AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 24, 2026 – Full Text
1. Progressing shared redress between Moriori and Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri
September 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Legislation which implements shared redress agreed between Moriori and Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“The Bill will give effect to the shared redress arrangements negotiated by Moriori and Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri, and agreed as part of their respective Treaty settlements with the Crown.
“The shared redress recognises the enduring connections both groups have with the Chatham Islands and provides a framework for working together in the stewardship and management of significant sites and resources.
“These arrangements were agreed alongside the individual Treaty settlements of Moriori and Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri. The settlement legislation for Moriori was introduced in 2020 and enacted in 2021, while the Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Claims Settlement Bill is currently progressing through Parliament.”
The shared redress package includes:
- Joint ownership of the bed of Te Whanga Lagoon and its management by a statutory board.
- The establishment of a Joint Planning Committee of the Chatham Islands Council.
- The recognition of official geographic place name for features named by Moriori and Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri.
- Joint ownership of parts of the Tikitiki Hill Conservation Area.
A copy of the Shared Redress Deed is available online at: Te Tari Whakatau – Chatham Islands Shared Redress
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/progressing-shared-redress-between-moriori-and-ngati-mutunga-o-wharekauri/
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2. Animal welfare system faces scrutiny following parliamentary committee’s recommendation
September 23, 2026
Source: SAFE For Animals
Animal rights organisation SAFE has welcomed a recommendation from Parliament’s Petitions Committee that the Government investigate how oversight of New Zealand’s animal welfare system could be improved.
The recommendation follows a petition lodged on 3 March by SAFE and the Commissioner for Animals Alliance, a coalition of 21 organisations calling for the establishment of a Commissioner for Animals to provide vital independent oversight of New Zealand’s animal welfare system.
SAFE says the current system is failing due to ineffective oversight, limited enforcement and accountability, and significant issues with industry influence over animal welfare decision making. As a result, animals continue to be kept and raised in ways that do not align with obligations set out within animal welfare legislation.
SAFE Chief Executive Debra Ashton says today’s outcome is a significant step in the right direction and validates longstanding concerns about failures within the animal welfare system.
“This is a great outcome for animals. A Parliamentary committee has recognised that decades of concern about our animal welfare system warrant investigation, and we wholeheartedly welcome this important step forward.”
Following written and oral submissions made by SAFE, SPCA, and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the Petitions Committee concluded that concerns raised about the animal welfare system need to be further examined and addressed.
The committee has recommended the Government investigate how oversight of the animal welfare system could be improved, which SAFE says creates a clear opportunity to identify systemic failures in governance, enforcement, and accountability.
SAFE says independent oversight of animal welfare will build public trust and deliver significantly better outcomes for animals. Concerns during the Coalition Government’s term have highlighted risks within the current system, including questions around industry influence, and predetermined outcomes in decisions made by ACT MP Andrew Hoggard as the minister responsible for animal welfare. Examples include Minister Hoggard’s moves to overturn the live export ban, and pushing through legislation that overrode a High Court ruling to continue the use of farrowing crates for mother pigs.
“A strong animal welfare system is independent, transparent, and accountable” says Ashton.
“A review is urgently needed to ensure industry influence and profit are not permitted to take precedence over the wellbeing of hundreds of millions of animals.”
SAFE says a reformed animal welfare system should be fit for purpose, centred on the interests of animals, informed by contemporary animal welfare science, reflective of public expectations, and backed by meaningful oversight, accountability, and enforcement.
“This outcome is a huge step forward, and a clear acknowledgement that the current system is not beyond scrutiny. We look forward to the Government taking the next step by undertaking an independent review of the animal welfare system that will that will ensure animals are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.”
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
We’re creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
Notes for editors
- Website: Commissioner for Animals Alliance — https://commissionerforanimals.nz/
- Petitions Committee Report — https://selectcommittees.parliament.nz/v/SelectCommitteeReport/7c027438-b53e-43a1-db1f-08df18232885?lang=en
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3. Border Security Bill introduced
September 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A Bill to strengthen Customs’ ability to combat organised crime and the increasing threats to New Zealand’s borders was introduced to Parliament today.
“Our border is a critical line of defence against the transnational, serious and organised crime (TSOC) groups that are actively targeting our country and supply chains,” Customs Minister Casey Costello says.
“The border threat environment we face today is very different from even a few years ago and Customs needs improved tools and powers to deal with this,” Ms Costello says. “The Customs and Excise (Border Security) Amendment Bill intends to ensure our legislation keeps pace with these changing threats.
