AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for October 2, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

The Coalition Government will support at risk regional air routes with up to $30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for small passenger airlines, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say.

“Reliable air services are critical for the economic and social wellbeing of regional New Zealand. They enable access to healthcare, education, business, and whānau, particularly in areas where other transport options are limited,” Mr Jones says. 

“Small regional carriers are under pressure from rising costs, limited access to capital, and ongoing post-COVID disruptions. Without this support, some communities risk losing vital air links and potential regional development,” Mr Jones says.

Mr Meager says the support is not a bailout, with funding coming in the form of concessionary loans.

“The aim is to stabilise the sector and support regional routes in the short to medium term. This is not intended to meet all the airlines’ capital needs but to provide targeted relief for such things as aircraft leasing, maintenance and debt refinancing.”

Cabinet has also approved funding for what could be a game-changing development for small regional carriers – digital upgrades that integrate regional transport bookings with the platforms of major carriers.

Known as ‘interlining’, the upgrades will enable passengers to book a single itinerary and flights on different airlines, including the major carriers.

“Streamlining bookings and baggage-handling between the smaller carriers and the bigger players in the aviation sector will makes it much easier for the travelling public to plan and book their preferred routes in one go,” Mr Meager says.

“Without intervention, our regional airlines face further service cuts or a complete withdrawal from routes, as we’ve seen in some regions around the country. Once fleet capacity is lost, recovery is difficult and costly. We’re acting now because a combination of factors, including the ongoing after-effects of the pandemic on air services, are placing exceptional pressures on the sector at present,” Mr Jones says.

“This Government is committed to ensuring that all regions, not just the main urban centres, remain connected and included in the national economy. This is a one-off, modest but meaningful intervention that will help prevent further service loss and protect regional connectivity.

The loans will be administered through Kānoa Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. Applications will open shortly on the Grow Regions website at www.growregions.govt.nz.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/01/government-backing-vital-regional-connectivity-2/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s overhaul of school property takes another significant step forward today, with the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) formally beginning operations, Education Minister Erica Stanford and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say.

“The establishment of NZSPA is about improving the transparency and quality of service for schools. We need classrooms and learning environments that work for schools, students and communities,” Ms Stanford says.

“From today NZSPA will build, manage, and maintain school property under a board with a commercial focus, reporting to the Ministers of Education and Infrastructure.

“The Ministry of Education will remain responsible for education policy and network decisions, including where growth is required. This separation will allow the Ministry to focus on education outcomes, while the Board of NZSPA will be responsible for the school property portfolio.

“This follows the Government’s 2024 Ministerial Inquiry which flagged major concerns with the way school property services were being delivered, including poor value for money, poor service to schools, and limited transparency.

“When we came into Government, we inherited a school property system with around 350 projects that couldn’t be delivered within the funding available, and classrooms costing around $1.2 million each. It was a disaster.

“Across three Budgets we’ve put around $2.7 billion into school property, including around $1.25 billion for new schools, classrooms and growth and around $1.48 billion for maintaining and upgrading existing schools.

“That investment has fully funded nearly 1,600 additional classrooms and learning spaces, providing more than 23,000 additional student places. In 2024 alone, we delivered 583 classrooms, 31 per cent more than in 2023.

“We’ve also increased maintenance funding by $880 million in just two Budgets. That’s more than double the increase over the previous six years combined.

“We’ve funded three new specialist schools, the first in nearly 50 years, and 142 specialist classrooms.

“We’ve also worked through the 352 projects reviewed for value for money and put in place a longer-term investment approach so there is a clearer, more deliverable pipeline for school property into the future.”

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says from today, NZSPA will bring greater commercial discipline and a stronger long-term approach to one of the Government’s major infrastructure portfolios.

“The Crown agent model balances operational flexibility and transparency with Ministerial direction, while bringing commercial discipline through dedicated leadership and Board oversight,” Mr Bishop says.

“School property is significant public infrastructure, and it needs to be planned, funded and delivered with the same focus on value for money, cost control and certainty that we expect across the wider infrastructure system.

“The move towards offsite construction and repeatable designs shows what can be achieved when infrastructure is delivered in a more standardised and disciplined way. Those changes have helped bring the cost of most classrooms below $650,000, meaning we can make every dollar go further and deliver more for schools.

“The more than $330 million saved through that approach has been reinvested back into school property, helping fund more classrooms and improvements for schools around the country.

“Good infrastructure delivery comes down to making sound investment decisions and having a clear pipeline of work that can be delivered. NZSPA gives that approach a permanent home.”

