AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 9, 2026 – Full Text
1. Zero-interest loans accelerate EV charger rollout
August 8, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is pushing ahead with its drive to deliver 10,000 public electric vehicle (EV) chargers by 2030, opening a second round of zero-interest loans to encourage private sector investment in charging infrastructure, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Energy Minister Simeon Brown have announced.
“Many Kiwis are interested in making the switch to an EV to cut down on fuel costs or their carbon footprint, but we continue to hear concerns about access to public chargers, especially for longer journeys outside main centres,” Mr Bishop says.
“Before this Government began addressing the issue, New Zealand had just over 1,800 public charge points – one of the lowest charger-to-EV ratios in the OECD.
“It’s a classic chicken-and-egg situation. Companies are reluctant to invest in new charging infrastructure until there are more EVs on the road, while many people are hesitant to buy an EV until they know charging will be readily available.
“That’s why we’re taking practical steps to unlock greater private investment, expand the public charging network, and give New Zealanders the confidence they need to make the switch. It’s another example of National fixing the basics and building the future.”
National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFFCo) will shortly release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the second round of concessionary loans for public EV charging infrastructure. Around $21 million will be available for charge point operators seeking co-investment to deliver portfolios of public charging sites across New Zealand.
Applications will be assessed through an open procurement process focused on delivering the greatest value for money and the strongest contribution to the growth of New Zealand’s public charging network.
The second funding round builds on the successful first round of concessionary loans announced in March, which will deliver 2,574 new charge points through partnerships with ChargeNet and Meridian Energy.
“Round one demonstrated strong market demand for the programme and showed concessionary loans can successfully unlock significant private sector investment,” Mr Bishop says.
“The projects already underway will more than double New Zealand’s public charging network and represent a major step towards achieving our long-term infrastructure goals. By 2030, our target is to have 10,000 public charge points across the country, providing roughly one charger for every 40 EVs.”
Mr Brown says rolling out EV chargers will reduce range anxiety for EV drivers.
“New Zealanders will make the best choices for their own circumstances, as we are seeing with the greater uptake of EVs without unnecessary subsidies from taxpayers.
“With actions like loans for public EV chargers, the Government is helping provide the infrastructure and settings to broaden those choices.
“The additional funding will accelerate charger deployment and give the market greater confidence to invest.
“Concessionary loans lower the cost of capital and help overcome the challenge that charging infrastructure often needs to be built before demand is fully established.
“By partnering with the private sector, we’re bringing forward investment, getting more chargers into communities sooner, and ensuring taxpayers receive good value for money.
“This is just one of a number of actions the Government is taking to encourage electrification in New Zealand and to give New Zealanders more control over their power bills and energy use.
“In addition to actions to put downward pressure on power bills, we are:
- Developing minimum standards for electric vehicle chargers so people can choose ones that will automatically charge overnight at times when power is cheapest
- Allowing rooftop solar installation on existing homes and buildings without a building consent, with solar connections up 19 per cent in the past year
- Doubling the export limits for households exporting power back to the grid from 5kW to 10kW
- Allowing the installation of most EV chargers in public places without a consent, through changes to national direction under the RMA
- Requiring gentailers to offer “time of use” plans so households can take advantage of cheaper rates, and make time-of-use available for those exporting power into the grid
- Developing a plug-in solar standard
- Installing rooftop solar on up to 500 schools
Note to editors:
- Concessionary loans can fund up to 50 per cent of eligible project capital costs, have a zero per cent interest rate, and a maximum tenure of 12 years.
- The concessionary loans programme is administered by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFFCo), the successor organisation to Crown Infrastructure Partners, which successfully delivered New Zealand’s Ultra-Fast Broadband programme.
NIFFCo will release the RFP on Monday 10 August.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/08/zero-interest-loans-accelerate-ev-charger-rollout/
Back to index · Read original article
2. Fairer Parent Resident Visa process delivered
August 8, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand citizens or residents waiting to bring their parents to New Zealand will have a fairer and more predictable selection process under changes to the Parent Resident Visa quota announced today, says Immigration Minister Erica Stanford.
