PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 20, 2026 – Full Text
1. Opening ceremony of 23rd CAEXPO and CABIS held in Nanning
September 19, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
This year marks the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, the inaugural year of the “Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030)”, and a critical year for accelerating the implementation of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol following its signing.
The 23rd CAEXPO has a total exhibition area of approximately 170,000 square meters, showcasing the latest achievements of cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, as well as new business opportunities under the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA). More than 3,400 enterprises from over 70 countries and regions are participating, with the total number of exhibitors increasing by 5.3% compared to the previous session. Timor-Leste made its debut as a formal ASEAN member state and co-organizer of the CAEXPO. This marks the first time that all 11 ASEAN countries have gathered in Nanning, Guangxi, since ASEAN’s expansion, representing a historic moment for the CAEXPO’s circle of friends. In addition to the main exhibition area at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, two other exhibition areas are set up at CAAIC Community and the Guilin International Conference & Exhibition Center.
For the first time, an ASEAN country demand exhibition is set up during the event, and an ASEAN demand list is released for the first time, focusing on showcasing projects and application needs of ASEAN countries in areas such as transportation, smart logistics, artificial intelligence applications, urban management, and park construction, creating a new one-stop precise matchmaking platform for China and ASEAN.
In addition, more than 50 economic and trade promotion activities will be held during the event, focusing on trade and investment facilitation and regional economic integration, cross-border industrial and supply chain cooperation, “Shop in China”, “Export to China”, “Invest in China”, and other topics.
Hashtag: #CAEXPO#CABIS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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2. “CHIIKAWA DAYS” Exhibition Makes Its Chinese Mainland Debut at JingAn Kerry Centre, as JAKC and AllRightsReserved Join Forces Again to Create a New Urban Hotspot
September 18, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Exhibition officially opens to the public on September 12; tickets now on sale
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 September 2026 – On September 10, JingAn Kerry Centre (JAKC) and AllRightsReserved (ARR), in collaboration with Spiralcute International, officially launched the Chinese mainland debut of “CHIIKAWA DAYS” Exhibition (Shanghai).
Image: Key visual for “CHIIKAWA DAYS” Exhibition (Shanghai)
From September 12 to November 1, JAKC will be transformed into a CHIIKAWA-themed world for a 51-day exhibition. Multiple experience zones across the South Plaza and Nanjing West Road will feature Shanghai-exclusive exhibits making their global debut and inspired by local food culture, alongside a limited-time merchandise pop-up store and co-branded food offerings from JAKC tenants, creating an immersive CHIIKAWA experience for visitors.
Chinese Mainland Debut Brings Shanghai Longtang Eats to Life: “CHIIKAWA DAYS” Exhibition (Shanghai) Takes Centre Stage at JAKC
On September 10, “CHIIKAWA DAYS” Exhibition (Shanghai) marked its official launch. Chiikawa, Hachiware and Usagi made a surprise appearance at the event, meeting attending media up close and setting the stage for the exhibition. The exhibition had already made an early appearance on Anyi Road on September 5 with a preheat celebration featuring a series of giant CHIIKAWA sculptures. The installation drew strong footfall on its first day and widespread attention across social media, rapidly building nationwide awareness of the exhibition.
Opening to the public on September 12, the Chinese mainland debut of “CHIIKAWA DAYS” Exhibition (Shanghai) comprises two ticketed exhibition zones, a free exhibition zone and a limited-time pop-up store available exclusively to ticket holders. At the Piazza, the main ticketed zone, “CHIIKAWA’s Everyday Life,” takes visitors through nine themed rooms spanning Clothing, Food, Shelter and Action, and extending into everyday mini-adventures — from stepping into Chiikawa’s home to taking on hunting missions. More than 100 3D sculptures recreate memorable scenes from the manga, including the rice cooker filled with white rice, the internet café, “Ramen Rō”, the prison, the 3-star restaurant and iconic hunting scenes. Each room offers its own details and discoveries for fans to explore.
