AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for November 3, 2026 – Full Text
1. Re-think sees clear agriculture learning pathway locked in
November 2, 2026
Source: Federated Farmers
Strong feedback from Federated Farmers and school leaders has resulted in a re-think on teaching Agriculture and Horticultural Science in Year 11.
A proposal to remove that course of study as a standalone subject, and blend the topics into general science teaching, has been ditched by the Government.
“Minister Stanford has listened to clear feedback from farmers and rural communities – and she’s acted on it,” Federated Farmers education spokesperson Greg Anderson says.
“Federated Farmers, the Horticulture and Agriculture Teachers Association and provincial high schools made a clear and compelling case to the Minister to save this subject.
“Teaching agricultural and horticultural sciences at Year 11 is of critical importance. That’s when students begin choosing subjects that shape their future career pathways.
“It plays such an important role in opening students’ eyes to the huge opportunities that exist in our primary sector on farms, in labs, or in supporting industries.”
While it was always the Government’s intention to include agriculture and horticulture components under general science teaching, Anderson says it wasn’t good enough.
“It’s fantastic the Government has recognised the importance of these subjects and will allow them to continue as standalone course options,” he says.
“Curriculum reviews are important to keep content fresh and relevant, but removing agricultural and horticultural science for Year 11 would have been a significant misstep.
“For students interested in focusing on agriculture and horticulture content, it would have got lost among all the other topics if it had been combined into general science.”
Anderson says Stanford has proven herself to be a Minister who is willing to listen to feedback and make changes when they’re clearly needed.
“It takes a lot of guts to admit you’ve got something wrong, but what really matters is how you go about putting it right,” he says.
“We are incredibly grateful the Minister has directed her officials to revisit this decision. It will ensure there’s a clear pathway for teens keen to work in our primary sector.
“Students will now be able to study agricultural and horticultural sciences from Year 11, and through to Year 13, to get a real practical feel for the engine room of our economy.
“From 2029, senior students will also be able to move into the new industry-led Food and Fibre subject currently being developed for Years 12 and 13.
“Today’s decision from the Minister is the right one and will give the primary sector a fair shot at recruiting talented students to power our export-led economy.
“It will also help create a clear pipeline of students from our secondary schools, through our universities, and out into the workplace.”
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2. Government support for Turner Centre upgrade
November 2, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A Regional Infrastructure Fund grant will be used to modernise Kerikeri’s Turner Centre, helping the Far North town play host to more cultural, community and business events, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
The grant of up to $3 million will go towards the first stage of a $6.3 million upgrade of the centre’s Plaza and Event Centre.
“This Regional Infrastructure Fund grant will help a remarkable community-built and supported venue take its offering to the next level,” Mr Jones says.
“Some 20 years ago, the Kerikeri community had the vision and determination to raise more than $12 million to build the Turner Centre, and it has punched well above its weight ever since.
“It has hosted major productions, conferences and community events that might otherwise have bypassed Tai Tokerau, including performances by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Royal New Zealand Ballet.”
The first stage of the upgrade will include better ventilation and acoustics, new audio-visual and technical systems, and improved accessibility and amenities, cultural design elements, furniture and finishes.
The work will improve the venue’s functionality and allow different parts of the centre to be used at the same time, opening the door to more commercial and community activity.
“The Turner Centre is far more than a theatre venue as it has different spaces to welcome community classes, exhibitions, kapa haka, and major touring performances.
“These events generate valuable economic activity by attracting people into the town from across Northland and further away, supporting local accommodation, hospitality and other businesses.”
The project’s commencement is subject to completion of detailed design, consenting, procurement and other pre-construction requirements being met. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/02/government-support-for-turner-centre-upgrade/
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3. Green light for Rotorua business park intersection
November 2, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A $3.46 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will provide safer access to Rotorua’s Eastgate Business Park from State Highway 30, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say.
A four-way intersection controlled by traffic lights at the junction of SH30 and Wahanga-A-Rangi Crescent will improve safety on the busy highway, support development at the business park and provide for future access to the planned Rotorua Airport Business Park nearby.
“Having safe, suitable access to Eastgate will support development at the site and future-proof the wider area for more growth,” Mr Jones says.
“This investment reflects the Regional Infrastructure Fund’s focus on backing practical regional infrastructure that unlocks economic opportunities.”
Mr Bishop says building one road intersection to serve both business parks is the most practical approach.
