AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for October 8, 2026 – Full Text
1. A new world debt order emerges as France stumbles and Argentina rises – deVere Group
October 7, 2026
Source: deVere Group
October 6 2026
France’s borrowing costs smashing through 5% is the starkest sign yet the world’s debt order has flipped, with rich nations now paying the kind of price once reserved for serial defaulters like Argentina.
This is the warning from the CEO of deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations, as France’s 10-year yield tops 5% for the first time since 2002, its premium over Germany records the sharpest weekly jump in 17 years, and the US 30-year Treasury yield pushes above 5.7%.
Nigel Green says: “A founding member of the euro is now borrowing at levels last seen when the single currency was still in its infancy.
“Meanwhile Argentina, the byword for default, has spent this year collecting credit upgrades.
“The bond market has stopped caring about history. It’s judging governments on what they’re doing right now, and the rich world is failing the test.”
The pressure on France is intensifying fast. Its government last week unveiled a 2027 budget with €43 billion of new savings and revenue measures to tackle a deficit running at 5.4% of GDP. Debt interest is already the country’s largest single budget expense, and its fiscal watchdog calls the plan’s assumptions “optimistic.”
A major rating agency reviews France later this month.
Nigel Green says: “France is caught in the trap every indebted government fears. Higher yields swell the interest bill, a bigger interest bill widens the deficit, and a wider deficit pushes yields higher still.
“Every week of political paralysis makes the escape more expensive.
“Argentina has travelled the other way. The country, which has defaulted on its sovereign debt nine times, secured three major credit upgrades in under three months this year, driving its risk premium over US Treasuries to around 420 basis points in July, the lowest in eight years.
“Its economy minister was in Paris last week telling investors the bigger risk was missing out.”
Argentine spreads have since widened again as US yields surged, a reminder the recovery remains fragile.
“Argentina’s turnaround isn’t finished, and its bonds feel every tremor in US yields,” notes the deVere CEO.
“But it slashed spending, turned deficits into surpluses, and crushed triple-digit inflation. Markets rewarded the pain. France has avoided the pain, and markets are punishing it.”
Britain and the US are feeling the same pressure. Britain’s 30-year gilt yield has hit 6%, a 28-year high.
In the US, the Federal Reserve raised rates on 16 September for the first time since 2023, lifting its target range to between 3.75% and 4% as inflation refused to fade.
The US lost its last top-tier credit rating last year, and deficits still run into the trillions.
The deVere CEO says: “America has assumed the world will always fund it at a discount, whatever it spends. Investors are now charging full price, and the Fed’s hike shows inflation is far from beaten.”
Emerging market debt, by contrast, has clearly outperformed developed market government bonds since late August, helped by average inflation in developing economies of around 3.8%.
Nigel Green concludes: “Plenty of emerging economies took their medicine after the last inflation shock. They raised rates early, tightened budgets and absorbed the political backlash.
“Much of the developed world borrowed its way through, and the bill is landing now.”
deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.
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2. One mortgage doesn’t end a cost-of-living crisis
October 7, 2026
Source: NZCTU
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi says the Prime Minister’s story in last night’s leaders’ debate, about meeting a woman saving $7,000 a year on her mortgage, shows how out of touch he is with the hardship facing working people.
“Let’s be honest – meeting one woman who is doing better than she was three years ago is not evidence that the cost-of-living crisis is over,” says Sandra Grey, NZCTU President.
“One in seven children living in poverty is evidence there is a crisis. Wages falling in real terms is evidence there is a crisis. One in five older New Zealanders in hardship is evidence there is a crisis. Having 440,000 people out of work or unable to get the hours they need is evidence there is a crisis. And the heartbreaking stories from more than 600 Kiwis in the NZCTU’s Cost of Living report are evidence of a very real crisis.”
StatsNZ figures show wage and salary rates rose 2.0 percent in the year to June, while annual inflation was 4.1 percent, meaning working people are going backwards.
“The Prime Minister was either poorly informed about the real lives of Kiwis last night, or he chose to mislead us. Either way, this is not the leadership New Zealand needs. We need leaders who listen, who show empathy for what is happening in people’s lives, and who are willing to act on hardship, deprivation, poverty, and inequality.”
During the debate, Luxon was asked whether he ever changes his mind. He said he does when there is compelling evidence, but then said he has never changed his mind on policy and that his Government has stayed the course.
“That moment made me fume. It shows the Prime Minister hasn’t read a single Regulatory Impact Statement, Waitangi Tribunal report, or union or NGO report from the last three years. If he had read the evidence of the harm caused by his Government’s economic and political decisions, he would have changed his mind,” says Grey.
“Or perhaps he has read the evidence and is simply more interested in protecting the wealthy few than in addressing the hardship facing so many workers. Either way, he is not fit to lead our country.”
