AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 13, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

Waitlists for scans, colonoscopies, and heart tests have fallen sharply over the past year, with Health New Zealand exceeding the Government’s delivery target for additional procedures to address long wait lists, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

Last year, the Government confirmed that it would deliver an additional 75,000 procedures across radiology, colonoscopy, cardiac, and colposcopy services. The results for that period are: 

• 89,039 additional procedures delivered across these services, more than 14,000 above target
• Total waitlists down 21 per cent
• Long waits down 43 per cent 

“This is what happens when we set clear targets and accountability. These results represent thousands of New Zealanders receiving the tests they need sooner than they otherwise would have,” Mr Brown says.

“The greatest improvement has been for those waiting longest. A year ago, tens of thousands of New Zealanders were waiting longer than they should for the tests they needed. That number has fallen by 43 per cent.”

Waitlist reductions for diagnostic services include: 

• CT down 48 per cent
• MRI down 33 per cent
• Coronary angiography down 29 per cent
• Surveillance colonoscopy down 14 per cent
• Colposcopy and echocardiography down 9 per cent

“CT and MRI are among the most frequently ordered scans in the health system, so improvements there reach the greatest number of patients. Nearly half of the CT waitlist and a third of the MRI waitlist have been cleared in twelve months.

“Demand grew over the same period, including a 10 per cent rise in urgent CT and MRI referrals. Waitlists fell despite that increase, which shows the reductions came from delivering more, not just working through an existing backlog. 

“Reducing waitlists while demand increases is a considerably harder result to achieve, and it demonstrates a genuine improvement in productivity.”

The results were delivered through the $65 million Diagnostic Improvement Plan, which was aimed at reducing long waitlists for critical diagnostic procedures in 2025/26. It enabled Health New Zealand to maximise capacity in its own hospitals while also using private providers to deliver more diagnostic services for patients.

“Maximising capacity in our hospitals is thanks to the hard work of frontline staff, who have delivered additional clinics to see more patients. I want to acknowledge the APEX union for its engagement with Health New Zealand, which has played a key role in delivering that extra capacity.

“The programme has also been supported by targeted workforce growth, with expanded training places in radiology, echo-sonography, nurse colposcopy, and nurse endoscopy, alongside investment in new data platforms, ensuring we can meet future demand.

“The priority over the past year has been getting waitlists down. There is still more to do, and too many New Zealanders are still waiting too long, but waitlists have come down significantly and we are making real progress.

“These results show what is possible when the system is focused on delivery. The task now is to build on that, with more scans and tests planned this year and a continued focus on New Zealanders getting the tests they need, when they need them.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/12/diagnostics-target-exceeded-as-waitlists-fall-21-per-cent/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will help improve the visitors’ experience to Kaikōura and support future tourism growth through an investment funded by the International Visitor Levy.

The $835,000 investment will improve facilities and arrival experiences for cruise visitors, enhance public spaces used by both visitors and locals, and create a more welcoming gateway into the township, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“Kaikōura is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive visitor destinations, attracting people from around the world for its wildlife, natural beauty and outdoor experiences. 

“This investment will help ensure visitors can enjoy the destination at its best, from the moment they arrive through to the experiences they have while they’re here.”

“Cruise visitors are an important part of Kaikōura’s tourism economy. Improvements to cruise facilities will help make the arrival experience to Kaikōura more attractive to cruise operators and passengers, building on efforts that has built real momentum for the cruise industry in New Zealand already.

“Kaikōura is unique, with a small ratepayer base but high visitor numbers. That means this investment can offset pressures on locals, while ensuring the local economy reaps the rewards from cruise tourism – supporting jobs, investment and further growth.

“Tourism growth relies on quality infrastructure. By investing in destinations like Kaikōura, we’re helping regional New Zealand capture more of the benefits that tourism brings through increased visitor spending, jobs and economic activity.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/12/kaikoura-to-benefit-from-ivl-investment/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

NZ Post’s return to profitability after several years of losses is encouraging, but a sustained commitment to continued improvement is required, says State-Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown. 

