AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 27, 2026 – Full Text
1. Winston Peters – “Ending the Waitangi Make-Work Industry”
September 26, 2026
Source: New Zealand First
It’s great to be back in Tauranga, a city I came to in a snap
election in 1984 and stayed for a quarter of a century.
That quarter century was a time of enormous progress from a
sleepy maritime hideaway to the fastest growing city in New
Zealand.
Back then there were metal roads over the Kaimai, and metal
roads north of Katikati and no bridge across the harbour.
Over 25 years that dramatically changed to two toll free
bridges, new roads to fill half the alphabet, and Tauranga had a
real voice in parliament.
So it’s great to be back.
I don’t have to be a rocket scientist to work out that things are
not as they used to be. And the bustling metropolis is no more.
It’s 42 days till the next election, and only 30 days until early
voting.
noticed the obsession of the other parties with either spending
or taxation.
None of them are addressing the real issue.
How to double the size of our economy by 2050 and ensure our
children and grandchildren have a great future ahead.
New Zealand First does have a strategy to do just that, with the
only credible policy to build a future fund to pay for it.
Today I can announce that we are helping Sun Air maintain its
services to the Bay of Plenty, and we are going to build a new
wharf at Matakana Island.
All part of our Regional Infrastructure Plan which is exclusively
New Zealand First policy because we back the provinces.
And part of that plan also is the reduction of taxation of small
and medium businesses. If your businesses turnover is $30
million or less then we are going to reduce your taxation from
28% down to 20%.
It will enable you to do more, employ more, sell more, market
more and trade more.
New Zealand First is a nationalist party, all the rest are
globalists. So in future we are going to do our utmost to add
value to our products before we sell them overseas and
increase the wealth and employment of New Zealanders.
We are going to deal to the cost of living crisis by breaking up
the power gentailers so power prices come down and remove
the monopoly privileges that supermarkets are using against
both the suppliers and customers.
more money in the small market of New Zealand than they are
in real terms in the bigger market of Australia.
In short we are going to get our own Bank of New Zealand back
which was providing real competition to Australia before Labour
then National sold it off to the Aussies.
Labour (1987) sold the first third, and then National (1992) sold
the second thirds of the BNZ, which at the time of sale had 6
out of 10 New Zealand banking customers.
The neoliberal apologists of both Labour and National have got
a disgusting record of looking after New Zealand assets.
economy the better.
Make New Zealand Healthy
No one can deny that we have a crisis in our health system.
Daily news reports tell us about states of emergency being
declared in our hospital, with our amazing nurses and doctors
being stressed to the max and having to go to work even when
they are sick.
We need more nurses right now because we have too many
sick people.
be very concerned.
● The reality is shocking. In a nation of just over 5 million
people we have one million suffering from one or more
chronic illnesses.
are told that there’s another one hundred thousand waiting
to be diagnosed.
● One hundred and ninety thousand are living with heart
disease and ten thousand are dying from this annually.
● Eighty-three thousand have dementia and this number is
expected to rise to one hundred and seventy thousand by
2050. 500 more people develop dementia every week.
up from forty-nine thousand just two years ago.
And here’s an absolute shocker. In supposedly ‘clean green
100% Pure New Zealand’ we have the second highest
incidence of cancer in the world.
Currently we are spending thirty-three billion dollars on what is
referred to as healthcare.
Ladies and gentlemen that’s thirty-three thousand million
dollars and if by spending that huge sum of money our goal is
to have a healthier nation, we are not even close.
Zealand Healthy, a bold plan to help all Kiwis live longer
healthier lives and reduce the financial pressure on the
economy.
● Put prevention back at the heart of healthcare.
Prevention is the ultimate cure. It’s a lot easier to prevent
than treat. If your house doesn’t catch on fire, you don’t
need the fire engine.
Prevention is already part of the health systems job, but
too often it remains a population slogan rather than
something that changes what happens for the individual
patient.
New Zealand’s own research shows that 59% of health
spending is spent on treating chronic diseases like diabetes
and heart disease, the very illnesses that can largely
be prevented – only 1.75% is spent on preventing them in the
first place.
That’s not a health system. That is an ambulance at the bottom
of the cliff, and New Zealanders are paying for the ambulance.
