AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 13, 2026 – Full Text

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s forestry sector is set to benefit from sensible regulation to help meet environmental obligations whilst lowering the cost of compliance, Forestry Minister Todd McClay says.

“The wood and forestry industries are important contributors to New Zealand’s economy, supporting 42,000 jobs. Last year the sector contributed $6.2 billion worth of export earnings,” Mr McClay says.

“It’s prudent we set appropriate legislation and provide the tools that support the sector – and this Government has been fixing the basics to do exactly that.”

Recent action from the Government includes:

• Further reducing the costs of participating in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Registry
• Updating the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) with targeted changes to reduce the regulatory burden for forestry operators, while ensuring environmental risks continue to be managed
• Simplifying the legal harvest assurance to be voluntary and fit-for-purpose to better meet current and future business needs

“The last Labour Government wanted forest owners to pay an excessive $30.25 per hectare per year to enter the ETS, forcing the sector to take legal action,” Mr McClay says.

“Following consultation we’re lowering that, for a second time, to $10.28.

“This represents a 66 per cent reduction in the annual charge since the National-led Government took office. We have been working to ensure the system is fair, efficient and proportionate.”

The updated structure also lowers ongoing costs for mature forests, addressing concerns about indefinite charges, and eight new targeted fees will be introduced to better align costs with services used.

The Government has been focussed on cutting red tape for farmers and growers and this includes forestry.

“Through targeted changes to the NES-CF we are making council rules more consistent, so the commercial forestry industry can meet their environmental obligations without being unnecessarily held back.

“The current standard was designed to provide a nationally consistent framework for managing the environmental effects of plantation forestry. However, changes have allowed councils to bypass that intent by imposing more stringent rules without clear evidence or justification.
“This change focuses on risk and will mean rules are targeted to sites where slash is most likely to mobilise and cause harm.”

The forestry sector will also benefit from a simpler, fit-for-purpose legal harvest assurance system, with the Government agreeing to a model and to develop legislation to replace the 2023 mandatory system to better meet current and future business needs.

“Consultation feedback was clear; that there is a better way to support legal harvest assurance without adding unnecessary cost and complexity. We have listened,” Mr McClay says.

The redesigned model allows exporters to voluntarily access a government assurance to help underpin their work in international markets and competitiveness, by providing consumers confidence the products were harvested legally.

Note to editor:

More than 887,000 hectares of post 1989 forest land are registered in the ETS, involving over 5,300 participants. Keeping the system efficient and affordable remains critical to supporting emissions reductions and sector confidence.
The new cost structure will take effect from 1 July 2026.

Further detail on the changes: Review of forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme cost recovery settings | NZ Government
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/12/strengthening-the-future-of-nz-forestry/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is supporting the next generation of young farmers, growers, and rural leaders by backing NZ Young Farmers’ national network of clubs, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.

“NZ Young Farmers do a huge amount of good in rural communities. We want to support their efforts to help them do even more,” Mr McClay says.

The Government is committing $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 young farmers clubs across the country.

“The funding will help back the important work of small volunteer committees which drive organisation, membership, and event planning at each club

“The committees are essential to the club’s ongoing success, their ability to attract new members and event sponsorship, and provide support to young people in rural communities.”

NZ Young Farmers is a non-profit with a long history of connecting, nurturing, and empowering young people in rural communities.

“Its clubs provide a place for young people to develop leadership skills, network with like-minded people, and make lifelong friends,” Mr McClay says.

“The organisation is part of the fabric of rural New Zealand and will mark its centenary next year. This funding will be a boost for clubs planning local celebrations.”

Mr McClay says the Government is also backing the wellbeing of young people in rural communities through the Rural Wellbeing Fund.

“NZ Young Farmers was one of 18 community-based organisations and initiatives to receive funding through the Government’s Rural Wellbeing Fund.

“It’s receiving $585,000 to ramp up new initiatives, focusing on physical, mental, and financial wellbeing, leveraging its network of 60 clubs,” Mr McClay says.

“The primary industries are the backbone of the economy, supporting local jobs and communities, and this Government is committed to building the future for the sector to succeed.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/12/backing-young-farmers/

Source: New Zealand Government

A partnership between the Government and the forestry and wood processing sector will result in the new ‘NZ Pine’ brand, strengthening New Zealand’s position as a premium, trusted supplier of wood products, Forestry Minister Todd McClay says.

“Global customers now expect more than quality timber – they want to understand where their products come from, and how they perform.

“New Zealand timber is traded from sustainably managed forests to global markets. Trust adds value, and NZ Pine will deliver it.

“Under the new brand, there will be a single, recognisable identity for New Zealand’s purposefully grown radiata pine, which is a planted renewable resource, and suited to modern construction.”

NZ Pine will represent wood from actively planted and managed forestry estate, preserving natural forests in New Zealand and around the globe.

“It turns our strengths in the sector into a clear competitive advantage, giving customers confidence in both the product and the practices behind it,” Mr McClay says.

The brand will be underpinned by a government-backed administrative standard, overseen by the Ministry for Primary Industries, which will define the evidence required to substantiate its claims.

“This is a voluntary, industry-led framework to build trust – supporting stronger market recognition and higher returns as demand grows for transparent, environmentally responsible supply chains.

