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AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 8, 2026 – Full Text

June 8, 2026

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AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 8, 2026 – Full Text

AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 8, 2026 – Full Text

Generated June 8, 2026 06:00 NZST · Included sources: 10

1. Solomon Islands PM to visit New Zealand

June 7, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will visit New Zealand this week for talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

“It’s only been a few weeks since Mr Wale became Prime Minister, so I’m pleased to welcome him to New Zealand so soon,” Mr Luxon says. “Solomon Islands is an important partner for us, and a country I enjoyed visiting last year.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will visit New Zealand this week for talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

“It’s only been a few weeks since Mr Wale became Prime Minister, so I’m pleased to welcome him to New Zealand so soon,” Mr Luxon says. “Solomon Islands is an important partner for us, and a country I enjoyed visiting last year.”

“I’m looking forward to hearing Prime Minister Wale’s priorities and finding ways we can work more closely together.”

New Zealand has a longstanding partnership with Solomon Islands covering education, economic development, fisheries and policing.

Prime Minister Wale will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela and Education Minister Stephen Kumi. He will also meet Foreign Minister Winston Peters and spend time with the Solomon Islands community in New Zealand.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/07/solomon-islands-pm-to-visit-new-zealand/

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2. Polls – New poll shows public know Holidays Act changes favour employers over workers – PSA

June 7, 2026

MIL OSI

Source: PSA

– 41% say the changes will benefit employers more. Only 11% say workers will benefit more.
– Among part-time workers, those hit hardest by this Bill, just 10% think the changes will help them. 45% say it helps employers.
– Two in three New Zealanders (66%) say workers whose pay varies week to week should receive the same pay on holiday leave as in a typical working week.
New Zealanders can see through the Government’s spin on the latest attack on workers’ rights with a new poll showing the public knows the overhaul of the Holidays Act is taking leave off workers, particularly part-time workers.
“The public overwhelmingly believes the Government’s changes to holidays and sick leave under the Employment Leave Bill will benefit employers, not workers,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
Part-time workers, those working variable hours, sales reps earning commission, health workers and others working beyond contracted hours regularly, bear the brunt of these changes in the bill now before a select committee. 
“Far from simplifying the Holidays Act as the Government claims, this Bill sets out to cut the leave of workers, How is that fair?
“This all fits the Government’s pattern of relentlessly attacking the rights of workers at every step over the past two years. This government is the most anti-worker Government that New Zealand has ever seen.
“On top of gutting pay equity, cancelling equal pay claims, it’s reinstated 90-day trials, upended personal grievance processes so workers can be fired at will, suppressed minimum wage rises, and is also trying to undermine their health and safety in the workplace.
“All this is happening to suit ACT’s anti-worker agenda.
“National is standing idly by allowing this latest erosion of rights to happen, while NZ First, so often banging the drum that it is the true party of workers, refuses to walk its talk yet again. It’s a disgrace.
“We call on National and NZ First to stop the Employment Leave Bill from progressing, no political party should cut the pay of workers during a cost of living crisis.”
Public services suffering
The same survey also found 39% of New Zealanders say public services have got worse since the Government came to office in 2023. Only 25% say they have got better.
“When you cut the workforce, services suffer and New Zealanders see it every day. This is not an accident. It is a choice. And this was all before the Government decision to axe one in seven workers, or 8,700 across the country by 2029,” said Fitzsimons.
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.

MIL OSI

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3. Life-changing cancer care closer to home in Northland

June 4, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction of the new radiation oncology service at Whangārei Hospital is now complete, bringing cancer treatment closer to home for Northlanders, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This is a significant milestone for Northland and a major step forward for cancer care in the region,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction of the new radiation oncology service at Whangārei Hospital is now complete, bringing cancer treatment closer to home for Northlanders, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This is a significant milestone for Northland and a major step forward for cancer care in the region,” Mr Brown says.

“Right now, many Northlanders face lengthy journeys to Auckland for radiation treatment, with return journeys ranging from 320 to 620 kilometres between Whangārei and Kaitaia. Cancer treatment is challenging enough without the added burden of spending hours on the road, away from family and the comforts of home.

“Once the service opens, most patients will be able to receive treatment in Whangārei, reducing travel and allowing them to spend more time with their families and support networks.”