The company today reported a net profit of $17 million for the year ended 30 June 2026, a $19 million improvement on the previous year’s result. EBITDA was $157m, $33m above FY25. NZ Post’s equity value also increased to $730 million, up $93 million from the previous year.

“This improved financial performance is welcome and reflects NZ Post’s focus on cost management and better operational efficiency,” Mr Brown says.

“Group revenue growth for the year was 3.6% and while the return on equity of 2.9 per cent is an improvement over last year, it remains below the company’s cost of capital.

“The results also highlight that parcel revenue needs to improve in a competitive market.

“Looking ahead, it’s important that NZ Post continues to optimise its operations to enhance overall profitability and performance, while delivering an efficient and sustainable service.

“I expect state-owned enterprises to operate efficiently, maintain strong balance sheets, and return value to New Zealanders.”

NZ Post will return a $12.5m dividend to the Crown reflecting Shareholding Ministers’ expectations for appropriate capital returns.

“Every dollar returned to the Crown supports the Government’s investment in the public services New Zealanders rely on, including schools, hospitals and Police.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/10/nz-post-delivers-improved-profit/

Source: New Zealand Government

Landcorp has delivered its strongest operating performance on record, demonstrating that its turnaround is gaining momentum, says State-Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown. 

The state-owned enterprise today announced a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, up from $49 million the previous year, alongside a Net Profit After Tax of $160 million. The Crown also received $25 million in dividends during FY26, with a further $15 million dividend to be paid in FY27.

“This result shows Landcorp is making meaningful progress,” Mr Brown says.

“Improved profitability, lower debt, stronger productivity, and increased returns to shareholders are all positive indicators that the business has made significant positive change.

“The Government has been clear that SOEs should focus on their core business, improve performance, maintain cost discipline and deliver an appropriate return on the Crown’s investment. This result is encouraging evidence that, for Landcorp, those efforts are delivering.

“New Zealanders rightly expect state-owned enterprises to be commercially focused, financially disciplined, and mindful of the communities they serve. 

Mr Brown acknowledged the contribution of Landcorp’s Board, management, and employees to the company’s improved performance.

“Improving the performance of a business of this scale takes sustained effort. The progress reflected in these results is a credit to the Board, management team, and the staff across Landcorp’s farming operations whose day-to-day focus on performance and operational discipline is delivering results.

“Landcorp plays an important role in New Zealand’s primary sector and manages significant assets on behalf of New Zealanders. The opportunity now is to continue building on this progress, lifting productivity, strengthening profitability, and delivering greater value to taxpayers.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/10/landcorp-delivers-record-result/

Source: New Zealand Government

Whangārei Hospital’s new Child Health Centre was officially opened today, giving children, young people, and their families across Northland a purpose-built home for outpatient and community child health services, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Children and young people in Northland deserve to receive care in facilities that are built for them,” Mr Brown says.

“This $35 million centre replaces an ageing children’s clinic with a modern, welcoming space designed around the needs of children and their families.”

The centre provides medical and non-medical outpatient and community services for children aged 0 to 16, and up to 21 in some cases. Services include paediatric medical services, paediatric community nursing, healthy lifestyle programmes, eczema and allergy clinics, visiting specialist clinics, and electroencephalogram (EEG) clinics.

It sits alongside the hospital, connected by a link bridge, placing child health services close to the Special Care Baby Unit, paediatrics, and maternity services.

“That proximity matters for families moving between services, and so does the design of the building itself.

“A hospital visit can be daunting for a young child, so this centre has been designed around them, with comfortable waiting areas for families, therapy and play spaces inside, and a playground and landscaped areas outside.”

The completion of a second project was also marked today, with the opening of the Car Park 14 extension.

“Car parks are a vital part of hospital infrastructure and are essential for patients, staff, and visitors as we continue the transformation of Whangārei Hospital.

“This $18.5 million project delivers 573 car parks and will help meet growing demand across the campus as the hospital continues to grow.”

Completing both projects is a critical step towards the wider Whangārei Hospital redevelopment. Relocating child health services has released the former Child Health site, which is required for the new acute services building and ward tower, while the carpark extension maintains, and ultimately increases, the number of car parks available on site during construction.

