AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 20, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

Federated Farmers’ latest Farm Confidence Survey shows New Zealand farmers are in their strongest position in a decade, Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay says.

“The survey confirms what we are seeing across the primary sector. Farmers are profitable, exports are strong, and rural New Zealand is getting on with the job of growing the economy,” Mr McClay says.

“Farm profitability is at its highest level since the measure began with 72 per cent of farms profitable and farmers’ assessment of current economic conditions the strongest it has been in nine years.

“This strength is being driven by farmers being given the freedom to get on with what they do best, producing the world-class food and fibre that international consumers demand.

“National campaigned on getting Wellington out of farming and removing the barriers that were holding our primary sector back. We have delivered.

“Food and fibre exports are forecast to reach a record $64.3 billion this year. Dairy exports are expected to hit a record $28.6 billion, while meat and wool exports are up 14 per cent to $14.1 billion.

“Farmers are also using stronger returns to build resilience. More than half expect to increase on-farm spending, while around two in five expect to reduce debt.”

Mr McClay says the survey also sends a clear message about what farmers want from Government.

“Thirty per cent say continuing to cut red tape should be the Government’s top priority. That is exactly what this Government has been doing. We are replacing the RMA, simplifying freshwater farm plans, reducing duplication and taking a more practical, risk-based approach to regulation.

“At the same time we are opening more doors overseas. Just this week Parliament passed the India FTA, which will remove or significantly reduce tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand exports once fully implemented.

“There are challenges, particularly rising input costs, and the Government will keep working closely with farmers to manage these. But the direction is clear, when Government backs farmers, cuts unnecessary red tape and opens markets overseas, rural New Zealand delivers.”
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/19/farm-confidence-reflects-strength-of-primary-sector/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has unanimously passed legislation to ensure New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building system is appropriately focused on risk to life, saving communities billions in remediation costs, Building and Construction Minister Simon Watts says.

“Today we are delivering significant reform that will save Kiwi building owners and the New Zealand economy a staggering $8.2 billion,” Mr Watts says.

Around half of all buildings currently designated as earthquake-prone are expected to be removed from the system.

“Expensive and often unrealistic remediation costs that are disproportionate to risk threaten buildings becoming derelict. Instead, we’re enabling that money to be invested elsewhere. To grow businesses, jobs and the economy.

“For buildings that remain designated as earthquake-prone, remediation requirements will be more targeted, helping reduce costs and complexity while ensuring life-safety risks are addressed.

“For many communities, particularly smaller towns, meeting the current requirements has been a significant challenge. The reforms take a more proportionate approach to managing seismic risk while ensuring high-risk buildings continue to be identified and addressed.”

High-risk unreinforced masonry buildings and vulnerable multi-storey concrete buildings in high and medium seismic zones will continue to be subject to earthquake-prone building (EPB) requirements, and councils will retain the ability to identify serious seismic risks that may have been missed.

Updated seismic zones, based on the latest seismic scientific knowledge, will take effect the day after Royal Assent, with buildings in Auckland, the Chatham Islands and the upper North Island low seismic zone being removed from the earthquake-prone building system entirely. All existing earthquake-prone building designations will be removed for these regions.

Parts of coastal Otago and Stewart Island that were previously in a low seismic zone will move to a medium seismic zone.

Notwithstanding this move, building owners will still be better off. Under the new system, low risk concrete and wooden buildings will no longer have EPB status, while remaining EPBs will have more cost-effective remediation requirements.

“The remainder of the reforms will come into force on 1 July 2027, giving councils, building owners, and the wider sector time to prepare. Guidance materials are currently being developed to support implementation and are expected to be shared for public consultation later this year,” Mr Watts says.

“This is about fixing the basics for a better working system. By focusing effort on the buildings that present the greatest risk to life, the reforms will deliver safer communities, smarter regulation, and avoid disproportionate and unrealistic costs.”

Notes to editor: 

• A document attached details the changes by location.
• Only unreinforced masonry buildings and certain multi-storey concrete buildings in medium and high seismic zones will be able to be classified as earthquake-prone under the new regime.
• The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will publish guidance and supporting materials ahead of implementation to help councils and building owners navigate the transition to the new system and are planning to publicly consult on these materials before the end of the year.
• Councils will retain a limited ability to identify earthquake-prone buildings after identification timeframes have passed, subject to consultation with building owners and agreement from MBIE.
• More information can be found on the MBIE website: https://www.building.govt.nz/about-building-performance/all-news-and-updates/changes-for-earthquake-prone-buildings

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/19/govt-delivers-earthquake-prone-building-reforms/

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction of the Chatham Islands’ new supply vessel is now underway, securing a vital economic lifeline for the local people and businesses living and working on the Islands. 

