AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 22, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will retain a Clean Vehicle Standard for new and used vehicle imports, following a review of its settings, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“The Clean Vehicle Standard sets emissions targets for vehicles imported into New Zealand,” Mr Bishop says.

“In 2025, it became clear that the Standard’s settings were not well matched to market conditions. Most importers were struggling to meet the passenger vehicle targets, with the charges likely to be passed through to consumers through higher car prices and reduced choice.

“At that time, the Government made critical short-term changes to ease pressure on importers and keep cars affordable for New Zealand families and businesses. We also committed to complete a full first-principles review of the Standard.

“The first stage of that review was carried out earlier this year. It found the Standard to be the most cost-effective way to increase the availability of lower-emissions vehicles in New Zealand. Most vehicle industry stakeholders who took part in the review also supported retaining the Standard.

“In feedback on the review, industry noted that the Standard is now well established in New Zealand, with importers accumulating credits and charges over time. Removing it at this stage would be highly disruptive for the vehicle industry.

“The Government has therefore decided to retain a Standard and progress work to calibrate the settings so they are realistic and achievable for industry. 

“The Government has also agreed to set different targets for used vehicle imports to reflect that they have different and older technology. 

“Officials will now engage with the vehicle industry on settings and report back early next year. This work will inform new targets and settings that are due to take effect from 1 January 2028.”

Note to editor: 

• The Clean Vehicle Standard sets annual carbon dioxide emission targets for vehicle imports that tighten over time. Vehicles that exceed their target incur charges, while vehicles that perform better earn credits. Importers remained free to choose the mix of vehicles they supply but must offset higher emission vehicles with sufficient lower emission vehicles to avoid paying net charges.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/21/government-to-retain-clean-vehicle-standard/

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have formally launched the New Zealand-Thailand Strategic Partnership in Auckland.

“Prime Minister Anutin’s visit to New Zealand has set a clear direction for our relationship built over 70 years of friendship, trust and close connections between our people,” Mr Luxon says.

The leaders discussed their ambition to triple two-way trade to NZ$13.5 billion by 2045. 

“Thailand’s scale, manufacturing capability and regional connections create significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters and companies,” Mr Luxon says.

“Upgrading our trade agreement and strengthening supply-chain resilience will help more New Zealand businesses reach Thailand as a gateway to ASEAN’s market of more than 600 million consumers.”

The leaders also welcomed Thai Airways’ planned resumption of direct flights in the coming year.

“Thai Airways served Auckland for more than 30 years before the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the service. Its return is great news for tourism and trade – making it easier to connect, restoring an important air-freight link and strengthening connections through Bangkok to wider Asia,” Mr Luxon says.

“We have agreed to strengthen cooperation on border security, customs, immigration and cyber security, and against scam centres, human trafficking and drug trafficking.

“This will help keep New Zealanders safer at home and abroad.”

The leaders issued a Joint Declaration and welcomed the Joint Plan of Action 2026-2030, covering political and security cooperation; trade and innovation; people-to-people links; and regional and multilateral cooperation.

Attached: Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/21/nz-and-thailand-launch-strategic-partnership/

Source: New Zealand Government

The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) has officially launched today in Auckland, marking a significant milestone in the reform of New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system, says Auckland Minister Simon Watts, Science Technology and innovation Minister Penny Simmonds and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.

NZIAT is New Zealand’s fourth Public Research Organisation, set up to accelerate the development and commercialisation of advanced technologies such as AI, quantum technologies and advanced materials. It will help lift productivity and strengthen New Zealand’s international competitiveness.

Minister for Auckland Simon Watts says locating the institute at GridAKL is a clear demonstration of central Government backing Auckland’s strengths under the new regional partnership framework.

“The development of this hub acknowledges Auckland as the nation’s centre for future investment, and research and development.

“Through the Auckland Deal, we’re backing projects that help Auckland reach its full potential and strengthen its position as New Zealand’s economic engine room. The launch of NZIAT is a great example of that in action.

“By bringing national research and development infrastructure together with Auckland’s existing commercial talent, we’re creating the conditions for innovation, investment and high-value jobs that will strengthen economic resilience across the country.”

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Hon Penny Simmonds says the Institute is an investment in New Zealand’s future productivity, prosperity and resilience.

“Through the use of advanced technologies, it will strengthen connections between researchers, industry and investors, and help turn world-class ideas into real-world impact,” Ms Simmonds says.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the launch is a vote of confidence in the city.

“Tech and innovation are key to lifting Auckland’s economy, and NZIAT will add to the strength of the city’s existing innovation ecosystem. With the institute based at GRIDAKL, alongside our startups, investors and innovation precincts, Auckland is well placed to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

“With the Auckland Technology and Innovation Alliance also here, we are well on our way to building the tech hub of the South Pacific. The latest State of the City report shows Auckland has jumped 11 places in global startup rankings, reflecting the strength of our growing ecosystem.”