Images: “CHIIKAWA’s Everyday Life” in the main ticketed exhibition zone at the Piazza
Among the highlights is the new Shanghai-exclusive “CHIIKAWA Longtang Eats” zone, created specifically for the city and presented as a dedicated exhibition area. Continuing the creative concept of incorporating local food culture into the world of CHIIKAWA, Chiikawa and friends wander through a traditional longtang setting inspired by old Shanghai before transforming into playful interpretations of some of Shanghai and the Jiangnan region’s most recognisable delicacies, including pan-fried buns, savoury pork mooncakes, crab roe soup dumplings, butterfly pastries, braised pork, lion’s head meatballs, eight-treasure rice pudding and almond tofu. The experience brings Shanghai fans a fresh sense of discovery while celebrating familiar local flavours.
Also making its Chinese mainland debut is a nine-metre-tall giant inflatable sculpture featuring Chiikawa, Hachiware and Usagi at the prominent junction of Nanjing West Road and Changde Road. The installation has become a gathering point for fans and residents from across the city, inviting visitors to step further into the everyday world of Chiikawa and friends.
The limited-time pop-up store is located on Level 2 of JAKC, where more than 50 licensed merchandise items will be introduced throughout the exhibition period. Shanghai-exclusive “CHIIKAWA Longtang Eats” themed souvenirs make their global debut, offering fans a broad selection of collectibles. Ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the pop-up store will also launch a range of “Moon-Lantern Fest” themed merchandise. During the exhibition, participating food tenants at JAKC will introduce official CHIIKAWA collaborations. PAPER STONE BAKERY, for example, will offer freshly baked savoury pork mooncakes stamped with Chiikawa, bringing together Shanghai longtang food culture and IP creativity.
Images: Limited-time pop-up store on Level 2 of JAKC
Admission includes access to both ticketed exhibition zones and eligibility to shop at the pop-up store. Throughout the exhibition, ticket holders will receive themed gifts at different stages and will also have opportunities to purchase limited-edition collaboration food items. Together, the exhibition, shopping and dining experiences create an immersive full-day itinerary, giving visitors a uniquely Shanghai CHIIKAWA memory to take home.
JAKC’s collaboration with ARR to bring the Chinese mainland debut of “CHIIKAWA DAYS” Exhibition (Shanghai) to the city represents a significant evolution of its experiential consumption model. By drawing urban footfall and stimulating commercial activity, the exhibition further connects retail with culture and tourism. It reflects JAKC’s responsiveness to consumer trends and contemporary cultural moments, while also aligning with the continued growth of inbound tourism and adding a new touchpoint for cultural exchange in Shanghai. As a core landmark of the Jing’an commercial district, JAKC continues to inject creative energy into the Nanjing West Road area through collaborations with leading cultural IPs, supporting its development as a hub where urban culture and new consumption converge. Looking ahead, JAKC will continue to integrate culture, commerce, tourism and exhibitions, contributing to Shanghai’s development as a world-renowned tourism city while creating sustained momentum for the city through compelling cultural experiences.
*Special Notice: Display and opening arrangements for certain exhibits, particularly those in outdoor areas, may be adjusted due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the organisers’ control. Please refer to actual on-site arrangements.
Hashtag: #JAKC #JingAnKerryCentre #CHIIKAWADAYS
About JingAn Kerry Centre
Housing 200+ top-ranking brands of all categories, from luxury and fashion, premium sports and lifestyle, beauty and accessories, commercial and casual dining, high-end supermarket to cinema, JAKC has been attracting a traffic flow of more than 22millions per year, persistently introduces the most prestigious brands and intriguing social experience to the city.
The icon among icons in Shanghai and even China, JingAn Kerry Centre takes up the leading role of luxury and exquisite lifestyle, gives a much-needed boost to the city culture and economy.