“The most obvious issue is the massive increase in illicit drugs being seized – the volume of drug intercepts more than quadrupled from 2018 to 2024 from 1.5 to 6.5 tonnes. TSOC groups are leveraging technology and exploiting legitimate trade and travel systems, and they have targeted and corrupted people with access to secure border areas such as baggage handlers.
“Customs needs improved powers to address this, and the growing trade in child exploitation material.”
The Bill introduces a range of measures including:
strengthening security requirements in Customs-controlled areas and export storage facilities,
increasing penalties and introducing enforcement tools to deter serious offending,
providing Customs additional operational powers,
modernising information-sharing and digital border capabilities,
enabling provisions for enhanced officer safety.
“When the original Customs and Excise Bill was passed in 1996, the main border issues involved individuals, offensive material in magazines and on videos and people trying to bring in extra cartons of duty-free cigarettes.
“We are now dealing with criminal cartels and serious criminal activity involving huge sums of money. This is backed by threats and intimidation, and violence.
“Customs needs to have appropriate powers to address this, and its staff need to be better protected from the risks involved.”
Ms Costello says the Bill also recognises Customs’ role in protecting national security and its role with partner agencies, and it establishes a framework for information sharing with industry partners.
The introduction of the Amendment Bill means that it has now been formally presented to Parliament and published on the parliamentary website. It is on the Order Paper and ready to be progressed by the next Parliament.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/border-security-bill-introduced/
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4. Three-day stays for mothers and babies now law
September 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Mothers and babies will receive more support in the crucial days after birth, with legislation now passed that will, in future, allow every mother up to three days of inpatient postnatal care, say Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello.
“This is about putting mothers at the heart of decisions about their postnatal care,” Ms Costello says.
“Having time to recover, bond with their baby, and build confidence as a parent can make all the difference, and the choice to be looked after for three days provides mothers with greater flexibility.”
Implementation will be phased over three years so the health system can deliver the increased entitlement safely and sustainably, with three-day stays fully available nationally by 1 July 2029.
Mr Brown says that passing the final stage of the Healthy Futures (3 Day Postnatal Stay) Amendment Bill on the last day of Parliament sitting before the election campaign was a satisfying way to complete the Government’s large legislative programme.
“The coalition Government has delivered significant improvements in healthcare for New Zealanders during this Parliamentary term and this initiative reflects a commitment in the National-New Zealand First coalition agreement.
“I also acknowledge National MP Catherine Wedd who originally introduced the Bill in September last year.
“I am delighted to see it passed, supported by $34.4 million over four years, announced by the Government through Budget 2026.”
The funding will support increased maternity bed capacity and, over time, grow and support the workforce.
Primary maternity services will deliver the initiative, using the current mix of Health New Zealand-operated, community-based and private providers already providing inpatient postnatal care across the maternity system.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/three-day-stays-for-mothers-and-babies-now-law/
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5. Government invests in cleaning up contaminated Crown land
September 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is taking a practical step to address contaminated sites on Crown-owned land by supporting coordinated investigation and remediation work across New Zealand, Environment Minister Nicola Grigg, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka and Land Information Minister Mike Butterick say.
“Budget 2025 included a $40 million investment to scale up the management of Crown‑liable contaminated land, and I have approved in principle around $30 million from the Waste Disposal Levy to support this important work,” Ms Grigg says.
“Contaminated land is often the legacy of historic activities. This programme enables us to better understand risks, protect communities and the environment, and take practical steps to reduce long-term liabilities.”
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the funding will help safeguard valued public land.
“The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages a significant number of sites where contamination can affect ecosystems, heritage areas, and visitor access. This investment supports targeted action so these places can be protected and enjoyed safely, now and in the future,” Mr Potaka says.
Land Information Minister Mike Butterick says the funding will help address risks while supporting future land use outcomes.
“Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) is responsible for a wide range of sites where historic contamination presents risks to people, the environment, and the Crown. This funding allows us to focus on areas where we can make the biggest difference, meet obligations, and unlock opportunities for appropriate land use over time,” Mr Butterick says.
“Our Government is focused on responsible stewardship of Crown land. Taking action now helps safeguard our environment, supports communities, and reduces long-term costs for taxpayers,” Ms Grigg says.
Notes for editors:
- DOC and LINZ together manage more than 3,000 potentially contaminated sites on Crown land.
