AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 5, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed the appointment of Southland-based registered counsellor Kathryn Wright to the Minister’s Arms Advisory Group (MAAG).

“Kathryn will bring valuable practical experience to the Advisory Group through both her work as a registered counsellor and rural mental health practitioner, and her service on the board of Mental Hunts,” says Mrs McKee.

“Mental Hunts is a national mental health charity that works closely with firearms users, particularly in rural communities. Kathryn’s experience on its board means she understands both the mental health challenges people can face and the importance of engaging constructively with the firearms community.

“That practical perspective will be valuable as we continue building a firearms system that keeps New Zealanders safe while treating licenced firearms owners fairly and with respect.

“The Minister’s Arms Advisory Group plays an important role providing advice on firearms legislation, regulation, safety, and the operation of New Zealand’s firearms system.

Ms Wright lives in Te Anau and holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology, a Bachelor of Social Services (Counselling), and a Master of Professional Practice (Counselling). She is a PhD candidate at the University of Otago and a registered counsellor with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors.

The MAAG consists of a Chair and up to eight members and is required under the Arms Act 2026 to include a balance of people from firearm-owning and non-firearm-owning communities. Ms Wright does not hold a firearms licence.

Ms Wright replaces Michelle (Mitch) Roderick-Hall and Dr Catherine Stephenson, non-firearm-owning members who resigned from the Advisory Group in June.

“I thank Mitch and Catherine for the time and expertise they contributed to the Advisory Group,” says Mrs McKee.

Ms Wright has been appointed by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith for a three-year term commencing 12 August 2026.

More information about the Minister’s Arms Advisory Group is available on the Ministry of Justice website.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/04/registered-counsellor-appointed-to-ministers-arms-advisory-group/

Source: New Zealand Government

More than $3.4 million of Government investment through the Māori Development Fund is helping three Māori enterprises create jobs, grow exports and build lasting prosperity, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.

The investments reach from green hydrogen at Mōkai and an export apple orchard in Raupunga to premium New Zealand wine being sold across the United States.

“Prosperity does not stop at a business balance sheet. It means whānau in skilled work, local suppliers winning contracts, stronger regions and Māori businesses earning income from around the world,” Mr Potaka says.

At Mōkai, $865,000 is helping Halcyon Power, a joint venture between Tūaropaki Trust and Japan’s Obayashi Corporation, pursue green hydrogen exports using renewable geothermal energy. Halcyon has already completed a successful hydrogen shipment to Fiji and is now working toward the Singapore market.

In Raupunga, $2.1 million is helping Ngāti Pāhauwera transform 30 hectares of whenua into an export apple orchard. More than 23,000 trees have been planted, 19 new employees have joined its horticulture operations and more than $400,000 has been paid to local contractors.

In Marlborough, $100,000 has helped Māori-owned, B Corp-certified wine producer Tiraki strengthen its brand in the United States. Tiraki now exports to more than 30 markets and has expanded from eight US states into 12, securing another container order.

“Our role is to back Māori ambition, not constrain it. Māori are leading these projects, and Government investment is helping them go further and faster.

“These businesses are creating real opportunities for their people and regions while helping New Zealand earn more from the world.

“The package builds on our Government’s wider investment through the Māori Development Fund to back Māori ambition and help good businesses overcome barriers to growth. It is about turning Māori assets and ideas into productive businesses, secure incomes and wealth that can be passed on to future generations.

“When Māori enterprise succeeds, whānau and regions prosper, and New Zealand’s economy becomes stronger. Māori prosperity is New Zealand prosperity.”

Notes to editor:

• The Māori Development Fund is administered by Te Puni Kōkiri and supports the Government’s Going for Growth with Māori | Tōnui Māori economic growth plan.
• The fund primarily provides Government co-investment for projects that improve the productivity and value of iwi and Māori assets, support infrastructure development and increase Māori export revenue.