Currently, around 450 people travel to Auckland annually for radiation treatment. With the new facility, 80 per cent of those patients will be able to receive treatment in Whangārei, with those requiring more complex care continuing to access specialist services in Auckland when needed. The service is expected to treat around 370 patients each year initially, with capacity to grow over time.

“At the heart of the $60.9 million service is Northland’s first Linear Accelerator (LINAC), enabling local delivery of radiation therapy for the first time. This technology precisely targets cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, improving both treatment outcomes and patient comfort.”

The radiation oncology service is a key component of the Whangārei Hospital Master Plan and includes:

  • a bunker for the LINAC
  • a second bunker to allow for a future LINAC as demand grows
  • a radiation oncology planning CT scanner
  • an expansion of the Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre with four additional chemotherapy chairs.

The service will be supported by a dedicated team of approximately 35 staff, including 26 new positions. From 2027, it will also become a training placement site for radiation therapists, helping to build a sustainable local workforce.

Mr Brown says the investment is about making it easier for people to access the care they need, closer to home, a project that has been championed by Whangārei MP Hon Dr Shane Reti. 

“The additional radiation treatment capacity will support more timely access to cancer care for Northlanders while helping reduce pressure on existing services in Auckland. 

“We are focused on building the future of cancer care in Northland, ensuring patients and their communities have access to quality, modern treatment – now and for many years to come.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/04/life-changing-cancer-care-closer-to-home-in-northland/

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4. Economy – Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the ten months ended 30 April 2026 – NZ Treasury

June 4, 2026

The interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the ten months ended 30 April 2026 were released by the Treasury today. The April results are reported against forecasts based on theBudget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU 2026), published on 28 May 2026, and the results for the same period for the previous year.

Overall, the key fiscal indicators for the ten months ended 30 April 2026 were stronger than forecast. The operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx) showed a deficit of $6.0 billion, which was $3.2 billion smaller than forecast. Net core Crown debt was $1.6 billion lower than forecast, at $190.3 billion or 42.8% of GDP.

Core Crown tax revenue at $103.9 billion, was $1.8 billion (1.8%) higher than forecast. The variance predominantly reflects higher-than-forecast corporate and other individuals’ tax revenue owing to stronger-than-forecast provisional tax revenue. In addition, GST and source deductions revenue were also slightly stronger than forecast.

New Zealand Treasury

The interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the ten months ended 30 April 2026 were released by the Treasury today. The April results are reported against forecasts based on theBudget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU 2026), published on 28 May 2026, and the results for the same period for the previous year.

Overall, the key fiscal indicators for the ten months ended 30 April 2026 were stronger than forecast. The operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx) showed a deficit of $6.0 billion, which was $3.2 billion smaller than forecast. Net core Crown debt was $1.6 billion lower than forecast, at $190.3 billion or 42.8% of GDP.

Core Crown tax revenue at $103.9 billion, was $1.8 billion (1.8%) higher than forecast. The variance predominantly reflects higher-than-forecast corporate and other individuals’ tax revenue owing to stronger-than-forecast provisional tax revenue. In addition, GST and source deductions revenue were also slightly stronger than forecast.

Core Crown expenses, at $119.7 billion, were broadly in line with forecast. The small variance of $0.2 billion (0.2%) was spread across a range of functional classifications, including core government services, economic and industrial services, law and order and primary services.

The OBEGALx deficit was $6.0 billion, $3.2 billion smaller than forecast reflecting core Crown results noted above and the favourable results of State‑Owned Enterprises. When including the revenue and expenses of ACC, the OBEGAL deficit was $3.5 billion smaller than the forecast deficit at $8.8 billion.

The operating balance was a deficit of $0.3 billion, compared to a forecast deficit of $2.4 billion. This mainly reflects the favourable OBEGAL variance mentioned above, partially offset by weaker-than-forecast net gains on financial instruments of $8.2 billion, which came in $1.7 billion lower than the forecast.

The core Crown residual cash deficit of $7.5 billion was $0.7 billion smaller than forecast. Net core Crown operating cash outflows and capital cash outflows were $0.4 billion and $0.3 billion lower than forecast, respectively.

Net core Crown debt at $190.3 billion (42.8% of GDP) was $1.6 billion lower than forecast. This variance was partly driven by the smaller‑than‑forecast core Crown residual cash deficit mentioned above. In addition, issued currency was $0.7 billion higher than forecast.

