AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 8, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand is a step closer to securing its ongoing energy supply through the first projects to be supported by the Gas Security Fund, Resources Minister Shane Jones and Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop say.

The fund will invest up to $23.5 million in two projects run by Todd Energy, a New Zealand-owned explorer and producer operating in Taranaki.

The Ministers approved the funding as time-limited loans with co-investment from Todd Energy, as part of New Zealand’s move towards more renewable energy.

“Together, these first investments from the $200 million Gas Security Fund could unlock up to 19.9 petajoules of additional gas reserves over five to nine years to maintain our energy supply as we transition to renewables,” Mr Jones says.

“These two projects, if successful, are expected to provide around four petajoules per year at peak production. That’s equivalent to around 6 percent of New Zealand’s 2027 expected gas production,” Mr Jones says.

The McKee Gas Cap project will receive a loan of up to $16.2m for drilling and connecting a new gas well, with Todd Energy contributing almost $7m.

The McKee-Tariki Production Well project will receive a loan of up to $7.3m toward converting an existing well to access gas in the deeper Tariki reservoir, with Todd Energy contributing about $3.1m.

“Maximising existing fields and infrastructure with an experienced New Zealand operator is one of the fastest ways to bring the needed gas to market, ensuring timely support for New Zealand’s ongoing energy needs, including a reliable supply of electricity,” Mr Jones says.

“Both projects will help keep domestic, commercial and industrial users operating, especially during periods of high demand, such as winter peaks or dry years when renewable electricity generation is lower.”

If successful, both projects are expected to have gas on stream by the end of 2027.

“Together, in the first year alone, these projects are expected to deliver the equivalent energy needed to power more than 80,000 New Zealand households for a year,” Mr Bishop says.

“Importantly, both projects involve significant co-investment from Todd Energy, ensuring the inherent risk associated with bringing new gas to market is shared. We’re using public funding to de-risk new gas well drilling and spark significant private sector investment for ongoing public benefit.

“Reliable and affordable energy is fundamental to a growing, productive economy. Businesses need confidence that the energy they depend on will be available when they need it, enabling them to plan ahead, invest and grow. That certainty supports investment, expansion and job creation.”

The Ministers say both projects align well with the Gas Security Fund’s objectives.

“The fund is designed to bring the gas we need to market more quickly and improve the reliability of our electricity generation while the country continues its transition to a lower-emissions economy,” Mr Jones says.

There has been strong interest in the fund, with 17 proposals submitted since it opened in January. More funding announcements are expected soon.

The Gas Security Fund is administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Investment decisions are made jointly by the Resources Minister and the Associate Finance Minister, supported by advice from an independent Gas Advisory Panel.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/first-two-gas-security-fund-projects-announced/

Source: Media Outreach

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Stella Passage Development enabling a major expansion project at the Port of Tauranga has been granted fast-track approval says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.  

This is the 34th project approved through the Fast-track process.

Port of Tauranga Limited lodged its application in January 2026, with approval taking around five months from the appointment of an independent expert panel.

The redevelopment of the Sulphur Point and Mount Maunganui wharves at the Port will enable each wharf to be extended by more than 300 metres, allow the installation of new container cranes on the Sulphur Point Wharf, and include the dredging of Stella Passage in Tauranga Harbour to provide sufficient clearance for vessels to berth at the extended wharves.

“The project has a lengthy history under the RMA, spending roughly seven years navigating standard RMA processes and Environment Court hearings. In 2021, the project applied for Fast-track through the COVID-19 fast-track system and was declined referral,” Mr Bishop says.

“Fast-track meant this project received all the necessary approvals in around five months from the appointment of an expert panel.

“The Port of Tauranga is New Zealand’s largest port by volume, handling roughly a third of all cargo in New Zealand. Current activities at the wharves are constrained by limited container capacity, vessel congestion and the age of the existing infrastructure.

“The Stella Passage Development will address these constraints by enabling larger ships and almost doubling the handling capacity at the Port. This will improve the movement of imports and exports and deliver significant economic and other benefits for the region and New Zealand.”

“This development will ensure our exporters can continue to reach global markets efficiently and competitively. It is exactly the type of project Fast-track was designed to enable infrastructure that delivers enduring economic value, supports regional development, and keeps New Zealand open for business,” Mr Jones says.

Notes to editor

More information about the project: Stella Passage Development

Fast-track by the numbers:

• 34 projects approved by expert panels.
• 17 projects with expert panels appointed.
• 68 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 34 active substantive and 34 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]
• Stella Passage Development [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
• Southern Link Inland Port
• The Point Solar Farm
• Twizel Solar Farm
• Waikanae North Development

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/stella-passage-development-fast-tracked/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is backing six initiatives to attract more international visitors into regional New Zealand and support tourism growth across the country, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“Tourism and hospitality supports jobs, businesses and local economies, and this $5 million investment will help ensure more regions share in that success,” Louise Upston says.

