AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 21, 2026 – Full Text
1. Harete Hipango-Brownlie: Why The ‘Conservative’ Māori Should Come Out from the Shadows
August 20, 2026
Source: New Zealand First
A politics of grievance can explain yesterday, but it cannot build tomorrow.
Today, Māori politics is consumed by grievance, division and theatre.
Te Pāti Māori increasingly presents itself as the political voice of Māori. It’s not. There’s no doubt the party can organise a descent protest and knows how to create a good headline but beneath all that noise, what has it achieved for Māori? Māori don’t need another performance, we need practical leadership that delivers opportunities to get ahead.
The party’s president, John Tamihere, helped Te Pāti Māori back into Parliament, but his leadership has squandered much of the momentum he helped create. Tamihere had an opportunity to put the party ahead of himself and step aside and give his party an opportunity to recover – instead, he’s held on. Tamihere is one of many so-called Māori leaders financially benefiting from a culture of victimhood.
Our history gives us plenty of examples of real Māori leaders that deserve our respect. Leaders that made a difference and helped shape our values and our country.
The legacies of Sir Apirana Ngata, Sir James Carroll, Sir Peter Buck, Sir Maui Pomare, Sir Hemi Henare, Dame Whina Cooper, Sir Jerry Mateparae remind us that Māori leadership does not have to be about injustices of the past, division or political theatre. It can be confident, moderate, pragmatic and united – firmly grounded in whakapapa and culture while looking forward.
Their Māori identity was strengthened by their commitment to their country and their people. That is the Māori leadership I recognise.
Our politics shouldn’t be determined by who shouts the loudest. It should be guided by the enduring values that shaped us in the traditions of family, kinship, faith, community, service and duty.
These are the conservative values I was raised with and values I believe are worth conserving. For too long us conservative Māori have been made to feel ashamed by the left-wing Māori rhetoric dominating the media.
No Māori should feel pressured to hide traditional, moderate or conservative values simply because contemporary politics has become so much more confrontational.
To conserve is to protect what matters, use what we have wisely, preserve what works and pass something worthwhile on to the next generation.
You don’t stop being Māori because you vote differently. You don’t lose your whakapapa because you believe in personal responsibility, nor do you become less Māori because you believe in one New Zealand.
At the heart of this is our New Zealand citizenship.
The equal citizenship we share was secured at great cost. The many Māori men of the 28th Māori Battalion who fought and died alongside their fellow New Zealanders for our freedom and nationhood. Their sacrifice must remind us that democracy is both a privilege and a responsibility.
That’s why New Zealand First wants to restore pride in citizenship. Immigrants shouldn’t be able to use their New Zealand citizenship as a stepping stone to Australia. We want immigrants to seek citizenship because they value our country, want to make it their home and want all the rights and privileges associated with becoming a New Zealander.
The challenge facing our country is bigger than any single political argument. It is about whether we can remain a country confident enough to respect difference while staying united by our patriotism. We must honour our past but be prepared to embrace the future. That means being realistic enough to put our whanau/family ahead of political ideologies.
This election is one of the most important of our lifetime. New Zealand stands at a crossroads, not only over the cost of living and pressure it puts on our communities, but over the kind of country we choose to become.
So, this is my karanga, my call, to the many Māori who recognise themselves in these values.. Now is the time to reclaim the power of that moderate, ‘conservative’ voice.
Do not allow yourself to be subdued or shamed into silence!
I stand with NZ First as a progressive moderate ‘conservative’ Māori woman who votes not only with my hand, but also my head and heart.
Let’s stop dwelling on our past and recognise the potential of our future.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/harete-hipango-brownlie-why-the-conservative-maori-should-come-out-from-the-shadows/
Back to index · Read original article
2. Changes to emergency management legislation
August 20, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Legislative changes will give emergency management authorities the tools they need to keep their communities safe from an increasing number of emergencies, the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell says.
“Giving emergency management authorities more powers to take precautionary actions before a state of emergency is declared will be included as an amendment in the Emergency Management Bill currently before Parliament.