NZSPA was established through the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Act and is governed by a Board comprising Hon Murray McCully (Chair), Sarah Petersen (Deputy Chair), Mark Binns, Rick Herd, Sue McCormack and Peter Alexander.

“This Board has the commercial acumen and customer focus needed to improve the way infrastructure projects are delivered in the education sector,” Ms Stanford says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/01/new-school-property-agency-begins-operations/

Source: New Zealand Government

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have today classified the extreme wet and cold conditions across Southland and the Clutha District as a medium-scale adverse event.

“Southland has had its wettest winter since 1980. The relentless wet and cold weather has been tough on farmers, growers, rural communities and livestock across Southland and parts of Otago,” Mr McClay says.

“We have made this decision to unlock extra support for farmers and growers. Up to $50,000 will go to the Southland and Otago Rural Support Trusts to provide more help on the ground, including recovery and wellbeing events.

“The classification also unlocks tax relief, including more flexible timing of tax payments. It enables the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to consider Rural Assistance Payments for farmers who can’t meet essential living costs.

“These conditions have made a busy time of year even harder, especially through calving and now lambing.

“Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) regional staff are working closely with regional councils, DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Federated Farmers and local Rural Support Trusts to support farmers on the ground.”

The classification covers the whole Southland region and the Clutha District in Otago.

Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says MPI has been working with sector groups to help farmers and growers prepare for El Niño.

“For regions like Southland, El Niño can mean more rain and colder temperatures, and we are now seeing the effects of that,” Mr Patterson says.

“This is the third spring in a row that Southland and Clutha farmers have faced tough weather. That takes a toll. I encourage people to check in with their family, neighbours and staff, and to ask for help if you, or someone you know, needs it.

“Help is available through MPI’s On Farm Support team, the Rural Support Trust, levy organisations and wider stakeholders.”

Farmers and growers needing help are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254. Farmers with animal welfare concerns can phone MPI on 0800 00 83 33.

Helpful links and numbers:

• DairyNZ: 0800 4 DAIRYNZ (0800 432 479)
• Beef + Lamb New Zealand: 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 233 352)
• Federated Farmers: 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646)
• MPI On Farm Support: 0800 70 71 33
• Rural Support Trust: 0800 RURAL HELP (0800 787 254)

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/01/government-support-for-weather-hit-southland-and-clutha-farmers/

Source: New Zealand Government

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed a package of changes to Wellington’s district plan following an investigation into heritage planning provisions affecting five key sites.

“The Government is focused on removing planning barriers that unnecessarily constrain investment, housing and jobs,” Mr Bishop says.

The changes follow an investigation under the Resource Management Act 1991 into planning provisions affecting five Wellington sites, public consultation, consideration of Wellington City Council’s response, and advice on the heritage and economic implications of the options.

“Following an investigation and consultation process, the Government will progress changes affecting the Courtenay Place Heritage Area, the Karori Tunnel, the Kelburn Viaduct and the Miramar oil tank.

“Cabinet has also decided that the heritage listing for the former General Headquarters Building at 213A Taranaki Street will remain in place.

“The changes will remove the heritage listings from the Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct and the former Miramar Installation Bulk Storage Tank. Height limits applying to non-heritage buildings within the Courtenay Place Heritage Area will also be modified to better enable development.

“Economic advice commissioned for the investigation found that modifying the controls applying to non-heritage buildings in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area could enable an estimated 550 additional apartments.

“The advice also estimated that the additional construction activity in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area could generate around $200 million and support approximately 1,100 jobs.

“Removing the heritage listing from the Miramar oil tank is anticipated to enable commercial activities, including film studio facilities, estimated to accommodate around 300 jobs.

“The investigation also considered the growing cost of maintaining the Karori Tunnel and Kelburn Viaduct. Their combined annual maintenance costs have increased from approximately $350,000 to around $2.5 million, with some of that increase associated with requirements arising from their heritage listings.

“I acknowledge the strength of public interest in Wellington’s heritage. The consultation received 162 submissions, and views differed considerably across the five sites.

“Wellington City Council provided a formal response supporting all the recommendations in the investigation report. I have considered the Council’s response alongside submissions, heritage evidence and the identified economic impacts.

“Wellington needs planning rules that support investment, more housing and productive use of land and infrastructure,” Mr Bishop says.