We want prevention reflected in planning, funding, and the
consultation room. That means helping people reduce
avoidable risk before chronic disease becomes an expensive,
disabling illness.
It is not about dictating lifestyle choices; it is about making
reasonable preventive care a normal part of healthcare.
Future policy must contain the following features.
● Have a strong focus on metabolic health the key driver of
chronic illness
● Ensure that informed consent is a core part of quality
healthcare
● Recognise that consumer choice is what leads to healthier
decisions
● Promote nutrition from primary school to medical school
● Reduce the administrative burden and restore
professional autonomy in General Practice
Ladies and gentlemen, everybody is talking about the cost of
living or taxation but this is the most important policy in this
election – for nothing is as important as health. Health crosses
all boundaries, it is not a left versus right issue.
It is as important to our Maori and Pacific people as it is to our
Asian and Caucasian people and regardless of what church
they worship at. As Confucius is reported to have said “a
healthy man has a thousand dreams, a sick man just one”.
New Zealand First is talking about sound health policy as the
way forward to end the epidemic of chronic illness that is
affecting the lives and livelihoods of 20 percent of our
population.
after November the 7th please vote for it on November 7th.
Citizenship
New Zealands 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.
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.
New Zealand needs to start viewing our citizenship as most
other countries around the world do – as a privilege that comes
with special and unique rights and identity.
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.
not a right, and not just part of some bureaucratic machinery.
Waitangi Tribunal/Crown Maori Relations/Ministry of Maori
Development
In 1975 the second Labour Government introduced the Treaty
of Waitangi Tribunal to hear claims from 1975 and thereafter.
The irony is that this happened at the same time as there was a
huge Maori land march led by Whina Cooper, against the then
Labour Government that was taking huge tracks of coastal land
off Maori for “public utility purposes”.
changed the definition of Maori for Maori electoral role
purposes.
From being half Maori or more, to being able to recite a Maori
ancestor.
That last change has led to a dramatic miscalculation of how
many Maori there are in this country. With the greatest dilution
of entitlement to call yourself a Maori being as high as being 1
part in 512.
That is why today you hear so called experts and sociologists
and Maori radicals claiming that Maori are 18 or 20 percent of
the population.
And if we are doing a human analysis of needs by race, how on
earth can we expect any accuracy? When the very basis of
calculation is a total misnomer.
We who have Maori in our background are not 20 or 18 percent
of the population or even 12 percent of the population. So why
this pretense goes on is hard to understand unless the primary
purpose of the pretense is the deceit.
Those of you who recall the American Civil Rights Movement
will remember what the objective of that movement was.
It was to enable black people to bust down the barriers to
access the best white institutions. For only that access would
give them equality.
In time they ended up with a President who came from their
community. His name was Obama.
radicals and their white fellow travellers have concocted an
anthem of hate. And demand separate institutions, separate
government, and a racial oversight of all decision making.
These radicals make these demands in the name of the mass
majority of Maori. Although the mass majority of Maori haven’t
asked for it.
And the proceeds of their demands thus far have seen them in
privileged highly paid jobs with a mass cost consumed by their
bureaucracy and nothing trickles down to their people.
That’s the reason why the Waipareira trust has picked up
hundreds of millions. Whilst their peoples housing, education,
and health needs gather dust on the table of Maori aspirations.
That way the Maori elite get rich and the Maori grievance
industry grows larger.
New Zealand First understands implicitly the situation.
And we are utterly against it.
We know that Maori New Zealanders want safe affordable
housing, quick affordable access to health services, easy
access to the conveyor belt of education for their young, and
first world wages.
Come to think of it, that is what everyone in New Zealand
wants.
Once you strip out the self appointed elitists.
As a consequence if you look at the amount of money spent on
Maori radio, Maori TV, and Maori health, every Maori could be
in their own house now and be much healthier.
At the pinnacle of this unjustified demand on the taxpayer is the
Treaty of Waitangi Tribunal.
Which has gone from a justifiable establishment to settle past
grievances to so often today a make work scheme for
imaginary grievances and now sees the foreshore and seabed
of this country as the subject of hundreds of claims ironically
with Maori against Maori for the same maritime territory.