Gross debt at $228.4 billion (51.3% of GDP) was higher than forecast by $3.0 billion (1.3%). This primarily reflected higher-than-forecast issuances of Euro Commercial Paper driven by short-term cash requirements, along with higher-than-forecast cross-currency derivatives in loss at 30 April 2026.

Net worth attributable to the Crown at $179.9 billion (40.4% of GDP) was $2.7 billion higher than forecast. This reflected the stronger-than-forecast operating balance result along with higher-than-expected property, plant and equipment valuation movements.


  

  Year to date Full Year
April
2026
Actual1
$m		 April
2026
BEFU 2026
Forecast1
$m		 Variance2
BEFU 2026
$m		 Variance
BEFU 2026
%		 June
2026
BEFU 2026
Forecast3
$m
Core Crown tax revenue 103,914 102,071 1,843 1.8 124,807
Core Crown revenue 114,463 112,124 2,339 2.1 137,235
Core Crown expenses 119,710 119,954 244 0.2 147,239
Core Crown residual cash (7,544) (8,289) 745 9.0 (9,314)
Net core Crown debt4 190,274 191,918 1,644 0.9 191,761
          as a percentage of GDP 42.8% 43.1%     42.4%
Gross debt 228,380 225,378 (3,001) (1.3) 223,761
          as a percentage of GDP 51.3% 50.7%     49.5%
OBEGAL excluding ACC (OBEGALx) (6,018) (9,246) 3,228 34.9 (11,937)
OBEGAL (8,803) (12,269) 3,466 28.3 (15,058)
Operating balance (excluding minority interests) (329) (2,361) 2,032 86.1 (4,137)
Net worth attributable to the Crown 179,859 177,201 2,658 1.5 175,459
          as a percentage of GDP 40.4% 39.8%     38.8%
  1. Using the most recently published GDP (for the year ended 31 December 2025) of $444,821 million (Source: Stats NZ).
  2. Favourable variances against forecast have a positive sign and unfavourable variances against forecast have a negative sign.
  3. Using BEFU 2026 forecast GDP for the year ending 30 June 2026 of $452,159 million (Source: The Treasury).
  4. Net core Crown debt excludes the NZS Fund and core Crown advances. Net core Crown debt may fluctuate during the year largely reflecting the timing of tax receipts.

MIL OSI

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5. Green SM launches Green SM Limo, a fully electric taxi service in India

June 5, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

NEW DELHI, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – Green SM officially launched Green SM Limo in New Delhi today, marking the company’s entry into India, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic mobility markets. With this milestone, India becomes Green SM’s fifth international market, following Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Green SM leaders, joined by representatives from Indian government agencies, the Vietnamese Embassy in India, and distinguished guests, ceremonially pressed the launch button to officially mark the debut of Green SM’s fully electric taxi services in India.

Source: Media Outreach

NEW DELHI, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – Green SM officially launched Green SM Limo in New Delhi today, marking the company’s entry into India, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic mobility markets. With this milestone, India becomes Green SM’s fifth international market, following Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Green SM leaders, joined by representatives from Indian government agencies, the Vietnamese Embassy in India, and distinguished guests, ceremonially pressed the launch button to officially mark the debut of Green SM’s fully electric taxi services in India.

The launch ceremony took place in New Delhi with the attendance of Shri Rao Narbir Singh – Honorable Minister for Industries & Commerce; Environment, Forest & Wildlife; Foreign Cooperation; and Sainik & Ardh Sainik Welfare; Government of Haryana, Dr. Virinder Sharma – Vice President Commission for Air Quality Management, along with representatives from Indian government agencies, the Embassy of Vietnam in India, and strategic partners across automotive, transportation, energy, finance, technology, infrastructure, and services.

The launch, held on World Environment Day, adds symbolic meaning to Green SM’s arrival in India, reflecting the company’s vision of making cleaner mobility an essential part of everyday urban life. By entering the Indian market, Green SM aims to offer people a safe, reliable, and high-quality mobility choice, while creating more employment and career development opportunities for local drivers. With its fully electric operating model, Green SM is also committed to working alongside local partners and communities to promote modern, environmentally friendly transport solutions and contribute to sustainable development.

