AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for November 5, 2026 – Full Text
1. General practice sends clear election message: invest more in primary care
November 4, 2026
Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)
General practice owners want the next Government to build on recent investment and direct a greater share of health spending into primary care, according to a new GenPro survey of political party health policies.
The survey of 132 general practice respondents found particularly strong support for policies that increase primary care funding, strengthen the health workforce, reduce administrative burdens and put greater emphasis on prevention.
GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers said the results reflected the experience of a sector that has endured several years of severe financial and workforce pressure but is now showing signs of stabilising.
“General practice has been through an extremely difficult period. There are now some encouraging signs but a lot more needs to be done, a fact thankfully recognised by most if not all the main political parties contesting the election,” Dr Chambers said.
The strongest feedback in the poll was for the Opportunity Party proposal to increase the proportion of Health New Zealand funding spent on primary care, supported by 93% of respondents. Its proposal to increase primary care funding from 5.7% to 10% of Health New Zealand’s budget received 89% support.
ACT’s proposed permanent $100 million annual increase in general practice funding was supported by 86%, while 71% backed streamlining registration processes for overseas-trained doctors.
Dr Chambers said the results showed strong support for making primary care a much greater priority within the health system.
“The message from general practice is remarkably consistent. New Zealand needs to invest more in primary care and give practices the resources and workforce they need to provide patients with timely, high-quality care.
“We have seen what can happen when government invests in general practice. The challenge for the next Government is to build on that progress,” Dr Chambers said.
“There are different ideas across the political spectrum about how to achieve that, but the strongest support is going to policies that strengthen the capacity and sustainability of primary care.”
Prevention also emerged as a strong theme. National’s proposal to lower the bowel screening age, free cervical screening, completing the extension of free breast screening to age 74 by 2029, and new lung and prostate cancer screening pilots were all well supported by general practices.
The Green Party’s proposal for greater emphasis on prevention and community-based healthcare drew 80% support, while the same proportion backed New Zealand First’s proposal to reduce administrative and compliance burdens on general practice.
There was also significant backing for innovation and new ways of delivering care. Labour’s proposed review of telehealth funding was supported by 77%, its digital innovation fund for primary care clinics by 71%, and low-interest loans to help younger doctors buy into general practices by 66%.
Respondents were more cautious about some proposals focused on expanding free access. Labour’s three free GP visits a year attracted 14% support, while the Green Party’s proposal for free and universal access to GP and other health services received 21% support.
“Accessibility and affordability matter enormously, but they need to go hand in hand with investment in the capacity of general practice,” Dr Chambers said.
“Ultimately, patients need to be able to get an appointment. That requires a sustainable network of practices, enough doctors and nurses, and funding that reflects the cost of providing care.”
When respondents were asked which party they would vote for based solely on health policy, the Opportunity Party was selected by 42%, followed by National on 19% and ACT on 13%. Labour and the Green Party each received 8%, New Zealand First 0.8%, while 9.1% selected undecided or none.
“This isn’t a prediction of the election result. What it does provide is a useful indication of which health policies resonate with people running general practices,” Dr Chambers said.
“Whoever forms the next Government, our message is straightforward: strengthening primary care is one of the best investments New Zealand can make in the future of its health system,” Dr Chamber said.
Back to index · Read original article
2. Funding for better connections in Kaikōura
November 4, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Locals and visitors will benefit from improved access in central Kaikōura, with the Government providing a grant of up to $500,000 from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for new facilities, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Tourism Minister Louise Upston say.
Kaikōura District Council will contribute $250,000 towards the $750,000 project, which will improve links between the West End, town centre, visitor facilities and the wider walking and cycling network, including the Whale Trail.
The project comprise a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across Lyell Creek and an extension of the West End car park
“Kaikōura is a tourism success story, and we need to make sure its infrastructure keeps pace. Better access around the town centre will improve the experience for visitors while making it easier for locals to get where they need to go,” Ms Upston says.