And of late claims before the tribunal to contest the right of a
mandated parliament to pass laws.
That is a direct semi judicial threat against the very essence of
our democracy.
It all began in 1986, when a judicial finding loosely likened the
Treaty of Waitangi to a partnership.
That judicial opinion is utterly false then and of the thousands of
employers in New Zealand at the time, one said so, and he’s
talking to you now.
I said when I heard that judgement “if no one in the British
Empire, including the home countries, was in partnership with
Queen Victoria on the 5th of February 1840, how come Maori
were the day after.
No judicial authority or academic expert has been able to
answer that question ever since.
It is pretentious nonsense to argue otherwise.
And quickly shading from that misconception is the total deceit
being marketed by “Treaty of Waitangi revisionists” that the
Maori never ceded sovereignty.
This last claim is utterly false and it’s made so that general
claims against the population justifies remedial payments to the
claimants.
The Treaty of Waitangi tribunal has become a make work
organisation. Now hearing any and all claims that in a former
time would’ve been dismissed on application as being
inappropriate.
That’s why New Zealand First today is announcing its plan to
end the Treaty of Waitangi grievance industry and get back to
all being equal citizens with equal rights in our country.
New Zealand First will table legislation within the first 100 days
after the next election to immediately abolish the Waitangi
Tribunal, and replace it with the Treaty of Waitangi Completion
Commission.
Which will have the purpose of finalising all claims pre 2008,
after which time its work will be finished.
The Treaty of Waitangi industry jobs will be replaced by real
work. The days of the tribunal acting as an authority above
parliament will be over.
We will put an end to activists using the Tribunal and taxpayers
money as a platform to interfere with the direction and
legislation of parliament.
Maori land reform and administrative improvements in the
Maori Land Court will be a major priority for New Zealand First.
Under New Zealand First, the Ministry of Maori Development
will be directed to drive practical outcomes that accelerate
development. The Ministry will ensure that Maori owned land,
marine farming, forestry and other resources continue to
enhance regional productivity, employment and community
resilience.
We will ensure that all relevant policy issues pertaining to the
implementation of existing Treaty of Waitangi settlements are
addressed by a strengthened Ministry of Maori Development.
Contemporary claims, modern policy differences, and post-
settlement leadership will be the responsibility of the Ministry of
Maori Development.
responsibility of the Ministry of Maori Development.
As written into the law in 1991 when that department was
established.
Conclusion
Ladies and Gentlemen, governments matter.
If you look at Asia, the most successful economy used to be
Burma. The government changed; and it’s now called Myanmar
and it’s a cot case.
If you look at South America Venezuela used to be the leading
economy; the government changed and now it’s a cot case.
And that is New Zealands future if you are not ultra careful in
this election.
If you believe that first a racist and second a communist
collection of MPs can be welded onto Labour and make a
successful government then you’re dreaming.
Chris Hipkins must wake up in beads of sweat at the prospect
of what partners he’s got to work with when the election is over.
The Greens have sworn marxists in their parliamentary ranks.
The Maori party have sworn separatists in their ranks.
and the Opportunity party, which is the media’s choice, has a
tax policy that would make Stalin blush and would bankrupt
nearly every retired couple.
This is an impossible combination going forward.
because too many have never been in government before.
Having said that, the comparison of working with the other side
is unimaginable.
Ladies and Gentlemen, New Zealand First stands for one
country, called New Zealand, one flag, one standard of
citizenship, one law for all, and one democracy where
everybody is equal.
We have a vision of hope and growth for our country and to do
that we need you.
If you give us the tools we will get the job done.
Party Vote New Zealand First.
And let’s put New Zealanders first.
ENDS
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/26/winston-peters-ending-the-waitangi-make-work-industry/
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2. Partnerships to empower at-risk Rotorua youth
September 26, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
More than 400 young people across Rotorua will be supported to stay engaged in education and develop employment skills, through two new funding partnerships totalling nearly $900,000, Youth Minister James Meager has announced.
The Government has invested $330,000 into Digital Natives Academy, to deliver two youth development programmes over one year.
This has been doubled to $660,000 via co-funding from The Spark Foundation, Bay Trust, Hoku Foundation, and Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust.