“To workers: you have the power to vote out Christopher Luxon, who showed his real self last night – an uncaring, unwavering and unreflective leader. We can’t risk six years of Luxon.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/07/one-mortgage-doesnt-end-a-cost-of-living-crisis/
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3. Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026 Concludes Successfully
October 7, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
US$10 Billion in Venture Capital Convenes to Meet Hong Kong Start-ups; Government, Business and Young Professionals Explore Opportunities in the New Economy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – The Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026, organised by Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, was held on 5 October at the Conrad Hong Kong. Now in its third edition, the Summit coincides with the release of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026–2030) and the latest Policy Address, which together set a clear blueprint for the city’s future. Anchored on these core themes and conducted entirely in English, the full-day programme focused on artificial intelligence, geopolitics, Hong Kong as an education hub, capital markets, life and health technology, and start-up financing. Government and business leaders, corporate representatives and young professionals were invited to examine Hong Kong’s strategic opportunities in the new economic landscape.
The Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026 brings together more than 600 young professionals, government and business leaders and corporate representatives
The Summit aims to connect young professionals with international resources, enabling participants to engage directly with industry leaders, grasp developments at the frontier of industry, and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges arising from artificial intelligence and Greater Bay Area integration. Previous editions have drawn a strong response. Across three editions, the Summit has attracted more than thousands of in-person participants and about 17,000 online participants from over 30 countries and regions, with social media reach exceeding 50 million.
This year’s Summit was the largest yet, bringing together more than 600 young professionals, government and business leaders and corporate representatives. Participants from over 60 countries and regions joined online. More than 30 distinguished speakers and moderators were invited, including officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and representatives of leading local and international organisations such as Huawei, the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Bullish and Endowus. In addition, consular representatives from up to 20 countries attended the Summit.
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr John Lee, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, delivered a pre-recorded video speech, encouraging young professionals to seize the opportunities of the times and inject fresh momentum into Hong Kong’s high-quality development. He said: “For our young people, I firmly believe that your opportunities ahead outweigh the difficulties. The HKSAR Government will join hands with all sectors to build platforms for you to thrive in Hong Kong, in our country, and in the global arena.”
The Deputy Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, delivered an opening keynote entitled “Opportunities for the Professional Development of Young People”, and stressed: “As the saying goes, ‘Change is the only constant’—or as our Cantopop classic famously put it, ‘變幻原是永恆’. Today, we no longer measure change in years or decades, but in months and days. For our young professionals, this fast-paced era unlocks unprecedented career horizons. By accelerating Greater Bay Area integration through our new GBA Task Force and empowering you to act as the ultimate ‘super-connectors’ and ‘super value-adders’ helping Mainland enterprises go global, we are turning rapid change into your greatest professional advantage.”
Dr Kevin Lau, MH, Founding Convenor of Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, said: “This is more than a high-level forum. It marks a milestone in the maturing of our network of young professionals. This afternoon, venture funds managing an estimated US$10 billion in assets gathered in the room — and what they are looking at is Hong Kong’s next generation. In life and health technology, our core belief is clear: artificial intelligence can assist imaging and diagnosis, but a physician’s care, and the warmth of a human hand, can never be replaced by technology.”
Other distinguished guests included Mr Kevin Choi, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; and Mr James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals. Mr Bryan Che, Chief Strategy Officer of Huawei, and Ms Cindy Chow, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, also attended in person to exchange views with young professionals.
Panel discussions
Artificial intelligence: from first-time users to advanced users
The opening session began with remarks by Mr Kevin Choi, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and was moderated by Ms Stephaine Chan, Director of the Office of the Vice Chairman of Esquel Group. Panellists included Ms Ilaria Chan, Chair of the Tech For Good Institute; Mr Bryan Che, Chief Strategy Officer of Huawei; and Ms Cindy Chow, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund. The discussion focused on whether small and medium-sized enterprises, non-governmental organisations and schools can genuinely put artificial intelligence to use, and on the talent, trust and practical-application issues Hong Kong faces in driving “AI for all”.
Mr Kevin Choi, JP mentioned: “Every major technology shift brings uncertainty. Our theme today from entry-level shock to AI-powered users building the next talent leader.”
Ms Stephaine Chan said: “Every AI conversation ends in the same place, right? More investment, better people, better models and stronger policy.”
Ms Ilaria Chan said: “These days, Al is so powerful that they can scan the Internet and social media and find vulnerable young people or old people. They can find it instantly and have a very sophisticated way to trick them and fraud them from scamming.”
Mr Bryan Che: “One of the opportunities of Al is because the interface is much more natural for most people to interact with. On one sense, it’s a lot easier for everyone to get started.”
Ms Cindy Chow said: “So I guess some of the most damaging thing is not allowing people to use or not, you know, really have the attitude to embrace all this new technology, what this new technology has to bring to you.”
