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

Source: Green Party

Luxon’s Government has committed to building a billion-dollar LNG import terminal without knowing how to pay for it.

“Luxon’s Government has finally admitted New Zealanders don’t want to pay for their ridiculous LNG terminal, but by pressing ahead without any idea on how to fund it, New Zealanders remain on the hook to pay for this billion-dollar nonsense,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. 

“These self-proclaimed ‘economic managers’ want to sign our country up to a billion-dollar contract and work out who pays for it afterwards. You couldn’t make this stuff up.” 

“Power companies like Meridian have already been clear that we do not need this terminal, so it is hard to see how the Energy Minister expects to convince the gentailers to volunteer to fund something they don’t see any economic or practical sense in.” 

“We will not get affordable energy from fossil fuels hauled in from across the planet. We get it by tapping into the abundant renewable wind, sun, water and geothermal energy sources in our country.” 

“We agreed with the Prime Minister when two months ago, as the fossil fuel crisis was hitting, he declared, ‘Hope is not a plan.’ At the same time, however, his Energy Minister was quietly cancelling the literal Energy Plan.” 

“Every day, it becomes clearer Luxon’s Government has no plan, no vision and no intention of doing anything sensible to secure our country and economy’s resilience and lower New Zealander’s bills.” 

“The Greens are proud to have real solutions, such as rolling out the Ratepayer Assistance scheme that could assist with immediately solarising our homes, and reducing power bills by at least $1,000 a year,” says Swarbrick. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/09/luxons-government-commits-to-billion-dollar-gas-terminal-with-no-plan-to-pay-for-it-which-means-you-will/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Kiwi households and businesses will be better protected from winter power shortages and price spikes as the Government makes the electricity sector take greater, permanent responsibility for securing the back-up power New Zealand needs, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.

• A clear obligation to keep the lights on: A new Winter Energy Reliability Obligation requiring major power companies and large electricity users to secure enough back-up energy ahead of a dry year.
• Protecting against price spikes: Preventing the extreme price spikes that drove up power bills for Kiwi families and businesses in 2024.
• Real consequences: Ensuring large power companies are held to account when they fail to meet their obligations. 

“Kiwis have been paying the price for an energy system run on the edge through higher bills and greater risk of shortages. This Government is fixing that by making the electricity sector take real, permanent responsibility for keeping the lights on.

“Today, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) begins consultation with the sector on a new Winter Energy Reliability Obligation. It will require large electricity buyers to lock in back-up supply well ahead of forecast dry winters – when lower rainfall reduces hydro lake levels and limits electricity generation – alongside requirements for generators to have firm fuel available if hydro storage runs low before winter.

“By planning ahead for periods when hydro generation is constrained, the system will be more resilient, reducing the risk of outages and sharp price spikes.

“This will boost investment, prevent the shortages that drove prices sharply higher for Kiwis in 2024, and help keep power bills more stable for households and businesses.

“Dry-year risk sits with the electricity sector, not with taxpayers and not with households. It is only fair that the big power companies and large electricity users are the ones responsible for managing it.

“Power companies, particularly the large gentailers, need to face real consequences when they fall short. That is why we are increasing penalties for serious rule-breaking from a maximum of $2 million to up to $10 million, or three times the commercial gain, or 10 per cent of a company’s turnover – whichever is the greatest.

“Kiwis should not be paying more because the big power companies run the system on the edge – those days are over.”

The Winter Energy Reliability Obligation is part of the Government’s Securing Affordable Energy plan. Alongside potential additional back-up supply such as an LNG import facility, this obligation ensures the sector secures enough cover ahead of time, particularly during dry years when hydro generation is limited. LNG is one option alongside new generation, demand response, and storage to ensure a reliable power supply.

The Government will also amend the Electricity Industry Act to give the Electricity Authority a clear role in ensuring dry-year risk is effectively managed across the system. The Authority will also be required to report annually to the Minister on current and emerging security of supply risks, improving transparency and oversight.