“The funding will support collaborative regional campaigns designed to attract international visitors to travel, stay and dine during spring 2026 and early summer 2027, ahead of the peak tourism season.

“We want more visitors arriving in the quieter months and travelling beyond our main gateways to experience the regions that make New Zealand unique.

“These campaigns will encourage visitors from Australia, North America and China to stay longer, travel further, and support local tourism and hospitality businesses.”

The Regional Tourism Boost funding covers:

$994,902 to attract more Chinese visitors through the Kiwi North food and hospitality campaign led by RotoruaNZ.
$975,490 for a national campaign to encourage visitors from the United States and Canada to explore destinations across New Zealand, led by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
$644,902 for a campaign promoting food, beverage and outdoor experiences across the top of the South Island to Australian travellers, led by Visit Hurunui.
$594,902 to promote the Classic New Zealand Wine and Food Trail to high-value Australian visitors, led by WellingtonNZ.
$994,902 to attract Chinese visitors to Christchurch and the South Island, led by ChristchurchNZ.
$794,902 to attract Australian and US visitors to explore up to eight new food trails in New Zealand, co-led by Destination Great Lake Taupo and RotoruaNZ.

 “By showcasing our regional food, wine, hospitality and visitor experiences, these campaigns will help spread the benefits of tourism growth to more communities around New Zealand, inspiring visitors to travel throughout the country and experience all that our regions have to offer.”

 Notes to editors:

More information is available on the MBIE website here.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/more-visitors-set-to-discover-regional-new-zealand/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is introducing a new nationwide rural recycling scheme that will significantly increase the recovery of farm plastics from March next year, Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced today.

 “The new, regulated Rural Recycling Scheme will expand recycling and recovery of agrichemical containers, bale wrap and silage sheet, with a new nationwide take-back system, replacing the current voluntary recycling schemes.

 “The scheme has been designed by industry and – with the support of farmers – will significantly increase the recovery and recycling of farm plastics. It will be managed by the not-for-profit Agrecovery Foundation.

“We’ve listened to feedback from farmers and growers who wanted a simple take-back system that is easy to use and can take all the usual plastic farm products into one recycling.

 “The voluntary schemes, operated by Agrecovery and Plasback, currently collect under half of the in-scope plastics that farmers and growers use. The new national system will significantly increase recycling and recovery, and reduce the quantity of farm plastics going to landfills, being buried or burnt on farms.”

 The scheme will require producers to contribute a small fee for products sold to support a free, nationwide network of take-back sites and collection services. The existing regional network of around 240 take-back sites will be expanded to allow for the increased volume of rural plastics for recycling markets.

 “Recycling services will operate in tandem with collection services for agrichemicals, making it easier to safely manage unused end-of-life products,” Ms Grigg says.

 “Take-back services will also be available to other users of agrichemicals and farm plastics including the forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism and sport sectors, and local authorities and contractors. Households will also have a bespoke national service for their pest and weed control products.” 

 Existing voluntary schemes will continue to operate until the Rural Recycling Scheme starts on 1 March 2027.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/new-nationwide-rural-recycling-scheme-for-farm-plastics/

Source: New Zealand Government

Strong progress has been made on the ambitious Aviation Action Plan, with more than half of its 25 priorities achieved in just one year of implementation, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

Mr Meager says it is a real success story for New Zealand aviation, reflecting the commitment of both Government and industry to work together on a clear roadmap to fix the basics and build the sector’s future.

The 15 completed actions include:

Funding to make RNZAF Base Ohakea available as a 24/7 alternative airport for wide body aircraft from mid-2027. Implementation is now underway, including the recruitment and training of additional staff.
Securing vulnerable regional routes by supporting small airlines with concessionary loans and providing investment for interlining arrangements. 
Outlining a set of coordinated industry-led recommendations to address long-standing workforce challenges, taken forward by the Aviation Council.
Assisting flight schools to update pilot training programmes to better align with the needs of airlines.
Assessing future infrastructure requirements including support for fleet expansion, jet fuel demand and electricity needs for next generation aircraft.
Commencing an accelerated programme to modernise New Zealand’s civil aviation rules, enabling 20 years of changes to be made over a two-years.

“The 24-project civil aviation rule update programme delivers one of the Action Plan’s largest items. Four projects, including reforms to slash red tape for regional airports, are now in place, with seven more well advanced,” Mr Meager says.

“There is more to do, and the Action Plan’s momentum is not slowing. Substantial progress has been made on the 10 remaining actions.

“This includes work to improve aviation passenger rights. I have considered advice and directed officials to develop a voluntary charter in consultation with airlines, to provide greater clarity and consistency for travellers. 

“I believe a voluntary approach is preferable to regulation at this stage. lt provides the aviation sector with an opportunity to respond to issues in a timely manner, without saddling them with potentially costly regulation.