In the first phase, Green SM will operate Green SM Limo in key areas of the Delhi National Capital Region, with plans to expand its service coverage in stages to meet growing customer demand. Green SM Limo operates the VinFast Limo Green, a seven-seater fully electric SUV developed specifically for high-quality passenger transportation services. With its spacious cabin, smooth performance, and zero tailpipe emissions, Green SM Limo is designed to serve a wide range of mobility needs, from daily commuting and family trips to business meetings and airport transfers.

Each vehicle is equipped with drinking water, wet tissues, and essential amenities to bring passengers a more comfortable journey. Green SM Limo vehicles are also fitted with the Secure-to-Safe safety system, which includes interior and exterior cameras, AI-powered technology, and emergency support buttons for both drivers and passengers.

Behind every Green SM Limo journey is a team of professionally-trained Green Drivers. They are trained in electric vehicle operations, road safety, and customer service skills. Each Green Driver represents Green SM’s values of safety, dedication, professionalism, honesty, and responsibility in every ride.

“Ride 5 Star” is Green SM Limo’s service commitment, built on vehicle quality, safety standards, driver professionalism, and customer experience. It reflects Green SM’s promise to take care of each journey from the smallest details, so every ride can feel more comfortable, secure, and memorable.

Customers in India can book Green SM Limo through the Green SM app, available on the App Store and Google Play, contact the hotline, or hail a vehicle directly in Green SM operating areas. To celebrate the launch, from June 5 to June 11, Green SM is offering a promotion of 50%, up to INR 250, for customers booking rides through the app.

At the launch, Green SM also welcomed five local partners from mobility, travel, technology, and service sectors to join the Green Alliance Frontier. This global platform connects pioneering green businesses that share a commitment to sustainable development. The initiative creates opportunities for cooperation, encourages innovation, and supports green transformation across markets.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, GSM Global CEO, said: “India is one of the most important mobility markets in the world. Its scale, rapid growth, and strong spirit of innovation are opening up many opportunities for the future of green transportation. We come to India with respect for the market, confidence in its long-term potential, and a commitment to working closely with local partners. Green SM hopes to bring high-quality fully electric rides to customers, while contributing to broader access to safe, reliable, and more sustainable mobility choices. We believe trust is the most important foundation for long-term growth. This is also what Green SM hopes to build with customers, partners, and communities in India in the years ahead.”

The launch of Green SM Limo in India further expands Green SM’s international footprint and brings its fully electric mobility model, together with service standards developed and tested across multiple markets, to customers in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

Established in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM currently operates its green mobility ecosystem in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India. With a fully electric fleet, a professional Green Driver team, and consistent service standards across markets, the company is steadily working toward its goal of bringing high-quality mobility experiences to more customers around the world.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

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6. Consultation on developing a specified prescription medicines list for designated paramedic prescribers

June 6, 2026

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health is inviting submissions on a proposed list of prescription medicines for designated paramedic prescribers.  

This follows approval by the Government of a proposal to grant designated prescribing authority to paramedics under the Medicines Act 1981. 

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:
6 June 2026

The Ministry of Health is inviting submissions on a proposed list of prescription medicines for designated paramedic prescribers.  

This follows approval by the Government of a proposal to grant designated prescribing authority to paramedics under the Medicines Act 1981. 

Designated prescribing authority is the legal framework used by non-medical prescribers, such as dietitian prescribers, registered nurse prescribers, pharmacist prescribers, and podiatrist prescribers.  

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/06/consultation-on-developing-a-specified-prescription-medicines-list-for-designated-paramedic-prescribers/

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7. Registration Now Open for Free Public Admission to Fifth Hong Kong Science Fair

June 5, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

Since its launch in 2021, the Science Fair has attracted participation from over 400 local schools, engaging nearly 9,000 students and teachers from Primary 4 to Secondary 6. To date, more than 2,200 creative invention submissions have been received, and the event has established itself as a key platform for youth I&T exchange.

Following Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Dr Lai Ka-ying, into space, the local innovation and technology ecosystem has attracted even greater attention. This year’s Science Fair has specially incorporated aerospace engineering elements, enabling the public to learn about the daily work and challenges of payload specialists, gain insight into the reality of aerospace research and development, and spark greater interest among young people in space exploration. Dr Lai launched aboard the Shenzhou-23 manned spacecraft and is expected to remain in space for approximately six months to conduct space science experiments and maintenance tasks. Visitors can express their support and encouragement by creating message cards for her. In addition, UBTECH Robotics, a globally leading enterprise in embodied AI robotics, will participate in the exhibition, showcasing multiple humanoid robots and offering visitors the opportunity to experience the appeal of embodied intelligence up close.