“The Academy’s first pathway, for those aged 12 to 15 years, is focused on developing digital technology skills and capabilities to increase school engagement. Participants will take part in hands-on digital and creative technology workshops linked to real-world education and career pathways,” Mr Meager says.
“The second will strengthen pathways into training and employment for those aged 15 to 24 years, through one-to-one mentoring, employer and training provider connection, job shadowing, work trials and, where appropriate, paid internships.”
Digital natives were hosted by local MP Todd McClay when Rotorua young people were able to engage with MPs on the benefits of this programme at Parliament.
Additionally, Te Puna Ariki Charitable Trust has received $105,000 to deliver two initiatives. Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, Department of Internal Affairs, Geyser Community Foundation, Bay Trust, and Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue have contributed a combined $130,000 over one year, for a total investment of $235,000.
“The Trust’s first programme will support young people aged 12 to 14 years to reconnect with education and strengthen school engagement through one-to-one mentoring, life coaching, and tailored youth development activities,” Mr Meager says.
“The second initiative will see participants aged 15 to 24 years develop work-readiness skills and gain practical experience in real work environments, undertaking roles such as landscaping, cleaning, and administration, alongside contributing to community projects.
“These two partnerships represent a significant investment in the future of Rotorua’s young people. The programmes and initiatives will provide the support they need to thrive in education, transition into employment, and embark on fulfilling careers.
“This investment is part of our new direction for all Ministry of Youth Development funding to only go to programmes that can demonstrate successful outcomes, which align with key government targets.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/26/partnerships-to-empower-at-risk-rotorua-youth/
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3. $2m grant secures Matakana Island lifeline
September 26, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is investing $2.01 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade Matakana Island’s Opureora Wharf, the island’s only vehicle and freight gateway, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson say
Matakana Island, in Bay of Plenty, is home to around 320 people. It has a productive economy built on forestry, dairy farming and horticulture. With no road connection to the mainland, residents, workers, essential services, freight and supplies depend on Opureora Wharf.
“For the people and businesses of Matakana Island, this wharf is not a nice-to-have. It is their lifeline and the gateway for the island’s economic growth,” Mr Jones says.
“A small population does not mean a small economy. Several barge sailings every day keep milk, logs, horticultural produce, workers, machinery and essential supplies moving year-round. That is real commercial activity, and it needs infrastructure that is safe, reliable and fit for purpose.
“This grant is a great example of the Regional Infrastructure Fund in action – developing practical infrastructure that strengthens resilience, lifts productivity, and unlocks regional economic potential.”
The total $2.9m project will extend the existing seawall, widen and seal the loading area, formalise loading and parking, improve stormwater management, and install safety barriers and associated roading improvements.
“This combined investment will mean the coastal edge below Opureora Marae is protected from erosion, safeguarding both the marae and critical transport infrastructure,” Mr Patterson says.
“By removing a long-standing bottleneck, it will make daily operations at the wharf safer and more efficient, and give the community a more dependable connection to the mainland.”
Championed by the Opureora Marae Committee, the project will be delivered by Western Bay of Plenty District Council in partnership with the committee and relevant landowners.
Matakana Island lies within the rohe of Ngāi Te Rangi and is closely associated with Ngāti Tauaiti and Ngāi Tūwhiwhia.
The Māori Climate Platform, administered by the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport, has previously announced funding of $700,000 towards the seawall works. Western Bay of Plenty District Council has also committed $200,000.
The project is expected to support about 19 fulltime-equivalent jobs during the construction phase. Subject to conditions, consents and contracting, work is planned to begin in late 2026.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/26/2m-grant-secures-matakana-island-lifeline/
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4. Greenpeace boards Government-owned vessel in deep sea mining protest
September 26, 2026
Source: Greenpeace Aotearoa
Greenpeace activists are occupying a New Zealand state-owned research vessel in Wellington this morning. The Tangaroa has just finished deep sea mineral exploration work for an American company, Glomar, that is vying to start mining in the Pacific as soon as 2027.
An activist dressed as US President Donald Trump, flew an American flag from the Earth Sciences (formerly NIWA) vessel. Another activist held a banner reading “Don’t Mine the Moana”.