The way expressions of interest are selected for the Parent Resident Visa is changing, moving to a hybrid model where most expressions of interest will be selected in date order.
Under the new model, 90% of the EOIs will be selected from the queue chronologically, while 10% will continue to be selected by ballot to reach the annual cap of 2500 places.
“I am really pleased to announce a change that will make a meaningful difference for families who have been advocating for a return to the certainty and stability provided by a chronological queue,” Ms Stanford says.
“The current ballot system, implemented by the previous Labour Government, left families anxious and stressed with no certainty that their parents would ever be selected. As Minister I have been contacted by many families highlighting the cruelty of an arbitrary ballot process for something as important as family reunification.
“We have listened, and we are making changes that will give families a clearer and more predictable process, while still giving newer applicants some chance of being selected earlier. We are also removing the current requirement to reapply every two years and pay an additional fee.
“For many migrants who have made New Zealand their home and gained citizenship or residence, having parents close by is an important part of building their lives in New Zealand. Parents can provide important support, connection and stability, whether that is helping with children, supporting families through challenging times, or simply being part of everyday family life.
“This is a positive change for those families who have been desperate for more certainty. For these families, some of whom have been waiting since 2022, this provides a clearer path through a process that has been uncertain for too long.”
The Parent Resident Visa supports New Zealand citizens and residents who meet eligibility requirements to sponsor their parents for residence in New Zealand. It is the main residence pathway for parents who wish to settle in New Zealand permanently. Parents must meet an acceptable standard of health and meet all other requirements.
“The new model prioritises people who have already been waiting for years, while maintaining a balanced way of allocating places in a high-demand residence pathway,” Ms Stanford says.
“There is no perfect way to allocate places when demand is higher than the number of visas available, but this approach strikes a fairer balance.
“The changes will not remove waiting times, but they will make the process fairer, clearer and more predictable.”
Under the new model, EOIs will no longer expire after two years, provided people confirm they still want to remain in the process and keep their information up to date. Families will also no longer have to pay an additional fee every two years to resubmit their EOI.
The new EOI selection model will take effect in the 10 November selection. People with current expressions of interest will be notified of their position in the new chronological queue in October.
“I would like to acknowledge everyone who has contacted me since I became Minister of Immigration advocating for more clarity and certainty. This Government knows that family reunification is too important to be left to random chance and we have delivered the change that is needed.”
Notes to editor
The Parent Resident Visa allows eligible parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to live in New Zealand permanently, if they meet visa requirements.
The Parent Resident Visa remains capped at 2,500 visas each financial year. The final draw under the current ballot system for the Parent Resident Visa will take place on Tuesday 11 August. As at 23 July 2026, there were 7,706 valid EOIs in the Parent Resident Visa ballot pool, representing 11,602 people. The changes are to the expression of interest selection model. Applicants and sponsors will still need to meet all Parent Resident Visa requirements, including sponsorship, health, character and relationship requirements.
Parent Boost remains separate from the Parent Resident Visa. Parent Boost is a long-term visitor visa and does not provide a pathway to residence.
The first selection under the new settings will take place on 10 November 2026.
Immigration New Zealand will provide updated information before the changes take effect.
The new EOI selection model will take effect on 5 October with the first selection being made on 10 November. People with current EOIs that expire before 5 October will need to submit a new EOI. People with current EOIs expiring on or after 5 October will not need to submit a new EOI.
Where an Expression of Interest has been resubmitted following its two-year expiry it will be ordered according to its original submission date, as long as the second EOI was submitted within 90 days of the first EOI expiring.