NZIAT has already committed $71 million over seven years to the Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies Platform, hosted by Paihau – Robinson Research Institute at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, and is progressing work on quantum technologies and AI.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/21/new-zealand-institute-for-advanced-technology-launches-in-auckland/

Source: New Zealand Government

This Government is delivering a further 20 new specialist classrooms across nine schools, giving students the support they need, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

This $23 million investment brings the government’s total investment in specialist education infrastructure to more than $317 million, helping students with high and complex learning support needs access environments built for their needs.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed in a classroom that supports them. For decades, while adults have argued about inclusion, children with high and complex needs have been waiting for action. This Government has drawn a line in the sand: inclusion is choice, and special education is a vital part of the schooling network, providing options for families,” Ms Stanford says.

In total, the $317 million funded delivers:

• 142 new specialist classrooms
• Three new specialist schools – in Drury, Palmerston North and Gisborne – the first built in New Zealand in nearly 50 years
• Comprehensive redevelopments at six existing specialist schools

“Demand for specialist learning environments continues to grow – these projects will help ensure parents have choice and students can access the support they need throughout their education journey,” Ms Stanford says.

Note to editors:

Schools receiving additional specialist classrooms:

• Hamilton North School will receive four new classrooms (at the base special school).
• Tāmaki College will receive two specialist classrooms, plus another two satellite classrooms for Sommerville School (the base special school).
• Te Aroha College will receive two satellite classrooms for Goldfields School (the base special school).
• Fairfield Intermediate will receive two satellite classrooms for Patricia Avenue School (the base special school).
• Mt Eden Normal School will receive two satellite classrooms for Central Auckland Specialist School (the base special school).
• Royal Oak Intermediate will receive two satellite classrooms for Central Auckland Specialist School (the base special school).
• Kaitaia College will receive one satellite classroom for Blomfield Special School and Resource Centre (the base special school).
• Nga Iwi School will receive two satellite classrooms for Sir Keith Park School (the base special school).
• Green Bay Primary School will receive one satellite classroom for Oaklynn Special School (the base special school).

Definitions

Base Special School Classrooms – classrooms that are on the base site of a special school.

Satellite Classrooms – associated with a base special school, but located on the site of another school.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/21/closer-to-home-20-new-specialist-classrooms/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Newly published data shows a continued decline in the sale of cigarettes and tobacco, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. 

“The figures are encouraging and are consistent with the long-term fall in smoking rates,” Ms Costello says.

“The latest annual tobacco returns show the volume of tobacco sold in New Zealand fell by more than 20 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year and has more than halved over the past decade. Since 2010, the volume of tobacco sold here has reduced by two-thirds and the number of cigarettes sold per capita is down nearly 80 percent. 

“The one concerning aspect of the figures is what appears to be an accelerated decline in the sale of legal tobacco products in the last few years.

“It would be great if that reflected a corresponding decline in smoking rates, but it is likely that it is also to do with the availability of black-market cigarettes. It’s harder to encourage people to quit or use alternatives like vapes when they can get their hands on cheap cigarettes, which is why I asked Customs, Police, Health New Zealand, and the Ministry of Health to join forces to better tackle the illegal tobacco trade.”  

The Minister said the Government was focused on three key areas to reduce the harm from smoking: cracking down on illegal cigarette sales, preventing young people from starting smoking, and providing support to help current smokers quit.

Progress on youth prevention

Compliance and enforcement 

The Government’s law changes to ban disposable vapes, put in display restrictions and increase penalties for underage tobacco and vape sales came into effect a year ago and have been backed by a significant increase in enforcement activity.

• Health NZ completed 6,313 compliance visits and 4,922 controlled purchase operations (CPO’s) of both Tobacco and Vape Retailers (11,235 total) between 1 July 2025 and 31 June 2026. 
• This is a 50 percent increase in compliance activity from 2024/25. 
• By 31 June 2026, Smokefree Enforcement Officers visited 3851 stores and completed 368 CPO’s, focusing on the June 2025 amendments. As a result, 228 Compliance letters were issued and 157 infringement files were prepared, indicating a compliance rate of 91%.

Smokefree promotion

• Health New Zealand’s long‑standing partnership with Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats to embed smokefree messages in youth culture was extended this year for a further three years to 2028. 
• Participation has almost doubled over 20 years, rising from 550 acts in 2005 to 1,010 in 2025, and again to 1,102 acts in 2026 and the events reached more than 17,000 people last year

“Youth smoking rates are already very low, so this is about reaching young people early, in places where they connect to reinforce that not smoking is the right choice,” Ms Costello says.