Geopolitics: the super-connector
This session was moderated by Mr James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals. Speakers included Ms Ilaria Chan, Chair of the Tech For Good Institute; Ms Ellana Lee, Senior Vice President, Managing Editor, Asia Pacific, and Global Head of Productions at CNN; and Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Mr James Chau said: “Against this backdrop, we often hear Hong Kong described as a super connector, typically framed in terms of trade volumes, capital markets and logistics but I think that these connections that we’re speaking of really only become very valuable and we understand and recognize the human bonds that pin these together.”
Professor Frederick Ma , GBS, JP said: “We are part of China. And yet we are under one country 2 systems connected to the rest of the world. That is the power of Hong Kong.”
Ms Ellana Lee said: “We made a very strategic decision when the times were tough to stay and remain in Hong Kong. I think that has and you know, we make these decisions not just out of a whim, but we are very calculative on why we need to stay. I have 8 cities across Asia Pacific. Hong Kong happens to be the hub for Asia Pacific. And there’s it boils down to four major reasons.”
Ms IIaria Chan: “Simple of how tech is helping people, there is an organization, WHO care for children that was founded 20 years ago that helps orphans in developing China back then Vietnam, Thailand now in Africa, Middle East to find loving permanent homes. But their bottleneck is how they train social workers and governments on how to take care of orphan welfare. Now this year we’ve actually been launching an online product that is able to scale these bottlenecks, especially in areas that are underfunded. This is a great example of Al tech.”
Education: Hong Kong as Asia’s education hub
This session was co-moderated by Mrs Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of the Future Leaders Foundation, and Ms Jennifer Ma, Founder of JM Edu Consulting. Speakers included Ms Maggie Chau, School Partnership Advisor at the Academy for Educational Development and Innovation of The Education University of Hong Kong; Mr Dion CHEN, MH, Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council; and Professor Charles Ng Wang-Wai, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Mrs Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP said: “An education hub is more than a place with excellent institutions. It is a place that students and families choose, where young people flourish, and connects education with research, innovation, careers and a wider community.”
Professor Charles Ng said: “With our national policy. And I think we should do better to support this great initiatives and thinking back actually 2023 and home government already in in the government policy in October, if I remember correctly to start to increase the local student quota from 20% to 40%.”
Ms Jennifer Ma said: “As a consultant we need demand to meet supply and we are definitely seeing the demand for Hong Kong education at K12 level…….The advocacy for Hong Kong to be the gateway for China Resources and talents to leave China and go into international arenas. But at the same time, we also see a lot of international people interested in what’s happening in mainland, and therefore Hong Kong is a great gateway. So, with that global education, global education philosophy, that means they really appreciate Hong Kong trilingual education by cultural mindset.”
Mr Dion CHEN, MH mentioned: “In 2026, a lot of DSS schools will work very hard to try to welcome and also promote welcome to Hong Kong and also promote Hong Kong’s education to the students in different countries.”
Ms Maggie Chau said: “Maggie: I can see that all the universities are actually implementing AI in their curriculum. Talking about teacher education, the programs we offer, I mean, not just The Education University of Hong Kong, the programs we offer in all universities implement Al in the curriculum in a way that we draw attention to the use of Al is it has to be ethical.”
Capital markets: AI listings, asset tokenisation and the new economy
This session was moderated by Ms Emily CHAN Tan, a former CNBC anchor. Speakers included Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP; Ms Clara CHAN Ka Chai, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited; Mr Michael Lau, Senior Vice President and Head of Group Business Development at Bullish and Chairman of Consensus; and Mr Samuel RHEE, Co-founder, Chairman and Group Chief Investment Officer of Endowus.
Ms Clara CHAN Ka Chai said: “We always say that from zero to 1 is the most challenging part. So, the patients in terms of having staying power is the core, but it has to go in hand with other qualities like being proactive, being professional.”
Mr Michael Lau said: “I think it’s an interesting proposition to consider that these types of companies that are so capital. I would start looking beyond the current horizon of where we are to see where it could go next. And so I do think that there is a demand looking to that future where this idea of a tokenized capital market could be quite interesting.”
Mr Samuel RHEE mentioned: “First of all, maybe we just take a step back and just try to understand all of the capital markets, not just equities.”
Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP said: “I want to point out one thing. I mean, we are operating a stock exchange and I think capital markets at the end of the day, the basic function is to match capital with opportunity. So what I’m very focused on is that I’m not just focused on technology or AI.”
Ms Emily CHAN Tan said: “We are not just witnessing a cyclical recovery, but also some would call this the threshold of a capital markets renaissance.”
Life and health technology: building a health-industry hub
This session was moderated by Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS, Founding President of the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation. Speakers included Professor LI King-Chuen, Founding Dean of the School of Medicine at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Dr Sarah SALVILLA, Director of Health and Strategic Partnerships at FWD Group; and Professor Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, GBS, JP, former Chairman of the Hospital Authority and Non-executive Chairman of Trinity Medical Group. The discussion focused on how AI in healthcare can strengthen the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s health industry.
Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS said: “Building HK’s holistic wellness hub, this year marks a defining moment for HK. With the release of our first ever five year plan and their chief executive policy address just a few weeks ago, our city’s road map for healthcare and biotechnology knowledge has never been clearer or more ambitious.”
Professor Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, GBS, JP said: “Every country every city is trying to recruit more talent and I think Hong Kong is an ideal position to attract talents.”
Professor LI King-Chuen said: “Our education system will be individualized. And we will do the factual knowledge transfer through mostly self-directed learning. So we guide them, we build an AI system with prescribed information.”
Dr Sarah SALVILLA said: “Prevention for sure in terms of how do we educate people to be much more proactive in their everyday lives, yes you know, kind of the lifestyle things.”
Start-up pitching: connecting with capital
The closing session was moderated by business journalist Ms Elaine Yu, with Mr LU Chin Yung, Senior Vice President (Start-ups) of the Sector Specialist Group at Invest Hong Kong. Representatives of 11 venture funds were present, including the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Clee Capital, Click Ventures, GT Healthcare Capital Partners, Gobi Partners GBA, HKSTP Ventures, MindWorks Capital, Ryoden Medical Holdings, Seveno Capital, Verge HealthTech Fund and W2 Venture Partners. Together, the funds manage an estimated US$10 billion, have invested in more than 600 start-ups across more than 30 economies, and have backed at least nine unicorns, including Airwallex, Animoca Brands, Prenetics and GoGoX. Start-ups taking part in the pitching session included CELLmeric, Entoptica, PointFit, Syngular, Kodifly, AilsynBio, EveryBaby, A-grade, Orimmune Biotech, Nordia Biotech, Oncolmmu Nostics Limited, The Harbour School (THS), VisionBridge, Eden’s Garden, and CARE CONNECT.
Ms Elaine Yu said: “We have 15 startups and I think a group of students as well, very precocious students WHO are already thinking of ideas, real businesses with commercial viability at the cutting edge of science, research, healthcare and so forth. So, this should be a fun dynamic session.”
Mr LU Chin Yung pointed out: “Hong Kong is great in a lot of rankings in the world and this is not given, this is hard earned by your parents, by some of you sitting here. But as a young founder in Hong Kong, if you come to Hong Kong, you get to enjoy all this very safe environment. You have efficiency and then you also have a very clean government. This one I can say for sure. Yeah. And and all this, it helps the the founders to focus on your business, focus on grow, growing instead of you have to deal with many, many things.”
The Summit closed amid lively exchange. Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy said it will continue to build the Summit into a platform for dialogue between young professionals and leading figures in government and business, helping Hong Kong’s young talent seize the opportunities of the new economy.
Photos and video: Selected materials can be downloaded here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XowvT4PLTkLo-Vx6k8UJ_YyuM0O0wSlQ?usp=sharing .
Official hashtag: #GYPS2026
| Venture fund | Profile |
| Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund | A HK$1 billion venture fund under Alibaba Group; has invested in 84 start-ups and nurtured seven unicorns |
| Clee Capital | A Hong Kong venture fund focused on start-up and private equity investment |
| Click Ventures | A pioneer Hong Kong early-stage technology investor; now invests in 20 funds as a family office |
| W2 Venture Partners | Venture fund (profile to be supplemented) |
| Gobi Partners GBA | A pan-Asian venture platform managing about US$2 billion, with cumulative investments in more than 400 companies |
| GT Healthcare Capital Partners | A Hong Kong healthcare investment fund with investments across North America and Europe |
| HKSTP Ventures | The corporate venture arm of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, investing directly in seed to Series A start-ups |
| MindWorks Capital | A Hong Kong pan-Asian venture fund focused on logistics, fintech and enterprise technology |
| Ryoden Medical Holdings | A Hong Kong healthcare family office investing in biotechnology and regenerative medicine |
| Seveno Capital | A Singapore longevity and health-technology fund with US$70 million in committed capital over five years |
| Verge HealthTech Fund | A Hong Kong and Singapore digital-health venture fund with investments across 17 countries |
Annex 2: Attending guests (in no particular order)
| Guest | Title | Guest | Title |
| Ms Chan Hoi-yee | Director, Office of the Vice Chairman, Esquel Group | Ms Ilaria Chan | Chair, Tech For Good Institute |
| Ms Clara Chan | Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited | Ms Chan Nga-ying | Former CNBC anchor |
| Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP | Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited | Mr James Chau | President, China-United States Exchange Foundation, and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals |
| Ms Irene Chow | School Partnership Advisor, Academy for Educational Development and Innovation (AEDI), The Education University of Hong Kong | Mr Bryan Che | Chief Strategy Officer, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. |
| Mr Adrian Chan, MH | Vice-Chairman, Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council | Mrs Carrie Cheng, JP | Founder, Future Leaders Foundation |
| Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP | Deputy Secretary for Justice, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region | Mr Kevin Choi, JP | Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry |
| Ms Cindy Chow | Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund | Dr Kevin Lau, MH | Founding Convenor, Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy |
| Mr Lau Tak-ho | Senior Vice President and Head of Group Business Development, Bullish, and Chairman, Consensus | Ms Ellana Lee | Senior Vice President, Managing Editor, Asia Pacific, and Global Head of Productions, CNN |