“Improving parking and walking and cycling links will make it easier to get around town and help local businesses make the most of the visitors Kaikōura attracts.”
The car park extension is expected to add around 60 spaces, alongside a new access road, footpath and recreational green space. The pedestrian and cycle bridge across Lyell Creek will provide a more direct link between the West End, town centre and wider walking and cycling network.
“This is exactly the sort of targeted regional infrastructure the Regional Infrastructure Fund is designed to support. It meets a practical local need and will make Kaikōura a better-connected place to live, visit and do business,” Mr Jones says.
The project will now progress through detailed design, costing, consenting and procurement before construction can begin.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/04/funding-for-better-connections-in-kaikoura/
Back to index · Read original article
3. September labour market data further proof of how badly the Luxon Government has mismanaged the economy NZCTU
November 4, 2026
Source: NZCTU
Data released today by Stats NZ shows how the Luxon Government has completely wrecked the job market.
“Since the Luxon Government took office, unemployment has increased from 4 percent to 5.7 percent, and the number of people unemployed has increased by 51,000,” says Sandra Grey, President, New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi.
The unemployment rate is now at its highest level since 2015, and there are more people unemployed than any time since 1993.
“Underutilisation has increased from 10.8 percent to 13.8 percent, with a record 438,000 people lacking work. The Luxon Government pledged to address the cost-of-living crisis, but you can’t do this by driving people into un- and under-employment,” says Grey.
“Long-term unemployment is at crisis levels. Over 72,000 people have been out of work for more than 6 months, up over 150 percent since 2023. People in long-term unemployment make up 43 percent of total unemployed, the highest this rate has been since 1995,” says Grey.
Luxon’s mismanagement has been devastating for Māori and Pasifika workers. Māori unemployment has increased to 11.1 percent and Pasifika unemployment to 11.8 percent. Underutilisation rates have climbed above 20 percent for both groups.
“The Luxon Government has delivered nothing but three years of pain for these communities,” says Grey.
“Since 2023 youth unemployment has increased from 10.3 percent to 17 percent, and the number of young people not in employment, education, or training has increased to 95,300, the highest number on record,” says Grey.
“Jobseeker numbers have skyrocketed under the Luxon Government. Compared to when Luxon took power, almost 31,000 more people are on Jobseeker Support, an increase of 16 percent. This is despite the Government making it increasingly hard for people to get welfare support when it’s needed,” says Grey.
“To make matters worse, real wages are going backwards on all measures. When adjusted for inflation, annual wage growth measured by the labour cost index fell 1.6 percent and average hourly earnings fell 0.8 percent. How are working families meant to make ends meet when their wages aren’t keeping up with prices?” says Grey.
“No matter what indicator you look at, things have just gotten worse. On many metrics, the job market is in a worse state than any time since the early 1990s. We’ve seen mismanagement of historic proportions from Luxon, and this has had devastating impacts on workers and their whānau right across the country,” says Grey.
New Zealand’s unemployment rate is well above the OECD average of 5 percent, and way above Australia’s rate of 4.6 percent. “Other countries have faced the same inflationary challenges, but have managed this without destroying their job markets,” says Grey.
“The numbers are crystal clear: the Luxon Government has failed the working people of New Zealand. It’s time to vote for change,” says Grey.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/04/september-labour-market-data-further-proof-of-how-badly-the-luxon-government-has-mismanaged-the-economy-nzctu/
Back to index · Read original article
4. Milford Tourism concession in place for summer
November 4, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A new concession agreement with Milford Sound Tourism Limited has now been signed – bringing certainty for the iconic tourism destination ahead of summer, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
The concession enables Milford Sound Tourism Limited (MSTL) to continue managing the Piopiotahi Milford Sound visitor terminal and Freshwater Basin carparks through to 2050.
“I’m pleased to announce the completion of this process ensuring the long-term operation of important visitor infrastructure in time to support a predicted record tourism season for Piopiotahi,” says Mr Potaka.