In addition, the Government will update the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity to set clear expectations that the Electricity Authority prioritise dry-year and wider security of supply risks, alongside reliability and affordability.

“We are fixing the basics and rebuilding New Zealand’s energy system after years of neglect, so that Kiwis can count on reliable power at prices they can afford. That is exactly what this Government is delivering.”

Notes to editors:

• The Winter Energy Reliability Obligation has two layers. A long-term layer requires large electricity buyers to secure dependable winter cover where a shortfall is forecast years ahead. A short-term layer acts as a backstop, requiring large generators to show they have firm fuel cover if hydro storage runs low before winter.
• The sector decides how best to provide cover, whether through generation, demand response, fuel procurement, or storage.
• It forms part of the Government’s Securing Affordable Energy plan and sits alongside a stronger role for the Electricity Authority and improved dry-year reporting.
• MBIE has today released a discussion document for consultation, available here.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/09/securing-affordable-energy-power-companies-made-responsible-for-winter-back-up/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand households and businesses are a step closer to relief on their power bills and greater energy security, as the Government takes the next step to deliver a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.

Taking pressure off power bills: Up to $800 million a year in potential savings flowing through to Kiwi households and businesses from reduced dry year risk.
Secure energy: Dry-year cover to keep the lights on when the sun isn’t shining, the wind isn’t blowing, and the lakes are low.
Funding it right: The Government is working through how the LNG import facility will be paid for – it will not be funded by a levy on power bills.
Next steps: The Government is progressing two providers to a Request for Proposal (RFP) to deliver an LNG import facility.

“The previous Labour Government failed to secure New Zealand’s energy supply, and Kiwis are paying the price every time they open their power bill.

“This Government’s focus has been on turning this around by securing New Zealand’s energy supply to keep the lights on and take the pressure off power bills.

“Renewables are booming under this Government’s Electrify NZ reforms with record levels of renewable generation and new wind, geothermal, and battery projects coming online. However, no renewable alternative can cover the weeks or months needed to back up our power system by 2028, when the next dry year could arrive.

“Kiwis need a backup source of power when the wind isn’t blowing, the sun isn’t shining, and the lakes are low. You can’t run an energy system on weather forecasts, and without firm, flexible energy to back up our renewables, the next dry year will bring higher power bills, potential factory closures and job losses, and rolling blackouts across the country.

“As New Zealand’s indigenous gas supplies run down, that squeeze only gets worse. Without LNG to fall back on, a dry year leaves us with unacceptable choices. Either wholesale prices skyrocket and power bills climb for every Kiwi household, or businesses are forced to shut their doors and lay off workers as gas is taken from industry to produce electricity.

“This Government is not prepared to let that happen.

“An LNG import facility is the fastest and most affordable way to cover the dry-year gap, keep the lights on, and protect thousands of Kiwi jobs. Every other comparable country in the OECD either has access to abundant natural gas or access to gas imports. New Zealand is an outlier, and it is time we caught up.

“For Kiwi families, this means less pressure on power bills and real relief from the cost of living.

“For our businesses, from manufacturers to dairy processors, it means secure, affordable energy so they can keep running and keep employing Kiwis.

“For our economy, it means the secure foundation we need to grow, invest, and create jobs.”

Since the Government announced the LNG facility in February, wholesale electricity prices for 2028 and 2029 have fallen by around $20/MWh, delivering savings of up to $800 million a year that will flow through to Kiwi households and businesses.

“Recent events in the Middle East are a timely reminder that New Zealand needs secure, diversified fuel supplies. Despite the conflict, LNG remains the fastest, cheapest, and most flexible dry-year solution that can be put in place this decade.

“Delivering LNG takes coordination that only Government can provide, and we are providing it. I have asked MBIE and NIFFCO to work through the detail of how the facility will be paid for, including engaging with the gentailers on a fair funding model, and will have more to say in due course. Kiwis can be certain of one thing – it will not be funded by a levy on power bills. 

“Responsibility for keeping the lights on sits squarely with the electricity sector, and that is the principle guiding our decisions on funding.”