“It will serve existing businesses while providing for the airport business park as it develops,” Mr Bishop says.
“Creating future-proofed transport links now means less work as the area gets busier with industry and more vehicle movements.”
The project will be managed by Rotorua Lakes Council. Construction is expected to begin in the next few months, subject to final confirmation and contractors being secured.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/02/green-light-for-rotorua-business-park-intersection/
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4. RIF grant to help build replacement Tinopai Wharf
November 2, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The dilapidated and closed Tinopai Wharf on Kaipara Harbour will be replaced with the help of a $1 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
“The wharf at Tinopai has been shut because of structural and safety issues for nearly two years. Replacing this important community asset will be good news for local fishers, boaties, and recreational users of the harbour,” Mr Jones says.
The $1.3 million wharf replacement project will initially involve demolition of the run-down wharf, which has damaged and decayed piles beyond repair. The new wharf will be built to closely resemble the existing structure and remain within the same footprint.
“The new wharf will be designed to meet modern marine engineering standards and have improved access for boats. But this is not just a nice-to-have for recreational users and people wanting to catch some kai moana – it can also act as a secondary route in case of an emergency or evacuation in the area.
“Tinopai is vulnerable to isolation because it relies on a single road connection, which has been taken out by weather events in the recent past. When that route is disrupted, there is no alternative land access for residents, emergency services or essential supplies,” Mr Jones says.
The project will be delivered by Kaipara District Council, which was forced to close the facility in late 2023 because of safety concerns. The new wharf is expected to be operational in 2028, subject to design work being completed and appropriate consents secured.
Along with recreational benefits, the new wharf will offer opportunities for future economic growth in the area such as tourism and fishing ventures on the unique Kaipara Harbour.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/02/rif-grant-to-help-build-replacement-tinopai-wharf/
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5. Year 11 Agriculture and Horticultural Science subject announced
November 2, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Students will be able to study Agriculture and Horticultural Science from Year 11, creating a clear pathway into Years 12 and 13 and future careers in New Zealand’s primary industries, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“Year 11 Agriculture and Horticultural Science will be an optional subject alongside compulsory Science, giving students the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and pursue their interests earlier.
“It complements the existing Agriculture and Horticultural Science subjects at Years 12 and 13, as well as the new industry-led Food and Fibre subject currently being developed for Years 12 and 13, giving students a wide range of pathways into New Zealand’s primary industries.
“The Ministry of Education’s original intention was that schools could teach Year 11 Science through an agriculture and horticulture lens, providing a pathway into more specialised science subjects in Years 12 and 13.
“However, since the release of the new Year 11 Science curriculum, feedback from rural school principals, teachers and the primary sector has made it clear that this approach could not provide the flexibility originally envisaged, and that Agriculture and Horticultural Science would be better delivered as a standalone subject.
“We’ve listened to that feedback and are making Agriculture and Horticultural Science a standalone subject from Year 11.
“New Zealand’s primary industries are the backbone of our economy and a major driver of our exports. We want more young people to see the opportunities available in these industries and develop the knowledge and skills they need to pursue rewarding, high-paying careers.”
The Ministry of Education will work with subject matter experts to develop the new Year 11 subject, alongside teaching and assessment resources and implementation support for schools and teachers.
Schools will have the flexibility to decide whether to offer the subject, allowing them to respond to the needs and interests of their students and communities.
Public consultation on the new Year 11 subject is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
“This is about backing our rural communities, strengthening pathways into our primary industries, and making sure our education system prepares young New Zealanders for the opportunities ahead.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/02/year-11-agriculture-and-horticultural-science-subject-announced/
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6. 109 Years Since the Balfour Declaration: A Century of Denied Palestinian Self-Determination
November 2, 2026
Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand
2 November 2026
Today marks 109 years since the Balfour Declaration of 2 November 1917, when the British government formally expressed its support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine.
This declaration was made at a time when Palestine was already home to an established Palestinian population with deep historical, cultural and social connections to its land. Yet the people whose homeland was being discussed were neither consulted nor given a voice in determining their future.
While the declaration referred to safeguarding the civil and religious rights of Palestine’s existing non-Jewish communities, it failed to recognise their political and national rights, including their right to self-determination.
The declaration subsequently became incorporated into the British Mandate for Palestine, approved by the League of Nations in 1922. It helped shape the political framework under which Britain administered Palestine and contributed to the historical developments that profoundly affected generations of Palestinians.