“September cruise boat passenger numbers show an 18% increase so far this financial year compared to last year.”
“Milford Sound Tourism Limited has operated in the area for several decades. It established a shareholder partnership with Ngāi Tahu in 2025 acknowledging the deep cultural significance of Piopiotahi Milford Sound.”
In December 2025 Minister Potaka decided to grant a long-term concession for the operation of key visitor infrastructure at Milford Sound Piopiotahi, subject to terms and conditions being negotiated over the following months.
“Since I made the decision to renew this concession in December last year, DOC has been in discussions with MSTL, Ngāi Tahu, and vessel operators to understand and, where possible, address concerns regarding the operation of the facilities by MSTL.
“Through this engagement DOC developed a set of terms and conditions that are workable and address key matters such as asset management, recognising cultural values, and ensuring robust health and safety and environmental compliance.
“The new concession will provide greater transparency around maintenance and investment plans, to ensure a high-quality visitor experience. It also establishes an operator forum to encourage more proactive and coordinated tourism operations.”
The decision builds on the Government’s wider commitment to conservation and tourism in the Milford corridor, including an $8.2 million investment from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
“This is an exciting time for tourism to Piopiotahi Milford Sound with a suite of DOC visitor upgrades also on track for summer,” Mr Potaka says.
“These include a new Chasm experience, a new swing bridge and track upgrades at Hinepipiwai Lake Marian Track, and a new recreational boat ramp and toilets at Deepwater Basin.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/04/milford-tourism-concession-in-place-for-summer/
Back to index · Read original article
5. Foxton wetland restoration backed by RIF
November 4, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The restoration and development of Piriharakeke, the river loop at Foxton, will be supported by a grant of up to $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
“Piriharakeke is a waterway of deep significance to local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa and the wider Foxton community,” Mr Jones says.
“Historically, Piriharakeke was an important mahinga kai where Māori gathered food and, later, a key transport corridor supporting the Port of Foxton.
“Over the past century, changes to the wider Manawatū River system have contributed to the decline of the river loop, degrading its environmental health and limiting community use.”
Proposed works to enhance the health of Piriharakeke include new walkways, jetties and boardwalks, improved access to the river, native planting, dredging, and other environmental improvements.
“This investment will help restore the health of the river, reconnect people with the awa, and create further opportunities for recreation, tourism and Māori enterprise while building on years of local effort to revitalise this important community asset,” Mr Jones says.
The project forms Phase 3 of a broader programme of Crown-supported investment in Foxton’s revitalisation over the past 10 years.
It will be delivered through a partnership involving Save Our River Trust, Ngāti Raukawa, Horowhenua District Council and other local stakeholders. Save Our River Trust will continue to play a governance role, while Horowhenua District Council will lead project delivery.
“By supporting the next phase of this project, we are helping restore a treasured local asset and leave lasting benefits for future generations,” Mr Jones says
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/04/foxton-wetland-restoration-backed-by-rif/
Back to index · Read original article
6. Geothermal exploration for Taranaki and Waikato
November 4, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Two Māori-led early exploration projects in Taranaki and South Waikato could unlock new geothermal opportunities beyond New Zealand’s established geothermal areas, supporting regional growth and making greater use of home-grown energy resources, Regional Development and Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
A project exploring low-temperature geothermal resources in Taranaki will receive a $3 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), while a further $2.95m grant will be used to explore the South Mangakino geothermal resource in Waikato.
“New Zealand has a long and successful history of geothermal development, primarily concentrated in the Taupō Volcanic Zone and Northland,” Mr Jones says.
“With our geology and world-class expertise, we are exceptionally well placed to make more of geothermal. Exploring more widely in places such as Taranaki and South Waikato will help build a better picture of our geothermal potential and where it could support future regional growth.
The Taranaki Geoheat Demonstrator project, led by Parininihi ki Waitōtara Incorporation, will drill two shallow test wells in the Matemateāonga Formation to improve our understanding of low-temperature geothermal heat and its potential for direct-use applications.