Budget 2026 provided $38.21 million annually for the fund from 1 July 2026. Its current priorities are improving the productivity of iwi and Māori assets and increasing Māori export revenue.

Whakapakarihia ana te hinonga Māori e ngā haumi o MDF, e hanga ana i te tōnuitanga tonutanga

E āwhina ana neke atu i te $3.4 miriona o te haumi Kāwanatanga mā te Tahua Whanaketanga Māori i ngā hinonga Māori ki te waihanga mahi, whakatipu hokotai me te hanga i te tōnuitanga haere ake nei, e kī ana te Minita Whanaketanga Māori a Tama Potaka.

Ko te whānuitanga o ngā haumi mai i te hauwai kākāriki i Mōkai me tētahi uru huarākau āporo hokotai i Raupunga ki tētahi wāina tino pārekareka o Aotearoa e hokona ana puta noa i Te Hononga o Amerika.

“Ehara i te mea ka mutu te tōnuitanga i te rau tapeke pākihi. Ko te hua ko ngā whānau e whiwhi mahi whai pūkenga ana, ko ngā kaiwhakarato paetata e wini kirimana ana, ko ngā rohe pakari ake me ngā pakihi Māori e whiwhi pūtea ana huri noa i te ao,” te kī a Minita Potaka.

Ki Mōkai, e āwhina ana te $865,000 i Halcyon Power, he ohu i waenga i te Taratī o Tūaropaki me te Kaporeihana Obayashi o Hapani ki te whai i ngā hokotai hauwai kākāriki mā te whakamahinga o te pūngao ngāwhā whakamōhou. Kua tutuki kē i Halcyon tētahi tukunga momoho ki Whītī, kei te whakarite tukunga ināianei mō te mākete o Hingapoa.

I Rapunga, e āwhina ana te $2.1 miriona i Ngāti Pāhauwera ki te panoni i te 30 heketea o te whenua ki tētahi uru huarākau āporo hokotai. Kua whakatōngia neke atu i 23,000 rākau, kua tīmata te 19 kaimahi hou ki te taha ahumāra, ā, kua oti kē hoki te utu i neke atu i te $400,000 ki ngā kaikirimana paetata.

I Te Tauihu, kua āwhina te $100,000 i te kaiwhakaputa wāina Tiraki, he kamupene Māori whai tiwhikete-B whai tiwhikete ki te whakapakari ake i tōna waitohu huri noa i Te Hononga ki Amerika. E hokotai ana a Tiraki ki ngā mākete 30 neke atu, kua whakawhānuitia ake hoki mai i ngā wahanga e waru o Te Hononga o Amerika ki te 12, e whakatutuki anō ana i tētahi tono ipu nui.

“Ko tā mātou ko te noho hei taituarā mō te hao nui a te Māori, kaua mō te aukati atu. E whakahaeretia ana ēnei kaupapa e te Māori, ka mutu, nā te haumi o te Kāwanatanga i āwhina kia whānui ake, kia tere ake anō hoki ngā kaupapa.

“E whakarite ana ēnei pakihi i ngā arawātea tūturu mā ō rātou iwi, rohe hoki me te āwhina i Aotearoa kia nui ake te whiwhinga pūtea mai i te ao.

“E ahu mai ana te mōkī, te haumi whānui ake a te Kāwanatanga mā te Tahua Whanaketanga Māori ki te tautoko i te hao nui a te Māori me te āwhina i ngā pakihi pai ki te kake ake i ngā ārai e aukatia ana te tipuranga. Ko te tikanga mō te tahuri i ngā rawa me ngā whakaaro Māori ki roto i tētahi pakihi whai hua, ki ngā whiwhinga pūtea haumaru me te whairawa e taea ai te tuku ki ngā whakatipuranga e whai ake nei.

“Kia momoho ai te hinonga Māori, ka pakari ake hoki ko ngā whānau, ngā rohe, me te ōhanga o Aotearoa. E rua, e rua, ko te tōnuitanga o te Māori, ko te tōnuitanga o Aotearoa.”

