Primary Industries staff are on the ground working with farmers, sector groups, and the Rural Support Trust to move an estimated 4,000 animals off flood-affected land and onto safe grazing.

“Farmers and growers elsewhere, including in Otago and the Wairarapa, are still feeling the effects of recent severe weather, and we’re continuing to assess whether further support is needed as the full extent of the damage becomes clear.

“In the meantime, I’d encourage farmers to stay across MetService forecasts and take precautions, including moving livestock to safe ground.”

Farmers and growers needing assistance can contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254. Those with animal welfare concerns can phone MPI on 0800 00 83 33.
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/government-support-for-flood-hit-kaikoura-farmers/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will not proceed with a blanket legislative ban on crypto ATMs, instead taking a targeted and proportionate approach to reducing the criminal misuse of virtual assets, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.

In June 2025, Cabinet agreed in principle to ban crypto ATMs, subject to further policy analysis. That analysis has now been completed and found that a more flexible approach is available.

“Banning something is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly. Cabinet has now considered the evidence and agreed that a blanket ban is not the right response at this time,” says Mrs McKee.

“Crypto ATMs present real risks, particularly where criminals use cash to move funds into virtual assets quickly and anonymously. But the analysis also found they can have legitimate uses, including for cash-reliant New Zealanders who want to access or invest in virtual assets.

“New Zealand should be a country that welcomes innovation while taking criminal misuse seriously. That is why Cabinet’s earlier decision was made in principle and subject to further analysis. If there was a less restrictive way to manage the risks, we wanted to find it.

“Instead of an outright ban, Cabinet has agreed to establish regulation-making powers that would allow the Government to place restrictions on cash transactions for virtual assets. These could include maximum transaction thresholds or, if clear evidence of harm emerges in New Zealand, prohibit cash payments for high-risk virtual assets.

“This gives the Government practical tools to respond to risk while preserving space for legitimate business, investment, and personal choice.

“These decisions form part of the Government’s wider reform of New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism system, aimed at making it easier to do business and harder to commit crime.

“Cash remains attractive to organised crime because it is difficult to trace. When cash is converted into virtual assets, such as cryptocurrencies, criminals can move funds rapidly across borders in ways that are difficult for law enforcement to detect or disrupt.

“That is why we are not ignoring the risks. We are putting practical tools in place so the Government can act quickly if the evidence justifies it, while avoiding unnecessary restrictions on lawful users.

“I have asked officials to consult with crypto providers and users on options for implementing protections that strike the right balance.”

The AML/CFT (Omnibus) Amendment Bill will be introduced later this month and will incorporate a regulation making power to give effect to this decision.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/crypto-atms-to-get-guardrails-not-the-guillotine/

Source: New Zealand Government

Transport Minister Chris Bishop is welcoming the publication of NZTA’s Major Transport Projects Pipeline, setting out the phasing for projects including the Roads of National Significance and major public transport projects.

“The Government has an ambitious transport programme that will help grow the economy by moving people and freight safely and efficiently around the country,” Mr Bishop says.

“The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has been getting on with delivering the Government’s Roads of National Significance, Roads of Regional Significance, and major public transport projects like the Northwestern and Eastern Busways in Auckland.

“Significant progress has been made over the last three years.”

Phase One: Under construction and procurement

“The Ōtaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance, the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, Takitimu North Link Stage 1, and SH29 Tauriko West (Omanawa Bridge) are all under construction.

“The first stage of the Northland Expressway is in the final stages of procurement and due to start construction before the end of the year, while procurement is also underway for the Cambridge to Piarere Road of National Significance.

“Cambridge to Piarere will extend the Waikato Expressway, with construction of Stage 1 due to start in early 2027 and Stage 2 later in 2027.

“By early next year, six RoNS will be under construction.

“Important regional projects, including the Melling Interchange, Brougham Street and the second Ashburton Bridge, are also underway.

“The construction sector has been clear it needs a strong pipeline of future work. That is why the Government committed to the 17 RoNS listed in the 2024 Transport Government Policy Statement, and major public transport projects.

“We’ve always seen the roads and public transport projects as part of a multi-year pipeline to drive jobs and growth around the country, and today’s pipeline release reflects that. 

“The pipeline shows why a phased approach to delivering the Roads of National Significance is important. As I’ve said many times, not all projects can start immediately. It takes time to get projects ready for construction, with route protection (designations and consenting), detailed design, and property acquisition all needing to be completed before main construction works can begin.”