- The $30 million funding will be allocated broadly evenly between DOC and LINZ to support investigation, remediation, and ongoing risk management, with flexibility to respond to emerging issues.
- The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) will provide oversight, with DOC and LINZ reporting on delivery and performance.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/government-invests-in-cleaning-up-contaminated-crown-land/
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6. RMA reaction: Government demolishes cornerstone of environmental protection
September 23, 2026
Source: Greenpeace
Greenpeace says the Coalition Government has committed one of its most destructive acts against nature this term, pushing through legislation replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA) last night, in the final sitting days of Parliament.
For more than three decades, the RMA has been New Zealand’s overarching legal framework governing how land, water, air and other natural resources are used and protected. It has now been replaced by the Natural Environment Act and the Planning Act.
Greenpeace spokesperson Gen Toop says the significance of what the Coalition Government has just done cannot be overstated.
“The RMA was New Zealand’s main environmental law. It was designed to protect our air and water from contamination, and our forests, wildlife and coastlines from degradation. That protection has just been well and truly ripped to shreds.
“These new laws allow companies to cause more pollution, contamination and environmental degradation in Aotearoa. If these laws are not repealed by the next Government, we will be living with the environmental damage they enable long into the future.”
Created in 1991, the RMA brought previously separate laws protecting air, water, soil and the environment into one integrated system. The 1991 reforms began under Labour but the RMA was ultimately passed into law by the incoming National Government.
“Until today, there had been an enduring recognition across political lines that New Zealand needed a strong, overarching environmental law to put boundaries around pollution and degradation. What happened today is a profound departure from that consensus,” says Toop.
“On behalf of polluting industries, after private backroom meetings with corporate lobbyists, the Coalition Government has completed a hostile takeover of our cornerstone environmental law.
“They have replaced it with a system designed to protect corporate profits rather than protect the environment. They have even reversed the well-established polluter-pays principle. The public will now end up paying polluters instead.”
The new laws introduce a new scheme in which ratepayers could be forced to pay companies “compensation” for environmental protection rules. The Government’s own report has estimated this could cost councils up to $2 billion.
Greenpeace says they also render environmental limits legally meaningless, scrap existing iwi agreements, stop councils from introducing stronger local protections like bans on destructive fishing practices, restrict public participation and Māori involvement in environmental decision-making, and weaken protections for native wildlife.
“Aotearoa already has polluted rivers, contaminated drinking water, disappearing wildlife and a worsening climate crisis. We desperately needed stronger environmental protection. Instead, this Government has ripped the country’s cornerstone environmental law apart,” says Toop.
“These new laws will make it easier for data centres, mines, feedlots, fish farms and other commercial activities to get consent, even where environmental impacts would be devastating. They also ban local councils from introducing desperately needed marine protections.”
“After the election, these laws must be repealed as a matter of urgency, before they are enacted on the ground and lead to irreversible environmental damage.”
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7. Federated Farmers celebrates new planning system
September 23, 2026
Source: Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers says new legislation to replace the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow our export-led economy.
The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.
Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper says the new legislation is a huge milestone not just for farmers but for New Zealand more broadly.
“We’ve been pushing hard for RMA reform because the status quo has simply not been good enough.
“The RMA has been around for more than 30 years, increasingly making it harder and more expensive for productive Kiwis to get on with doing things to grow our economy.
“Farmers have spent far too much time and money navigating a system that’s been unnecessarily complex, expensive and uncertain for even the most basic everyday activities, like building a new shed or water storage.
“Meanwhile, councils and communities have also been left dealing with endless layers of bureaucratic planning rules and processes.
“This marks the end of that era and the beginning of an opportunity to do things differently.”
Federated Farmers has repeatedly called for the Government to get RMA reform across the line before the November election.
“We’ve been clear that getting this legislation passed before the election was important, and the Government has delivered on that,” Hooper says.
“Now we have a clean slate and the chance to build a planning system that’s simpler, more predictable and focused on getting good outcomes rather than generating more needless red tape.
“These two new laws mark a fundamental shift in the way New Zealand manages its natural resources.
“Finally, we can restore some commonsense to the whole system and make it easier to farmers – and all New Zealanders – to get things done.”
Hooper says a better resource management system is important for New Zealand’s ability to grow and invest.
“Farmers need to be able to make long-term decisions about their businesses without constantly wondering what the next planning rule, consent requirement or council process is going to mean for them.