He taipitopito ki te ētita:

• Ka whakahaeretia te Tahua Whanaketanga Māori e Te Puni Kōkiri, e tautoko ana hoki i te mahere a te Kāwanatanga te Tōnui Māori whakatipuranga ōhanga.
• Ko te mahi matua a te tahua he whakarato i te haumi-ngātahi a te Kāwanatanga mō ngā kaupapa whakapiki i te whakaputanga me te uara o ngā rawa iwi, o ngā rawa Māori anō hoki, te tautoko i te whanaketanga o te hanganga me te whakapiki i te whiwhinga pūtea hokotai a te Māori.

I whakaritea e te Tahua 2026 te $38.21 miriona mō te tahua mai i te 1 Hōngongoi 2026. Ko āna paearu o nāianei ko te whakapai ake i te whakaputanga o ngā rawa iwi, Māori hoki me te whakapiki i te whiwhinga hokotai a te Māori.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/04/mdf-investments-strengthen-maori-enterprise-build-lasting-prosperity/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand has joined the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Troika, taking on an expanded leadership role ahead of hosting the Forum in Auckland in 2027.

“New Zealand is serious about delivering on Pacific priorities. That is why we are here in Palau, to engage with other members openly on the challenges that face our region,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.

New Zealand will work alongside current and previous Chairs Palau and Solomon Islands on the Forum Troika to provide political oversight and strategic guidance on key regional priorities.

“New Zealand’s place on the Forum Troika puts us at the centre of regional decision-making for the first time in more than a decade,” Mr Luxon says.

Our approach will be guided by Pacific priorities and PIF centrality. We want to drive progress on economic prosperity, regional security, and Pacific resilience.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says seeing other Pacific leaders face to face in Palau was beneficial, as New Zealand takes on greater responsibilities.

“I have been listening intently throughout the discussions. We are committed to ensuring the 2027 Leaders Meeting and our Troika membership delivers concrete benefits to our region,” Mr Peters says.

“As we take on this responsibility, we are showing that New Zealand steps up when it matters, working with Pacific partners to tackle shared challenges and build a stronger, more secure Pacific region,” Mr Peters says.

Mr Luxon had discussions with all leaders at the Forum, including a bi-lateral with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.

“PNG will resume direct flights from Port Moresby to Auckland in November – a service that last ran 26 years ago. This move reflects the ongoing and growing closeness of the relationship between the people of our two countries.

“Our two countries have never been closer,” Mr Luxon says.

Mr Peters met with a range of Leaders and partners.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/04/new-zealand-begins-pacific-leadership-role/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and Australia have accelerated work towards a more ambitious Single Economic Market (SEM), as Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell concluded the annual Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Auckland today.

Ministers welcomed the implementation of SEM Strengthening Initiatives including:

• Deepening economic integration by launching a new programme of Trans-Tasman business-government collaboration to implement the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum’s proposals to reduce the cost of doing business between New Zealand and Australia, focussing on regulatory coherence and common standards, supply chains, climate adaptation, defence industry collaboration, space, innovation and technology. 
• Advancing regulatory and standards alignment through a 30 percent increase in Joint Trans-Tasman Standards, enabled by a new Standards Development and Distribution Agreement and Statement of Operating Procedures signed by Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia. 
• Coordinating regional and global trade engagement including CPTPP, RCEP, PACER Plus, AANZFTA.

“We have taken on board feedback from the trans-Tasman business community and look forward to working with the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum to implement their proposals,” says Mr McClay.

Also announced was a Trade Mission to Brisbane to ensure that New Zealand businesses take advantage of the procurement opportunities presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games with an estimated A$15 billion programme of investment and expenditure.

A joint statement was released following the Trade Ministers’ Meeting.
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/04/cer-trade-ministers-strengthen-single-economic-market-agenda/

Source: New Zealand Government

The North-West Rapid Transit project, a major new rapid bus transit route alongside State Highway 16 in Auckland, has been granted fast-track approval, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.