About AllRightsReserved
Established in 2003, creative brand AllRightsReserved (ARR) has remained committed to artistic creation, continuously pushing the boundaries of art and challenging conventional creative media to create inspiring artistic environments. Over the years, ARR has collaborated with outstanding artists from diverse backgrounds on a wide range of creative projects that enrich everyday life through art. Its collaborators include internationally renowned contemporary artists KAWS and Yayoi Kusama, luxury automobile brand Rolls-Royce, global streaming platform Netflix, and brands including Doraemon and Snoopy. ARR also operates its own art e-commerce platform, DDT Store.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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3. GDP shows economy grew through fuel shock
September 18, 2026
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/
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4. Consumer NZ slams government’s retirement village announcement
September 18, 2026
Source: Consumer NZ
18 September 2026
Consumer NZ says the government’s decision to set a nine-month deadline for retirement villages to repay residents shows it has caved to business lobbying.
At present, there is no deadline for retirement villages to pay back residents who are leaving. The government initially announced it would introduce a 12-month deadline, while Consumer has advocated strongly for a deadline of three months.
“More than 41,000 people signed our petition calling for a three-month repayment timeframe for all residents leaving a village,” says Consumer chief executive Jon Duffy.
“The retirement village sector is a multi-billion-dollar industry. The government has effectively ignored the voice of the people in favour of big business.
“At first glance, setting a nine-month repayment period appears to be progress, when compared with the initial proposal of 12 months. But this is equivalent to putting a ribbon on a donkey and calling it a stallion.”
Consumer is concerned that villages will treat the nine-month repayment timeframe as a target, rather than striving to pay exiting residents back as soon as possible. In practice, this could result in worse outcomes for residents than under the existing system.
“Currently, most exiting residents are repaid within seven to eight months, which shows the sector can move quicker than what the government is proposing,” Duffy says.
“Today’s announcement risks most residents waiting for nine months. We think this announcement will lead to more people waiting longer to get their own money back.”
Earlier this year, Consumer’s petition was accepted by Ingrid Leary, Labour spokesperson for seniors. At that time, Labour leader Chris Hipkins announced that if elected, Labour would change the law to ensure all retirement village residents would get their money back within three months of departure, and that the law changes would apply to all existing residents and contracts – not just future ones.
“Labour laid down the gauntlet, and the current government failed to pick it up,” Duffy says. “Today’s announcement will cost our retirement village residents, future and present.”
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5. Reforming food safety requirements for hospitality sector
September 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Regulation Minister David Seymour and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have today announced the next steps in the implementation of the Ministry for Regulation’s Hospitality Sector Review.
“Red tape isn’t neutral, it’s a tax on growth. If we are going to unlock New Zealand’s potential, we need to cut red tape and let businesses get on with business,” Mr Seymour says.
“The Review found businesses are struggling with red tape and the associated compliance costs, because most food safety regulations are treated as one-size-fits-all. One business told the review that it was becoming a full-time job to complete the paperwork associated with food safety compliance, and for all that paperwork.
“That’s why we’re fixing it. The Government has accepted seven recommendations to make food safety rules within the hospitality sector proportionate to the actual risk of an issue arising. We need to stop treating small hospitality businesses as though they are fine dining restaurants with large scale commercial kitchens.
“The hospitality sector is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy. It’s high time the Government showed it; by being a good host and getting out of the way.”
The Review recommended:
- moving some lower-risk hospitality businesses into lower-risk food safety categories
- creating a simpler, hospitality-specific Food Control Plan, including reducing record-keeping requirements
- review and update the full suite of operational policies and guidance to regulators to be simpler and more user-friendly
- removing recurring registration renewals
- extending verification (compliance monitoring) periods for high-performing businesses
- allowing food truck compliance checks to be recognised across different council boundaries
- improving fee-setting arrangements through setting more specific and comprehensive principles for setting fees
“Businesses say that record‑keeping and other requirements aren’t aligned to actual harm, and that registration and renewals are slow and confusing. They also say compliance monitoring and enforcement are heavy‑handed for the risk involved, and that fees are often too high, inconsistently tied to risk, and still don’t cover regulators’ costs,” Mr Hoggard says.