A declaration made without the consent of a people cannot erase their identity, history or rights.
For Palestinians, the Balfour Declaration represents a defining moment in a history of external decisions, dispossession and the denial of national self-determination. Its consequences cannot be understood separately from the displacement of Palestinians, the Nakba of 1948 and the continuing denial of Palestinian freedom and sovereignty.
109 years later, the Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls for:
- An honest acknowledgement of Britain’s historical responsibility for the consequences of the Balfour Declaration and its role in Palestine.
- Recognition of the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and national independence.
- Respect for international law, including the rights of Palestinians throughout Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Palestinian communities displaced in 1948 and their descendants.
- Meaningful international action to end the occupation, uphold Palestinian rights and ensure accountability for violations of international law.
Britain’s historical decisions cannot be undone, but their legacy must not be ignored. Historical responsibility must be accompanied by meaningful action in the present.
109 years have passed. Generations of Palestinians have lived with the consequences of decisions made about their homeland without their consent. Their identity, history and right to self-determination have not disappeared.
Palestine is not a promise made by Britain. It is the homeland of a people with an enduring right to freedom, dignity and self-determination.
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7. From the freezing works to professor: Annemarie Gillies’ 40-year learning journey comes full circle | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti
November 2, 2026
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
8 minutes ago
EIT professor Annemarie Gillies has been on a forty year learning journey.
She was 31, had worked at Whakatū for seven years and had no plans to do anything different. The pay was good; she earned enough to buy a new car and her first home. When the works closed on 10 October 1986, she was devastated and faced some tough choices.
“I had to sell my car just to make sure I had money for the mortgage payments.”
At the time EIT, then the Hawke’s Bay Community College, partnered with the government to run programmes for freezing workers who had lost their jobs. Many of Annemarie’s workmates enrolled, and she chose a business simulation course.
“It made me think, I can’t get a job where I’m dependent on other people. I have to get a job where I’m the boss. Studying business makes you work-ready, so you can get a job out in the community and be a bit choosier about what you do.”
She decided to stay on for two more years, completing a National Certificate in Business Studies. The college didn’t offer degrees then, but the experience gave Annemarie the confidence to look further afield.
“I applied to all the universities to see how many cross-credits I would get for the 13 papers I’d done. Most of them would give me six, one gave me seven, but Massey University gave me eight. That meant I didn’t have to do the whole first year of a Bachelor of Business Studies in Accountancy.”
“The thing that kept motivating me was, I’ll just keep going until I fail a paper, and if I fail a paper, I’ll finish. But when I failed a paper, it made me more determined. I tried to do eight papers each year to make up my 24.”
Annemarie went on to become Business Manager of the Te Pūmanawa Hauora Research Centre in Massey’s Māori Studies department, hired by Professor Mason Durie (now Sir Mason), and spent five years there as business manager and got involved in research. Professor Durie was always supportive of his staff continuing their study. She kept studying alongside her job, completing a Diploma in Māori Development and then a Master of Business Administration. After moving to Massey’s College of Business, she completed her PhD with the support of a Health Research Council scholarship, became a senior lecturer and was later put forward for associate professor.
She credits strong, supportive leaders such as Professor Tony Vitalis, who then headed Massey’s School of Management.
“He just believed in everything I did. In 2000 I developed Māori business and management papers and strategic governance, which was pretty pioneering back then. I developed a whole diploma, which I ran until I left in 2014.”
She was then appointed Professor of Māori and Indigenous Research at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
Through the National Science Challenges, Annemarie has worked with colleagues across the motu on projects including Our Land and Water, focused on agribusiness, and Sustainable Seas, focused on the blue economy. That work took her to Rēkohu (the Chatham Islands) to work alongside Moriori.
Closer to home, through Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, New Zealand’s Māori Centre of Research Excellence, and her work with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, she led a pilot project applying traditional knowledge labels to wāhi tapu – places of special spiritual, cultural and historical significance to Māori. Working with international organisation Local Contexts, the team added hapū kōrero to archaeological sites recorded in the New Zealand Archaeological Association’s ArchSite database. The pilot began in Waimārama, where Annemarie’s whānau is from, and will now be opened to other hapū and iwi.