The protest highlights the role New Zealand is playing in Trump’s attempts to bypass international law and expedite deep sea mining in the Pacific, despite international resistance to the practice starting. Activists sent a clear message on the protest: New Zealand must not be complicit in Trump’s minerals grab. Greenpeace Aotearoa campaigner Juressa Lee says:
“It’s disturbing to see this vessel, which is owned by our government, being used to further American imperialism in the Pacific where resistance to this new form of extraction is strong,” says Lee.
“If deep sea mining is allowed to go ahead it will strip the seafloor, risking irreversible damage to the ocean we all rely on, to supply minerals for Trump’s war machine. Pacific Peoples are at the frontline of this fight, and deep sea mining puts their way of life and cultural heritage at risk. It must not be allowed to start.
“While the rest of the world is still debating if deep sea mining should even be allowed to go ahead, Trump has gone rogue. He’s decided that the US will just start mining regardless of international laws, and the rights and interests of the communities who rely on the ocean. New Zealand must not be complicit in this.”
The Tangaroa has just returned from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the international waters of the Pacific, where it surveyed deep sea minerals. The research was carried out on behalf of UK Seabed Resources Ltd (UKSR), a wholly-owned subsidiary of US corporate entity Glomar Minerals, Inc., that has made clear its intentions to begin commercial exploitation of the seafloor in 2027.
Glomar has said that the mineral nodule sampling done onboard the Tangaroa will feed into securing critical mineral supply chains for the US. In April 2025, Trump issued an Executive Order to fast-track commercial deep sea mining in US and international waters. Earlier this year the US government launched Project Vault, an initiative to secure a global supply chain and stockpile a reserve of minerals for military and industrial purposes.
The expedition comes as the US administration is preparing to issue unilateral commercial permits for seafloor minerals. It’s a move that bypasses the International Seabed Authority (ISA) where UN member states are negotiating the regulations that will guide deep sea mining.
Chris Williams, Glomar CEO, has publicly stated that seabed mining “is likely to proceed regardless” of international negotiations. Now, using data gathered by the Tangaroa, Glomar seems set to apply for a US commercial exploitation permit. The Pacific region overwhelmingly rejects deep sea mining, with 46 countries worldwide including New Zealand supporting an international moratorium.
Says Lee: “The New Zealand Government seems to be aligning with Trump’s imperialist extractive agenda, instead of standing with our Pacific neighbours. From negotiating a minerals deal so Trump can stockpile NZ minerals for weapons, to co-funding a port in the Cook Islands with the US, to sending our state-owned assets to work for a rogue industry working to exploit the last wilderness on the planet, our government is cozying up to this rogue and destructive regime.
“We had to call it out and call it what it is: NZ being a US puppet.”
The Tangaroa is no stranger to protest. In 2015 Greenpeace activists occupied the vessel in protest of its use by the international oil industry to survey the waters of Aotearoa for deep sea oil drilling. “We have a long history of taking action when our government has chosen to back international polluters over our oceans. Fair warning to them, we will not stand by while they make us complicit in US imperialism and this new wave of colonial extraction”, says Lee.
Over 100,000 New Zealanders have signed an open letter to Winston Peters calling for him to support a global ban on deep sea mining, joining millions around the world who oppose it. In 2022 the Government announced support for a conditional global moratorium on deep sea mining.
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5. Improvements proposed to level playing field for dietary supplements exporters
September 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
New proposals for modernising New Zealand’s rules for dietary supplements will cut red tape for exporters and enable more competition in overseas markets, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says.
Under the current rules, most exporters of dietary supplements have to comply with both New Zealand’s labelling and composition rules and those of the country they want to export to.
“The changes would prevent unnecessary double-up by requiring exporters to only meet the rules of the importing country,” says Mr Hoggard.
“It’s a common-sense change strongly supported by industry and would help to level the playing field for a rapidly growing industry, without compromising on consumer safety.”
Last year the Government announced exemptions for food exporters, signalling at the time that there would be further export exemptions, including for the dietary supplement sector.