Source: Media Outreach

Over five years, nearly 9,000 teachers and students have participated in the Fair to drive youth engagement in innovation and technology

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 June 2026 – Organised by the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation (‘HKIF’), the Fifth Hong Kong Science Fair (‘Science Fair’) will take place from 27 to 28 June 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will showcase around 120 shortlisted teams from primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong, presenting creative inventions that integrate artificial intelligence with a diverse range of technology applications. With Sino Group as Principal Patron, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR Government (ITIB) as the Supporting Bureau, and the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (HKCTC) as Strategic Partner, HKIF is also honoured to have, for the first time, invited the Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology in China as an Advisory Organisation. Representatives from the Foundation will attend the award ceremony to witness the announcement of this year’s winning teams. Consistently a major draw for the community, the Science Fair is now open for online registration with free admission, and the public is warmly invited to attend in person.

Since its launch in 2021, the Science Fair has attracted participation from over 400 local schools, engaging nearly 9,000 students and teachers from Primary 4 to Secondary 6. To date, more than 2,200 creative invention submissions have been received, and the event has established itself as a key platform for youth I&T exchange.

Following Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Dr Lai Ka-ying, into space, the local innovation and technology ecosystem has attracted even greater attention. This year’s Science Fair has specially incorporated aerospace engineering elements, enabling the public to learn about the daily work and challenges of payload specialists, gain insight into the reality of aerospace research and development, and spark greater interest among young people in space exploration. Dr Lai launched aboard the Shenzhou-23 manned spacecraft and is expected to remain in space for approximately six months to conduct space science experiments and maintenance tasks. Visitors can express their support and encouragement by creating message cards for her. In addition, UBTECH Robotics, a globally leading enterprise in embodied AI robotics, will participate in the exhibition, showcasing multiple humanoid robots and offering visitors the opportunity to experience the appeal of embodied intelligence up close.

Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, stated: ‘The Hong Kong SAR Government is fully committed to developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, with talent being a key driver of this growth. Now in its fifth edition, the Hong Kong Science Fair – organised by the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation – has become an annual flagship I&T education event. It offers students a valuable platform to turn their innovative ideas into practice, deepen their interest and confidence in I&T, and help bring I&T into schools and the wider community, thereby fostering a more innovation-friendly atmosphere. I look forward to seeing more young people unleash their potential through this platform, pursue careers in I&T, and contribute to the high-quality development of Hong Kong and our nation.’

Mr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation and Chairman of Sino Group, said ‘Innovation and technology are key to Hong Kong’s long-term sustainable development and are integral to the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan. It is vital for Hong Kong to strengthen its I&T capabilities and actively contribute to national development, as underscored by the historic moment when Dr Lai Ka-ying became Hong Kong’s first astronaut. We are encouraged to see growing recognition of I&T opening up new opportunities for young people aspiring to pursue scientific research. As the Hong Kong Science Fair enters its fifth edition, its growth has been made possible by the support of the HKSAR Government, industry partners, tertiary institutions, research organisations, and our panels of judges. This year, we are grateful for the guidance and support of the Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology in China. Moving forward, the Science Fair will remain committed to nurturing talent from an early age, bringing together all sectors to promote I&T and inspire more young people to pursue careers in science and technology.’

Professor Anderson Shum, MH, Chairman of Judging Panel, Hong Kong Science Fair, President of The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, said, ‘The Science Fair adopts the format of “integrating competition with exhibition,” enabling students to translate their learning into tangible and verifiable outcomes. This plays an important role in nurturing Hong Kong’s youth I&T ecosystem. I am delighted to have served as a judge for this major event over the years, witnessing students progressively enhance their presentation skills, build confidence, and broaden their horizons through exchanges with experts, participation in workshops and showcasing their work to the public. The standard of participating projects continues to improve each year, with increasing integration of artificial intelligence and diverse technological applications across different fields. Scientific research is a journey that demands passion and perseverance, and the growth of young scientists often begins with curiosity during their primary and secondary school years. Through these exchanges, we hope to leverage the role-model influence of young scientists, inspiring more students to pursue I&T as their lifelong career. I look forward to seeing our younger generation continue to grow and excel in scientific research and innovation, and officially join the community of scientists in the near future to jointly drive Hong Kong’s I&T development.’