“It means that Emergency Management Committees, made up of the councils in each region, will be able to carry out essential works like clearing debris and opening river mouths, in the days leading up to severe weather events and other potential emergencies,” says Mr Mitchell.
The Director-General of Emergency Management will also have the power to step in and direct local emergency management authorities if necessary to preserve life, prevent injury, or prevent serious property damage.
“Precautionary action is more important than ever, with storms, floods and landslides becoming increasingly frequent and severe.
“Too little, too late is simply not good enough when it comes to emergency works that could save lives and safeguard communities.
“I have been with communities like Little River and Wairoa who have raised genuine concerns about the speed at which lakes or river mouths have been opened. These amendments help address those concerns.
“The locally-led approach is fundamental to our emergency management system, and our local councils and emergency teams do an extraordinary job at managing challenging, adverse events – I’ve seen this first hand. These changes will support the work they do, not detract from it.
“National direction will be a last resort, but ultimately the public would expect the National Emergency Management Agency to step in if lives and property are at risk.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/changes-to-emergency-management-legislation/
Back to index · Read original article
3. Building the future of data for rural communities
August 20, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Rural families, communities and businesses will be better represented by a new work programme to strengthen rural data in New Zealand’s official statistics, Statistics Minister Scott Simpson and Rural Community Minister Mark Patterson say.
“Rural communities have vastly different needs. A refreshed focus on statistics for rural areas is key to understanding them, and making better policy decisions,” Mr Simpson says.
The joint programme, by Stats NZ and the Office for Rural Communities (Ministry for Primary Industries) was established in March to improve understanding of the challenges they face and the opportunities available for people living rurally.
“This can help with national and local decisions on infrastructure, including transport, education, and employment, and measure the impacts of those decisions,” Mr Simpson says.
The work will improve rural analysis methods, making them more accessible to researchers and policy makers.
New Zealand’s largest research database, the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), absorbs data from across Government agencies, Stats NZ surveys and non-government organisations.
“Modernising the IDI is a priority for this Government, with $57.7m committed in Budget 2026 to upgrade our access to useful data,” Mr Simpson says.
“It provides a wealth of information on rural communities that will become easier to access.”
Stats NZ and the Office of Rural Communities will continue to work together to improve rural data and analysis.
Mr Patterson welcomed the work to further strengthen the evidence base that supports rural communities and rural policy development, which will see 400,000 people being reclassified as rural.
“Rural communities continue to power New Zealand’s economy and prosperity,” Mr Patterson says.
“This joint work programme will provide comprehensive data that will support the ongoing success of these vital communities and highlight their important contribution.”
“Continuing to work collaboratively on this programme will enable a strong and positive result for rural communities,” Mr Patterson says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/building-the-future-of-data-for-rural-communities/
Back to index · Read original article
4. Agricultural productivity to soar with drone reform
August 20, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Agricultural sector productivity is set to soar through common-sense reforms to drone regulations, Regulation Minister David Seymour and Associate Transport Minister James Meager have today announced.
“The Ministry for Regulation heard red-tape was getting in the way of farmers using agricultural drones for spraying, and other tasks which suck up time and energy,” Mr Seymour says.
“The Ministry investigated, made recommendations to Government on how to increase accessibility, and has worked alongside Minister Meager to progress reforms as part of his Civil Aviation Rules Update Programme.”
Mr Meager says the changes will slash burdensome red tape and make agricultural drone use for spraying cheaper, faster, and more efficient.
“Drones have become an everyday tool in modern agricultural spraying, offering precise application of pesticides and fertiliser that helps minimise product wastage, while also reaching tricky terrain safely and efficiently,” Mr Meager says.
“However, farmers, growers and foresters have been clear that the current certification process is impractical and no longer fit-for-purpose. Existing rules have not kept pace with the evolving technological landscape.
“Farmers have told us about routine spraying operations being held up due to costly and complex regulatory roadblocks. This must change.