Table 1: Parent Resident Visa EOIs in the ballot pool as at 5 August 2026, by original submission year
Original submission year
EOIs
People
2022
140
228
2023
1430
2230
2024
1181
1778
2025
2852
4271
2026
2328
3397
Total
7931
11904
Note: These figures reflect valid EOIs currently in the ballot pool and their original submission date, where there has been less than 90 days between an expression of interest (EOI) expiring and a new EOI being submitted.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/08/fairer-parent-resident-visa-process-delivered/
Back to index · Read original article
3. New Zealand announces further sanctions against Russia
August 8, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced a new round of sanctions targeting individuals and entities supporting Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.
Today’s sanctions package targets 33 individuals and entities with a particular focus on cyber actors, as well as those involved in the forced relocation, abduction, and re-education of Ukrainian children.
“Children should never be used as instruments of war,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand remains deeply concerned by efforts to abduct and re-educate Ukrainian children through coercive state-directed programmes.”
The package also includes designations of malicious cyber actors, and those supporting the creation and dissemination of anti-Ukraine propaganda aimed at legitimising Moscow’s illegal war.
“Activities conducted behind a keyboard can have real consequences. Cyber actors are increasingly being used to gather intelligence, enable sanctions evasion, and disrupt those who oppose Russia’s aggression. New Zealand stands with our partners in calling out Moscow’s use of these actors.”
The sanctions announced today also target those contributing to Russia’s military-industrial complex, Russian political figures, and actors from the DPRK and Iran who are providing support to Moscow’s illegal invasion.
Since the Russia Sanctions Act came into force in March 2022, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on more than 2000 individuals, entities, and vessels, alongside a range of trade measures. This is New Zealand’s 36th round of Russia sanctions.
More information about sanctions, travel bans, and export controls against Russia, as well as diplomatic, military and economic support to Ukraine, can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website here.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/08/new-zealand-announces-further-sanctions-against-russia/
Back to index · Read original article
4. Unemployment rate highest in more than a decade – labour market in crisis
August 5, 2026
Source: NZCTU
Today’s unemployment rate of 5.6 percent is the highest rate in more than a decade and shows a labour market clearly in crisis says Sandra Grey, President of the NZ Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi.
“The data shows that we had 171,000 people unemployed in the June quarter, and the last time the unemployment rate was this high was September 2015. The number of people unemployed for more than six months was 69,300 – 40 percent of all those unemployed. This is an economy in the grip of an employment disaster, and the Government needs to get a grip.
“Just about every indicator that could get worse, is now worse. Inflation is at 4.1 percent, but 74 percent of workers got a pay rise less than 3 percent, and 44 percent of workers saw no pay rise at all. A full-time worker on the average wage is now worse off in real terms from last year. Workers in both the public and private sectors are worse off than they were a year ago. When there are more workers chasing fewer jobs, workers lose the power to bargain. That is not an accident of the market – it is the predictable result of choices this Government has made.
“The problem of youth unemployment continues. According to StatsNZ there was a 19.5 percent increase in the number of unemployed 15-24 year olds this year. Māori and Pacific Peoples unemployment rates are still double the rate of the general population. Altogether, there were 4.8m fewer hours worked in the economy last year than was the case in December 2023.
“There are now 440,000 people underutilised in New Zealand, which is up 32,000 in just three months. This is the broader measure of labour market capacity and tells us that the headline rate of unemployment is hiding the true scale of worklessness.
“This Government asked for three years to fix the economy. Yet here we are with the unemployment rate at decade long highs, inflation at 4.1 percent, wages going backwards in real terms, and thousands more people on Jobseeker Support. Is this what being ‘back on track’ looks like?
“We do not have to accept this. Aotearoa can choose a government that lifts wages instead of suppressing them, that invests in the jobs of the future instead of cutting them, and that treats full employment as something worth working for. That choice is on the ballot on 7 November.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/05/unemployment-rate-highest-in-more-than-a-decade-labour-market-in-crisis/
Back to index · Read original article
5. Government Cuts – Not if, but when: Staff fear violence at MSD offices with proposed reduction of security
August 5, 2026
Source: Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi Public Service Association
The PSA is criticising a new proposal handed down by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to cut security personnel at its service centres as irresponsible and even dangerous.