Steel cutting for the hull officially began on 17 September, marking the start of construction and keeping the project on track for delivery in late 2027.

“This marks a major milestone,” Associate Transport Minister James Meager says. “We are on track to deliver a reliable, long-term service that will strengthen economic sustainability and resilience, securing the essential transport links that people depend on for many years to come.” 

The new, larger ship will replace the Southern Tiare, which is approaching 40 years old. Unscheduled maintenance on the aging vessel has triggered repeated shipping outages, causing hardship for residents. 

Designed to scale up alongside the Chathams’ growth, the new replacement vessel will be able to carry livestock, fuel, vehicles and bulk freight – providing certainty into the local fishing, farming and tourism sectors. The service will also extend to neighbouring Pitt Island. 

“Reliable shipping is vital for the Chathams’ survival and prosperity,” Minister Meager says. “To grow and remain resilient, locals must have a dependable avenue to import and export goods.” 

The vessel is being built in China by 44 South Shipping Limited Partnership, a joint venture between McCallum Bros Ltd and Nova Marine Carriers, and is expected to arrive in New Zealand late next year. 

To bridge the gap, the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport has partnered with McCallum Bros Ltd to refit the existing William Fraser vessel to carry livestock. This interim service will clear current livestock backlogs on both islands and serve as a permanent back-up both to the Southern Tiare over the next few months, and beyond that once the new ship arrives. The William Fraser made its first trip to the Chatham Islands since the refit this week.

“This progress is a massive win for our most remote citizens,” Minister Meager says. “Reliable shipping drives economic growth, secures healthcare access and sustains livelihoods.” 

“This Government supports the growth of smaller regional communities just as much as our big cities. True national prosperity is measured by the health of all our regions, not just our primary commercial hubs.” 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/19/construction-begins-on-chatham-islands-ship/

Source: New Zealand Government

Paramedics will be able to prescribe from a list of 232 medicines covering common infections, repeat prescriptions for long-term conditions, and treatments needed in urgent and community care, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Most people picture a paramedic in an ambulance or a rescue helicopter responding to an accident. But paramedics are increasingly delivering everyday care in people’s homes, in aged residential care facilities, in urgent care clinics, and in rural communities where there may be no other health professional nearby.

“This list reflects that wider role, covering the medicines paramedics come across in everyday community practice.”

It comes after the Government announced in June that paramedics could become designated prescribers.

Paramedic prescribers will be able to prescribe for common infections and minor conditions.

“A patient with a chest or ear infection could be assessed and given a full course of treatment in their own community, without waiting to see a doctor or another prescriber, and without a trip to after-hours.”

Medicines commonly prescribed on repeat for long-term conditions are also included, such as pain relief, asthma inhalers, and diabetes medicines.

“Where the diagnosis is clear, a paramedic will be able to issue the prescription rather than send the patient elsewhere for it. That matters most for patients who have run out of a medicine they have relied on for years.”

Paramedics will also be able to prescribe medicines needed in urgent and community care settings.

“A paramedic called out to a resident in aged residential care could prescribe on the spot, and in many cases that resident will not need to go to hospital at all.

“Palliative care medicines to help manage people’s pain are covered too, along with treatments for high blood pressure and angina.”

Paramedics are highly skilled health professionals who assess patients, deliver treatment, and administer medicines across emergency, urgent, primary, and community settings every day. They currently do this under standing orders issued by authorised prescribers, which means they can administer certain medicines but cannot prescribe them. A patient may be given a medicine on the spot and still need to see a doctor to get a prescription for the full course.

“This approach is inflexible, creates unnecessary administrative burden, and no longer reflects the critical role paramedics play in the community.

“Enabling paramedics to prescribe will make a real difference in rural and remote communities, where access to a prescriber can mean a long drive or a long wait. It will also take pressure off emergency departments by keeping people who do not need hospital care out of hospital.”

Mr Brown says patient safety has been central to the design of the new prescribing framework.

“A paramedic will need to complete approved training first. The Paramedic Council will set the training and competency standards, approve the providers who deliver that training, require paramedics to keep their skills current, and monitor how prescribing is being used.