“We will scrap requirements for lower-risk routine drone operations to apply and wait for certification before starting work, which can take up to nine months and cost thousands of dollars. Only a notification to the Civil Aviation Authority ahead of time will be needed.
“This will cover routine activities such as spraying of pesticides and herbicides and the distribution of fertiliser, lime, seeds and manures across cropland, pasture, orchards, vineyards, market gardens and forests.”
Mr Meager has directed officials to overhaul the rules and create a simpler pathway, while maintaining critical public safety and environmental protections. This will come into effect mid-2027, following detailed design and engagement.
“Overseas farmers, who compete with New Zealand farmers, can spray crops with precise and targeted application of chemicals using drones, at a fraction of the cost compared to Kiwi farmers,” Mr Seymour says.
“In Australia, drones up to 150 kilograms operate on farmland under simple licensing. Today’s announcement will take Kiwi farmers closer to the frontier of innovation and make them more competitive of the global stage.”
“These reforms build on earlier changes allowing drones under 25kg to be used for mapping, monitoring and stock shifting without certification or notification. We are now looking at ways to extend that flexibility to larger drones,” Mr Meager says.
High-risk or complex drone operations, and spraying from planes and helicopters, will remain subject to existing requirements.
“I am confident this will strike the correct balance, so regulation is right-sized and proportionate to risk. Public consultation will also provide another layer of certainty,” Mr Meager says.
“This reform will reduce costs, improve efficiency and unlock regional growth. It is yet another common-sense change from the Government’s ambitious programme to fix the basics and modernise New Zealand’s civil aviation rules.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/agricultural-productivity-to-soar-with-drone-reform/
Back to index · Read original article
5. BusinessNZ – Stop the flip-flop: Energy sector ‘foundational’ to NZ economy
August 20, 2026
Source: BusinessNZ Energy Council
New Zealand cannot afford another election cycle of policy flip-flops when billions of dollars in energy investment and our economic competitiveness are at stake, the BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) says.
New Zealand urgently needs an enduring national energy strategy that treats energy as foundational economic infrastructure and provides the certainty to deliver affordable, secure and sustainable energy for decades to come.
The call for a national strategy is one of six priorities in BEC’s pre-election policy report, A Future Vision of New Zealand’s Energy Sector, developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders.
Together, the priorities (spanning policy certainty, reliable renewable supply, affordable electrification, investment coordination, major project decision-making and energy productivity) provide a pathway to more affordable and secure energy, stronger investment, greater productivity and lower emissions.
BusinessNZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says energy policy can’t continue to change direction with each electoral cycle.
“Energy infrastructure is built over decades, not three-year political terms. Businesses making billion-dollar investment decisions need confidence that the rules of the game won’t fundamentally change every time there is a change of government.
“New Zealand has seen significant shifts in policy and political debate around oil and gas, electricity market structures and major energy infrastructure. These shifts create uncertainty.
“If investors don’t have the confidence to invest, projects are delayed or don’t happen at all. Ultimately, households and businesses pay the price through higher costs, reduced security and lost economic opportunities.”
Beard says New Zealand saw relatively low electricity prices and flat electricity demand from the early 2010s to 2018, which had helped keep electricity affordable.
Recent events, such as the fall off in gas production, the tightening of supply due to dry year (low hydro lakes) and more reliance on fossil fuels, and the need for new investment in lines (transmission costs), have all led to price increases not experienced for the previous decade.
Recent events in the Middle East and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, has also put pressure on our fuel costs, and highlighted the need to accelerate the shift to alternative fuels and electricity.
Beard says if we are going to get on top of this and make our energy system affordable, reliable and sustainable for consumers and businesses, we need to plan for that kind of future.
“We need to stop treating energy as a political football and start treating it as critical economic infrastructure. The sector needs an enduring plan that gives investors confidence in the country’s direction, while still allowing governments to make legitimate policy choices along the way.
“For a modern economy, abundant, reliable and affordable energy is not optional. It underpins practically everything else we want to achieve. A strategy that stays the course can support more productive businesses, higher-value manufacturing, better transport and housing, and a booming digital economy.”