After reducing the number of security guards at 20 regional MSD Service Centres earlier this year, the agency has proposed to cut teams at a further 22 sites from three security guards per site to two.
One guard would be inside giving visitors access via CCTV, with the other person on duty roaming the site.
“We’re very disappointed that MSD has forged ahead with their plan to reduce security guard numbers at its sites, even as staff feed back to them that they already feel unsafe at work,” Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi Public Service Association National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.
“The tragedy at Ashburton looms large in workers’ minds, with many people saying that it’s just a matter of time before another major act of violence and even loss of life.
“Every worker deserves to be safe at work. No-one’s whānau should have to worry about whether their loved one is coming home.
“As well as that, everyone visiting an MSD site deserves to be safe.
“The PSA is calling on MSD to ditch this proposal and instate at least three security guards in every Service Centre in the country.”
Many staff are also in favour of re-instating security outside the Service Centre doors to help vet people before they come in, and installing polycarbonate screens between staff desks and the public area.
According to official data from MSD, security incidents have decreased this year.
However, PSA workers dispute this, saying that that violence is under-reported, increasingly normalised, and becoming more aggressive.
“Staff face regular incidents of aggression, including people jumping over their desks, spitting, throwing objects, and making bomb and gun threats.
“Changes to the benefit system under the coalition government, including the traffic light system and harsher sanctions, mean that people visiting MSD Service Centres are under extreme pressure.
“The staff who are there to help them have a huge workload, and report having to rush from client to client – even staff deployed to train others say they don’t have the resources to do their job to a high standard.
“So it’s no real surprise that staff don’t have the time to report the many incidents they’ll see each week. They also say that they feel there’s no real point to reporting violence, as nothing really changes when they do make reports, or the incidents are so common they’re not seen as an issue.”
Consultation with staff at the affected sites closes on 12 August. The PSA will be supporting workers to reject the proposal and strengthen security at all MSD Service Centres.
Previous PSA statements:
MSD plan to cut security guards risks repeating mistakes of the past
https://www.psa.org.nz/news-media/msd-plan-to-cut-security-guards-risks-repeating-mistakes-of-the-past
Notes to editors:
Affected Service Centres are located in:
Dargaville
Flaxmere
Huntly
Johnsonville
Kamo
Kāpiti
Kawakawa
Kawerau
Kerikeri
Morrinsville
Motueka
Mount Maunganui
Ōpōtiki
Paeroa
Richmond
Ruatoria
Te Awamutu
Te Puke
Tokoroa
Tūrangi
Waihi
Wairoa
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
Back to index · Read original article
6. Local News – Porirua supports regional amalgamation proposal
August 6, 2026
Source: Porirua City Council
Porirua City Council today voted to submit an amalgamation proposal based on a single unitary council, supported by strong community councils, but said a referendum should be included in the next steps.
The proposal was developed by councils in the Wellington region as part of Government’s Head Start process, as part of its Simplifying Local Government reforms.
At its meeting today, Porirua City Council added an amendment that a referendum should be held before the detailed design is submitted to Cabinet for decision.
The two-level model follows the principle that regional decisions would be made at unitary level, and local decisions by the community councils. It also includes mana whenua partnership arrangements at governance level, and Māori wards at both levels.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said her council believed this model would deliver the best outcomes for the city and the region.
“We support establishment of a single regional unitary council for the Wellington region, because it is the governance model best able to deliver long-term, affordable and sustainable services and outcomes for the communities, businesses and the environment of Porirua city and the wider region.
“The social, economic and environmental opportunities and challenges our city and region will face in the future (including the impacts of climate change), will require us to operate at an integrated, regional scale, and to strengthen the voice and participation of our local communities.”