Under proposed changes, exporters of dietary supplements would now be able to make therapeutic claims in line with importing country requirements and be exempted from New Zealand compositional requirements for food additives and for maximum daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Products subject to an exemption under the new rules would not be able to be sold in New Zealand and should only be sold to the market where they meet the importing country’s labelling and composition requirements.
MPI undertook targeted consultation in November 2025 with New Zealand’s largest industry body for dietary supplements, representing 80 percent of the dietary supplements sector, and received strong support for updating regulations to enable trade.
“This is another demonstration of the Government’s ongoing commitment to cutting red tape for food businesses and growing New Zealand exports,” says Mr Hoggard.
Updated regulations are being drafted and will go back to Cabinet for approval in due course.
Further detail can be found in the cabinet paper available on the MPI website. Cabinet papers and related documents
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/improvements-proposed-to-level-playing-field-for-dietary-supplements-exporters/
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6. Fewer hoops to get innovative agchems to farmers and growers
September 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is making common-sense changes to get innovative agricultural products to farmers and growers faster, while maintaining New Zealand’s high standards, says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard.
“For too long, farmers, growers, and manufacturers have faced delays and costs getting access to new agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines.”
“That means New Zealand can miss out on products that lift productivity, reduce environmental impacts, and keep our primary sector competitive.
“If a product is safe, effective, and meets New Zealand’s requirements, we shouldn’t be making people jump through more hoops than necessary.”
Today, the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Amendment Bill passed its final reading, making the approvals system simpler, faster, and easier to use.
“This could mean dairy farmers getting new animal treatments sooner, growers accessing more targeted crop protection, and farmers adopting products that reduce nutrient losses, lower emissions, or improve resource efficiency.
“For manufacturers, it means spending less time navigating regulatory hurdles and more time investing in new products and technologies for New Zealand’s primary sector.”
The Bill:
streamlines approval pathways so they match the level of risk.
enables greater use of assessments made by trusted overseas regulators to avoid duplication and make better use of international science.
modernises public notification and regulatory processes.
improves manufacturing oversight through a Good Manufacturing Practice scheme; and
clarifies technical provisions so applicants can more easily understand what’s expected of them.
“New Zealand-specific risks will still be assessed. Public health, animal welfare, agricultural security, and our export reputation remain protected.”
“We are not cutting corners, we’re cutting duplication.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/fewer-hoops-to-get-innovative-agchems-to-farmers-and-growers/
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7. Strong year of delivery for Ōtaki to north of Levin RONS
September 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Today marks a significant milestone for Horowhenua and the lower North Island as we celebrate the first year since construction began on the Ōtaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance project, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“A year ago today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and I joined our delivery partners in Manakau to turn the first sod, marking the start of construction on this crucial project. Twelve months later, local communities can already see the scale of strong progress being made on site,” Mr Bishop says.
“With around 1.22 million hours worked over the past 12 months, crews have moved around 1.2 million cubic metres of earth – enough to cover an entire rugby field 120 metres deep – and started construction on major structures, including the North Island Main Trunk Rail Overbridge, Ōhau Awa bridge, North and South Manakau Road bridges, and Queen Street East overpass.
“This new expressway will cut travel times, make it easier and more reliable to move people and freight, and support continued growth in Horowhenua and across the lower North Island. The project is also creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and investing in skills and training opportunities that will benefit the region long after the road is finished.
“To date, we’ve seen over 150 locals, including 80 local youth and Jobseekers find fulltime employment and training opportunities through the project, and the 165 local businesses working on the project.
“The year ahead is also expected to be the busiest period of construction since work began, with earthworks continuing at pace, further progress on bridges and structures, new local road connections taking shape, and increased traffic management as work expands across the project area.
“I’d like to acknowledge and thank local MPs Tim Costley and Suze Redmayne for their strong advocacy for this project and their ongoing work on behalf of the community.
“As significant construction activity increases, communities will see more visible progress across the corridor. We know construction can be disruptive at times, and I’d like to thank local communities and road users for their patience and support as we deliver this critical piece of infrastructure.”
Notes to editor:
- The new 24km Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway will provide a safer and more reliable State Highway 1 connection, reducing travel times, improving network resilience and catering to future growth in the Horowhenua District and lower North Island. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
- The current Kāpiti/Horowhenua highway carries up to 19,500 vehicles a day. The new Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway is expected to create evening peak travel time savings of up to 15 minutes for trips from Ōtaki to north of Levin and 6 mins for trips from Ōtaki to Levin.