“Unlike the high-temperature resources traditionally associated with geothermal electricity generation, lower-temperature resources could potentially support a range of direct heat uses. Understanding where these resources exist and their characteristics is an important first step towards identifying future development and decarbonisation opportunities,” Mr Jones says.
At South Mangakino, geoscience investigations and a test well led by Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani Incorporation will explore a geothermal anomaly beneath their Māori freehold land and provide better information about the resource. Any future development will depend on what the exploration finds, alongside further investment and consenting.
“New exploration is only part of the picture. Our From the Ground Up geothermal strategy identified an opportunity to bring data together in one accessible national database. A further $3 million has been set aside from the RIF to progress this work.
“A geothermal database can pull together existing, but fragmented data to support a better understanding of geothermal resources, derisking exploration activity, and supporting development opportunities, promoting regional growth and energy resilience in areas with geothermal resources.
“Together, these initiatives are about more than finding new geothermal resources. They are about helping our regions turn what lies beneath our feet into investment, jobs and long-term economic opportunity.” Mr Jones says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/04/geothermal-exploration-for-taranaki-and-waikato/
Back to index · Read original article
7. Wairarapa grain storage set to benefit farmers
November 4, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Wairarapa farmers and allied contractors will reap the benefits of a $1.55 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the establishment of a new grain drying and storage facility in Carterton.
The loan will enable farmers to store up to 4000 tonnes of grain in the region instead of trucking it to Manawatu for storage, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says.
The creation of the facility will help support more than 300 workers across farming, transport, contracting and advisory services in the region.
“A large locally based facility will improve costs, efficiencies, and resilience for both grain producers and local farmers who rely on the grain for stock feed.
“Growers have had to store excess grain outside the region, which increases costs and reduces margins for both producers and contractors,.
“This has been compounded by rising diesel prices piling on the costs of transporting grain elsewhere for storage and then back again when needed. This investment restores essential infrastructure and keeps more value in Wairarapa.”
A scalable grain-drying and storage facility is more viable and affordable for Wairarapa growers than the storage, seed-cleaning and processing facilities initially proposed, Mr Patterson says.
“Wairarapa farmers will benefit from a new seed-cleaning and processing facility in central Hawke’s Bay that the Government is also supporting with a $3 million RIF loan.”
The funding is subject to the establishment of a grower-led company to build and run the facility, provision of at least $800,000 of grower equity, and suitable site, delivery, consenting and financial arrangements.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/04/wairarapa-grain-storage-set-to-benefit-farmers/
Back to index · Read original article
8. PSA takes Solicitor-General to ERA over rushed Crown Law restructure
November 3, 2026
Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi
The PSA has lodged legal proceedings in the Employment Relations Authority against Solicitor-General and Crown Law chief executive Anna Adams KC, over a rushed leadership restructure that breaches the collective agreement and the duty of good faith.
“The Solicitor-General is the Government’s chief law officer. She of all people should be following the rules, not ignoring them,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Crown Law staff were given just nine working days to respond to a 30-page proposal that redraws the agency’s leadership, breaks up its criminal team and changes how core constitutional work is done. Requests for more time were refused, even though many staff were in court or preparing for hearings.
“The Solicitor-General claims only four out of 200 staff are affected. That’s simply not credible. This is a significant organisational redesign that reshapes the work of most people at Crown Law, and the collective agreement requires genuine consultation before any decision is made. That hasn’t happened.
“It’s also disappointing that the Solicitor-General has declined to meet the PSA to discuss our concerns.”
The process has been marked by:
- the shortest consultation periods in the public sector in recent years (nine working days), with extensions refused
- feedback sessions cut from an hour to 30 minutes, moved online, and staff told to give feedback rather than ask questions
- an all-staff email from the Solicitor-General on the first day of consultation admonishing staff for the way they asked questions
- no mention of Māori staff in the proposal, despite collective agreement commitments to involve Māori employees in designing how the organisation works
- A PSA representative being ordered out of a staff meeting on 20 October by the CE, despite attending at members’ request.