“Today is a good day for the hospitality sector. The Government has accepted all but one of the Review’s recommendations to reform food safety requirements in the hospitality sector. I expect these changes to be in force as soon as practicable.
“We will put hospitality businesses into food safety categories which are proportionate to the level of risk they operate with. Low risk small cafes might fall into the low-risk category, whereas a large scale catering company might fall into the higher-risk category.
“We will also create a simple, hospitality-specific Food Control Plan and reduce record-keeping requirements where they don’t contribute to food safety.
“We will remove recurring registration renewals, extend verification periods for high‑performing businesses, recognise food truck compliance checks across council boundaries, review and update the full suite of operational policies and guidance to regulators to be simpler and more user-friendly, and tighten fee‑setting by requiring clear, specific principles that link fees to risk, efficiency, and transparency.
“We are going to make it simpler and more efficient for businesses to demonstrate they are meeting the right standards for their size and risk.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/reforming-food-safety-requirements-for-hospitality-sector/
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6. More local support for people experiencing homelessness
September 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
More support is on the way for people experiencing homelessness, with the Government strengthening local services in Lower Hutt, Hamilton, Upper Hutt and Whangārei, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka.
The more than $1 million investment will boost existing short-term homelessness services in Lower Hutt and establish new services in Hamilton, Upper Hutt and Whangārei.
“Homelessness has been a problem in New Zealand for decades. We have a broken housing system that is more severe in challenging economic times.
“Earlier this year, we announced an additional $14.5 million for short-term actions to support people sleeping rough.
“That funding expanded outreach and support services across New Zealand, while continuing proven initiatives already helping people in our main centres.
“This latest investment builds on that work. It will mean more people sleeping rough can be reached, supported and connected with a pathway into stable housing.
“These communities have unmet need and local providers ready to get help to people quickly.”
“We have already seen the difference these services can make when people are connected quickly with accommodation and the support they need.
“We know homelessness goes beyond just a house. It can involve challenges with health, employment, addiction, family relationships or access to services.
“Local organisations understand their communities and know how to reach people who may otherwise fall through the gaps.
“This funding backs those frontline providers to deliver practical support and improve outcomes for individuals and whānau.
“Our Government is delivering more homes and backing the local services that help people move off the streets and into stable housing,” Mr Potaka says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/more-local-support-for-people-experiencing-homelessness/
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7. Election 2026 – Cheaper groceries under National – Statement
September 17, 2026
Source: New Zealand National Party
Statement – You’ve probably noticed that grocery prices in New Zealand still feel high even though we have brought inflation down and got the economy growing again – it was confirmed today that our economy grew 2.6% in the year to June.
A big reason for high grocery prices is a lack of competition, with just two major supermarket groups. The profit margins on every trip you take to a New Zealand supermarket chain is about double what it is in other countries.
One of National’s core values is competitive enterprise. More competition means supermarket chains have to work harder for every customer. That’s how Kiwi shoppers get a better deal. And there simply isn’t enough competition right now.
That is why, if re-elected, National will pursue a separation of PAK’nSAVE and New World/Four Square to create more competition between supermarket chains.
Independent analysis estimates this split could save households $560 a year on average on their grocery bill.
There is a very high bar for this intervention, so we will direct the Commerce Commission to make an independent assessment of whether separation stacks up for shoppers before proceeding.
For your local supermarket owner-operators, nothing much changes. They will still own their stores and operate under the same name, but they’ll be more competitive for customers. That helps them too because it means more opportunities to grow their business.
Competition is also a big opportunity for suppliers. More competition means local growers and producers have more options about where to supply and more leverage to negotiate better terms from supermarkets wanting to secure and keep their product.
National’s plan is to give Kiwis a fairer deal at the checkout, while protecting local ownership of the stores.
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8. New guidance released for upcoming HSWA changes
September 17, 2026
Source: Worksafe New Zealand
17 September 2026
WorkSafe has released the first in a series of guidance products to help businesses prepare for upcoming changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA).