“That matters when you’re deciding whether to invest in new infrastructure, improve environmental outcomes, expand production, develop irrigation or make other long-term investments in your farm.
“More broadly, New Zealand needs to build houses, infrastructure and businesses, generate energy and grow our productive economy.
“A planning system that adds unnecessary delays, cost and uncertainty makes all of that so much harder than it needs to be.”
Hooper says passing the legislation is a major step in the right direction, but now the focus should turn to making sure the new system works as intended on the ground.
“We’ll be watching that closely and continuing to advocate for a system that delivers certainty for farmers while achieving the environmental outcomes New Zealand needs.
“There’s a way to go before the system is up and running, but there are things the Government could do to speed up the benefits of these reforms.
“For example, they could pick up Federated Farmers’ request for 10 new national standards to make basic farming activities permitted activities.”
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8. Direction for white and orange hydrogen regulation
September 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Coalition Government has agreed to regulate white and orange hydrogen through the Natural Environment Act framework, providing a clearer pathway for industry to explore and develop the emerging resource.
Resources Minister Shane Jones and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop say the decision provides greater certainty to industry, iwi and hapū, landowners and communities about how white and orange hydrogen resources will be managed.
“White and orange hydrogen represent an exciting economic and energy opportunity for New Zealand but the regulatory framework has not kept pace with these emerging resources,” Mr Jones says.
“Exploration and investment have been constrained by uncertainty around ownership rights and the rules that would apply. These decisions provide a clear direction and greater confidence for those looking to invest in New Zealand.”
White hydrogen, also known as natural hydrogen, occurs naturally underground while orange hydrogen is produced through directed reactions of certain rock formations. Both are emerging internationally as potential lower-emissions sources of hydrogen for industrial processes, fertiliser and chemical production, fuel, and other hard-to-electrify sectors.
Mr Bishop says the Natural Environment Act framework is the most appropriate vehicle for regulating the resource.
“The Natural Environment Act already provides a framework for managing resources such as geothermal energy that can cross property boundaries.
“It makes sense to build on an existing framework rather than create an entirely new regime.
“The Government has previously ruled out Crown ownership of hydrogen resources. This approach provides a practical and workable pathway that supports investment while detailed policy design continues.”
Cabinet has agreed in principle to apply an approach similar to that of geothermal energy, in which the Crown manages access but does not own the resource. It has also agreed in principle that authorisations for white and orange hydrogen activities should be capable of being granted on an exclusive basis.
“Developing subsurface resources requires significant upfront investment,” Mr Jones says.
“Investors need confidence that competing claims won’t undermine their ability to develop a resource. Exclusive authorisations are a well-established way of providing that certainty.”
The decision follows public consultation in 2025 which showed strong support for greater regulatory clarity. Industry submitters generally favoured a framework that provided certainty of access and investment protection. Treaty partners generally supported bespoke approaches that provide a stronger role in decision-making, environmental oversight, benefit-sharing, and allocation decisions.
The decisions establish the policy direction while detailed work continues on issues such as allocation mechanisms, property rights, royalties, Māori interests and implementation arrangements. The proposals will be progressed through amendment legislation in 2027, subject to final Cabinet decisions.
Editors’ note
Cabinet has agreed that white and orange hydrogen will be regulated through the proposed Natural Environment Act framework, and agreed in principle that:
- White and orange hydrogen resources will be managed in a manner analogous to geothermal resources.
- Authorisations for white and orange hydrogen activities should be capable of being granted on an exclusive basis, providing investment certainty and protecting operators from competing claims to the same resource.
- The Crown Minerals Act 1991 will be amended to clarify that hydrogen is not a mineral for the purposes of that Act.
- The Crown Minerals Act will be amended to clarify how it applies where orange hydrogen is produced from minerals regulated under the Crown minerals regime.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/direction-for-white-and-orange-hydrogen-regulation/
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9. Webinar: Politicians to present policies on lobbying
September 23, 2026
Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa
The OECD gave New Zealand a zero rating for its lack of policies to manage the risks of lobbying. In an upcoming webinar, politicians from across the political spectrum will be asked what they will do to improve this dire situation.
Health Coalition Aotearoa is hosting the free lunchtime webinar on 5 October to give political parties an opportunity to present their visions and policies for lobbying reform.
“Out of 47 OECD countries, we are bottom of the class when most countries have already enacted laws and regulations,” says Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chair Professor Boyd Swinburn. See OECD Economics Working Paper 2026.