- In August 2025, the NZ Transport Agency signed Project Alliance Agreements with the two alliances who will build the Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway. The alliances will each deliver a section of the road (roughly 12kms each) and associated works, with the two alliances working collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for the project. The Ōtaki to north of Levin alliance partners are:
- Northern section: Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon
- Southern section: Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin+Taylor
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/strong-year-of-delivery-for-otaki-to-north-of-levin-rons/
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8. New diplomatic appointments
September 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced two new diplomatic appointments:
- Mark Talbot – Ambassador, EU and NATO
- Jeongmin Park – Consul General, Shanghai
Mark Talbot is New Zealand’s Ambassador-designate to the European Union and NATO. This will be Mark’s second stint in Brussels, having served there on his first posting from 2001 to 2004.
Mark has performed a variety of senior roles in Wellington, including as New Zealand’s APEC Senior Official in our 2021 host year and most recently as Foreign Policy Adviser in the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet.
Mark has previously served as High Commissioner to Tonga. He has been posted to Australia and served for two years in the United Kingdom’s Cabinet Office.
Mark graduated from Victoria University and completed a Masters of Public Administration through the Australia New Zealand School of Government.
Jeongmin Park began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2014. He has held several roles across the Ministry, including leadership positions in the Trade Policy Engagement and Implementation Division, and Economic Division. He has also held roles in the Office of the Chief Executive, Pacific and Development Group, and Asia Regional Division.
Mr Park was previously posted overseas as New Zealand’s Deputy Head of Mission to the Republic of Korea and Deputy Head of Mission to Vanuatu.
Prior to joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Park served as an officer in the New Zealand Army, completing two operational tours to Timor Leste and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/new-diplomatic-appointments-2/
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9. MIHAS Reaffirms Malaysia’s Pivotal Role in the Growing Global Halal Economy
September 25, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Flagship Halal Showcase Connects Exporters Across 58 Countries, Unifying Global Sourcing, Sector MoUs, and Industry Knowledge Hubs
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2026 – The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 which is organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) from 23 to 26 September 2026, moved into its third day on a high note today, as it sets to meet its target number of visitors. This year’s edition which features 2,000 booths alongside 1,700 exhibitors and 450 buyers representing 58 countries remains firmly on track to achieve its total target of 50,000 business visitors. As of day 2, the showcase has already drawn 30,000 visitors, demonstrating sustained local and international interest and poised to be the most attended Halal edition of MIHAS thus far.
Further cementing its role as a premier platform for tangible international partnerships, MIHAS 2026 witnessed the exchange of key strategic agreements, including a milestone Letter of Intent (LOI) between MATRADE and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). This strategic collaboration establishes the Halal Development Officer (HDO) Programme under the Malaysia Halal Global Nexus (MyHGN) initiative, empowering MATRADE officers stationed worldwide to guide global industries on Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem, strengthen international certification recognition, and drive Halal exports.
GhaS was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on behalf of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur today. The strategic and inclusive importance of this national platform was underscored by the distinguished presence of key government leaders, from the Ministries and Agencies relating to the Malaysian Halal ecosystem. Their joint attendance reflects the highest level of Government commitment to positioning Malaysia as the premier global Halal hub, seamlessly aligning robust Shariah governance with international trade promotion.
Hosted by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), GHaS serves as Malaysia’s flagship platform for global Halal diplomacy, governance, and capacity-building. GhaS brings together Government certification bodies, relevant Government agencies, Islamic scholars, policy makers, and global industry leaders, in one platform to build technical capacity, streamline international compliance, and facilitate seamless market access for Malaysian companies.
Beyond the showcase and business matchmaking, MIHAS 2026 offers a complete enablement ecosystem for Halal enterprises. MATRADE’s Knowledge Hub delivers actionable market intelligence featuring industry leaders from DHL Express Malaysia, UOB Malaysia, and Farm Fresh Malaysia, while the Women in Export (WiEX) initiative showcases 80 women-led booths. Celebrating excellence across the ecosystem, the prestigious MIHAS Awards honours standout industry innovators, recognising exceptional achievements in product innovation, sustainability, and global market expansion.