The Government is progressing two providers to an RFP to deliver an LNG import facility and intends to sign a contract with a preferred provider this year, with the facility expected to be operational in 2028.

“We are rebuilding New Zealand’s energy system after years of neglect and destructive policies like the banning of oil and gas exploration.

“Kiwis deserve reliable power at prices they can afford, an economy backed by secure energy, and jobs protected from avoidable shocks. That is exactly what this Government is delivering.”

The LNG import facility is a key part of the Government’s Securing Affordable Energy plan, providing the physical back-up New Zealand needs to get through a dry year. Alongside it, the Government is requiring the electricity sector to take greater responsibility for managing the dry year risk, through a new Winter Energy Reliability Obligation now out for consultation.

Notes to editors:

The 2024 dry year showed Kiwis what is at stake when our energy system is not secure.

Wholesale electricity prices soared above $800/MWh, driving up costs for households and businesses.
The New Zealand Aluminium Smelter was forced to cut production, and some firms closed permanently, resulting in thousands of job losses.

Sustained energy scarcity has cost the New Zealand economy an estimated $5.2 billion in lost GDP in 2025 alone, lowering real wages and squeezing household spending.
The chosen developer will be subject to rigorous domestic and international health and safety regulations, and the Government will not select one without full confidence that its solution is safe for local communities.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/09/securing-affordable-energy-lng-to-keep-the-lights-on-and-protect-jobs/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

A significant investment in the Government’s mental health plan will deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced today. 

“Budget 2026 will deliver faster access to maternal mental health support, more frontline psychology roles, and a better crisis response by opening up more beds,” Mr Doocey says.

More than $100 million will be invested over four years in additional funding for the following mental health services:

• $20.18 million for maternal mental health
• $28.45 million for psychology assistant roles
• $51.72 million for new inpatient beds

“One of the most important periods in a child’s life is the first 2,000 days. By providing support to families early, we can help build a stronger future for our children. 

“That’s why we are making a significant investment in maternal mental health. This funding will support specialist maternal mental health and addiction services, while also growing the frontline workforce. 

“We know that connection can be a powerful form of support. That’s why this investment includes funding for new peer support workers, enabling mothers to connect with people who have lived experience and understand what they are going through.

“The funding will also expand the frontline workforce through new regional Supporting Parents, Healthy Children workers and additional specialist frontline roles. 

“Government doesn’t always know best. Communities often know what works for them and simply need the opportunity to put those solutions into action. That’s why we are establishing a $1 million per annum fund that NGOs can access to help increase support in their communities.

“Losing a child is an unimaginable grief. The perinatal bereavement pathway, recently released with input from people with lived experience, will help ensure families are better supported during this difficult time. This investment will support implementation of the new pathway.

“The new psychology assistant pathway is a great example of the Government growing the frontline workforce. Each year, hundreds of psychology graduates miss out on limited clinical training places and are lost to the workforce. Not only are we doubling the number of clinical psychologists trained but we have also created a new registration pathway so these graduates can remain focused on mental health and help support New Zealanders who need it.

“This is the very first-time psychology assistant roles have been employed in Health New Zealand. This funding will employ up to 50 new psychology assistants each year, a total of 150 over four years alongside supervision and training support.

“I was disappointed to hear reports of people being left waiting because of a shortage of available beds. No one should be stuck waiting in a busy emergency department simply because there is no funded bed available, even when physical capacity exists within a nearby mental health inpatient unit.

“We have listened and will fund the opening of 20 additional inpatient beds. Priority will be given to regions that are under the most pressure and have the highest ongoing occupancy rates.”

Notes to editor:

 Budget 2026 provided a funding uplift of $1.37 billion per annum from 2026/27 to Health NZ for frontline services, which supports maintaining and expanding access to mental Health and addiction services, including these initiatives

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/09/investment-to-deliver-faster-access-to-support/

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee has today endorsed two scenarios for potential changes to Plan Change 120 for feedback from local boards and iwi authorities, following recent Government changes to Auckland’s housing rules.