“This is also a well-tested model. Paramedics in the United Kingdom have been prescribing since 2018, with high levels of patient satisfaction and reduced pressure on primary care. Paramedic prescribing is being implemented in Victoria and being considered elsewhere in Australia.

“Making better use of our skilled health workforce is how we improve access to care. We are fixing the basics and building the future of our health system, and this is another practical step towards patients being seen and treated sooner.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/19/more-than-200-medicines-approved-for-paramedics-to-prescribe/

Source: New Zealand Government

Suffrage Day is a celebration of how far New Zealand has progressed the rights of women and girls, and a time to reflect on how we can continue to empower and advance women today, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says.

Today is the 133rd anniversary of Suffrage Day, when New Zealand became the first nation to allow women the right to vote.

“New Zealand’s suffragists campaigned not only for the vote, but for opportunity, dignity, fairness and a better future for women and girls, and that work continues today.

“As a Government, our focus is ensuring women are healthier, safer, financially secure and better supported to advance,” Ms Grigg says.

New Zealand’s gender pay gap remains close to a record low this year at 5.3 percent, and thousands of businesses are using the Gender Pay Gap calculator to address their pay gap, but there’s still work to do.

“Our focus is on building the economy and driving women into higher paid jobs – that’s how we’ll close the gender pay and retirement savings gaps.

“We’re also prioritizing safety and more equitable health services for women. This includes extending free breast cancer screening to age 74, lowering the bowel screening age to 56, strengthening maternity care, and we’re extending free cervical screening and bringing in faster diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis.

“We’ve criminalised stalking and harassment, strengthened protections for women, and launched resources to support stalking victims and women facing online abuse.

“The suffragists showed what is possible when women are determined to shape the future. One hundred and thirty-three years later, their legacy continues through every woman and girl who enrols, votes, leads, speaks up and helps create better outcomes for the next generation,” Ms Grigg says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/honouring-suffrage-day-by-backing-women-to-succeed/

Source: New Zealand Government

Today’s GDP figures show the economy grew in the June quarter, defying expectations of a contraction, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

Stats NZ figures put GDP growth for the June 2026 quarter at 0.2 per cent, following upwardly revised growth of 0.9 per cent in the March quarter.

“The first half of this year was tough as families and businesses dealt with a sharp spike in fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

“The Reserve Bank had pencilled in flat growth for the June quarter, and many economists had been picking the economy to shrink. Instead, it grew.

“That’s a credit to New Zealand’s construction sector, who saw their largest increase in activity since June 2023 with an uptick in residential building activity.

“Our exporters also held up better than expected and kept the economy moving through a difficult few months.

“A growing economy means more jobs and higher wages. It means more money coming into communities. It means more doctors, nurses and teachers, and better schools and hospitals.

“Over the year to June, New Zealand’s economy grew 2.6 per cent. That’s higher than Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and the European Union across the same period. 

“National has a plan to build on this economic growth – because that is how we can get the books back in order with no new taxes and give Kiwis the confidence that if you work hard you can get ahead.

“Our responsible economic management means growth is expected to average 2.7 per cent over the next four years, with 220,000 new jobs being created by 2030 and wages growing faster than household bills every single year.

“Global uncertainty hasn’t gone away. Fuel prices remain well above where they were at the start of the year, and that will keep testing households and businesses in the months ahead.

“Despite the international situation, New Zealanders can be confident the recovery is well underway.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/gdp-shows-economy-grew-through-fuel-shock/

Source: New Zealand Government

Patients needing urgent stroke treatment and other lifesaving procedures will benefit from faster, more reliable care, with a $38.2 million investment to complete the upgrade of interventional radiology services at Auckland City Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“When someone suffers a stroke, fast access to treatment can be the difference between a full recovery and lifelong disability. This investment will ensure Auckland City Hospital has the modern equipment and capacity to deliver that care,” Mr Brown says.

Interventional radiology uses live imaging, such as X-ray, CT, and ultrasound, to guide minimally invasive procedures through a pinhole access in the skin. These include removing blood clots from the brain during a stroke, and from the lung following pulmonary embolism, repairing ruptured blood vessels, stopping internal bleeding, and clearing blocked arteries, all without the need for open surgery. For patients, this can mean less pain, lower risk, and a faster recovery.