“None of these lobbying regulations, including in places like Ireland, Australia, Canada or France, are perfect, but they do create transparency and accountability.”
The webinar comes at a time when Aotearoa New Zealand faces a health system crisis that could be eased by policies addressing tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food. However, vested interest lobbying is a major reason why successive governments have failed to act.
One in four years of healthy living lost to early deaths and disability is due to tobacco, obesity and unhealthy food, and alcohol.
“It doesn’t have to be this way if politicians put people ahead of the profits of harmful industries,” says Swinburn.
Despite clear evidence, successive governments have failed to focus on prevention. The result is a system that creates enormous health harm, disproportionately experienced by Māori, Pacific people, lower socioeconomic communities and children.
Examples include tobacco policy. Tobacco remains the cause of seven percent of years of healthy life lost to death and disability in Aotearoa, yet the current government repealed globally leading smokefree legislation.
In the past three years, as this Government has introduced further industry-friendly policies, New Zealand has fallen from second to 53rd place in the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index.
Alcohol is another area where vested interest lobbying has successfully stalled prevention policies. Alcohol costs Aotearoa $9.1 billion each year through harm to physical and mental health, whānau, communities and society. Much of this could be prevented through reform of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, yet recent law changes risk increasing availability and reducing community voice. This is despite 900 deaths and 30,000 hospitalisations each year attributable to alcohol. (Health NZ Report 2024.)
Without a public register of lobbyists, a mandatory code of conduct, restrictions on the revolving door between government and lobbying firms, and an Integrity Commission with teeth, commercial interests will continue to hold outsized influence over public policy and health decisions.
Party spokespeople from ACT, NZ First, TOP, Labour, Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori have so far confirmed they will join the webinar.
You are invited: The session will be a moderated discussion with time for audience Q&A.
Event details
Date: Monday, 5 October 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM NZT
Format: Online via Zoom Panel
Confirmed Parties: ACT, NZ First, TOP, Labour, Greens Te Pāti Māori
Cost: Free (Registration required)
Register: Eventbrite
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10. Health targets: five out of five moving in the right direction
September 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Shorter waits, faster treatment, and more timely access to care are benefiting patients across New Zealand, with all five of the Government’s health targets improving in the April to June quarter, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“After years of decline, healthcare is improving steadily under this Government. Waiting lists are shorter, patients are spending less time in emergency departments, and more Kiwis are receiving faster cancer treatment,” Mr Brown says.
“We know there is more work to do, and that is exactly why now is the time to double down and build on this progress.”
All five health targets are set for 2030, and these results mark the second annual milestone on that path. Every one of the five has now improved two years running, which is the steady, year on year progress needed to reach the 2030 targets. Key improvements from April to June include:
- Shorter waits for elective treatment: 72.6 per cent of patients waiting less than four months, up from 63.9 per cent last year – the largest annual gain across all targets.
- Shorter waits for first specialist assessments (FSAs): 66.1 per cent of patients waiting less than four months, up from 62 per cent last year.
- Shorter stays in emergency departments: 76.3 per cent of patients admitted, treated or discharged within six hours, up from 73.9 per cent last year, despite increased attendances – meaning our doctors and nurses are delivering more care than ever and still getting patients seen faster.
- Faster cancer treatment: 87 per cent of patients started treatment within 31 days, up from 86.3% last year, supported by the Government’s $604m Pharmac boost delivering 33 new cancer medicines.
- Improved childhood immunisations: 83.7 per cent of children fully immunised by age two, up from 82 per cent last year.
Mr Brown says the latest figures show encouraging progress in ensuring more patients receive their elective surgeries within four months, including hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery.
“Since the peak, more than 14,200 fewer New Zealanders are waiting longer than four months for an elective procedure. That is a 41 per cent reduction, and the total waiting list has come down 11 per cent alongside it. Behind every one of those numbers is someone who is off the waiting list and on the way to getting their life back.
“The latest results show the health system continues to turn a corner after the sharp decline that followed the removal of health targets by the previous Labour Government.
“We thank our doctors, nurses and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible.
“Improving health outcomes is exactly why this Government has been so focused on responsible fiscal management. Careful management of the books is what allows us to keep investing in the services New Zealanders rely on most, while keeping taxes low.
“There is still more work to do. Too many people are still waiting too long, and we will not stop until every New Zealander has timely access to care. With a record $32 billion annual investment, we are rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable, and driving better outcomes on the way to 2030.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/health-targets-five-out-of-five-moving-in-the-right-direction/
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