This is the 33rd project approved through the Fast-track process.

The project includes a busway alongside State Highway 16 between Brigham Creek and Auckland City Centre, seven rapid transit stations and one Park and Ride facility at Brigham Creek Rarawaru. It will also include connections to the local bus and road network.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) lodged its application in December 2025, with approval taking less than five months from the appointment of the independent expert panel.

“This project will provide faster, more frequent and reliable public transport for Aucklanders living in the north-west, one of the city’s fastest-growing areas,” Mr Bishop says.

“By 2051, roughly 100,000 more people are expected to call the north-west home. Once completed, the project will have the ability to move up to 9,000 passengers per hour in each direction and provide a reliable 25-minute journey from Brigham Creek to Auckland City Centre.

“The recently opened Westgate Station has been designed to build on the success of Auckland Transport’s Western Express (WX1) service, which has experienced high demand since its introduction – growing faster than the Northern Busway at launch.

“The strong demand for public transport in the north-west is already clear. The WX1 has recorded more than 1.1 million passenger trips in the 12 months to May 2026, exceeding forecasts by around 40 per cent.

“Once fully completed, the Northwest Busway will be a transformational piece of infrastructure for northwest Auckland and, combined with the opening of the City Rail Link, shows this Government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure across the city.

“It will provide a reliable 25-minute journey time from Brigham Creek to Auckland city centre, supporting Auckland’s continued growth and economic productivity for decades to come, and I look forward to further stages being delivered in the years ahead.”

Notes to editor

More information about the project: North West Rapid Transit

Fast-track by the numbers:

• 33 projects approved by expert panels.
• 18 projects with expert panels appointed.
• 68 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 35 active substantive and 31 referral applications.
• 68 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]
• Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
• Delmore [Housing/Land]
• Downtown Carpark Site Development [Housing/Land]
• Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
• Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
• Foxton Solar Farm [Renewable Energy]
• Green Steel [Infrastructure]
• Haldon Solar [Renewable energy]
• Hananui Aquaculture [Aquaculture]
• Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
• Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme [Renewable energy]
• Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
• 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]
• North West Rapid Transit [Infrastructure]
• 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]
• Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure]
• Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
• The Point Mission Bay [Housing/Land]
• 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
• Auckland Surf Park Community – Stage 2
• Barrytown Minerals Project
• Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
• Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
• Central and Southern Block Mining Project
• Hunua Quarry Development
• Mt Iron Junction
• Mt Welcome, Pukerua Bay, Porirua
• Ōhoka Residential Subdivision
• Remarkables Ski Area Upgrades and Doolans Expansion Project
• Stella Passage Development
• Southern Link Inland Port
• The Point Solar Farm
• Twizel Solar Farm
• Waikanae North Development

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/04/north-west-rapid-transit-project-fast-tracked/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s international education export earnings have surged to nearly $5 billion, surpassing 2019 pre-Covid levels and delivering a major boost to the New Zealand economy.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the result confirms international education is once again one of New Zealand’s most valuable export sectors.

“In the year to June 2019, international education generated $4.4 billion in export earnings. Today, that figure has climbed to $4.98 billion,” Ms Stanford says.

“That is a significant milestone for a sector that was hit harder than almost any other by the COVID-19 border closures.”

“International education brings billions of dollars into New Zealand, supports jobs and businesses, strengthens our universities and schools, and drives economic activity in communities right across the country.”

“That is additional money flowing directly into our communities. It means more customers in local cafés and restaurants, more spending in shops and supermarkets, more demand for accommodation and transport, and more visitors travelling around our regions.”

“That means more jobs, stronger local businesses and more money going into communities across New Zealand.”

“This is exactly the kind of growth our Government is focused on as we build the future. We want more high-value exports, more investment, more skilled people and a stronger, more productive economy.”

International education export earnings have risen from $3.5 billion in the year to June 2024 to $4.3 billion in the year to June 2025, and now to nearly $5 billion in the year to June 2026.