| Professor King Li | Founding Dean, School of Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS | Founding President, Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation |
| Mr Raymond Lui | Senior Vice President (Start-ups), Sector Specialist Group, Invest Hong Kong | Ms Michelle Ma | Founder, JM Edu Consulting |
| Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP | Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council | Professor Charles Ng | Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
| Mr Samuel Rhee | Co-founder, Chairman and Group Chief Investment Officer, Endowus | Dr Sit Wai-nga | Director, Health and Strategic Partnerships, FWD Group |
| Professor Anthony Wu, GBS, JP | Former Chairman, Hospital Authority, and Non-executive Chairman, 全仁醫療集團 | Ms Elaine Yu | Business Journalist |
| Ms Jeanne Cheng, JP | District Officer (Central and Western) | Dr Elsie Leung, GBM, JP | Former Secretary for Justice, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region |
| Professor Teresa Cheng, GBM, GBS, SC, JP | Secretary-General, International Organization for Mediation, and former Secretary for Justice | The Hon Tommy Cheung, GBM, GBS, JP | Non-official Member, Executive Council |
| The Hon Dr Lam Ching-choi, GBS, JP | Non-official Member, Executive Council | The Hon Chan Hoi-fung, BBS, MH, JP | Legislative Council Member |
| The Hon Chan Kin-por, GBM, GBS, JP | Non-official Member, Executive Council | The Hon Nixie Lam | Legislative Council Member |
| Mr Andrew Yao, SBS, JP | Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress | Professor Herman Hu, GBS, JP | Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress |
| Mr Gordon Lam | Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress | Mr Chan Chung-ni, SBS, JP | Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress |
| Mr Ho Hon-kuen, BBS, MH | Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference | Mr Tu Haiming, BBS | Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference |
| Mr Kung Wing-tak | Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference | Dr Lo Kam-wing, BBS, JP | Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and President, The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong |
| Mr Li Tai-chong, SBS, OM, JP | Member, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference | The Hon Lam Wai-chuen | Legislative Council Member |
| The Hon Lau Man-kwan, JP | Legislative Council Member | The Hon Chong Ho-fung | Legislative Council Member |
| The Hon Lee Kwong-yu, MH | Legislative Council Member | The Hon Leung Tsz-wing, MH | Legislative Council Member |
| Mr Ng Yuk-yeung | Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference | The Hon Fong Kwok-shan | Legislative Council Member |
| The Hon Lau Ka-keung, BBS, MH, JP | Legislative Council Member | The Hon Revd Canon Peter Koon, SBS, JP | Legislative Council Member |
| Mr Pablo Macedo Riba | Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong | Dr Esteban Ramírez González | Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong |
| Mr Alberto Martínez | Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong | Ms Silvia Civera | Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong |
| Mr Javier Sampedro | Commercial Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong | Mr Juha Niemi | Consul General of Finland in Hong Kong and Macao |
| Mr O’Brien Ernesto Guerra Córdova | Consul General of Venezuela in Hong Kong | Mr Ammala Saenchonghack | Consul General of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Hong Kong |
| Mr Riaz Ahmed Shaikh | Consul General of Pakistan in Hong Kong | Mr Yos Sokhemrin | Consul General of Cambodia in Hong Kong |
| Mr Maurits Ter Kulve | Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong | Ms Lim Kim Suan | Consul General of Brunei Darussalam in Hong Kong |
| Mr Hassan Doutaghi | Consul General of Iran in Hong Kong | Mr Ali Abdulla Al-Hitmi | Deputy Consul General of Qatar in Hong Kong |
| Ms Helen Silvester | British Council | Mr Wilhelm Brauner | Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce |
| Professor Sin Kuen-fung, MH | Co-Executive Director, Academy for Educational Development and Innovation, The Education University of Hong Kong | Mr Lam Siu-hong, JP | Commissioner for Youth, Home and Youth Affairs Bureau |
| Mr Arnold Lau | Assistant Director-General, Invest Hong Kong | Professor James Dai | Associate Dean of Students, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
| Dr Chan Pui-yin | Vice-President, Hong Kong Medical Association | Ms Cecilia Ho | Chief Executive, Lee Hysan Foundation |
| Mr Quentin Merour | Consulate General of France in Hong Kong | Ms Christine Ma Lau | Founder and Principal, JEMS Character Academy |
| Ms Agnes Chan, BBS | Senior Advisor, Office of the Chairman, Greater China, EY | Ms Melissa Pang, BBS, MH, JP | Former President, The Law Society of Hong Kong, and Member, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference |
| Mr Patrick Yeung | Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce | Ms Kimberly Kwok | Founder, Mighty Oaks |
| Mr Larry Chiang | Founder and Chief Executive Officer, International Finance Capital Group Limited | Ms Sophia Kao, GBS, JP | Former Chairperson, Women’s Commission, and founding Chairperson, Financial Reporting Council |
| Ms Marie Mercy | Consulate General of France in Hong Kong | Mr Peter Shum | Deputy Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries |
| Mr Daryl Lin | JCI Hong Kong | Mr Jacky Chung | Hong Kong Trade Development Council (represented by Mr Andrew Chui) |
| Mr Silas Chu | Hong Kong Trade Development Council | Mr Lot Chan | Assistant Director of Health (Preparatory Office for Centre for Medical Products Regulation) |
| Dr Jeff Lee | Head of the Health Informatics and Technology Office |
https://hkypga.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hkyproadvocacy?locale=sk_SK
https://www.instagram.com/gypowerhouse/
Hashtag: #全球青年力量峰會 #GYPS2026
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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4. Axe hovers over hundreds of IRD workers as agency faces 20% budget cut – PSA
October 7, 2026
Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi
Government mandated funding cuts that will see Inland Revenue’s budget slashed by 20% over three years leaves an axe hovering over the jobs of hundreds of workers, the PSA says.