“Together, they clear the way for construction of the new acute services building to begin. They also mean the hospital can keep operating effectively through that work, with more parking available than there was before. That is how you deliver a redevelopment of this scale without disrupting the care people need today.

“Seeing both projects completed is a significant milestone for Northland, and I want to acknowledge Dr Shane Reti, who turned the sod for the Child Health Centre in December 2024 and for the carpark extension late last year.

“We are fixing the basics and building the future of our healthcare system by investing in the infrastructure New Zealanders need, and Northland is a big part of that. There is more to come as the redevelopment of this hospital continues,” Mr Brown says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/11/new-child-health-centre-and-carpark-open-at-whangarei-hospital/

Source: New Zealand Government

[11 September 2026, Te Waihorotiu Station, City Rail Link Official Opening]

Good morning.

Welcome to the tunnel, and in the words of Johnny Cash:

I hear a train a-comin’

It’s rollin’ round the bend

And I ain’t seen the sunshine

Since I, I don’t know when.

Thank you for the invitation to join you underground today in the brand-new City Rail Link. A special welcome to the new French Ambassador Francois Decoster, who presented his credentials on Wednesday.

Now, we are here as Minister for Rail – the word “for” is deliberate. We are for rail.

Our record is proof of that. Since 2019, the taxpayer has invested $2.4 billion on top of its share of this tunnel in Auckland’s rail network. 

We are responsible for the vast majority of that commitment, because every action we have taken is to shift Auckland’s rail network from a freight route to a modern metropolitan railway serving people and freight.

We extended the electrified network south from Papakura to Pukekohe – it opened last year.

We added a third railway line between Wiri and Quay Park, unblocking the busiest section of railway in the country to give freight its own line and keep two lines for passenger trains between Wiri and the city centre. It also opened last year.

We have rebuilt Auckland’s railways from the ground up, focussing particularly on sections that were a century old. 70 kilometres of rebuilt drainage, 30 kilometres of rebuilt foundations, 80 kilometres of new rail, 55 kilometres of new sleepers, and 52 kilometres of new ballast rock. 

That work is to lift the resilience of the line – all so that when this tunnel officially opens on Sunday, Aucklanders can experience trains turning up on time.

We also built two brand new railway stations at Drury and Paerata, and a third is opening next year in west Drury. TVNZ managed to somehow avoid acknowledging the fact the taxpayer paid for 100 percent of those stations when we opened those stations in July – let’s see how they do today.

The fact is, without our $2.4 billion of investment, this wonderful new tunnel would be a very nice, but little-used asset.

That investment is what enables us to have a train every ten minutes at peak, and will enable it to grow more frequent over time.

In a city, stuck all too often in congestion, this tunnel and our wider investment represents a gear change for the better.

So, Mr Mayor, we hope you are happier now.

And we will not stop advocating for rail, as unblocking Auckland – the largest local body metropolitan centre in Australasia – ultimately benefits New Zealand. A blocked city, a blocked market, is no good for the national economy. Rail is the answer.

We have a question for you. How is it possible that, after a hundred years, we have built the city rail link and yet there is no “Auckland Central Station.” That name follows the universal precedent and would be known to locals and visitors alike.

Instead, we have renamed Britomart Station the Waitemata Station. We have some news for you – the Waitemata is the harbour, not the station, and people don’t want to catch a train into the sea.

But here we are at the Wellesley and Mayoral Drive Station, beyond the Auckland Central Station, and before the K-Road and Mount Eden Stations. Those are names people know. Instead, we have been tasked to learn new names. Thank you, Auckland Transport – or should I say, “ngā mihi.”

That said, we will keep advocating for the third and fourth main lines on the busy southern corridor, for connecting Avondale to Onehunga through a new west-south line, and continuing to remove level crossings to separate our roads from our railways.

But we will not do it without the men and women of the railways – and everyone else across the construction and infrastructure industries.

You are the people who designed the city rail link, who tunnelled it, built it, fitted it out, tested it, and will now operate and maintain it.

You have built something of lasting value for your country.

In years to come, you will bring your children here. One day, they may bring theirs. And you will always be able to say, “I helped build this.”