“That is strong growth in just two years and puts us well ahead of schedule towards our ambition of growing international education export earnings to $7.2 billion by 2034.”

“We have been deliberate about getting our immigration settings right so New Zealand can compete internationally for students while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system.”

“We want New Zealand to be the destination of choice for international students looking for a world-class education and an outstanding experience.”

In 2025 there were 92,580 international student enrolments. 

This is up from 69,140 in 2023. While enrolments are still lower than the 115,705 recorded in 2019, New Zealand is on track to reach 99,000 international students in 2026.

“It is encouraging that we are generating more value of international education with fewer students. In 2019 around 116,000 students contributed $4.4 billion to New Zealand. This year we are on track for around 99,000 students with them continuing nearly $5 billion with three months to go.”

University enrolments increased 14 percent compared with the same period last year, while school enrolments increased nine percent, including a 22 percent increase in primary school enrolments.

“Our job now is to keep that momentum going.”

“That means backing our education providers to grow, making sure our immigration settings are internationally competitive, and promoting New Zealand in the markets where we see the greatest opportunities.”

“We have world-leading education, safe and welcoming communities, and an extraordinary country to offer international students.”

“By getting the settings right and backing our providers to compete, we can attract more students, support more Kiwi jobs and businesses, grow our exports and build a stronger economy for the future.”

Notes:

• International education export earnings were $4.403 billion in the year to June 2019.
• Earnings were $3.533 billion in the year to June 2024 and $4.295 billion in the year to June 2025.
• Export earnings for the year to June 2026 are $4.98 billion.
• Separate data from Education New Zealand shows an international student spends on average around $45,776 a year in New Zealand, excluding tuition fees.
• The International Education Going for Growth Plan sets a target of 105,000 international student enrolments by 2027 and an ambition to grow export earnings to $7.2 billion by 2034.
• Education New Zealand continues to promote New Zealand’s education offering in priority markets and work with providers and government agencies to support sustainable international education growth.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/04/international-education-exports-surge-past-pre-covid-levels/

Source: New Zealand Government

Proposed mandatory asbestos testing for children’s toys and craft products containing sand will better protect Kiwi consumers, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer.

“Many New Zealanders have been understandably concerned about the discovery of asbestos in certain consumer sand products. Families should be able to buy a product off the shelf, or online, and trust that it is safe, particularly when it comes to items used by children,” Mr Brewer says.

“Since this issue first emerged, government agencies have worked closely with businesses to support the recall of affected products and provide information to consumers. There have been 23 recalls covering around 46,000 products, and every product identified to MBIE as testing positive has been recalled. However, these products should never have entered our market in the first place.

“New Zealand has a range of product safety protections in place, but it’s clear additional measures are needed to keep asbestos-contaminated sand products off our shelves and out of our homes, schools and early childhood centres.

“That’s why this Government is proposing an unsafe goods notice requiring mandatory pre-sale testing of all toys containing sand, and decorative, art and craft products containing sand. It would apply whether the sand is accessible or sealed inside the toy, to address potential exposure through broken or misused products.

“An unsafe goods notice is a practical way to prohibit the sale of untested products in the short term. At the same time, I have also asked officials to explore comprehensive product safety regulation to address asbestos testing in the long term.

“It is vital that Kiwi parents, caregivers and teachers can have confidence that products available in New Zealand are safe, and this is an important step forward,” Mr Brewer says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/04/stronger-safety-measures-for-childrens-sand-products/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced two new International Visitor Levy (IVL) investments while in the Waikato, today — funding to protect the Whangamarino wetland, and further work to maximise breeding opportunities for the Māhoenui giant wētā at Otorohanga Kiwi House.

“We are serious about protecting and restoring New Zealand’s taonga sites and taonga species now, and for future generations,” Mr Potaka says. 

“This is why we are committing $2 million over two years to kickstart work on the Whangamarino Action Plan and help restore the habitat as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site).