An intranet message to Inland Revenue staff from Commissioner Peter Mersi said that the cumulative savings required by the Government from 2026/27 to 2028/29 and rising costs means, “we will need to operate within a 20% reduction to our baseline budget in 2028/29”.
“This means that to deliver the level of savings required, we will need to consider reductions in both workforce numbers, alongside other costs,” the message says.
These savings cannot be made without reducing the workforce, the message says.
The Government is requiring Inland Revenue to cut its baseline budget by 2% this year, an additional 5% in 2027/28 and another 5% in 2028/29. Inland Revenue leadership will be putting proposals for cutting its budget to its Minister by the end of the year.
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary, Duane Leo, says sending workers a signal that their jobs may be cut in the future without providing any details puts a massive strain on them.
“It means Inland Revenue’s more than 4000 staff are now all working under threat of losing their jobs and facing the prospect of struggling to keep up with the mortgage and put food on the table in the near future.
“The workers that remain will face increased stress of having to pick up even more work, while Inland Revenue has signalled that it will also reduce overtime, which it is currently using to manage its workloads,” Leo says.
“Inland Revenue staff already work incredibly hard to deliver on Government priorities. Whether it’s implementing tax and social policy changes, delivering new Government initiatives, or meeting increasing expectations around compliance and revenue collection, there is constant pressure to do more,” Leo says.
“Against that backdrop, the prospect of further budget reductions and potential job losses is creating significant concern for members. Many are questioning how Inland Revenue can continue to meet increasing expectations while reducing both funding and staffing levels, Leo said.
“The workers at Inland Revenue aren’t just numbers to be managed on a spreadsheet. They are real people. They deserve better than this Government’s reckless, slash and burn approach to cuts regardless of the consequences.
“Stopping this brutal approach that creates stress and uncertainty for hundreds of workers is why the PSA is calling for a mandatory public good test before government agencies can embark on major restructures and cut jobs,” Leo says.
“The email to staff said that to manage workload amongst a reduced number of staff, some activities would be stopped and others would be managed with more efficient ways of working.
The message’s reference to efficiencies will be read in the current climate by staff as incorporating artificial intelligence technology, Leo says.
“As we’ve said before, we don’t support using AI as an excuse for getting rid of workers rather than making them more productive.
“No country in the world has evidence that AI can replace public sector workers at the scale this Government is betting on. Countries like Singapore, which the Government often cites as a role model, use AI to improve public services not to reduce headcount,” Leo says.
“The PSA completely opposes any new cuts at Inland Revenue. New Zealanders deserve a public service that is funded enough to fulfil basic functions like tax collections.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, Health NZ and community groups.
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5. First sod turned on SH2 Waikare Gorge realignment
October 7, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The first sod has been turned on the Waikare Gorge realignment project between Wairoa and Napier, which will lead to a safer and more resilient highway for freight and communities, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“The nearly 4km realignment, on State Highway 2, will ultimately support economic growth across the East Coast,” says Mr Bishop.
“Currently, the state highway travels through Pūtōrino, and down into Waikare Gorge. This section of road through the gorge is prone to slips and the gorge bridge was destroyed in Cyclone Gabrielle, severing the connection between Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa for a number of months until a temporary bridge was installed.
“The new alignment includes a 260-metre single span bridge that will cross the top of the gorge, about 65m above the river.
“A focus on ensuring the project delivers value for money; it was initially costed at $350-425m in February 2025 but that had dropped to $275-$325m thanks to competitive tender pricing, design innovation of the bridge structure and mitigation of some key risks.
“It’s an exciting day for Hawke’s Bay, with realignment of this vital East Coast highway creating jobs during construction and providing an efficient, safe and reliable road.
“It’s part of an investment of nearly $1 billion in road infrastructure over the coming years for the region, which also includes the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance project currently under way.”