Today, on behalf of the Government and the country, thank you.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/11/the-light-at-the-end-of-a-long-awaited-tunnel/

Source: New Zealand Government

Thousands of tonnes of waste will be diverted from landfill with a $4.7 million upgrade to waste recovery facilities in Taupō, Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced today.

“A $2.3 million investment from the Waste Minimisation Fund, combined with equal funding from the Taupō District Council, will boost recovery and processing at the Broadlands Road Resource Recovery Centre.

“The current facility’s limited waste diversion capabilities mean skip and bin trucks go straight to landfill. After the upgrade, loads will be inspected and waste sorted by disposal class, diverting at least 8,000 tonnes of waste from landfill by the end of the first year of operations.

“The diverted material will include organic waste, construction and demolition waste, and other recyclable materials.

“We’re committed to reducing the volume of waste going to landfills by investing in waste reduction, recycling and reuse. This significant investment allows another council to achieve its waste minimization goals, divert more waste from landfill, and reduce emissions associated with the disposal of organic material.

“It will also give residents opportunities to recycle a wider range of materials, reduce household and business costs, and promote sustainability.

“Economic benefits for the district will include reduced landfill costs through waste levy savings and emissions trading scheme charges. It will also open market opportunities for the reuse of materials.

“We are fixing the basics and building the future by investing in environmental tools that help councils, communities, and industry to take action where it matters most,” Ms Grigg says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/11/investment-will-divert-tonnes-of-waste-from-taupo-landfill/

Source: New Zealand First

New Zealand First has today announced a number of campaign policies that will make sweeping changes to current immigration laws.

New Zealand’s immigration system must serve New Zealand and New Zealanders.

For too long, governments have relied on immigration to drive headline economic growth and cheap labour. The result has been greater pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services, increased competition for entry-level jobs, and declining public confidence that immigration is being managed in the national interest.

Population growth must not outpace our ability to build the country.

New Zealand First will substantially reduce non-essential immigration and restore the principle that immigration is a privilege, not a right.

New Zealand is more than an economy. It is a nation with its own history, institutions and way of life.

Immigration policy should strengthen social cohesion and encourage integration into a shared national community.

The foundation of any proper immigration system in our country should be the value placed on New Zealand citizenship.

New Zealand needs to start viewing our citizenship as most other countries around the world do – it is a privilege that comes with special and unique rights and identity.

We need to understand the importance of a country’s citizenship and the reasons why we must protect and enhance what it means to be a New Zealander.

This does not take away from the ability for migrants looking to move here, contribute, and help build our country from showing total commitment and patriotism for New Zealand by becoming a citizen.

Even the most basic of privileges and rights in any country like voting has become more like an expectation for all, rather than a unique right for New Zealanders.

In addition to the already announced policies of citizen’s only voting and citizen’s only NZ Super, New Zealand First will introduce the following policies in the next term of government:

• Birthright Citizenship – New Zealand First will update birthright citizenship requirements, so that only the children of citizens will be automatically entitled to New Zealand citizenship at birth.
• Asylum Seeker Changes – New Zealand First will reform the asylum seeker system, updating current settings so that they are fair, consistent, and fit for purpose. Protected person status will become temporary by design, subject to ongoing assessment.
  • Any person who seeks asylum while in New Zealand on a working-class visa will be ineligible to do so.
  • Asylum claimants will not be able to use the temporary work rights granted during the assessment period as a stepping stone to another visa.
• Permanent Resident and Citizenship Qualifying Period Adjustments – New Zealand First will double the required period to qualify for citizenship from five years to a minimum of ten years. The qualifying period for permanent residence will be extended from two to five years.
• Citizenship and Permanent Residence Application Fees – New Zealand First will increase the cost of applying for New Zealand citizenship and permanent residence to reflect its value and to better fund the wider immigration system.
• Welfare Stand-Down Period – New Zealand First will implement a 10-year welfare stand-down period for all visa holders, meaning non-citizens will be ineligible for jobseeker, accommodation supplement, or any other benefits during their first 10 years in New Zealand.
• Broadened Ability to Deport  – New Zealand First will widen the criteria for deportation liability to cover any offence for which imprisonment is available as a sentence – with automatic deportation for those found guilty of violent or sexual crimes, found guilty of fraud, participating in an organised criminal group, money laundering, aiding and abetting under the Immigration Act, or migrant exploitation.
• Resident Visa Cap Referendum – New Zealand First will hold a referendum on the introduction of a legislated annual cap on the number of resident visas issued each year. Included in the Resident Visa Cap Referendum will be:
  • A resident visa cap of 20,000 per year.
  • Linking immigration settings directly to infrastructure capacity.
  • Requiring major population growth to occur only where infrastructure already exists or is fully funded and scheduled for delivery.
  • Stopping councils being forced to adapt to central government planning where local infrastructure cannot support it.
  • Development of a 30-year Population Plan to coordinate immigration, housing and infrastructure planning.
• Social Housing for Citizens First – New Zealand First will ensure that social housing will be made available to citizens first and foremost.
• Chronic Overstayers – New Zealand First will implement a 24-month amnesty for overstayers to self-deport with no restrictions on applications to return.
  • Any overstayer found past the clemency period has lapsed will be deported and permanently ineligible to apply for any visa in the future.
  • In recognition of our commitment to our enduring Pacific relations, we will allow for a 24-month clemency period to facilitate any Pacific overstayer to apply to remain in the country legally on a valid visa. This will apply only to overstayers of Pacific origin.
• Student Visa Holders – New Zealand First will ensure student visa holders intending to transition to another visa will be required to leave before reapplying for another visa from abroad.
• Removal of Automatic Work Rights for Student Visa Holders – New Zealand First will remove the automatic work rights for international students and stop our kiwi jobs being taken by foreign students.
  • Export education was designed to allow foreign students to come here, their economy pay for their education, and go back.  It was not designed to allow them to take jobs off kiwis, have our economy pay for their education, and then to use the visa to move on to residence or work.
  • It will be mandatory for any international student who wants to work in New Zealand while they study to apply under strict conditions to work. First and foremost, those job opportunities cannot be taken from New Zealanders looking for work.
• Immigration Ministerial Portfolio – It is imperative that a New Zealand First Minister holds the Immigration portfolio when part of the next coalition government to ensure the oversight, control and reform of the immigration system.

New Zealanders have the right to determine the future size and character of their country.

This set of polices is about taking back control of the future of our country and valuing our unique citizenship the way it should be – just like the vast majority of other countries do around the world.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/11/nz-first-announces-immigration-reform-policies/

Source: New Zealand Government

Revenue Minister Simon Watts says a Bill introduced into the House today will help grow the economy by reducing compliance costs, simplifying rules and removing unnecessary obligations.

“My aim is for a world-leading tax system, and these sensible changes bring us a step closer to that. For fringe benefit tax, we’re proposing a much simpler ‘close enough is good enough’ approach to employer-provided vehicles.” Mr Watts says.

“Rather than requiring detailed records and logbooks, employers would simply choose the category that best reflects how much a vehicle is used privately – substantially lowering compliance costs and unnecessary stress.”

The Bill also makes several changes to the Foreign Investment Fund rules to help attract and retain skilled workers and investment. 

This includes increasing the de minimis threshold so smaller investors do not need to apply the FIF rules, and opening up the Revenue Account Method to all New Zealand residents for unlisted foreign shares.

The Bill also includes:

• Improving cash flow for start-ups by allowing eligible businesses to receive R&D Tax Incentive payments during the year based on expected entitlements. 
• Reducing red tape for charities and not-for-profits by keeping membership subscriptions and levies non-taxable, increasing the statutory deduction for smaller taxable not-for-profits to $10,000, and removing income tax filing requirements for smaller organisations. 
• Making it easier to support charities by allowing eligible donors to receive donation tax credit refunds during the year and enabling credits to be transferred directly to charities. The tax treatment of volunteer honoraria will also be simplified. 
• Strengthening student loan enforcement by preventing overseas-based borrowers from avoiding enforcement by deliberately avoiding Inland Revenue communications.

“It’s a substantial Bill covering a wide spectrum of tax issues, and all of these items aim to ensure the tax system works better for all,” Mr Watts says.  

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/10/tax-bill-to-lower-costs-and-simplify-rules/