“A charter also allows improvements to be made in a quicker and more flexible fashion, while preserving the option for outright regulation if necessary.

“I thank the Aviation Council for its leadership of these initiatives. This progress has only been possible because of the shared commitment to work together to grow and future-proof our aviation sector.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/progress-flies-on-ambitious-aviation-action-plan/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today officially opened Ngā Moana e Rua, a new acute mental health facility at Te Nīkau Hospital & Health Centre in Greymouth.

“The old unit was more than 40 years old and no longer provided the right environment for people to get well. This new facility marks a fundamental shift in how we support people experiencing mental distress, ensuring that when someone needs inpatient support, they are in a safe, supportive environment designed to help them get well,” Mr Doocey says.

“In 2024, I was in Greymouth to mark the start of construction and said this facility would help ensure people living on the West Coast get the mental health services they deserve. It is fantastic to see that commitment delivered.

“$27 million has been invested in this facility as part of the Mental Health Infrastructure Programme, which includes 18 projects to improve mental health facilities around the country.

“The new facility has seven beds, including six single bedrooms and one flexible bedroom, as well as a low-stimulus room, therapy and treatment spaces, family areas and outdoor courtyards.

“These spaces have been designed to provide a more therapeutic environment for people receiving care, while giving our frontline teams the facilities they need to provide the best possible care.

“West Coast mental health services are among the country’s best-performing regions, exceeding all three mental health targets in the latest quarter.

“This includes 93.6 per cent of people accessing specialist mental health and addiction services within three weeks, 82.7 per cent accessing primary services within one week, and 100 per cent being admitted or discharged from an emergency department within six hours.”

The first patients are expected to move into the new facility from 16 September.

“The facility was developed with input from clinical teams, people with lived experience and the community. It is a good example of what can be achieved when we listen to people with lived experience, staff on the frontline and the community.

“The opening today is part of the Government’s mental health plan to deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.

“We are also continuing to invest in support across the continuum, including better primary mental health support, specialist services and promotion. By investing earlier, we can help prevent more people from reaching the point where they need inpatient care.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/new-mental-health-facility-on-the-west-coast/

Source: New Zealand Government

Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the completion of the Ministry for Regulation’s Product Labelling Review, which will make it easier for Kiwi exporters to sell to international markets and for international companies to sell their products in New Zealand. 

“New Zealand’s labelling regime drives up prices and limits wage growth. We need to unlock New Zealand’s economic potential. So we’re fixing that,” Mr Seymour says.

“Currently exporters face extra compliance costs preparing products for overseas markets, while consumers miss out on global goods because importers face differences in labelling requirements.” 

Recommendations from the review have been accepted by the government which will make changes to digital labelling requirements and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines labelling. Decisions on the rest of the review are yet to be made. 

“Kiwi exporters want to be able to use digital labelling to convey product information. It allows labels to updated in real time, reduces costs associated with physical labels which have limited space and are difficult to update, and supports export growth because international markets are moving ahead with digital product information,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Currently there is no digital labelling standard in New Zealand. This makes it risky for companies to use digital labels, because they don’t know what information can be conveyed digitally or what needs to remain on a physical label.

“We will be developing a national standard to make digital labelling a viable option. This will not replace physical labels, but it will give businesses the option to adopt the current global standard. Too often red tape means Kiwis miss the boat. Not this time.

“The digital labelling recommendations are estimated to generate approximately $111 million in net benefits over 10 years.   

“OTC medicines are one example of where New Zealand’s product labelling regime leads to Kiwis missing out on goods. Medicines sold at pharmacies in Australia must be specially re-labelled in line with New Zealand labelling requirements so they can be sold at Pharmacies in New Zealand.

“The harsh reality is that international companies don’t consider it a privilege to invest in New Zealand. We are a small market. If we force international companies to pay a premium to stock their products on our shelves, they won’t bother. Other countries are cheaper, have larger populations and more customers. 

“We’re fixing that. If over the counter medical products are good enough for people across the ditch, they’re good enough for us. We will be aligning product labelling requirements with Australia. This will mean less medicines require a specialised label just for New Zealand. 

“This will make us a more attractive destination for international companies selling OTC medicines and will lead to more Kiwis accessing the OTC medicines they need. 

“Red tape isn’t neutral; it’s a tax on productivity and growth. We need to continue cutting red tape if we are going to unlock New Zealand’s potential.” 

The full report can be found here: https://www.regulation.govt.nz/about-us/our-publications/product-labelling-regulatory-review-final-report/ 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/product-labelling-requirements-to-align-with-global-standard/

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced five new diplomatic appointments: 

• Tāne Waetford, Ambassador to Colombia
• Melanie Roberts, High Commissioner to Niue
• Dr. Jon Johansson, Ambassador to Sweden
• Stephen Wong, Ambassador to Timor-Leste
• Brad Burgess, Ambassador to United Arab Emirates

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/new-diplomatic-appointments-announced/