Construction is expected to start next month.
Notes to Editor
- The exact cost of the project will be confirmed publicly once the realignment is complete.
- Once underway, the project is expected to take 3-4 years to complete and because it’s constructed mostly away from the existing SH2, there will be minimal traffic disruption.
The existing temporary bridge will remain in place until the realignment is built. NZTA is following a routine maintenance schedule with regular monitoring to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/07/first-sod-turned-on-sh2-waikare-gorge-realignment/
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6. Provider selected for in-person citizenship test
October 7, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced that Aspeq Limited has been selected to provide the in-person citizenship test which will become part of the citizenship by grant process from late 2027.
“Selecting a provider for the design phase is an important step towards implementing the test,” says Ms van Velden.
“Citizenship is a commitment to our shared responsibilities and privileges. By ensuring applicants understand these responsibilities and privileges, we strengthen what it means to be a citizen of New Zealand.
“People seeking citizenship should understand New Zealanders believe in certain rights, like freedom of speech, or that no one person or group is above the law. This test ensures people have sufficient knowledge of their responsibilities and privileges before receiving citizenship by grant.
“Aspeq Limited brings established testing capability and relevant experience to this work. The work with Aspeq will ensure the test is secure, consistent and accessible to applicants across New Zealand.”
Aspeq Limited will work alongside the Department of Internal Affairs to design a managed service covering the booking, payment and delivery of citizenship tests across New Zealand.
People must meet all the existing eligibility requirements for citizenship by grant before applying. These include requirements relating to their presence in New Zealand, character, English language ability and intention to continue living in New Zealand.
Note to editors:
Official information about New Zealand citizenship, including how to check eligibility and apply, is available through www.govt.nz.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/07/provider-selected-for-in-person-citizenship-test/
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7. Faster access to community support
October 7, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is continuing to back community organisations to deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response, with 22 NGOs set to receive support through the third round of the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund.
“Before coming into office, we committed to delivering more resources to the frontline by scaling up NGOs and community providers who are already delivering better mental health outcomes,” Mr Doocey says.
“I am proud to have committed $20 million in match funding over the last few years to community mental health organisations.
“Our NGOs are often closest to the people they support and understand what is needed in their communities. The Innovation Fund gives these organisations an opportunity to test new approaches and build on ideas that are already working.
“Already, the Fund has supported 19 initiatives, now taking the total number to 39. It’s great to be at the New Zealand Drug Foundation today as one of the organisations being supported in the latest round, with its initiative focused on expanding SMART Recovery across New Zealand.
“The initiative will train new facilitators, support organisations and community groups to establish SMART Recovery meetings across New Zealand and develop resources for people going through addiction.”
Some of the other initiatives include:
• Wellington City Mission – expanding integrated alcohol harm-reduction outreach into communities for people experiencing alcohol-related harm and complex housing needs.
• Aroha ki te Tamariki Trust – developing an integrated youth hub in Dunedin and testing a mobile youth crisis support service.
• Hanmer Springs Community Trust – expanding its rural adult ADHD pilot into a regional assessment, treatment and support service for rural communities.
• Auckland City Mission – delivering a mobile multidisciplinary health team supporting people experiencing co-existing mental health and addiction needs alongside housing insecurity.
• Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support Services Trust – integrating mental health and addiction clinicians into crisis, sexual violence and family services across the Bay of Plenty and rural Waikato.
• Think and Be Me – expanding a school-based early intervention programme providing mental health support, digital resources and training for educators.
• SchoolTV – expanding its online wellbeing platform to new schools, providing parents, family and educators with guidance, resources and pathways to support.
• Korowai Aroha Trust – embedding clinical mental health and addiction staff in primary care to provide assessments, including ADHD assessments, and workforce development.
• Midlands Regional Health Network Charitable Trust – extending access to integrated primary mental health support through a virtual Health Improvement Practitioner service.
• Living Water Health Limited – expanding a multidisciplinary model bringing together GPs, nurses, counsellors, clinical psychologists and occupational therapists to provide coordinated mental health support.
“Several other fantastic organsations will also receive funding to improve access to support. This includes initiatives led by the Problem Gambling Foundation, Weave Hawkes Bay, The Tongan Health Society Inc., Te Arawa Whānau Ora, Mates of Hawkes Bay, The Asian Network Incorporated, Ki te Tihi – The Loft, Hearts & Minds, Matapuna Training Centre, Diversity Counselling New Zealand and Academy Ex Limited.
“We are focused on making sure people have faster access to support and community organisations are an important part of delivering that, we will continue to back the frontline to help more New Zealanders get support earlier.”
Notes to editor:
Please see the Health New Zealand website here, for more information on all of the organisations receiving funding, and what they will be doing.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/07/faster-access-to-community-support/
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8. Hong Kong retains leading position as the world’s freest economy
October 7, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government welcomed the latest report, noting that, among the five areas of assessment, the city continued to be ranked first globally in “Freedom to trade internationally” and second in “Regulation”.