Since its inception in 2004, MIHAS has generated more than RM35.0 billion in export sales and drawn over half a million business visitors from around the world. Now in its 22nd edition, the showcase continues to chart new frontiers in positioning Malaysia at the heart of the global Halal economy.
Hashtag: #MIHAS
Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026
Recognised as a Guinness World Records holder and hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as organiser, MIHAS now covers 14 sectors, from food and beverages and pharmaceuticals to Islamic finance, modest fashion, personal care, technology, services, and Muslim-friendly tourism. The 22nd edition of MIHAS, themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience”, will focus on regulated-by-design governance and technology-enabled trade.
MATRADE
MATRADE’s primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters in developing and expanding their export markets. Aligned with Malaysia’s commercial diplomacy efforts, MATRADE is the nation’s trade facilitator and champion of Malaysian-made products and services on the global stage.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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10. Federated Farmers welcomes Labour support for sharemilking law review
September 24, 2026
Source: Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers is welcoming Labour’s commitment to review the Sharemilking Agreements Act and is calling on the other major parties to do the same.
Labour Party agriculture spokesperson Jo Luxton announced at the NZ Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators’ ag policy debate last night that a Labour Government would “review and fix” the Act.
“It is something the sector has been asking for. We’ve listened and we will deliver,” Luxton said.
Federated Farmers sharefarmer chair Sam Ebbett says Labour’s commitment is a positive step towards bringing the legislation into line with modern dairy farming.
“We’ve been calling for this review of the Sharemilking Agreements Act because the legislation has failed to keep pace with the way dairy farming operates today.
“Contract milking is now a major part of the dairy progression pathway, but contract milkers sit outside the Act because they’re paid a negotiated rate rather than a share of returns.
“So, even though contract milkers perform essentially the same role as variable-order sharemilkers, they can have quite different protections under the law because of how they’re paid.
“We don’t think that’s a good enough outcome – and a review of the law is urgently needed.”
There were 1,367 dairy herds operated by contract milkers in the 2024/25 season, representing 13.2% of all herds.
Unlike variable-order sharemilkers, contract milkers aren’t guaranteed the minimum terms and dispute-resolution process provided by the Act and Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011.
Instead, they rely on their individual agreements and general contract law, even where there’s a significant imbalance in bargaining power.
Ebbett says that is increasingly out of step with the role contract milking plays in helping young farmers establish themselves in the industry.
“The Sharemilking Agreements Act was designed to provide a statutory floor for sharemilkers, but the industry has changed hugely since then.
“Contract milking has become a really important first step into self-employment for a lot of young farmers, and we need a framework that gives them confidence in those arrangements.”
Federated Farmers sharefarm owner chair Brendan Attrill says the issue also matters for farm owners, particularly those using sharemilking and contract milking as part of succession and business planning.
“Sharemilking and contract milking are critical entry points into dairy farm ownership and succession pathways,” Attrill says.
“They allow the next generation to build capability and capital while providing established farmers with a practical way to transition out of the business.”
Attrill says the Sharemilking Agreements Act also predates modern arrangements such as hybrid contracts, processor incentives and environmental payments.
“We’ve got a dairy industry operating in a very different commercial environment from what this legislation was originally designed for back in the 1930s, especially with the increase in contract milking since the 2010s.
“We need the legislation to reflect how farming businesses actually operate today, while keeping the flexibility that makes these different progression pathways work so well.”
Federated Farmers wants a review to consider whether the framework can provide appropriate and consistent minimum protections for comparable dairy operating arrangements, without converting operators into employees.
It also wants coverage to reflect the nature of the work rather than simply how an operator is paid, greater clarity around new revenue and incentive payments, and clearer, more accessible and proportionate dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Federated Farmers has written to the major political parties asking them to commit to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act 1937 and Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011.
“It’s great to have Labour on board – but now we’re calling on the other major parties to make the same commitment,” Ebbett says.
“This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. There is a clear case for updating legislation that was written in the 1930s to reflect how the dairy sector actually operates today.”
“It’s time to bring the law into the 21st century.”
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