Helping smokers quit

Providing smokers the right information, tools and support to help them quit is critical. 

• Health NZ has recently updated its website to provide trusted information on smoking and vaping for anyone who wants it.
• This week it updated the national stop smoking clinical guidelines to support GPs and other professionals in their conversations with patients who smoke and to provide pathways to stop smoking support.
• There have also been a number of initiatives to improve the effectiveness of stop smoking providers, particularly targeting high-risk communities, including targeted marketing, increased use of incentives to quit, and the provision of Health NZ‑funded vape kits. In the first four months of the year, over three‑quarters of those who used the kits as a stop-smoking tool achieved a verified four‑week quit.

“Smoking remains one of the most harmful and preventable causes of illness and early death in New Zealand. Vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking and can be an effective cessation tool for people who smoke. Our efforts remain firmly focused on reducing smoking harm,” Ms Costello says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/21/tobacco-sales-continue-to-fall/

Source: New Zealand Government

People living in the Ruapehu district will have easier access to care as a result of the Waimarino Health Centre more than doubling in size, say Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey.

“It’s a big day for the community with construction having begun today on the expansion and refurbishment of the Waimarino Health Centre in Raetihi,” Mr Brown says.

“This will bring public, primary and community services together in one location and better support patients by making it easier for them to access the care they need in one modern and fit-for-purpose facility.

“The strong advocacy of Ruapehu District Council and local MPs Suze Redmayne and Carl Bates has contributed to this step forward in building the future of the health system in the district.” 

$4.4m is being invested overall in the redevelopment. The project includes a new 345sqm extension and refurbishment of the existing health centre.

Mr Doocey says the redevelopment is great news for people living in the rural Ruapehu district.

“We are focused on ensuring the one in five New Zealanders who live in rural communities can access the care they need,” Mr Doocey says.

“With the expansion more than doubling the size of the current health centre and services working better together for patients, this is an important step in building the future of rural healthcare for the community.

“Today is a significant milestone, and I look forward to seeing it completed and making a positive difference for the community.”

Construction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027.
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/21/sod-turned-on-waimarino-health-centre-expansion/

Source: New Zealand Government

Women and girls with endometriosis will be able to receive a diagnosis and start treatment sooner under new clinical guidelines, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg say.

“Endometriosis affects around one in 10 women and girls in New Zealand, and can have a significant impact on their quality of life, education, employment, and wellbeing. Yet research shows it can take eight to 12 years to receive a diagnosis in New Zealand. That is far too long to wait for answers,” Mr Brown says.

“Part of the problem is that laparoscopic surgery is usually used to confirm endometriosis, meaning women can spend years waiting for both diagnosis and treatment.

“The new guidelines will change that by supporting GPs to make a clinical diagnosis based on a woman’s symptoms, family history, and examination, rather than requiring surgery to confirm it. Once a clinical diagnosis is made, GPs will then be able to prescribe treatment immediately.”

For up to 60 per cent of women, low-impact hormonal medication is an effective option.

“Surgery will remain available for those who need it, but it will no longer be the only route to a diagnosis. Instead, women will be able to access non-invasive first-line treatment in primary care.”

Ms Grigg says the guidelines will be supported by training and education for primary care providers.

“Earlier diagnosis depends on symptoms being recognised in the first place, and we hear all too often that they have not been,” Ms Grigg says.

“Too many women have spent years saying something is wrong, only to be told their pain is normal and something they simply have to put up with. It is not.

“Guidelines alone will not fix that, which is why Health New Zealand is developing training and resources so GPs can recognise endometriosis in order to make a diagnosis and start treatment.

“Earlier diagnosis means treatment can begin sooner, while also giving women an explanation for symptoms they may have lived with for years, along with the support they need to manage them. Health New Zealand is also exploring additional pain management support, including pain education and allied health services.

“Endometriosis is an issue raised with me often, and I am so pleased women and girls will now be able to get answers and treatment sooner.”

Mr Brown says the change will also have benefits across the wider health system.

“By enabling more women to be diagnosed and treated in primary care, we can reduce hospital referrals made simply to confirm what symptoms already indicate.

“That means specialists can focus on women who need specialist assessment or surgery – making better use of our hospital resources and reducing pressure on gynaecology services.

“It is also about backing primary care. GPs are the cornerstone of our health system, and these guidelines give them the tools to do more for women closer to home.

“We are focused on fixing the basics and building the future. These new guidelines will support earlier recognition, diagnosis, and treatment, helping thousands of New Zealand women get the care they need sooner.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/ending-the-decade-long-wait-for-an-endometriosis-diagnosis/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing a further $31.3 million to create calmer, less disruptive learning spaces in more than 600 classrooms at nearly 90 schools, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today.