“Throwing out the union representative workers asked to be there is a clear breach of good faith and of the partnership Crown Law has signed up to in its collective agreement,” said Fitzsimons.
“Staff have also raised serious concerns about prosecutorial independence. Spreading criminal work across several deputies, including those who represent ministers in court, risks undermining public confidence that prosecutions are independent of government. That deserves careful scrutiny, not a rush job.
“And all of this is being pushed through in the middle of an election campaign. There’s no good reason to rush changes to the Crown’s law office days before New Zealanders vote.”
The PSA is asking the Authority to:
- find that Crown Law has breached the collective agreement and the duty of good faith
- order Crown Law to meet its consultation and relationship obligations before any decision is made on the proposal.
The PSA has sought an urgent time-bound direction to mediation from the Authority and a priority hearing if the matter is not settled.
“We’re asking the Authority to hit pause so this is done properly. Crown Law staff do vital work upholding the rule of law for every New Zealander. They deserve to be heard,” said Fitzsimons.
Background on Crown Law change proposal
- Issued to staff on 13 October
- Was not shared before with PSA
- Main impact was disestablishing two Deputy Solicitor-General (DSG) roles (Office of the Attorney-General and Criminal) and replacing those roles with three new DSG roles (Law Officer and Cabinet; Government Legal System; and Prosecution Advocacy).
- DSG Prosecution Advocacy to be based in Auckland
- PSA says impact on staff “wide ranging and significant”
- Nine working days for staff feedback
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 boards and community groups.
Back to index · Read original article
9. Turning Aotearoa red for World AIDS Day – Burnett Foundation
November 3, 2026
Source: Burnett Foundation Aotearoa
People living with HIV, advocates, health professionals, community leaders, allies and representatives from across Parliament will come together across Aotearoa on 1 December for World AIDS Day. It is a moment to honour those we have lost, recognise the courage and resilience of those who have shaped our HIV response, and reaffirm our collective responsibility to build a future free from HIV stigma and preventable transmissions.
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa will host World AIDS Day events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington and Ōtautahi Christchurch under this year’s theme: Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.
- In Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, World AIDS Day commemorations will begin with the Red Ribbon Vogue Ball at Galatos on Saturday 28 November, followed by our flagship World AIDS Day Brunch at the Pullman Auckland on Tuesday 1 December. The brunch will bring together community members, sector leaders and supporters for reflection, conversation and connection, while the Red Ribbon Vogue Ball will celebrate the resilience, creativity and contributions of our communities. Across the city, iconic landmarks including the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower and Auckland War Memorial Museum will be illuminated in red in solidarity with people living with HIV and in remembrance of those we have lost. Burnett Foundation supporters will attempt to run, walk or ride between the Sky Tower and the museum in a show of support.
- In Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, the Foundation’s Āwhina centre will host a community breakfast from 7.30-9am on 1 December, reflecting on 40 years since the passing of the Homosexual Law Reform Act in 1986. Through personal stories and reflections, the gathering will acknowledge those who fought for change and consider the work still needed to advance equality, dignity and wellbeing.
- In Ōtautahi Christchurch from 5.30-7.30pm, the Foundation’s Te Toka centre will host an evening of storytelling, remembrance and community connection, honouring the lives and legacies of queer leaders whose courage helped shape the HIV response and advance homosexual law reform in Aotearoa.
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa Chief Executive Liz Gibbs says World AIDS Day remains an important moment to reflect on both progress and ongoing challenges.
“World AIDS Day is a chance to remember those we’ve lost, recognise the generations of people who fought for change, and celebrate how far we’ve come. But it’s also a reminder that progress didn’t happen by accident. It came through courage, community leadership, activism and sustained investment. We owe it to those who came before us, and those who will come after us, to keep moving forward.”