“Auckland City Hospital has one of the largest and busiest interventional radiology services in Australasia. It is the only hospital in Auckland and Northland providing interventional neuroradiology, which treats conditions of the brain and spine such as acute stroke and ruptured brain aneurysms, and the only hospital in New Zealand performing these procedures on children.

“The hospital’s stroke clot-retrieval service covers 2.8 million people across the upper North Island and treats around 400 patients a year. Around 80 per cent of the service’s work is acute or emergency care, so patients and their families need to be able to rely on it.

“Demand is also growing, with the service performing more than 4,100 procedures last year, up 14 per cent since 2021.

“This investment will help reduce disruption, shorten wait times, and ensure more patients receive timely treatment.”

Stage 1, a $41.2 million investment announced last year, is delivering a new interventional neuroradiology operating room, a replacement fluoroscopy room, an interventional ultrasound room, and additional short-stay recovery beds.

Stage 2 completes this work and will deliver:

• Replacement of three ageing imaging systems with state-of-the-art technology
• Refurbishment of three existing operating rooms
• A new interventional CT operating room, to meet growing demand for CT-guided procedures
• Additional staffing to bring the operating room delivered through Stage 1 into service

The entire project is expected to be completed over the next three years, with operating rooms coming online in phases so patients can continue to receive care throughout construction.

“We are investing in modern health infrastructure and reliable equipment because it is essential to delivering the care patients need. Once complete, this upgrade will mean faster diagnoses, less invasive treatment, and a better chance of recovery for patients across New Zealand,” Mr Brown says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/interventional-radiology-upgrade-to-speed-up-stroke-care-in-auckland/

Source: New Zealand Government

Dentists and oral health therapists have reached a new national agreement that will support the delivery of oral health services for children and young people, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“This is great news for our children and young people; good oral health is an important part of keeping children healthy and well. We want children and young people to get the dental care they need, when they need it,” Mr Doocey says.

$78 million is being invested in child and adolescent oral health services in 2026/27, including a 5 per cent increase in funding to support free dental care for 0- to 17-year-olds.

This funding is for private dental providers, including a 3.16 per cent increase for the dental procedures providers carry out most frequently, a temporary administration payment for high-caries treatment plan applications, and additional funding for population growth because there are more young people eligible for oral health services.

A wider Oral Health Services Review is also being progressed, looking at how services are funded and delivered, opportunities to reduce unnecessary administration, and options to better reflect clinical need and improve access to care for children and young people.

“We know there are broader issues to work through. The review will help us make sure oral health services continue to meet the needs of children, young people, and their families for years to come.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/more-funding-for-children-and-young-peoples-dental-services/

Source: NZCTU

In a major victory for working people and the Pike River Families who have long campaigned for this, Labour have committed to passing a corporate homicide law should it win government in November’s election.

Sandra Grey, President of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi, says this is something unions have long campaigned for.

Under the policy, a Labour-led government would amend the Crimes Act to create a new offence of corporate homicide, holding negligent employers criminally accountable when a worker is killed on the job. The offence would cover conduct that is reckless or grossly negligent about the risk to a worker’s life. Individuals convicted could face up to life imprisonment, organisations could be fined up to $10 million, and directors convicted of the offence could be disqualified from running a company.

“Every week in New Zealand a worker is killed at work, and another 17 are killed by work related illnesses says Grey. “ Every single one of these deaths is preventable. Yet New Zealand still has no corporate homicide law to ensure the worst breaches of health and safety result in criminal liability.”

“Too many working people have gone to work and not come home to their families. For too long, employers who cut corners on safety have faced little more than a fine. Corporations should not be above the law. If their decisions or failures are responsible for a worker’s death, they need to be held accountable,” says Grey.

“This commitment is thanks to the tireless advocacy of the families who have lost loved ones at work, and to union members who have refused to let those deaths be forgotten.”

“We’re also pleased Labour has committed to restoring Fair Pay Agreements, reversing the Government’s gutting of pay equity, and extending the Living Wage,” says Grey. “Together, these policies would help lift wages, strengthen workers’ rights, and rebuild the basic protections working people need.”  Says Grey.

“Unions have been clear for a long time about what working people need to be safe at work, and we’re glad Labour has listened,” Grey says. “Every worker deserves to come home safe at the end of the day, and we’ll keep pushing until that’s the reality in every workplace across Aotearoa.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/labour-backs-long-standing-union-call-to-hold-criminally-negligent-bosses-liable/

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