This follows legislation reducing Auckland’s minimum housing capacity requirement from around 2 million homes to a minimum of 1.4 million homes.

This is not a final decision on Plan Change 120. The committee has endorsed two scenarios to be shared with local boards and iwi authorities for feedback as the next step in considering any potential changes to the plan change.  

 Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says he wants to see a plan change that focuses on intensifying in the right places.

“We need to do this, rather than simply hearing from the loudest groups and individuals who are against virtually everything,” he said.

“That means focussing on allowing more housing near stations that benefit the most from the CRL, and along frequent bus routes.

“It’s completely illogical that we would vote for intensifying along the train lines to the west, but not to the east.

“Despite the fact that there were a range of views, almost nobody that’s approached me has not supported the idea that Auckland should decide what Auckland liked, not Wellington politicians.

“The amendment was just a move to pander to a couple of minor Wellington politicians that people don’t know the names of.

“Local board and iwi feedback is important to get the plan right as local understand their areas best.”

Two approaches for feedback

Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee, says today’s decision is not about making changes to Plan Change 120. It is about seeking feedback on two possible scenarios before any decisions are made.

“We’re taking forward two scenarios in detail so local boards and iwi authorities can compare both scenarios in detail and provide feedback to help inform any future decisions on potential changes to Plan Change 120.

“The Government’s changes provide greater flexibility to better balance housing capacity with transport and infrastructure access and stronger protections from flooding in high-risk areas.

“Both scenarios continue to focus on enabling more homes where they make the most sense for Aucklanders, in well-connected areas with strong access to jobs, public transport, and services. This is where demand for housing is strongest and where Aucklanders have already invested heavily in transport, water and other infrastructure,” he says.

“Areas close to the city centre, metropolitan centres  and rapid transit stops already have some of the strongest access to jobs, everyday services and fast, frequent public transport. Major investments like the City Rail Link and Central Interceptor are making many of these locations even better placed to support more housing.

“Even under Scenario B, it is proposed that the zoning for around 85 per cent of Auckland’s urban area would remain unchanged from the Auckland Unitary Plan, adopted in 2016.

“But that does not mean growth stops. Both scenarios would still enable more housing than the current Auckland Unitary Plan,” says Councillor Hills.

What are the two scenarios?

Scenario A meets the Government’s mandatory housing requirements for walkable catchments around the city centre, metropolitan centres, rapid transit stops and five Western Line train stations. Much of the additional housing proposed in Plan Change 120 outside those areas would generally revert to the current Auckland Unitary Plan.

Scenario B retains the Government’s mandatory requirements while also enabling additional housing opportunities in some walkable catchments, around local centres and along frequent bus routes where there is strong access to jobs, public transport, infrastructure and services.

Both scenarios retain stronger rules to better protect people and property from flooding and other natural hazards proposed through Plan Change 120. This includes additional downzoning in the most vulnerable areas based on updated flood modelling and rainfall data, along with stronger consenting rules to limit housing in high-risk areas and to make homes more resilient.

The existing protections already proposed in PC120 would remain unchanged under both scenarios, including for many special character areas, coastal areas and the natural environment that can limit building heights and development in some places.

Housing capacity is not a building target

The current Auckland Unitary Plan is estimated to provide housing capacity for around 1.2 million homes.

Scenario A is estimated to provide housing capacity of between 1.4 and 1.6 million homes, while Scenario B is estimated to provide capacity of between 1.5 and 1.7 million homes.

“Housing capacity is not a target for how many homes will be built. It is a measure of how many homes planning rules could theoretically allow over time if every property in Auckland was fully developed to the maximum the rules allow,” says Councillor Hills.

“It does not mean Auckland will build 1.4 million or 1.7 million homes. How many homes are ultimately built depends on factors like population growth, market demand, infrastructure availability and decisions made by property owners and developers.”

What happens next?

Local boards and iwi authorities will now provide feedback on the two scenarios.

The committee is expected to consider that feedback, along with further analysis, before deciding whether any changes to Plan Change 120 should be proposed in July 2026.