Phase Two: Preparing for construction, and route protection

“Provisional consent has been granted for the Belfast to Pegasus Road of National Significance and early works are underway. Takitimu North Link (Stage 2) also recently received consent through the Fast Track Approvals Act.

“NZTA will continue to progress planning work for Mill Road (Stage One), the Northwest Busway (Stages 1B and 2), and the Hope Bypass (Stage 1) with intersection improvements prioritised at Lower Queen St. 

“As funding becomes available, these projects can progress to construction.

“NZTA will also progress route protection for the SH1 Wellington Improvements project, the Brynderwyns project as part of the Northland Expressway, SH29 Tauriko (Wider Scope), and Northwest Busway Stage 3.

“The Northwest Alternative State Highway and Hamilton Southern Links are already designated.”

Phase Three: Continuing more slowly

“NZTA will continue work on the Hope Bypass Stage 2, Sections 2 and 3 of the Northland Expressway (excluding the Brynderwyns), Auckland’s East West Link, Mill Road (Alfriston to Drury), and Petone to Grenada.

“Work on these projects will progress at a slower pace than those in Phase Two, with some projects continuing preparation for future route protection.

“Phasing the RoNS programme means we can keep investing across the wider transport network, including in projects that improve reliability, strengthen resilience, and meet local and regional transport needs.

“Major new corridors are important, but New Zealanders also need a safe, reliable and resilient transport system every day. 

“That is why the RoNS programme sits alongside significant investment in maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure, strengthening resilience to natural hazards and extreme weather, improving safety, and keeping communities connected.

“Fuel excise duty has fallen in real terms by 21 per cent since 2020 when it was last increased, while construction costs have risen significantly over the same period, with the recent conflict in the Middle East contributing to that challenge.

“This pipeline demonstrates that we have struck the right balance with our ambitious and responsible transport programme, which is part of our Government’s wider plan to build New Zealand’s future.”

Note to editors:

NZTA’s Major Transport Projects Pipeline is attached and can be found at this link: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects-and-consultations/major-projects/major-transport-projects-pipeline

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/transport-pipeline-provides-certainty/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand will engage with Australia and Fiji on the possibility of joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance, the Government has announced. 

“Fiji and Australia this week announced a commitment to become military allies, and New Zealand welcomes this,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.

“New Zealand and Australia share a close bond, with a military alliance that continues to go from strength to strength, and we also have a strong and enduring relationship with Fiji.

“We already work with both countries on how we can develop a safer region for all, so engaging with them on this alliance is logical.”

The alliance is a mutual defence treaty that commits its parties to cooperate and consult, and to act to meet common danger. It provides for other Pacific States to join, with the agreement of Australia and Fiji. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says Pacific leaders have for decades operated under an approach of having Pacific-led responses to regional security issues – and this alliance underscores that stance.

“Elevating our long-standing relationship with Australia and Fiji – and other Pacific nations – to the next level through an alliance would mean we become even closer partners.”

Defence Minister Chris Penk says the opportunity for further cooperation in the Pacific comes as New Zealand and Australia mark 75 years of their alliance. 

“New Zealand values the opportunity to grow Pacific unity and build stronger defence and security partnerships within our region. We are committed to the implementation of deeper defence and security cooperation with Fiji.”

New Zealand will now discuss with Australia and Fiji our interest in exploring membership of the Alliance. The final decision on joining the Alliance will be taken by Cabinet, followed by the usual Parliamentary treaty process. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/nz-to-explore-joining-fiji-australia-defence-alliance/

Source: Green Party

The Government’s Major Transport Projects Pipeline, released today, shows billions of dollars of mega-roads still unfunded with no timeframe for when many will ever be built.

“After years of pressure to front up on how it would pay for its roading wish list, the Government has released less a pipeline and more a pipe dream with no clear way to fund its mega-projects,” says Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.

“Putting projects in the ‘slow lane’ is an admission that the numbers don’t stack up for the Government’s $56 billion Roads of National Significance programme.”

“The real cost of this fantasy is what it crowds out. This Government gutted funding for public transport, rail, walking and cycling to clear the way for mega-roads it now admits it cannot pay for.”

“Communities have lost the projects that were affordable and ready to go, and in exchange they get roads that exist only on paper.”

“While we are happy to see a few major public transport projects in the list, there’s no mention of mass transit for Christchurch, Wellington City, or other fast-growing cities like Hamilton and Tauranga.”

“Every dollar sunk into a low-value motorway is a dollar not spent on the things that actually get people moving: reliable buses and trains, safe streets, and a roading network that doesn’t wash out every time it rains.”