Most recently, Annemarie and her team helped secure a place for Mataatua Wharenui, one of Aotearoa’s most treasured meeting houses, on New Zealand’s World Heritage Tentative List – the first step towards UNESCO World Heritage status. This was a dream that was strongly advocated by the late Sir Hirini Moko Mead, who provided leadership for this project. He was instrumental in getting the Wharenui returned to Ngāti Awa in 1996. The next stage of the UNESCO World Heritage will require much more work and material for international assessors, from management plans, risk assessments, and local and national government collaboration to letters of support and engagement with Mataatua iwi.
“We had to use international language, so people across the world could relate to it and see why it would be suitable for the tentative list”, explains Annemarie. “
“Comments from the Minister’s representative Indicated how we kept our language indigenous and international to ensure we expressed and were able to apply and clearly link the universal values criteria to Mataatua Wharenui. We provided examples that connected us to other indigenous groups – the values had to be universal, not national.”
Today, Annemarie has come full circle and is back where her learning began. She says it’s been an amazing journey and one she believes would never have happened if the Whakatū freezing works hadn’t closed.
“If it hadn’t closed, I would have probably stayed there, and I would have retired by now. Many of the people who worked with me went on to become teachers, nurses, other health professionals, and lawyers. So, in one respect, it was probably a godsend for some people, but not so for others.”
With some recent business closures, some Hawke’s Bay workers are once again facing an uncertain future. Annemarie’s story is a reminder that losing a job can be the start of something bigger, and that sometimes the first step is walking through the doors of a place like EIT.
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8. AGD and ISCA Renews MOU to Strengthen Finance Capabilities Across the Public Service with Continuing Professional Training
November 2, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Through this partnership, AGD and ISCA will collaborate on professional development in more areas such as AI, sustainability, assurance and financial governance. The organisations will curate and promote training programmes with reference to the Public Sector Finance and Internal Audit Competency Frameworks and create opportunities for professional exchange with the wider accountancy community.
The expanded collaboration comes as global economic shifts, technological advances and sustainability considerations change how organisations operate, assess risks and allocate resources. Across business and government, finance professionals are increasingly expected to contribute to planning, evaluate options and advise leaders alongside their financial reporting and compliance responsibilities.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Ms Esther Wee, Accountant-General and Chief of Government Finance, and Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA.
Equipping public sector officers with AI capabilities
To build AI capabilities, AGD is supporting its public finance and internal audit workforce of approximately 4,000 officers in developing AI and digital competencies, including through ISCA’s AI Fluency Programme. More than 400 officers have already enrolled, with the programme being progressively extended across the Public Service.
Officers will undergo structured training covering practical applications, responsible use of AI and the professional judgement needed to work effectively with AI-generated information.
The training aims to establish a common foundation of AI capabilities across public finance teams, helping officers embrace technology while maintaining high standards of financial governance and accountability.
Building careers with purpose and global professional connections
Beyond preparing officers for AI, AGD and ISCA are also expanding pathways across public sector agencies as it strengthens the professional capabilities needed to support resource allocation, governance and financial stewardship of public resources.
Public agencies will be progressively brought into AGD’s Accredited Training Organisation network, enabling officers to gain practical experience and mentorship within their agencies as they pursue a career that contributes to Singapore. To date, 27 agencies have joined the network.
The Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] pathway opens doors to a wider professional community. Through ISCA’s membership in Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a network representing over 2 million Chartered Accountants and students across more than 190 countries, public sector officers can connect with international professional knowledge, networks and learning opportunities.
Developing finance professionals for tomorrow
Ms Esther Wee, Accountant-General and Chief of Government Finance, said: “Managing public finances well is fundamental to maintaining public trust. As technology transforms how finance work is done, sustaining that trust will require our officers to strengthen their professional judgement, and build emerging capabilities to take on new responsibilities. AGD will work with ISCA to enhance continuing professional development opportunities and extend structured training and mentorship across Ministries and Statutory Boards. These efforts reflect our continued commitment to developing a trusted and future-ready public finance and internal audit workforce — one that can steward public resources well and meet the evolving needs of Singaporeans.”
Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “AI can help finance professionals work faster and analyse information more effectively. But it cannot replace the professional judgement, ethical responsibility and accountability that are central to our profession. Our partnership with AGD brings together AI capabilities and the strong professional foundation of the CA (Singapore) qualification. We want public sector officers to have the same opportunities to develop professionally, learn from industry and connect with the global accountancy community. Ultimately, the value of a finance professional is not just in producing numbers but in using those numbers to help organisations make better decisions.”
Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy
Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.
ISCA supports over 46,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 2 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.
Accountant-General’s Department (AGD)
The Accountant-General’s Department (AGD) is a department under the Ministry of Finance (MOF). We support the Accountant-General in fulfilling her statutory duties under the Constitution, the Financial Procedure Act and other legislative statutes. We partner with MOF in making Singapore a better place through finance and closely cooperate with Government agencies to raise the capabilities of financial management in the Public Sector.
For more information, visit www.agd.gov.sg.
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. Rockpool pillagers face infringements soon
November 2, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
People who break new rules aimed at protecting rockpools in and around Auckland and Coromandel will face infringement fees from this month.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/02/rockpool-pillagers-face-infringements-soon/
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10. Global Data Ecosystem Conference in Shanghai Hears About Int’l Digital Cooperation, Data-AI Integration
November 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Under the theme of “Data Intelligence Connecting the World,” the conference also unveiled new initiatives and discussed efforts to boost the practical use of data technologies across various industries.
During the opening ceremony, the China Meteorological Administration introduced two key initiatives: The Shanghai Node for International Exchange of Earth System Data and Trusted Data Space for the Meteorological Industry. These achievements are expected to empower smart city development and support the high-quality growth of the digital economy.
In addition, the Working Group for the World Data Organization Maritime and Trade Digitization Specialized Committee was officially established. Building on Shanghai’s strengths in shipping and trade, the group is expected to support the smart upgrading of port and trade operations.
Song Xianrong, director of the International Data Governance Cooperation Department of the National Data Administration, and Wu Jianxiong, chairman of Shanghai Data Group, attended the launch ceremony.
The conference also officially launched the China-Kazakhstan Industrial Cooperation in Digital Economy initiative, through which the two countries will collaborate in areas including digital economy industry research, co-development of cross-border digital infrastructure, smart city construction, and the development of data factor markets.
Moreover, the conference held an awards ceremony for the Shanghai regional leg of the 2026 Data Elements × Competition (a national contest aimed at unlocking the multiplier effect of data as a production factor). The event in Shanghai covered 20 major categories, including meteorological services, manufacturing, financial services, green and low-carbon development, and healthcare, with 143 teams receiving awards. The winning projects will be supported in moving from the competition stage into real-world industrial applications.
The Token Industry Ecosystem Synergy Initiative was also unveiled by the National Data Development Research Institute, a research institute directly under China’s National Data Administration, and several leading companies across the industry chain. The initiative aims to advance the development of standards, evaluation, and practical application scenarios for the “token” sector, while forging new pathways for measuring, pricing, and circulating data — with the AI token as the unit of account — in the era of large AI models.
Experts Discuss Emerging Industry Trends
At the main forum, Sun Shengli, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered a speech on specialized data center architecture and sustainable ecology as well as the underlying support path for scientific data mining and utilization.
A representative from Kazakhstan shared the country’s experience in developing the digital economy, opening up new perspectives for digital cooperation with China. Joe Weinman, founder of the International Institute for Future Industries and a pioneer in AI economics, analyzed industry transformation driven by data.
Vincenzo Aquaro, Chief of the Digital Government Branch in UN DESA’s Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government, focused on the era of AI agents and shared cutting-edge research on the global development of digital government.
Wu Jianxiong, chairman of Shanghai Data Group, said the firm will build an open, shared, and mutually beneficial platform for communication, engage deeply in the reform of data as a factor of production, and work alongside industry partners to foster the coordinated development of data resources.
Technological and Industrial Innovations Unveiled
During the forum, a carbon footprint certification chain for recyclable materials was launched. By leveraging data capabilities, this system enables end-to-end traceability and management of recyclable materials, empowering the circular economy to scale up and standardize.
UniTrust, a trusted governance platform for AI agents developed by the Shanghai Electronic Certificate Authority Center, was also unveiled. The platform is intended to establish a foundational layer of digital trust to ensure the secure and reliable circulation of data factors.
In addition, the first batch of high-quality datasets from AIsaisi, a one-stop open community for AI-driven scientific research, was released, providing data resources to support cutting-edge scientific research and innovation.
The National Data Development Research Institute, Shanghai Data Group, and Shanghai Data Research Institute also jointly released a series of research findings on the integrated development of blockchain, data, and AI.
Hashtag: #GlobalDataEcosystemConference
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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