Mr Michael Tam, Chief Brand Officer of UBTECH, said, ‘Humanoid robots are among the most promising real-world embodiments of artificial intelligence, reflecting a future in which intelligent systems are deeply integrated with the physical world. As a global pioneer in humanoid robotics, UBTECH has remained at the forefront of innovation for more than 14 years, with a long-standing commitment to I&T education. The company is dedicated to translating advanced technologies into practical, accessible educational resources. Through collaboration with like-minded partners such as the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, we aim to inspire greater interest and engagement among both teachers and students in humanoid robotics and artificial intelligence. We are committed to supporting the development of Hong Kong’s I&T education ecosystem, helping to nurture future-ready talent and build a strong, sustainable foundation for long-term growth.’

Since its launch in 2021, the Science Fair has attracted participation from over 400 local schools, engaging nearly 9,000 Primary 4 to Secondary 6 students and their teachers. To date, more than 2,200 creative invention submissions have been received and total attendance has exceeded 120,000 visitors. The Science Fair has gradually established itself as a key platform for youth innovation and technology (‘I&T’) exchange and one of Hong Kong’s most representative I&T education initiatives. This year’s response has been enthusiastic, with over 500 project submissions received. Following preliminary judging, around 120 shortlisted teams took part in a series of workshops and mentorship sessions, and will present their projects at the exhibition in late June to compete for top awards. Gold award-winning teams from each category will have the opportunity to participate in the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in Switzerland, fostering idea exchange with global I&T talents.

The Hong Kong Science Fair draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. During the exhibition period, the venue will be transformed into a catalyst for city-wide I&T inspiration. In addition to student showcases, five interactive zones will offer hands-on experiences, including DIY bubble bath bomb workshops, freezer-free slushie making, themed games celebrating the Science Fair’s fifth anniversary, and modified remote-controlled cars made from upcycled household appliances, allowing visitors of all ages to explore science and innovation through engaging and enjoyable activities.

  • Bulu Bulu Bubble Factory: Blending science with sensory experiences, visitors can mix and mould from scratch to create a delightful ‘bathroom blind box’.
  • Shake Shake Ice Factory: Applying the principle of freezing point depression, participants will see how temperature can be rapidly lowered using only salt, ice and water to create personalised slushies — all without a freezer.
  • Scan2Play: Scan the QR Code on your phone to join the themed game celebrating the Hong Kong Science Fair’s Fifth Anniversary.
  • Racing Homey Kart 2.0: Showcasing the spirit of upcycling and upgrades, visitors can transform old, small household appliances into remote-controlled racing cars and compete on a dedicated track.
  • UBTECH Robotics Base: Featuring a wide range of robots, this zone provides a comprehensive showcase of the integration of artificial intelligence with mechanical engineering.

To celebrate the Science Fair’s fifth edition, various special experiences will be introduced. The venue will feature a hidden Science Fair character treasure hunt and check-in activity, through which visitors can redeem curated gifts upon completion. Limited-edition souvenirs, including the ‘HKSF-5 Metal Standee Collection’ and the ‘Special Edition Robo K’ blind boxes, will also be available in limited quantities. All proceeds from the HKSF Bazaar, with no deduction, will go directly to charity to support local community technology initiatives.

The Fifth Hong Kong Science Fair Details:

  • Date: 27 to 28 June 2026 (Saturday and Sunday)
  • Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 3FG
  • Admission: Free of Charge (Pre-registration online is required)
  • Registration Website: https://reghksciencefair.org.hk/public

Photos download: https://shorturl.at/mgawb

Hashtag: #HKIF #ScienceFair

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

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8. Health Provision – Disability data gaps leave health inequities hidden, new report finds