“The Fraser Institute’s report once again affirms Hong Kong’s strengths as a free-market economy and its open, efficient and fair business environment,” a spokesman for the HKSAR Government said. “Amid increasing global economic uncertainties and rising trade protectionism, Hong Kong remains firmly committed to maintaining its free port status, zero-tariff policy, and simple and low tax regime, providing a secure, stable, fair, predictable and internationalised business and investment environment for investors and entrepreneurs from around the world.”
“One country, two systems” advantages
The HKSAR Government highlighted that, under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of the Chinese Mainland and maintains close connections with the rest of the world.
“While offering convenient access to both the Chinese Mainland and international markets, Hong Kong continues to practise common law in both Chinese and English,” the spokesman said. “It also offers financial, shipping, trading and professional services that align seamlessly with international best standards, supported by an efficient government structure and a clean and professional civil service.”
These strengths enable Hong Kong to fully leverage its roles and functions as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, making it the best gateway for Mainland enterprises to enter international markets and for overseas enterprises to enter the Mainland.
Attracting investment and talent
So far this year, Hong Kong has continued to scale new heights in various international competitiveness rankings covering finance, innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent, reflecting wide recognition by the international community of Hong Kong’s core strengths and the HKSAR Government’s efforts to promote high-quality social and economic development.
Indeed, Hong Kong’s favourable business and living environment, coupled with the proactive and concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and all sectors of the community, continues to attract enterprises and talent from around the world.
Last year, the number of companies in Hong Kong with parent companies overseas or in the Mainland exceeded 11,000, an increase of 11 per cent over 2024 and a record high.
The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), established by the HKSAR Government in 2022, has successfully attracted over 120 strategic enterprises to date, including many global industry leaders with a market capitalisation or valuation exceeding $100 billion and possessing cutting-edge technologies.
On talent attraction, from end-2022 to August this year, over 670,000 applications were received and over 470,000 were approved under various talent admission schemes, with more than 310,000 individuals having arrived in Hong Kong.
Over the past year, Hong Kong recorded considerable growth in funds raised through initial public offerings, bank deposits and assets under management in the asset and wealth management business, reflecting international investors’ confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong.
Looking ahead
Last month, the HKSAR’s Chief Executive, John Lee, announced the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan) and the 2026 Policy Address.
Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan states that Hong Kong will remain committed to a free and open economic system and the free flow of capital, goods, people and information, all of which are Hong Kong’s core strengths under the “one country, two systems” framework.
“These efforts will inject stronger impetus into social and economic development, open up broader development prospects for local enterprises and the public, and provide greater opportunities for enterprises, investors and talent worldwide,” the spokesman said.
https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
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Hashtag: #HongKong #Freest #Economy #Investment #Talent
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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9. National’s small business plan: 47 band-aids and an attack on workers’ rights
October 7, 2026
Source: NZCTU
National’s 47-point small business plan is mostly minor tweaks, re-announcements and overdue housekeeping – but tucked inside it is an attack on working people’s right to bargain collectively, says the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi (NZCTU).
“For all the talk of backing small business, the most significant thing in this plan is an attack on working people’s right to bargain collectively – which would put New Zealand in breach of international law,” says Sandra Grey, NZCTU President.
“The rest is a mix of minor tweaks, things that already exist or are already under way, and items that leave you asking why Luxon’s Government hasn’t done them already.
“Some of these so-called proposals simply describe how things work right now and dress it up as new policy – mediators making binding recommendations and repeat seasonal employment are two examples.
“Then there’s the banal, like producing guidance on the Employment Leave Act, and a fair bit of business as usual to get the number up to 47 and make it look like they’re doing more than they are.
“We welcome National’s plan to bring us out of the 1980s by removing fax requirements – though we couldn’t find any. We are, however, seriously concerned about the proposal to remove labelling requirements for hazardous substances.”
Grey says the changes unions want to see, such as better access to the Employment Relations Authority and faster decisions, can’t happen without significant additional resourcing.
“The union movement has been calling for that resourcing for years, yet it’s nowhere to be found in this plan,” says Grey.
“The real reason small businesses are struggling and going under – the reason you see so many empty shopfronts in our towns and cities – is that the Luxon Government has mishandled the economy. The cost of living combined with high unemployment has left businesses without customers.
“That’s what this Government needs to fix. Small business doesn’t need 47 band-aids.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/07/nationals-small-business-plan-47-band-aids-and-an-attack-on-workers-rights/
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10. 2025/26 Financial Statements of Government to be published 1pm tomorrow
October 7, 2026
Source: The Treasury
The Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for year ended 30 June 2026 will be published to the Treasury website at 1pm tomorrow (8 October 2026).
When published, these will be available shortly after 1pm.
The audited results are reported against forecasts based on the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU 2026), published on 28 May 2026, and the results for the same period for the previous year.
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