Beard says consumers are already feeling the pressure across the energy system.
“Households and businesses are rightly concerned about rising energy costs. At the same time, enormous investment is needed in generation and networks to maintain the system, increase capacity and support greater electrification.
“There is significant new generation being built and planned, which is exactly the kind of investment New Zealand needs. The worst thing we could do now is undermine confidence by continually shifting the policy and regulatory environment.”
Beard says recommendations in the Future Vision Report will contribute to a better energy future for New Zealand. The priority recommendations are:
- To develop an enduring, national energy strategy that explicitly balances affordability, security and sustainability while enhancing productivity. If a comprehensive bipartisan energy strategy is not achievable look to depoliticise key energy issues through an independent entity.
- Strengthen market and regulatory settings for firming, flexibility, demand response and long-duration storage to ensure renewable energy remains secure and affordable.
- Review policy or market settings that may be unnecessarily increasing electricity costs or weakening the viability of electrification as a decarbonisation pathway.
- Improve coordination across generation, transmission, distribution and major demand through forward-looking infrastructure planning, coordination mechanisms and clearer long-term signals.
- Where government is making decisions on resource consenting, fast-track approvals or enabling infrastructure, existing assessments should appropriately consider additional energy supply, system flexibility, domestic economic benefits and the infrastructure costs associated with the project. It should complement rather than duplicate existing regulatory and cost-benefit processes for investment.
- Help to support energy efficiency that is cost-effective, while helping to track performance and embed energy management into normal business decision-making.
“The energy decisions we make today will shape our economy for decades. It’s time we treated energy as critical infrastructure and developed a long-term plan to support it,” Beard says.
The report, A Future Vision of New Zealand’s Energy Sector (https://bec.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/A-Future-Vision-of-New-Zealands-Energy-Sector.pdf), and summary document (https://bec.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Summary-A-Future-Vision-of-New-Zealands-Energy-Sector.pdf) are available to download and read on the BEC website (https://bec.org.nz/) now.
The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) is a group of leading energy-sector business, government and research organisations taking a leading role in creating a sustainable, equitable and secure energy future. BEC is a brand of BusinessNZ and represents the World Energy Council in New Zealand..
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
Back to index · Read original article
6. New template to simplify prequalification process
August 20, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
WorkSafe has created a new prequalification template designed to make it easier for construction businesses to be brought on to jobs, which will be especially helpful for smaller contractors, says Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden.
Prequalification is a process for checking a contractor’s health and safety practices before hiring them.
“I heard widespread frustration about a lack of consistency and duplication within New Zealand’s prequalification systems. Businesses can be asked to get a new prequalification for every job they tender for, with varying requirements for each. They can also be asked for the same information multiple times, for the same job.
“Some said they had to walk away from clients because the cost of getting prequalified was not worth the value of the work. One submitter said they had to complete 76 prequalifications in a year,” says Ms van Velden.
In response to a direction by Minister van Velden, WorkSafe New Zealand has released a position statement and template to clarify expectations around the use of prequalifications and support a more consistent approach across the industry.
“These resources support a more consistent, risk-based approach to contractor assessment, which should help avoid unnecessary cost, and reinforce that effective contractor management is about capability and practice, not paperwork alone.
“These simple changes will save time and money, especially helping small businesses, and the Kiwis who hire them.”
The prequalification template can be used by small businesses and sole traders to gather and present information about their health and safety practices. It should be used alongside WorkSafe’s position statement.
My officials will work with relevant government agencies, including those responsible for infrastructure, construction, and procurement. I expect the new template will be useful for government procurement processes so businesses do not need to complete multiple forms to ‘prequalify’ for working with different agencies. This would help those contracting with government by making bids for work more consistent and cost-effective.
Note to editors:
The position statement and template are available on the WorkSafe website:
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/new-template-to-simplify-prequalification-process/
Back to index · Read original article
7. Polling reveals 82% of New Zealanders want politicians to be legally required to think about future generations
August 19, 2026
Source: WEAll Aotearoa New Zealand
New polling has found overwhelming public support (82%) for a law requiring governments to consider the long-term impacts of their decisions on future generations when they develop laws and policies.