June 5, 2026

MIL OSI

Source: Health Quality and Safety Commission Te Tāhū Hauora

A significant gap in New Zealand’s health data is making widespread inequities for disabled people invisible, according to a new report released Friday June 5 by the Health Quality and Safety Commission Te Tāhū Hauora (the Commission).
According to the 2023 Household Disability Survey, disabled people make up around one in six New Zealanders.
A Window on Disability report finds that disability is largely invisible in national health data, meaning the health system has limited ability to identify, measure or address the health needs and inequities experienced by more than 850,000 disabled New Zealanders.
For example, while everyone who uses the health system is assigned a National Health Index (NHI) number, the NHI record does not capture whether a person is disabled or what support they may need.
Despite these limitations, the report uses new data analysis techniques to connect existing datasets and, for the first time, build a national picture of disabled people’s experiences of health care quality and safety.
What emerges is a clear pattern of systemic barriers and poorer health outcomes across the lifetimes of disabled people. These include:
  • maternity care: disabled people are less likely to enrol with a lead maternity carer and have higher rates of pre-term birth
  • children and youth: services are generally responsive in early years, but the transition to adult care is a significant pressure point where connections between services begin to fragment and disparities in health outcomes between disabled and non-disabled people widen
  • adults: disabled people face barriers to accessing primary care, contributing to higher emergency department use and increased rates of cancer, diabetes, post-operative complications, poor oral health, and mental health conditions
  • older adults: a growing group of people with age-related disabilities is emerging, but their needs are not well distinguished in current data.
The compounding impacts throughout disabled people’s lifetimes build and result in the Window’s stark finding that disabled people die from treatable conditions at five times the rate of non-disabled people. This rises to 10 times for Māori disabled people.
Professor Sunny Collings, Chief Executive of the Commission, says the findings highlight both the impact of inequities and the risks of data gaps on disabled people’s health outcomes.
“Disabled people have long reported barriers in the health system, but until now, those experiences haven’t been visible in national level data.
“A Window on Disability shows what becomes possible when we start to connect the data, but also how much is still missing”.
Improving disability data collection is critical. The report identified a good first step is to commit to, and fully resource, the mandatory inclusion of standardised disability identification questions across all existing and future health data collection processes.
Professor Collings says “reliable, good quality data is essential to understanding where in the health system we need to focus our efforts to improve health outcomes for disabled people”.
A Window on Disability is released on the same day as the Health and Disability Commissioner’s report ‘Disabled people’s | Tangata whaikaha experiences of health services’ which states that about 25 percent of complaints it receives are about care provided to disabled people.
Background
A Window on Disability was developed in a partnership between the Health Quality & Safety Commission Te Tāhū Hauora, researchers from the Donald Beasley Institute, and data analytics group Nicholson Consulting.
The Window combines disabled-led research and disability community engagement with advanced Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) data analytics.
The Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) is a large research database managed by Statistics NZ. It holds de-identified microdata about people and households that comes from government agencies, Statistics NZ surveys, and non-government organisations (NGOs).

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9. Greenpeace – Seamount closures for world’s largest orange roughy fishery as population plummets

June 5, 2026

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Source: Greenpeace

The New Zealand Government has announced temporary seamount closures in the world’s largest orange roughy fishery, following news that deep sea fish numbers are plummeting. The closures, set for six weeks, will mean that several seamounts will be off limits to bottom trawling. But environmentalists say the closures don’t go far enough.
Greenpeace says while it’s pleased to see the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries finally recognise seamount protection as vital, they add that permanent protection of these ecosystems is what’s required to protect fish populations and vulnerable coral habitats.
“It’s great that the penny has finally dropped,” says Greenpeace ocean campaigner, Ellie Hooper
“Seamounts are vital habitats that require protection, whether you’re looking at fish numbers or the important coral species that live there. Yet every year New Zealand bottom trawlers smash seamounts in their bid to catch breeding orange roughy. It is no surprise that after decades of bulldozing coral and spooking spawning fish, we are seeing a drastic decline in these fish numbers.
“But temporary closures are the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. What’s needed is proactive, precautionary, preventive action – closing all seamounts to bottom trawling – to ensure long term health of the ocean and everything in it.”
A 2025 scientific stock assessment revealed populations in the Chatham Rise, the world’s largest orange roughy fishery (ORH 3B) were plummeting. Models showed orange roughy numbers could be as low as 8-18% of their original population size. 
Karli Thomas, from the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, says it’s well established that protecting seamounts and similar features from bottom trawling is vital for ensuring healthy oceans and abundant fisheries.
“The importance of seamounts is acknowledged in this decision, but the closures announced today only give an annual six week reprieve from trawling. This leaves deep-sea coral reefs at risk from destructive bottom trawling for the other 46 weeks of every year. 
“Imagine how this fishery, which is on the verge of collapse, and the coral habitats of the deep could rebuild if seamounts were permanently closed to trawlers. Biodiversity could return, spawning fish be protected, and their increased numbers spillover into the surrounding area, having a long term benefit for all.”
Orange roughy are a slow growing species that reach breeding maturity late, making them especially vulnerable to overfishing. They were fished to collapse in the ‘90s, and rebuilding this Chatham Rise population from where it stands today is expected to take decades.
Barry Weeber for ECO says it’s time to learn from the lessons of the past and get serious about permanently protecting all orange roughy spawning areas including on seamounts and features.
“We have already lost important orange roughy spawning areas on the Chatham Rise, East Coast of the North Island, and on the edge of the Challenger plateau.”Internationally, it’s recommended that vulnerable marine ecosystems like seamounts be closed to bottom trawling because of their fragility, complexity and slow-growing nature.
Over 100,000 New Zealanders have signed petitions calling for a ban on bottom trawling on seamounts in domestic waters and the high seas of the South Pacific – where New Zealand is the last country to conduct the practice. 