The new guidance focuses on two concepts that help shape the amendments, namely critical risk and the size of a business or organisation. These concepts will play an important role in determining how the amended legislation applies to different businesses when it comes into force on 1 April 2027.
The guidance outlines the difference between critical risk and other risk, how businesses can determine whether they are considered small or large under the Act, and the duties that apply to each. The guidance is now available on the WorkSafe website:
This is the first step in a broader programme of support for businesses. Over the coming months WorkSafe will continue releasing guidance, tools and educational resources to help businesses build their understanding of the amendments and prepare for the changes ahead.
Subscribe to our General health and safety updates and visit the WorkSafe website regularly to stay up to date as new guidance is added.
Media contact details
For more information, contact our Media Team:
Complete the form: Media requests, or
Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/17/new-guidance-released-for-upcoming-hswa-changes/
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9. Manufacturing businesses invest $490k into hazardous substances safety following worker harm
September 16, 2026
Source: Worksafe New Zealand
16 September 2026
This year, two manufacturing businesses have completed enforceable undertakings with WorkSafe New Zealand, following separate incidents where workers were harmed by hazardous substances.
An enforceable undertaking (EU) is a legally binding agreement that serves as an alternative to prosecution.
Under an EU, a business accepts responsibility for a health and safety failure and commits to improving health and safety practices in its workplace. The business must also share lessons learned with the wider industry and make amends to victims, either through financial compensation or other agreed forms of remediation.
These EUs highlight the importance of managing one of manufacturing’s most significant health and safety risks.
The first, involving the meat processor Silver Fern Farms, follows a 2022 incident where two workers were hospitalised after inhaling a hazardous substance while cleaning the company’s Hokitika plant.
WorkSafe’s investigation found the company failed to ensure worker safety while a cleaning chemical was being used.
Silver Fern Farms has now completed more than $170,000 worth of improvements, including safer chemical dispensing systems, hazardous substances training, stronger chemical first-aid arrangements, personal protective equipment (PPE) improvements, and an industry-wide programme to share lessons learned. It also paid reparations to the victims.
The EU for the cleaning products manufacturer Ecostore follows a 2023 incident in which a worker suffered permanent eye injuries after being sprayed with a hazardous liquid when a pressurised hose came loose during dishwasher powder manufacturing.
WorkSafe’s investigation found shortcomings in the company’s chemical safety management, including PPE, worker training, and emergency management arrangements.
Ecostore has now completed more than $323,000 in health and safety improvements, including changes to chemical handling processes, stronger PPE controls, additional worker training, and new equipment designed to reduce spills and splash hazards.
The company also provided financial amends to the injured worker and shared its learnings with industry through workshops, case studies and other initiatives.
WorkSafe’s Head of Regulatory Services Tracey Conlon says the enforcement reflects the seriousness of the risk.
“Hazardous substances are a significant health and safety risk in manufacturing because exposure to some substances can cause serious injury, illness, or long-term health problems.
“When carrying out inspections at manufacturing businesses our inspectors have seen significant gaps in safe management of hazardous substances, whether that’s understanding the risks, ensuring workers have the right training and protective equipment, or knowing how to respond if something goes wrong.”
Tracey Conlon says the actions completed under these EUs demonstrate the value of learning from incidents and sharing those lessons with others.
“Both Silver Fern Farms and Ecostore undertook significant programmes of work to improve how hazardous substances are managed in their workplaces.
“One of the strengths of the EU process is that it creates opportunities for practical lessons to be shared across an entire sector. The aim is not only to address harm at one workplace, but to help prevent similar incidents elsewhere.”
Inadequate hazardous substances management is not unique to manufacturing.
Recent WorkSafe assessments of hundreds of agricultural and horticultural businesses found it was a common issue for those industries too.
More information
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/16/manufacturing-businesses-invest-490k-into-hazardous-substances-safety-following-worker-harm/
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10. More funding for children and young people’s dental services
September 18, 2026
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/
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