There was strong support across the political spectrum, with 90% of Greens, 89% of ACT, and 87% of NZ First voters supporting the idea of politicians being legally required to consider the long-term impacts of their decisions.
The polling, conducted by Talbot Mills, was commissioned by the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa (https://www.weall.org.nz) (WEAll Aotearoa) as part of their rangatahi-led, non-partisan campaign Tomorrow Together (https://www.weall.org.nz/tomorrowtogether). The cornerstone of the campaign is a call for a Future Generations Act for Aotearoa, inspired by the successful Welsh model (https://weall.org/resource/wellbeing-of-future-generations-wales-act/).
18-year old Nate Wilbourne, Future Generations Lead at WEAll Aotearoa, says the polling result shows the public wants to see politicians required to consider the impacts of today’s decisions on the generations to come:
“This polling shows that Kiwis from across the political spectrum want our politicians to be required to make wise decisions for the long term. This is tradies, retirees, students and small business owners saying that politicians need to govern for a resilient, prosperous future, not just the next three years.”
“A Future Generations Act is common sense and doable. Wales has had a Future Generations Act since 2015, and Scotland, Australia and Finland are following suit.”
“Every big issue we’re grappling with right now – housing, climate, unemployment, cost of living, infrastructure – all these things are harder because we haven’t had strong enough long-term thinking, or enough willingness to make decisions that will take years to pay off. A Future Generations Act would make intergenerational fairness a legal requirement and in turn, push our leaders to plan for the long-run.”
“We are calling for political parties to work across the house to legislate a Future Generations Act.”
Additional polling from WEAll Aotearoa found 71% of New Zealanders believe that New Zealand’s economy is working “poorly” or “very poorly” for young people.
As Nate says, “This is what happens when we stop thinking about the long-term. This tells us we need to change course and start building an economy that works for people today and generations to come.”
Tom Rutherford said: “As one of Parliament’s youngest MPs, I’m conscious that many of the decisions we make today will shape the New Zealand my generation and future generations inherit. We need to ensure long-term thinking is part of our decision-making, particularly on issues that cannot be solved in a single parliamentary term. I’m looking forward to contributing to a conversation about how we can build a better future for all New Zealanders.”
Arena Williams said: “Labour backs young people and is focused on building an affordable future here in Aotearoa with good jobs, healthcare when and where you need it, and warm homes. We must keep involving young people in politics and ensure their voices are included in the decisions that affect their lives.”
Notes to editor
About Nate Wilbourne: Nate Wilbourne is the Future Generations Lead at WEAll Aotearoa. Co-founder of Gen Z Aotearoa, he is a Forbes 30 under 30 change maker, and a globally renowned advocate for his work with young people, nature, and for future generations.
About the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa: WEAll Aotearoa is one of 25 hubs that make up the global Wellbeing Economy Alliance. We are a non-partisan and independent ‘think and do’ tank working to redesign Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy around the wellbeing of our people and te taiao. We use an evidence-informed approach and think upstream to develop practical, long-term solutions for the public good. Through building a new economic system we can address the root causes of major challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
About the campaign: Tomorrow Together is WEAll Aotearoa’s rangatahi-led campaign for a Future Generations Act for Aotearoa New Zealand. It is grounded in the belief that the choices we make today should ensure a thriving future for generations to come. We want to build a governance system that looks beyond short-term political cycles and deeply invests in the future, for the wellbeing of all of us. The campaign has been supported by the youngest MPs from four different parties: Tom Rutherford (National), Arena Williams (Labour), Tamatha Paul (Greens) and Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke (Te Pāti Māori), as well as Sir Geoffrey Palmer (https://www.weall.org.nz/videos/palmer), Christopher Finlayson, (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wellbeing-economy-alliance-aotearoa-nz_hon-chris-finlayson-kc-proposes-four-reforms-activity-7442412804533403652-e2qi/) and the late Jim Bolger (https://www.weall.org.nz/videos/bolger).