“Whangamarino is a under significant pressure due to a history of drainage and frequent flood events. Working with Iwi and stakeholders, the aim is to improve water level management for biodiversity conservation and improved water quality, and to recognising the role of the wetland in natural flood management.

“Additionally, we are granting the Māhoenui giant wētā captive breeding work at Otorohanga Kiwi House, which is carried in partnership with Te Whare o Mōkau ki Runga (Ngāti Maniapoto), $75,000 from the IVL.

“Wētā are a unique breed of insect only found in New Zealand, and our giant wētā, particularly the Māhoenui variety, hold a very special place in the insect kingdom. 

“They’re one of the heaviest and toughest insect species in the world, but also one of the most endangered.

“Otorohanga Kiwi House has been doing fantastic work to breed giant wētā for release. With this IVL support — and what will hopefully be a successful breeding season — we hope to see more wētā in the wild.” 

Whangamarino Wetlands

Whangamarino is an internationally significant Ramsar wetland in north Waikato. 
Without urgent intervention, the deteriorating state of Whangamarino will decline further. 
IVL investment will enable work at Whangamarino on ecological restoration through the development of critical infrastructure to improve the management of water levels, improve water quality, and reduce the presence of pest koi carp.

Otorohanga Kiwi House captive Māhoenui giant wētā breeding programme

IVL funding will boost Otorohanga Kiwi House’s captive breeding programme, which is essential for restoring population of the wētā in the wild. 
The programme, which is delivered in partnership with Te Whare o Mōkau ki Runga, has successfully bred over 300 Māhoenui giant wētā in captivity since 2021, helping secure the future of one of New Zealand’s most threatened invertebrate species. 

He pūtea hou mō Whangamarino me tētahi ngāngara matarahi 

Nō te rangi tonu nei ka pānui atu te Minita Whāomoomo a Tama Potaka i ētahi haumitanga hou nō te International Visitor Levy (te IVL) nōna i Waikato — he pūtea tēnei hei whakahaumaru i te kūkūwai o Whangamarino, hei tautoko hoki i te mahi whakawhānui ake i ngā āheitanga whakatupu mō te wētā punga Māhoenui ki te Whare Kiwi o Ōtorohanga. 

“E aro kau ana mātou ki te whakahaumaru, ki te tāmata hoki i ngā wāhi taonga o Aotearoa me ngā momo taonga hoki, mō tēnei wā, mō ngā reanga o muri hoki,” hei tā Potaka.  

“Koinā mātou e whakarite nei i te 2 miriona tāra mō ngā tau e rua e tū mai nei, hei tīmata i te mahi whakatinana i te Whangamarino Action Plan, hei āwhina hoki ki te tāmata i te taiao kia noho ai te kūkūwai hei Wetland of International Importance (hei Ramsar Site). 

“E tāmia kinotia ana a Whangamarino nā runga i te kaha whakaawatia o te kūkūwai i roto i ngā tau, nā te nui hoki o ngā waipuke. Mā te mahi tahi me ngā iwi me ngā kiripānga, ko te whāinga ko te whakapai ake i te whakahaere i te nui o te wai mō te whāomoomo rerenga rauropi te take me te whakapiki i te kounga o te wai, ko te whakamārama atu hoki i tō te kūkūwai wāhanga i te whakahaere ā-taiao i ngā waipuke. 

“Hei tāpiri, ka utua hoki te mahi whakatupu i ngā wētā punga Māhoenui e noho ana ki te Whare Kiwi o Ōtorohanga, e whakahaere tahitia ana tēnei kaupapa ki te taha o Te Whare o Mōkau ki Runga (Ngāti Maniapoto), ki te 75,000 tāra nō te IVL.  

“He momo ngāngara motuhake te Wētā e kitea ana ki Aotearoa anake, ka mutu ko te wētā punga, inarā ko te momo Māhoenui, he wāhanga whakahirahira tō tēnei momo ki roto i te mātāmuatanga ngārara. 