“Funding needs to be where it moves the most people: rapid, reliable public transport, safe streets and a resilient roading network. That is a transport plan New Zealanders should have, not what the Minister has presented today,” says Genter.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/transport-plan-more-pipe-dream-than-pipeline/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is removing costs for thousands of food businesses by launching another free online food safety course, says Minister for Food Safety Andrew Hoggard.

“Food safety training can cost food businesses between $50 and $200 per staff member, so making free resources available puts money back in the till.” 

“This kind of training for food business provides an important line of defence for consumers and is a good investment in preventing foodborne illness.
The first of six Food Safety Basics training modules was launched back in May and it was well received by food business. Today we’ve launched the second module, focusing on personal hygiene.”

The new module covers why personal hygiene is essential for anyone working with food and how everyday habits can protect customers from foodborne illnesses. 
The full series of modules – developed with input from the Restaurant Association, Hospitality NZ, restaurants, cafes and local authorities – will all be published online by early next year. 

The remaining modules will cover maintaining a food safe workplace, handling food safely, allergens, and traceability and recalls.

“Providing this free training is part of an ongoing series of practical changes to make food safety simpler and smarter for food businesses of every size.”

The free online courses can be completed here. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/putting-money-back-in-the-till-for-food-businesses/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s manufacturing sector has posted its strongest month of growth in nearly five years, with new data showing activity surging to its highest level since July 2021, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer says.

The latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) jumped to 59.7 in June, up sharply from 51.3 in May and well above the survey’s long-term average of 52.5. A reading above 50.0 shows the sector is expanding.

“This is a very strong result. Order books are filling up, production is climbing, and manufacturers are hiring again,” Mr Brewer says.

Every part of the index was firmly in expansion. New Orders led the way at 64.1, pointing to a healthy pipeline of work ahead, while Production surged to 59.4 and Employment reached 55.8, an encouraging sign for manufacturing jobs.

BNZ Head of Research Stephen Toplis said in the report that analysts were ‘staggered by the extent the Index has jumped’.

The manufacturing sector directly employs more than 220,000 people, contributes around eight per cent of GDP, and accounts for 60 per cent of New Zealand’s exports.

“Manufacturing is one of the powerhouses of our economy, and right now it’s running hot. This follows the sector being the single biggest driver of economic growth in the March quarter, so the momentum is real and it’s building,” Mr Brewer says.

“When order books fill up like this, manufacturers need to invest to keep pace, and that’s what Investment Boost is for, letting them buy the machinery and equipment that lifts productivity.

“Our manufacturers are outpacing every major economy right now, including the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia.

“Kiwi manufacturers are showing what they can do when they get a Government that backs them. This is all part of the Government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/manufacturing-growth-surges-to-five-year-high/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand is investing $9 million, the single biggest investment ever made in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), to establish community-based hubs in Rotorua/Kawerau, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. 

“This is the first time in New Zealand there has been FASD-dedicated assessment, diagnosis and support in community settings, helping children, young people and their families access earlier care,” Mr Doocey says. 

“We know early intervention makes a real difference. By identifying children earlier and supporting families sooner, we can improve lifelong health, learning and development outcomes. 

“Last year we launched the Government’s new approach to FASD, supported by a significant funding boost of $4.6 million to prevent FASD, improve diagnosis and support, and strengthen help for affected families.

“As part of that plan, we are now establishing three community-based hubs that will provide assessment, diagnosis and ongoing support for children and young people with FASD. 

“The hubs will be operational in each location by October this year. They will provide referral and screening, comprehensive assessments, specialist support, navigation services and family support. 

“These three locations have been selected because they reflect areas of significant need. 

“This responds to longstanding barriers people have faced in accessing timely FASD assessment and diagnosis. We know limited access has created uncertainty for families and made it more difficult to receive the support they need. 

“Delays in diagnosis and assessment create stress for families, limit access to support, and contribute to poorer long-term outcomes. We know how important access to timely assessment and support is for improving outcomes for children and young people with FASD. 

“I want New Zealand to be a country where people are supported to have alcohol free pregnancies, where FASD is better understood, where our workforce is better equipped, and where people living with FASD and their families receive the support they deserve. 

“FASD is widespread and impacts thousands of families. Around 1,800 to 3,000 babies may be born with FASD each year in New Zealand, and the condition can significantly affect lifelong health, learning and development. 

“For too long, too many families have struggled to access the help they need. These new community-based hubs are an important step towards earlier diagnosis, better support and improved outcomes for children, young people and their families.” 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/faster-access-to-fasd-support/