Back to index · Read original article
8. Smarter plan for Auckland’s motorways
August 20, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has today published a new strategy for getting more out of Auckland’s motorway network, setting out how smarter traffic management, targeted investment, and wider transport improvements will help keep the city moving as it grows, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say.
“Auckland’s motorway network carries around 1.5 million trips every day and is critical to keeping people and freight moving. As Auckland grows, we need to get more from the motorway network we’ve already built while continuing to invest where extra capacity is genuinely needed,” Mr Bishop says.
“In many parts of the network we’ve already widened motorways as much as is practical, so a shift towards a more balanced and strategic approach with targeted investment will play an increasingly important role.
“The Auckland Motorway Strategic Plan (AMSP) sets out how we will achieve that shift in approach over the next 30+ years as Auckland’s population grows beyond two million people. The plan focuses on three core outcomes:
Optimising the existing network – making better use of the network we’ve already got through smarter traffic management, quicker responses to crashes and breakdowns, small-scale improvements, and delivering Time of Use Charging.
Targeted increases in capacity – adding extra capacity where bottlenecks are impacting efficiency, progressively delivering rapid transit, closing critical gaps in active mode networks where they interact with motorways, prioritising projects to increase capacity and address resilience risks.
Wider system improvements – improving the wider transport system, including public transport capacity, rail network improvements, and local roads/active modes, so fewer trips need to use the motorway network.
“This practical, long-term approach supports the Government’s focus on improving freight efficiency, building a more resilient transport network, and supporting economic growth.
“The motorway network is only one part of Auckland’s wider transport system. Keeping Auckland moving means making sure roads, public transport, walking and cycling connections all work well together,” Mr Bishop says.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the plan provides a shared long-term direction for improving the city’s motorway network and is another achievement from the Auckland Regional Deal.
“People and businesses want to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time getting where they need to go,” Mayor Brown says.
“This plan recognises that we can’t simply keep widening motorways forever. We need to make better use of the network we’ve got through optimisation and investing in small, sensible projects that will make the biggest difference for Aucklanders.
“It’s also about making sure roads, public transport, freight and the wider transport network work together to keep Auckland moving as the city grows.
“It aligns with my focus on low-cost fixes to get Auckland moving and deliver an efficient, reliable network that benefits Aucklanders.
“The Auckland Motorway Strategic Plan reflects the strong partnership between Auckland Council and the Government which continues to embed the principles of the regional deal and provides an important foundation for Auckland’s long-term transport planning.
“This isn’t a construction programme or a funding announcement. It’s a long-term strategy that will help shape future investment decisions as Auckland continues to grow.”
The Auckland Motorway Strategic Plan will be a key input into Auckland’s upcoming 30-year statutory transport plan. Projects identified in the plan will be considered through future regional and national planning, funding and delivery processes.
Notes to editor:
Investment decisions will be subject to prioritisation through the available funds (National Land Transport Fund) and the current Government Policy Statement (Transport), and if successful will become part of the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).
The plan is available to view here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/auckland-motorway-strategic-plan
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/smarter-plan-for-aucklands-motorways/
Back to index · Read original article
9. More juice into blackcurrant exports
August 19, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is backing a project to transform the blackcurrant sector into a global leader in premium, science-backed and high-value health ingredients, says Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
“New Zealand blackcurrants are internationally recognised as quality ingredients in premium health and nutritional products, but most processing is done overseas, meaning much of their value is captured offshore. This project will help local growers earn more from what they produce by creating higher-value export opportunities here at home.”
The Government is investing $300,000 through the Primary Sector Growth Fund alongside $450,000 in industry funding from the New Zealand Blackcurrant Co-operative in the three-year ‘Blackcurrant Value Extraction Project’. It will refine juice extraction to produce high anthocyanin extract powder from the fruit, while maintaining premium juice concentrate.