“Ko ngā wētā ētahi o ngā momo ngārara taumaha rawa, pūioio rawa i tēnei ao, engari ko ēnei hoki ētahi o ngā mea whakaraerae rawa. 

“Inā te pai rawa atu o tā te Whare Kiwi ki Ōtorohanga mahi ki te whakatupu i ngā wētā punga kia rite ai ēnei ngārara mō te ngahere. Mā te tautoko a te IVL — mā te pahawatanga hoki o tētahi wā whakatupu whaihua — ko te manako ia ka nui ake ngā wētā ka kitea rā ki roto i te ngahere.” 

He kupu mā ngā ētita:

Ngā Kūkūwai ki Whangamarino 

Ko Whangamarino tētahi kūkūwai kei te raki o Waikato, he kūkūwai whakahirahira ā-tāwāhi nei, ā-Ramsar nei hoki. 
Ki te kore he hāpaiora kōhukihuki, ka hē kē atu te tauheketanga o te waiora ki Whangamarino. 
Mā te pūtea o IVL ka āhei te mahi tāmata hauropi ki Whangamarino mā roto mai i te waihanga i te tūāhanga whai tikanga hei whakakaha ake i te whakahaere i te nui o te wai, hei whakapai ake i te kounga o te wai, hei aukati hoki i te nōhanga a ngā kīrearea koi ki tēnei wāhi.  

Tā te Whare Kiwi ki Ōtorohanga kaupapa whakatupu i ngā wētā punga Māhoenui 

Mā te haumitanga o IVL ka whakakahangia ake tā te Whare Kiwi ki Ōtorohanga kaupapa whakatupu, he nui te wāhanga o tēnei kaupapa i te mahi whakaora i te taupori o ngā wētā e noho mohoao ana. 

E 300 ngā wētā punga Māhoenui i whānau mai ki roto i te whare nei, nā tēnei kaupapa i pēnei ai, ā, he mea whakahaere ngātahi tēnei kaupapa ki te taha o Te Whare o Mōkau ki Runga, nā runga i tēnā, kua kaha kē atu te whakaū i te anamata o tētahi o ngā momo ngāngara whakaraerae rawa atu ki Aotearoa nei.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/04/new-funding-for-whangamarino-wetland-insect-heavyweight/

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Medsafe’s approval of two psychiatrists to prescribe pharmaceutical grade MDMA to eligible patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

“PTSD ruins lives and is difficult to treat. MDMA can be very effective at treating it through psychedelic-assisted therapy,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Recent changes have put New Zealand’s settings in line with Australia, where authorised prescribers have been providing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in clinical settings for some time.

“MDMA remains an unapproved medicine, but two experienced psychiatrists have already been granted authority to prescribe it to patients with PTSD. 

“This is very good news for their patients, who will have been suffering for some time. 

“There are a number of safeguards in place to ensure MDMA is prescribed safely and appropriately, as part of a psychedelic-assisted therapy approach.

“The clinicians will follow their therapeutic protocols and make decisions about whether treatment is appropriate for a patient following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Treatment with MDMA occurs as part of a comprehensive treatment plan and occurs in the prescriber’s clinic. Patients don’t get dispensed MDMA to take home.

“Practitioners must also meet a series of requirements to gain approval, including demonstrating expertise in the area and providing a detailed proposal of how they will administer the treatment. 

“We’re committed to ensuring that the regulatory system for medicines is not unreasonably holding back access to emerging innovative treatments. It will lead to more Kiwis being able to access the medicines they need to live a fulfilling life.”

This decision does not approve a specific MDMA medicine, but the clinicians have provided information to Medsafe about the pharmaceutical grade product they propose to use. The decision is specific to the two psychiatrists, meaning no other clinician can prescribe MDMA. For another clinician to prescribe they would need specific approval from Medsafe.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/04/medsafe-approves-new-innovative-ptsd-treatment/