Notes to editors

• The Resource Management Act 1991 (the RMA) allows the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform to modify or remove plan provisions that are negatively affecting economic growth, development capacity or employment.
• The Government intends to implement the changes through regulations under sections 360I to 360O of the RMA.
• Regulations will be submitted to Cabinet before being considered by the Executive Council.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/01/planning-changes-to-support-wellingtons-growth/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

From today, women turning 71 are eligible for free breast screening as BreastScreen Aotearoa’s age extension programme enters its second year, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg say.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women, with around 3,700 diagnosed every year. Extending free screening means more of those cancers will be found early, when they’re most treatable,” Mr Brown says.

“Last October we took the first step in a four-year rollout, extending free screening to women aged 70 and 74. From today, women turning 71 are included, with those turning 72 and 73 to follow each October over the next two years.

“Once the extension is fully in place, approximately 120,000 more women will be eligible for free screening.”

Mr Brown says the Government has been building capacity so services can keep pace with demand.

“All four new mobile screening units have now been delivered, bringing the national fleet to 14. Each can screen around 5,000 women a year and brings mammograms to women in provincial centres, small towns, and rural communities, so fewer women need to travel long distances to be screened.

“Alongside the mobile units, five new or redevelopment sites have been established in Whangārei, Takapuna, Greenlane, Kāpiti, and Counties Manukau.”

Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg says the extension is already making a real difference for women.

“Since the rollout began, more than 26,000 women in the new age groups have been screened and 363 breast cancers have been detected. Many of those cancers could otherwise have gone undetected until later, when treatment is often more complex,” Ms Grigg says.

“But screening only works when women take it up. Eligible women are offered a free mammogram every two years, so if you’re turning 71 and are due for your screen, watch for your invitation and book as soon as it arrives. Remind the women in your life to do the same. It’s quick, it’s free, and it saves lives.

“Extending breast screening sits alongside other changes we’re making for women’s health, including free cervical screening for all eligible women from 1 March 2027 and new guidance allowing GPs to diagnose endometriosis without surgery.

“We’re committed to improving health outcomes for women, and that means finding problems earlier, removing barriers to care, and making sure women get the treatment they need sooner.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/01/free-breast-screening-extends-to-women-aged-71-from-today/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is progressing important safety improvements to a key Tasman State Highway intersection, following community concern after multiple crashes, Associate Transport and South Island Minister James Meager says.

Mr Meager says design work is now underway on upgrades to the intersection of SH60 (Appleby Highway), Pugh Road and McShane Road near Richmond.

“SH60 is a busy highway that supports freight, agriculture, and tourism. It is a vital transport corridor which connects Richmond to Māpua, Motueka, the Abel Tasman National Park, Tākaka, and Collingwood,” Mr Meager says.

“The community has long raised concerns about this site, and rightly so. There have been 22 recorded crashes here since 2021, most involving crossing or turning movements.

“This intersection is located near a popular retail and hospitality hub and currently carries around 12,000 vehicles per day. With Richmond continuing to grow, it is important the transport network keeps pace and known pressure points like this are addressed.

“NZTA and its appointed consultants, WSP-Stantec joint venture, will work with the Tasman District Council and landowners, residents and businesses around the boundary of the intersection as the design process progresses.

“Once design is completed, construction funding will be considered as part of the 2027-30 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP). 

“This work is another example of the National-led Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future of South Island roads, following a $20 million Budget 2026 investment to improve resilience on SH620 Tākaka Hill.

“That progress is backed by our significant lift in transport funding, with investment in the Top of the South up 66 percent to a record $479 million through the 2024-27 NLTP, while the wider South Island has benefitted from a 42 percent increase over the same period.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/01/tasman-sh60-intersection-improvement-underway/

Source: New Zealand Government

Beekeepers get more certainty on American foulbrood management 

The Government is progressing long-signalled updates to the National American Foulbrood Pest Management Plan, based on proposals developed and consulted on by the beekeeping industry, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says.

“American foulbrood remains one of the biggest biosecurity challenges facing our apiculture sector, which is worth around $426 million a year in exports and provides pollination services the wider primary sector relies on.

“The current plan has served New Zealand well since 1998. These changes are not a major redesign. They are sensible, industry-driven improvements that will help find and contain the disease more quickly.

“They include better identification of bee colonies and laboratory samples, improved reporting when hive ownership changes, and stronger compliance tools for repeated breaches. Education and support will remain the first response in most cases, and the changes have been designed to keep extra costs and paperwork for beekeepers down.

“I’ve previously said levy payers need a strong voice in how the plan is delivered, and I’m pleased to see the sector taking steps on that. I look forward to working with the new chairs of Honey and Bees NZ and the NZ Bee Health and Biosecurity, and the wider industry, as these changes are put in place.”