Later this year, Aucklanders will have another opportunity to provide feedback on PC120, including any proposed changes, through an additional round of public submissions.

The more than 10,500 submissions already made on Plan Change120 remain valid.

An Independent Hearings Panel will then hold public hearings and make recommendations to the council before final decisions are made in mid-2027. 

Ends

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/09/two-scenarios-being-considered-for-potential-pc120-changes/

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to fund medicines used by ambulance services from 1 July. 

This follows the Government’s decision to transfer responsibility for funding ambulance medicines from Health New Zealand and ACC to Pharmac.

“This decision means no matter where a patient is located, their ambulance and hospital will have access to the same emergency medicines they need, and Pharmac can get those medicines cheaper,” Mr Seymour says.

“In March Pharmac consulted the public, emergency services, and the patient community on these changes. It’s important that patients and professionals have input on decisions which affect them.

“People supported the change. They said there would be benefits to patient outcomes, supply, and improve value for the taxpayer. 

“During consultation Pharmac also heard that the list of medicines should reflect what is used in practice. In response, they added seven products currently used by ambulance services that weren’t included as part of the initial proposal.”

Following consultation Pharmac added the following to the list: 

• Water for injection – added an additional size (10ml)
• Glucose injection – used for people who are very unwell and have low blood sugar
• Heparin – used as a blood thinner in cases of a suspected heart attack
• Fentanyl pre-frilled syringes – added for suitability and used as pain relief and sedation
• Sofradex ear drops – used to treat ear infections
• Two additional strengths of codeine tablets – used as a pain relief (the 15mg & 60mg)

“Pharmac already funds most medicines used across the public health system. They’re the experts, so now they’re responsible for ambulance medicines too,” Mr Seymour says. 

“This decision means ambulance medicines can be managed alongside medicines used in hospitals. For patients, that means a more consistent system as they move between ambulance and hospital care.

“Pharmac has a strong track record of getting value for money out of the health budget. Extending that approach to ambulance medicines is about making the system work better for patients while ensuring taxpayers are getting a good deal.

“Pharmac is working closely with Health NZ, ACC and ambulance providers to make sure the transition is seamless.

“We’re making the system work better for the people it serves. This is another step in our plan to ensure can New Zealanders get the right care, in the right place, when they need it.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/09/pharmac-listens-to-feedback-and-will-fund-ambulance-medicines/

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is welcoming Government investment of $30m into school drinking water following their questions on the issue, but warns rural communities will continue to get sick until broader pollution problems are addressed.

The Green Party released data in April showing 9000 students across more than 70 schools and pre-schools faced unsafe drinking water in 2025, with water breaching safe Drinking Water Standards at some point during the year. 

“No child should face a health risk from the water coming out of a drinking fountain at their school, so we welcome this modest investment in a basic human right. However, rural communities’ drinking water continues to be at serious risk.” says Greens Party Environmental spokesperson Lan Pham. 

“When we put written questions to the Minister of Education back in February, it was unclear whether she was even across this issue. When asked about the 45 schools that had ‘do not drink’ notices in 2025, she said she had “not received any advice” and referred to the issue as “operational”. 

“We were also told by the Minister that “No additional treatment barriers were installed at any of the 45 schools in 2025”, so it’s good to see this has now become a priority issue for the Government, as it always should have been.  

“While the Greens welcome the $30m as a start, it does not address the ongoing pollution of the rivers, streams and aquifers where our drinking water comes from. The Greens will continue to keep the pressure on this Government to get serious about protecting people’s health, the environment, and basic human rights,” Pham says.  

Recent drinking water quality breaches in Waimate and Gore left residents’ water undrinkable for days. A recent report from Environment Southland found there were approximately 15,000 Southlanders drinking water polluted by nitrates. 

It’s estimated that up to 100,000 people become sick each year from pathogens in drinking water, and there is increasing evidence of significant community exposure to other contaminants—such as nitrates—from contaminated drinking water sources.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/09/30m-for-school-drinking-water-safety-is-a-start-but-pollution-keeps-flowing/

MIL OSI