“Thanks to extraordinary advances in treatment and prevention, an HIV diagnosis today is very different from what it was 40 years ago. People living with HIV can live long, healthy lives, and someone on effective treatment who maintains an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV. Undetectable equals Untransmittable, or U=U, is one of the most important advances in our response, and one that everyone deserves to understand.”
Despite that progress, Gibbs says too many people continue to face barriers to testing, treatment and support. “Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to ending HIV transmissions. It can stop people from getting tested, seeking support or accessing the care they need. And for people living with HIV, stigma can have a profound impact on their wellbeing, relationships and sense of belonging. Ending HIV stigma isn’t just a health priority, it’s a matter of dignity, equity and human rights.”
This year’s World AIDS Day comes amid growing concern about the HIV outbreak in the Pacific, reinforcing the importance of sustained investment in prevention, testing, treatment and community-led responses across the region.
“The situation in Fiji is a powerful reminder that the gains we have made are neither guaranteed nor irreversible. We cannot afford complacency, whether here in Aotearoa or across our Pacific region.”
“Our response must be grounded in solidarity. That means supporting community-led organisations, sharing knowledge and ensuring people can access prevention, testing and treatment without fear or discrimination. The lessons from the HIV response are clear: when we invest in communities and evidence-based approaches, we save lives.”
As Aotearoa New Zealand looks towards the 2026 General Election and the next parliamentary term, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa is calling on political leaders across the spectrum to protect and strengthen investment in evidence-based HIV prevention and care. This includes equitable access to testing, prevention, specialist HIV services, treatment and community-led health promotion, alongside the sustained action needed to address stigma and inequities in health outcomes.
“We have the tools and the knowledge to make ending local HIV transmissions a reality. What we need now is the collective commitment to see that ambition through. Our goal of zero local HIV transmissions by 2030 is achievable, but it requires continued political leadership, investment and partnership with the communities most affected.”
“Rethink. Rebuild. Rise. is more than a theme. It’s a challenge to all of us to think differently about what’s possible, strengthen the systems and relationships that support our communities, and rise together to meet the challenges ahead.”
Forrester McKee, Services & Outreach Coordinator at Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, said World AIDS Day was not only about reflecting on the past, but also about considering the role everyone can play in shaping the future. “The future of HIV is not just about what science can achieve. It is about what we, as communities, choose to do with the knowledge, compassion and opportunities we have today.” said McKee.
“We have come too far to stand still. Our future must be one where people living with HIV are supported to thrive, where stigma has no place, and where ending local HIV transmissions is no longer an aspiration, but a reality. That’s the future we’re working towards, and it’s one we can achieve together.” Gibbs said.
Back to index · Read original article
10. Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum 2026 Grand Opening
November 5, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
- Cyberport Community Cumulative Funding Surpasses HK$74.5 Billion, Welcoming 19 Listed Companies and 2 Unicorns over the Past Year
- Cyberport Investors Network (CIN) Celebrates 9th Anniversary, Facilitating Over HK$6 Billion in Cumulative Funding
- Cyberport Signs MoUs with Gobi Partners and Thailand’s National Innovation Agency to Unlock Global Growth Corridors
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2026 – The annual flagship event Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum 2026 (CVCF) officially opened today at Hong Kong Cyberport. The two-day forum, themed “Scaling in a Changing World: Winning the Next Competitive Cycle”, brings together over 80 influential global venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to explore new frontiers in global venture trends, capital rerouting, Enterprise and Agentic AI, One-Person Companies (OPCs), digital assets, frontier technologies, and tokenisation economy, aiming to spotlight Hong Kong’s unique position as a strategic gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland, ASEAN, the Middle East, Central Asia and global innovation and funding networks. The forum also showcases the latest fundraising achievements of Cyberport start-ups.
The forum was inaugurated by Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry and Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, and other distinguished guests at the opening ceremony, marking the official start of this global forum.
Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said “Turning AI potential into sustainable growth requires more than technology. It also requires investment, business expertise and access to markets. This is where today’s forum can make a difference – bringing innovators and investors together to explore emerging technologies, support promising ventures and open doors to new opportunities. The HKSAR Government will continue to strengthen the support that helps promising ventures grow as well its investment to mobilise more private capital, consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology centre, and as a premier hub for AI.”
Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, said: “In a shifting global capital landscape, Hong Kong’s role as a ‘super-connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ between the Chinese Mainland and the world is more valuable than ever. The cross-border dialogue and partnerships forged here will create fresh opportunities for innovation, investment and collaboration.”
Cyberport Start-ups Show Robust Fundraising as AI and the Agentic Economy Take Centre Stage
Cyberport’s start-ups have demonstrated robust fundraising performance over the past year. Cyberport gathers over 2,400 companies, Cyberport start-ups have raised over HK$74.5 billion in funding. During the year, Cyberport proudly welcomed 19 listed companies and 2 unicorns to its community. Recent high-value fundraising rounds include Finloop, Qupital and Premialab, leverage AI, blockchain and digital assets — reflecting sustained market confidence in these emerging technologies and underscoring Cyberport’s success in fostering their development.
CIN Celebrates 9th Anniversary, Connecting Global Capital with High-Potential Start-ups
As Hong Kong’s digital tech hub, AI accelerator and key incubator, Cyberport actively connects global investors with start-ups through diverse funding channels.
The CIN 9th Anniversary Celebration commemorated a successful nine-year milestone while ushering in a new chapter of leadership, as the chairmanship passed from Hendrick Sin to John Ng. To honour this pivotal handover, Hendrick Sin, Hon. Duncan Chiu, and Cindy Chow were officially designated as Honorary Chairs of CIN in recognition of their distinguished contributions to the ecosystem.
Hendrick Sin, Honorary Chair of CIN; Co-Founder of CMGE Technology Group Limited; Chairman of China Prosperity Capital, stated in his video speech, “CIN has facilitated over HK$6 billion in investments across more than 130 projects since its inception, reflecting strong investor confidence in Cyberport companies. Looking ahead, we will strengthen the quality and depth of our deal flow, enhance structured capital partnerships to broaden access to funding at different growth stages, and deepen our relationships with CVCs, PE firms, family offices and LPs, further diversifying CIN’s investor network. Through these efforts, CIN will continue to connect promising companies with the right capital, expertise and networks needed to scale and succeed.
John Ng, Chairman of CIN, added in his speech, “I’m honoured to be appointed Chairman of CIN. The network has grown to nearly 250 investment firms, an achievement that reflects the tremendous efforts of Hendrick and the CIN team over the past years. Drawing on my background in corporate venture capital and family offices, one of my priorities will be to expand CIN’s network within these communities and take CIN into its next chapter.”
Another key financing channel, CMF, has invested in 30 start-up projects as of September 2026, with total investment including co-investments exceeding HK$2.7 billion and a co-investment ratio of over 1:9.3. Further augmenting ecosystem liquidity, Cyberport, BOCHK Asset Management and BOC Group Investment formed a strategic partnership in May 2026, as well as with Taiping Financial Holdings in Aug 2026 on venture capital funds to back promising Hong Kong I&T start-ups.
Strategic Partnerships to Unlock Global Growth Corridors
At the Forum, Cyberport signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), with Gobi Partners and with Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA), to solidify global corridors for cross-border expansion.
Cyberport and Gobi Partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in nurturing innovation and technology enterprises, facilitating market expansion and investment opportunities, and strengthening the innovation ecosystems of Hong Kong, Asia and the Middle East.
Building on a longstanding partnership, Gobi has invested in more than 24 Cyberport companies, including CMF co-investments. Witnessed by Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, and Chibo Tang, Managing Partner, GBA Team of Gobi Partners, the MoU was signed by Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport, and Fred Li, Managing Director, GBA Team of Gobi Partners.