American foulbrood is a bacterial disease that affects honeybee larvae and requires infected hives to be destroyed.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/01/beekeepers-get-more-certainty-on-american-foulbrood-management/

Source: New Zealand Government

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden today launched two new Approved Codes of Practice [ACOP] that outline practical steps businesses and workers can take to meet their health and safety responsibilities on farms.

“These will provide practical, sector-specific information to help farmers, growers, contractors, workers and other agriculture businesses prepare for upcoming changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015,” says Ms van Velden

The two ACOPS, Roles and Responsibilities in Agriculture and Safe Farm Vehicle Operation will come into effect on 1 April 2027, reflecting recent amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act that will also come into effect from that date. The legislative amendments include clarifying responsibilities for recreational activities, clearer duties for directors, and reducing the compliance burden for small businesses.

Roles and Responsibilities in Agriculture focuses on situations where farmers, managers, workers, contractors, suppliers and others have overlapping health and safety duties. 

Safe Farm Vehicle Operation sets out practical ways to manage serious vehicle-related risks, including choosing the right vehicle for the job, checking conditions, reassessing risks when things change, and keeping people clear of vehicle movements.

“Farm work often happens in changing environments, with different people and businesses working together. Developed with input from the agriculture sector, the ACOPs use practical examples that reflect how farms operate day to day, including before work starts, when bringing contractors onto farm, when choosing or using farm vehicles, and when conditions change.”

The ACOPs are being launched now to help the agriculture sector prepare for upcoming changes. The ACOPs provide a useful tool for understanding health and safety expectations, improving health and safety practice, and supporting better outcomes across New Zealand’s agriculture sector.

After 1 April 2027, the ACOPs may be granted a safe-harbour status, meaning that taking the actions in the ACOPs will provide sufficient evidence of businesses and workers meeting their legal duty. The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety would need to reapprove the ACOP following consultation for this to happen.

“These ACOPs are not about creating new duties; they are about making existing health and safety duties clearer so businesses understand who needs to do what, where responsibilities overlap, and how serious risks should be managed. 

“While following an ACOP is not mandatory, an ACOP sets a recognised standard for compliance. I expect that this will provide greater clarity and certainty for the farming sector, particularly if the ACOP is confirmed to provide a safe harbour following the commencement of this Government’s health and safety legislative changes.

WorkSafe will work with industry to support businesses to understand and apply the ACOPs in their day-to-day work.

Note to editors:  

You can find links to the ACOPS here: 

Approved code of practice: Roles and responsibilities in agriculture | WorkSafe
Approved code of practice: Safe farm vehicle operation | WorkSafe

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/01/new-acops-clarify-health-and-safety-responsibilities-on-farms/

Source: New Zealand Government

Enzed Energy, the first explorer to be awarded a new petroleum exploration permit since the repeal of the offshore exploration ban, has lodged a second application targeting the promising Toutouwai prospect in the offshore Taranaki Basin, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.

New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals has today opened a three-month competitive process over a proposed 2400 sq km permit area centred on the Toutouwai prospect. The application was lodged by ENZ Subsidiary 2 Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Enzed Energy Pty Ltd. 

“This is another positive development for New Zealand’s energy sector. Enzed Energy’s decision to pursue a second prospect demonstrates growing confidence in New Zealand’s resource potential and in the Government’s work to restoring certainty for explorers and investors,” Mr Jones says.

“It is encouraging to see companies looking beyond a single opportunity and considering further investment in our sector. That is exactly what we need if we are to unlock new resources, strengthen energy security, and support economic growth.”

Until February this year, the Toutouwai prospect was covered by an exploration permit held by a joint venture between OMV New Zealand and TotalEnergies EP Aotearoa. The Toutouwai-1 exploration well was drilled in 2020 and confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons but was subsequently plugged and abandoned due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time.

Enzed Energy has proposed a staged exploration programme, including geological and geophysical studies, resource assessments, and planning for a potential follow-up exploration well.

“Since the Government reopened petroleum exploration opportunities, eight petroleum permit applications have been publicly notified. That is a strong signal that investors are once again prepared to consider New Zealand’s resource opportunities,” Mr Jones says.

“Natural gas will remain an essential part of New Zealand’s energy system for many years to come. It supports electricity security during dry years, provides process heat for industry, and underpins economic resilience.”

Competing applications will be received until 5pm, 18 January 2027.

Applications will be assessed in accordance with the Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025 and the requirements of the Crown Minerals Act. This includes consideration of applicants’ technical and financial capability, compliance history, and the proposed work programme.

For more information, see: Applications under the open market competitive process – New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/01/new-explorer-seeks-second-petroleum-permit/