The community councils would provide an important role in maintaining local voice and representation. Local service centres would be maintained in each community council area, with staff providing services out of these.
Importantly, submitting a proposal gave Porirua the opportunity to influence the shape of what happens next, Mayor Baker said.
“If we don’t submit a proposal, it essentially means the Government will decide our future through their backstop process and we have no influence. They might come up with a solution that doesn’t reflect our unique context, and local voice and representation could be lost.
“That would see other regions moving ahead while ours is left behind.
“I’m proud that our council has stayed at the table and stayed open. Having our iwi at the table is a non-negotiable – they were here before us and they’ll be here after us.”
Proposals from around the country are due to be submitted to the Government in the coming days, and Cabinet will then determine which of them move forward to detailed design phase. If successful, next steps will include refining the preferred governance option, further financial analysis, community consultation and engagement, and transition planning.
Mayor Baker said the next stage was the most important, and working together was key.
“If our proposal is selected, we are committed to working in partnership with mana whenua, our communities, other councils and the Government in the detailed design phase of Head Start.”
Back to index · Read original article
7. Federated Farmers – New industry-led school subjects hit the mark for farmers
August 6, 2026
Source: Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers says today’s announcement of new industry-led secondary school subjects is a major win for New Zealand’s future farming workforce.
“Farming is so important for New Zealand’s economic success, but often we struggle to meet our workforce needs,” Federated Farmers spokesperson Richard Dawkins says.
“The way we farm is constantly evolving with new technology and improved practices.
“That’s why we need young people joining our sector with relevant and practical skills.
“The Government’s launch of new subjects is incredibly positive, as they’ll help us build our future workforce and capability in a way that truly works for the sector.”
Dawkins says this kind of practical, industry-led approach is exactly what the sector had in mind when Te Pūkenga was disestablished.
“The formation of Industry Skills Boards was a significant step forward in reshaping and modernising New Zealand’s vocational education and training system,” he says.
“This is a logical next step that will create a clear pathway for young people from school into further vocational education, and then directly into the workforce.”
Supporting young farmers is one of Federated Farmers’ policy priorities for the 2026 election.
“We called for the Government to support practical and industry-led vocational training, and empower rural schools to teach agriculture,” Dawkins says.
“We also asked for practical industry experience, work-based learning and apprenticeship pathways to be built into vocational education.
“Today’s announcement delivers on all three of those asks – so we’re considering that a major win for farmers, rural communities and Federated Farmers’ advocacy.”
Federated Farmers has two other specific policy priorities that would help support young Kiwi farmers:
- Review the Sharemilking Agreements Act.
- Include agricultural and horticultural science within the year 0-10 science curriculum.
“We’ll continue advocating for this current Government – or whoever forms the next Government – to make those two things happen.
“Our primary sector is world-leading, but we need to make it easier and more attractive for young people to build rewarding careers in farming.
“The future of our farms, our rural communities and New Zealand’s economy depend on it.”
Back to index · Read original article
8. NZ Minerals Council – Don’t kill the golden goose
August 6, 2026
Source: New Zealand Minerals Council
Back to index · Read original article
9. Downtown Carpark Redevelopment Fast-tracked
August 5, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A redevelopment of Auckland’s Downtown Carpark into two skyscrapers, three podium buildings, and a new laneway network has been granted Fast-track approval.
This is the 28th project to be approved through the Fast-track process.
Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited lodged its application in January 2026, with approval taking around five months since the appointment of an independent expert panel.
“This project will see the demolition of the 7-storey Downtown Carpark at the western end of Auckland’s waterfront, followed by development of the site into an integrated mixed-use precinct,” says Mr Bishop.
“The rebuild will include a premium 55 level commercial office tower, a 162m mixed-use residential tower, a hotel, retail, food and beverage spaces, publicly accessible civic spaces, and an expansive laneway network.”