New Zealand blackcurrants have high levels of anthocyanins, naturally occurring compounds that are prized by manufacturers of health and nutrition products. Around 2,000 tonnes – 50 percent of the annual harvest – are exported each year for anthocyanin extraction.
The project will also support research and market development to boost New Zealand’s position in global markets. This includes gaining recognition for the health benefits of blackcurrants, promoting their New Zealand origin, improving traceability, and building demand in export markets such as Japan.
“This is an example of innovation helping farmers and growers move further up the value chain,” Mr McClay says. “The blackcurrant sector has significant potential to grow its contribution to New Zealand’s economy.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/more-juice-into-blackcurrant-exports/
Back to index · Read original article
10. Federated Farmers – Government steps in to pause Waikato Plan Change 1
August 20, 2026
Source: Federated Farmers of New Zealand
Federated Farmers is welcoming the Government’s decision to step in and pause key parts of Waikato Plan Change 1, giving farmers much-needed breathing room while the resource management system is overhauled.
The intervention comes after repeated calls from Federated Farmers – including a public meeting at Mystery Creek – for the Government to put PC1 on ice.
“This is a really positive step for Waikato farmers and a direct response to the concerns we’ve been raising,” says Waikato Federated Farmers president Chris Woolerton.
“PC1 threatened to burden thousands of Waikato farmers with new consenting and farm-planning requirements.
“We’ve been saying for months that it made no sense to force farmers into a new set of rules when the Government is in the middle of overhauling the RMA, freshwater rules and the farm planning system.
“Farmers will be hugely relieved to now have some breathing room, and that’s exactly what we were asking for.”
A particularly significant win is for more than 400 farmers in the Whangamarino Wetland catchment.
“Those farmers were staring down a huge amount of uncertainty and compliance cost just to keep doing what they’re already doing,” Woolerton says.
“They were going to have to get a restricted discretionary resource consent simply to continue their existing farming activities.
“Removing that consenting requirement for the next five years is a massive relief.
“It means these farmers can get on with farming rather than spending thousands of dollars and countless hours navigating a consenting process that was never going to make sense alongside the Government’s new national system.”
The Government’s decision to delay farm-planning requirements for five years is also welcomed by Federated Farmers, as it will give the national farm plan system time to be developed and put in place.
“We’ve been calling for a system that’s nationally consistent and actually works for farmers,” Woolerton says.
“Having Waikato farmers jump through a separate set of hoops while the Government is developing a national farm plan system was simply going to create duplication and confusion.
“Bringing these requirements into line with the national system is a commonsense and pragmatic approach.”
However, Woolerton says Federated Farmers is disappointed that the changes announced do not appear to address the restrictions on land-use flexibility.
“We’re pleased the Government has listened on consenting and farm planning, but there is still a big issue sitting in the middle of PC1 that needs to be resolved.
“Farmers need to be able to respond to changing markets and opportunities. They shouldn’t be locked into one particular farming system because of rules written years ago.
“We’re still working through exactly what these rules will mean for growers, but this is potentially a major issue for vegetable production in the Waikato.”
Woolerton says the biggest issue facing Kiwis right now is the cost of living, so it makes no sense to put a roadblock up in the way of anyone wanting to grow vegetables in the Waikato.
“Kiwis want affordable, locally grown vegetables. We need farmers to be able to respond when the market needs more vegetables, not have regulations making it harder to change land use.
“The same principle applies to farmers wanting to change between different types of livestock.
“A dairy farmer should be able to respond to market conditions by changing their farming system without being effectively locked out of returning to another productive use of their land.”
Federated Farmers says it will continue working through the detail of the Government’s announcement and what it means for farmers affected by PC1.
“We’ve got a lot to work through, and we’ll be looking closely at exactly how these changes will work in practice, but the direction is right,” Woolerton says.
“Farmers needed certainty, breathing room and a system that doesn’t make them comply with one set of rules today, only to replace them with another set tomorrow.
“We’ll keep pushing to make sure the final system gives farmers the flexibility they need to farm productively while continuing to deliver environmental improvements.”
Back to index · Read original article