The investment will fund practical changes such as installing internal walls to create clear, defined classroom spaces, while design work will begin for a further 755 more complex classrooms at approximately 80 schools.

It follows strong demand from schools wanting to move away from noisy, distracting open-plan classrooms, with nearly 200 schools across New Zealand submitting expressions of interest since the fund was first announced.

This latest funding builds on the $10 million allocated to 40 schools last year.

“This is about closing the door on the failed experiment of open-plan classrooms,” Ms Stanford says.

“Last year, I announced that new schools would no longer be designed as open-plan learning environments. Schools have been clear that these environments can be noisy, distracting and difficult to manage. We have listened, and we are acting.

“Every child deserves a classroom where they can focus, take part and succeed, and every teacher deserves a space that lets them do what they do best – teach.”

For some schools, the work will be as straightforward as installing internal walls to create clear, defined classroom spaces.

For others, projects are more complex and require design and building work, including upgrades to fire safety systems, heating and ventilation, accessibility, and existing building services.

“We are taking a staged approach so simpler projects can move quickly, while design and planning get underway for the more complex work.

“This is practical, targeted investment that makes a real difference for students and teachers,” Ms Stanford says.

Regional breakdown

The regional breakdown below shows the teaching spaces included in the first stage of funded modifications.

Education Region	Comment	Complexity	Number of Teaching Spaces Impacted
Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast	Modifications fully funded and completed in Stage 1	Medium	5
Tai Tokerau	Modifications fully funded and completed in Stage 1	Simple	2
Auckland	Modifications fully funded and completed in Stage 1	Simple	6
Bay of Plenty, Waiariki	Modifications fully funded and will be completed in Stage 1	Simple	2
Waikato	Modifications fully funded and completed in Stage 1	Simple	4
Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū	Modifications fully funded and will be completed in Stage 1	Simple	2
Wellington	Modifications fully funded and completed in Stage 1	Simple	2
Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū	Modifications fully funded and completed in Stage 1	Medium	6
Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū	Modifications fully funded and completed in Stage 1	Simple	2
Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti	Modifications fully funded and will be completed in Stage 1	Simple	2
Wellington	Modifications fully funded and will be completed in Stage 1	Simple	4
Wellington	Modifications fully funded and will be completed in Stage 1	Simple	4
Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast	Modifications fully funded and will be completed in Stage 1	Simple	4
Canterbury, Chatham Islands	Modifications fully funded and completed in Stage 1	Simple	7

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/walls-go-up-classrooms-calm-down/

Source: New Zealand First

New Zealand First is proposing changes to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 to incentivise investment in value-added dairy manufacturing in New Zealand, New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.

The ‘Use It or Lose It’ policy would give qualifying manufacturers investing in new value-added dairy production access to up to 500 million litres of Fonterra milk per year for ten years, by lifting existing regulatory settings tenfold from 50 million litres at present.

“The Lactalis sale should be a turning point, not the end of the manufacturing line,” Mr Peters says.

“Fonterra has made its choice. Now New Zealand must make our choice.”

“Fonterra was created by Parliament to build a dairy co-operative of extraordinary scale to sell milk and dairy products, and Parliament has the right and the responsibility to ensure the system to turns our milk into the maximum possible value for New Zealand jobs, wages, skills, and exports.”

“The legislation currently allows independent processors to access up to 50 million litres of milk per season, but this is too low to incentivise manufacturing of substantial scale, so we will lift it tenfold to 500 million litres.

“The current regime can help investors start, but it is specifically designed not to help them reach industrial scale, and that is not appropriate now that Fonterra has sold its own consumer products.

“The current rules tell investors: don’t bother. That must change.”

Under the policy, qualifying manufacturers could access up to 500 million litres annually for the first six years. The entitlement would then taper to 80 per cent, 60 per cent, 40 per cent and 20 per cent over the following four years before ending, as an incentive on the market to ‘use it or lose it’ by investing now in New Zealand-based dairy manufacturing prospects.

“To qualify, you need to establish a dairy product manufacturing base in New Zealand marketing ‘New Zealand dairy’ to the world.”

Milk would not be subsidised. Manufacturers would pay the farm gate milk price plus efficient collection and delivery costs.

“Fonterra and farmers would be fairly compensated, but this provides certainty to new investment in the dairy market to diversify, secure New Zealand jobs, and add value to New Zealand milk.

“This is certainty for any business willing to manufacture dairy products in New Zealand.”

The proposal would be advanced through the current review of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act, for which the next Minister of Agriculture is due to report to Parliament in 2027.

“We want industry in New Zealand. If investors want to invest more in higher-value manufacturing, then our economic settings should welcome them.”

“Build the factories. Build the brands. Take New Zealand dairy products to the world.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/nz-first-launches-use-it-or-lose-it-dairy-policy/