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10. Thailand Privilege Card Reinforces Thailand as a World-Class Safe Haven for Long-Term Living

June 4, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 June 2026 – Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC), world’s premier residency program and privileged services providers for exclusive individuals under the supervision of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, reinforces Thailand’s position as a “World-Class Safest Destination for Long-Term Living.” Integrated with advanced medical care and nature-based wellness, Thailand responds a longevity demand of global citizens seeking long-term stability, safety, and exceptional quality of life.

In light of a series of interrelated conflicts and heightened instability in Middle East, demands for relocation and migration increase. Global citizens especially for Middle East residents are looking for a peace-of-mind second home where safety, longevity, and extraordinary living meet.

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 June 2026 – Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC), world’s premier residency program and privileged services providers for exclusive individuals under the supervision of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, reinforces Thailand’s position as a “World-Class Safest Destination for Long-Term Living.” Integrated with advanced medical care and nature-based wellness, Thailand responds a longevity demand of global citizens seeking long-term stability, safety, and exceptional quality of life.

In light of a series of interrelated conflicts and heightened instability in Middle East, demands for relocation and migration increase. Global citizens especially for Middle East residents are looking for a peace-of-mind second home where safety, longevity, and extraordinary living meet.

Ranked among top three safest countries in Southeast Asia by Numbeo’s Safety Index 2026, Thailand is recognized as a “World-Class Safest Destination for Long-Term Living.” Given its multipolarity geopolitics, multi cultural society, and low risk of natural disasters, Thailand becomes a top destination for relocation and migration.

In response to a global longevity trend, Thailand is ranked #7 among the world’s top 25 wellness countries with the market expansion from USD 38.8 billion in 2023 to USD 42.7 billion in 2024 [source: Global Wellness Institute]. Riding with the trend, Thailand’s Wellness Tourism value is forecasted at over USD 1.3 billion by 2028 [source: Datalab].

“Safety is a key consideration for global residents looking for long-term residency. Those seek security and stability where they can build a lifelong Live & Retreat. Thailand provides a safety environment where socio-political and natural stability is settled in a ground. Apart from safety, Thailand fulfills a complete journey towards last well-being. This includes cutting-edge medical and healthcare systems, traditional healing and wellness to longevity services-focused.” said Mr. Manatase Annawat, President of Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd.

Thailand Privilege Card is the only residency program in the world that offers not only long-term visa
but also a comprehensive suite of lifestyle privileges.

Thailand Privilege Card offers Long-Term Visa from 5-20++ years; signature VIP Airport Services from the meet & assist, electric cart and VIP Lounge to fast-track immigration; Government Concierge Support; and multilingual Member Contact Center.

Going beyond living expectations, an accompanying comprehensive suite of Lifestyle Privileges spanning every dimension – from Stay, Travel, Leisure to Health & Well-Being, and Wealth – built through over 1,500 affiliations in the world and 400 alliances in Thailand – fully ensures TPC members seamless living experiences.

From a trust and credibility perspective, Thailand Privilege Card has received multiple internationally recognized awards and accolades, reaffirming its commitment to excellence and premium member experiences.

In addition, Thailand Privilege Card continuously curates exclusive events and networking opportunities to further enrich its member experiences.

As global demand for secure long-term residency continues to rise, Thailand Privilege Card thrives to set a new standard for extraordinary living experiences at an ultimately desired second home strengthening Thailand’s proposition as a prominent “World-Class Safe Haven for Long-Term Living.”

https://www.thailandprivilege.co.th/home

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

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