“The panel found the towers’ design and spacing would limit visual impacts on the Auckland skyline. Some issues identified during the process included impacts from traffic during construction, as well as from hotel pick-up and drop-off arrangements. These matters will be addressed through a range of consent conditions, including traffic management plans and the ongoing monitoring of them.”
“The redevelopment will have significant benefits for other businesses close by including tourism, retail, hospitality, and others,” says Mr Jones.
“The partnership Precinct Properties has with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei reflects a shared commitment to a project that delivers for Auckland. They recognise it creates economic and employment opportunity among other things in the city centre.”
Notes to editor
More information about the project: The Downtown Carpark Redevelopment – Te Pūmanawa o Tāmaki
Fast-track by the numbers:
- 28 projects approved by expert panels.
- 18 projects with expert panels appointed.
- 60 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 30 active substantive and 30 referral applications.
- 65 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 118 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]
- Downtown Carpark Site Development [Housing/Land]
- 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]
- State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus) [Infrastructure]
- 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
- 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
- Stella Passage Development
- The Point Solar Farm
- Waikanae North Development
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/05/downtown-carpark-redevelopment-fast-tracked/
Back to index · Read original article
10. Govt & govt agencies’ approach to OIA comes under greater scrutiny by Ombudsman in lead-up to election
August 7, 2026
Source: Office of the Ombudsman
Compliance with the Official Information Act by Government Ministers and agencies is set to come under closer scrutiny by the Ombudsman as New Zealand’s General Election approaches.
Chief Ombudsman John Allen says it will become more important over the next three months for people requesting official information to get it as quickly as possible and for that information to be accurate and reliable.
“We are now into what’s generally known as the “pre-election period,” which is the three months prior to a general election. During this time, voters will be seeking information that will help them make decisions on who will best represent their interests and who should be making the laws and policies that will affect their lives in the future.
“Ministers and agencies must apply the OIA correctly and work quickly to minimise the risk of information becoming irrelevant.”
Mr Allen says his office is rolling out a suite of initiatives to ensure government ministers and agencies pay extra close attention to their obligations under the Official Information Act over the next few months.
“We are contacting the Prime Minister and the Public Service Commissioner directly to urge them to plan ahead for this period and to get it right the first time for requesters. We will also be asking ministers and agencies to push information out proactively if they see a pattern of requests about an issue, so the information is available to everyone.
“This also has the positive effect for ministerial offices and agencies of minimising the administrative demand on their staff from having to respond to individual requests.”
Mr Allen says requesters also have a part to play in ensuring the Official Information Act functions well and as it is supposed to.
“The public must exercise their rights under the law responsibly. This includes making sure their requests are reasonable and that they refrain from slowing down the process by engaging in things like ‘fishing expeditions.’ This isn’t helpful to anyone. We want them to be willing to engage with Ministers and agencies quickly when clarity is needed about what they are seeking.”
Mr Allen says the role his office will play over the pre-election period will be more critical than ever with people’s growing reliance on social media as a source of news.
“While there are obvious benefits to getting information through social media, there is a risk that people may not be getting the big picture, or a contestable view. This can cause harm and shape public perception in ways that may be deceptive or misleading.
“We will demonstrate what we are doing to make sure New Zealanders have access to reliable, accurate information that they need to decide their vote. As the country’s independent overseer, we can quickly review and confirm what is true and not so the voter can rely on our report for accurate information.”
The Ombudsman’s office will also produce regular, targeted guidance for Ministers, agencies and the public on how to approach requests over the next few months as well as advice on dealing with issues that were problematic during past pre-election periods.
There will also be guidance on the prudent use of AI for agencies, requesters and complainants during this time.
Additionally, the office will publish the number of complaints it has received about Ministers’ handling of OIA requests on a weekly basis, what they’re about and how they’re being dealt with.
“We will be reminding the public that they can seek our advice and can complain to us if they are unhappy about the way their requests have been handled. We are geared up to deal with any such complaints urgently.”
Back to index · Read original article