Meanwhile, Cyberport and Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA) signed an MoU to promote cross-border innovation collaboration, startup development and knowledge exchange in AI, smart city and other digital technologies. It will cover soft-landing and market expansion, business matching, innovation programmes and community engagement, joint events, and proof-of-concept and pilot opportunities. The MoU was witnessed by Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, and Preechaya Panyakrua, Innovation Counsellor of NIA, and signed by Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport, and Dr Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA.
Decoding the New Playbook for Scaling in the Age of AI
This year’s CVCF programme is organised around three umbrella themes: Mega Trends & AI Frontiers, Regional Market Focus & Global Corridors, and Market Focus & Strategic Capital Dynamics.
Opening the main stage, Mahesh Krishnaswamy, Founder and CEO of Taara, delivered the keynote “The Innovation Playbook: Capitalizing on Moonshots and Faster Cycles in the Age of AI”, sharing how Taara evolved from a radical moonshot into a real-world high-speed optical communications solution — a timely lens on compressed innovation cycles and how breakthrough technology scales.
The forum also brought together venture capital leaders from Gobi Partners, Alumni Ventures, Rasmal Ventures, Primavera Capital, Draper Dragon, Pegasus Tech Ventures, Plug & Play and more to examine AI-driven capital shifts, high-growth corridors across the Middle East, ASEAN and the Greater Bay Area, and how public-private and corporate strategic capital can accelerate tech scale-ups.
Beyond the thought leadership sessions, the event further reinforced Cyberport’s role in connecting capital, innovation and global market opportunities. It also provided a dynamic platform for business matching and startup empowerment. This year’s Founder Pitch attracted strong interest from local and international venture capital firms, enabling startups from early-stage innovators to high-growth scale-ups to present their cutting-edge solutions to investors and ecosystem partners.
Throughout the first day, the event floor featured tailored Investor Matching sessions, dynamic Innovator Showcases featuring elite, high-potential startups across key tech sectors from local and global partner networks, and dedicated Startup Clinics offering practical strategic guidance. Coupled with engaging networking exchanges, Day one concluded on a positive note, reinforcing Cyberport’s ongoing role in connecting capital, innovation, and global market opportunities.
Day two will feature the CVCF’s spotlight event “Agentic Economy Summit”, themed “Intelligent Frontiers, Tokenised Horizons”, featuring a keynote address by Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and will explore how agentic AI is reshaping business and how digital assets are redefining the way value moves. The summit will examine digital identity, institutional tokenisation, HKD stablecoins, programmable payments and machine-to-machine commerce, alongside the rise of OPCs. Day two also features hands-on startup workshops designed to equip founders with practical playbooks for pitch mastery and market scaling.
For more information on Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum 2026 and the speaker line-up, please visit http://cvcf.cyberport.hk/.
Hashtag: #Cyberport
About Hong Kong Cyberport
Cyberport, with Hong Kong’s largest AI Supercomputing Centre and AI Lab as the engine, has been building the AI ecosystem with industry-leading AI companies and over 500 AI and data science start-ups. Through development of tech clusters, namely AI, data science, blockchain and cybersecurity, Cyberport empowers industries across smart city and government, banking and finance, digital entertainment, culture and tourism, healthcare, education and training, property management, construction, transportation and logistics, green environment and more, while hosting Hong Kong’s largest FinTech community. Commissioned by the HKSAR Government, Cyberport has implemented proof-of-concept and sandbox schemes, subsidisation for digital tech adoption, industry tech training and start-up incubation, to drive technology R&D, translation and commercialisation, thus propelling digital transformation and intelligent upgrade across industry and society.
Also as “State-level Scientific and Technological Enterprise Incubator” and Hong Kong’s key incubator, Cyberport supports entrepreneurs with funding and office space, extensive networks of enterprises, investors, technology corporations and professional services for business growth and expansion to Chinese Mainland and overseas markets, all-round facilitation for landing in Hong Kong, talent attraction and cultivation, ready as a launchpad to take start-ups in any stages of development to the next level.
For more information, please visit https://www.cyberport.hk/en.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Back to index · Read original article