“NZ Pine will position New Zealand as a preferred partner, helping lift export earnings and capture more value for the forestry sector.”

The brand will be co-developed with Government, with rollout planned for early 2027, in support of New Zealand’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/12/nz-pine-brand-launched-to-support-kiwis-wood-exports/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Point Mission Bay retirement village project in Auckland has been granted Fast-track approval, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced today.

This is the 24th project to be approved under the Fast-track process. 

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa Limited, in partnership with Generus Living Group, lodged a substantive application in November 2025 to construct and operate an integrated retirement village and associated infrastructure in Mission Bay, Auckland. The site spans Kupe Street, Te Arawa Street, Rukutai Street and Aotea Street.

Approval has taken four months since the independent expert panel commenced. 

“The retirement village will include five interconnected buildings between five and eight storeys, delivering 256 independent living units and refurbishing an existing building to provide 94 care suites. It will also deliver shared amenity facilities for residents and visitors and create new pedestrian accessways through the site,” Mr Bishop says. 

“Retirement villages play a significant role in our housing system. The development will expand housing and care options for older New Zealanders and support more efficient use of urban land.

“Demand for retirement villages is set to rise over the next two decades. Auckland’s over-65 population is expected to double, from about 228,000 in 2023 to 514,000 by 2053. This will increase the need for the right types and quality of housing to meet changing demand.”

“The applicants expect the retirement village will support full-time employment for around 210 people and contribute $3.8 million annually to the economy,” Mr Jones says. 

“This project will support jobs in our local communities, and help drive economic growth in our regions.”

Media Contact: Tegan Harris +64 21 823 151

Notes to editor

For more information about the project:  The Point Mission Bay project page

The development will include:

• Five interconnected buildings between five and eight storeys
• 256 independent living units
• 94 care suites within a refurbished building
• Shared amenities and landscaped spaces

Fast-track by the numbers: 

• 24 projects approved by expert panels. 
• 19 projects with expert panels appointed. 
• 55 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 27 active substantive and 28 referral applications.
• 51 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure. 
• 149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval. 
• On average, it has taken 117 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope. 

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 

• Arataki [Housing/Land]  
• Ashbourne [Housing/Land]  
• Ayrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
• Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]  
• Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land] 
• Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying] 
• Green Steel [Infrastructure] 
• Homestead Bay [Housing/Land] 
• Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme [Renewable energy] 
• Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying] 
• Maitahi Village [Housing/Land] 
• Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land] 
• The Point Mission Bay [Housing/Land]  
• Pound Road [Housing/Land]  
• Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]  
• Ryans Road [Housing/Land]  
• Southland Wind Farm Project [Infrastructure]
• Sunfield [Housing/Land]  
• Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure] 
• Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy] 
• Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying] 
• Waitaha Hydro [Renewable energy] 
• Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]
• Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal [Infrastructure]

  Expert panels have been appointed for: 

• 188 Beaumont Street
• Auckland Prison Capacity Increase 
• Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project  
• Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
• Central and Southern Block Mining Project
• Delmore
• Downtown Carpark Site Development
• Foxton Solar Farm
• Haldon Solar Farm 
• Hananui Aquaculture Project 
• Hunua Quarry Development
• Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works 
• Mahinerangi Wind Farm 
• Mt Iron Junction
• Northwest Rapid Transit
• State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus)
• Stella Passage Development
• The Point Solar Farm 
• Waikanae North Development

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/12/the-point-mission-bay-retirement-village-fast-tracked/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has announced a new rural scholarship to back emerging primary sector leaders Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay says.

Three scholarships each year will support young farmers to grow in confidence and gain experience to become farm leaders of the future.

Mr McClay says recipients will receive a grant of $10,000 to go towards domestic and international study and capability building and to grow industry-wide experience and best practice.

The “Minister of Agriculture Future Leaders Scholarship” will help identify emerging leaders across the primary sector including in agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

It will help foster leadership and capability development, supporting successful applicants to grow their governance skills and encouraging the creation of opportunities for practical hands-on primary sector governance experience.

The Ministry for Primary Industries will work with sector leaders to ensure the programme effectively targets capability gaps in rural governance and will develop an annual application process with relevant criteria to ensure the programme is fair and transparent.

“The Kiwi can-do attitude is world-renowned and this scholarship is about nurturing that,” Mr McClay says.

“This Government is committed to finding pathways to build the future in a way that supports the sector’s sustained success.”
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/new-agriculture-scholarship-to-grow-rural-leaders/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s farmers and growers are powering the economy with exports set to reach a record $64.3 billion, Forestry and Trade Minister Todd McClay announced today.

“The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report highlights a resilient, high-performing food and fibre sector driving strong demand and prices for New Zealand’s world-class products,” Mr McClay says.

“Export revenue is forecast to reach $64.3 billion in the year to 30 June 2026, up six per cent, with records across multiple sectors driven by healthy demand for dairy and red meat, alongside bumper kiwifruit and apple crops.

“Kiwi farmers are expected to benefit from strong farmgate returns this year due to high milk prices, record milk production and tight global red meat supplies, which will cushion against shipping and supply chain disruptions from the Middle East conflict.

“Food and fibre exports are expected to lift even further to a record $70.1 billion in the year to 30 June 2030, thanks to our hardworking Kiwi farmers, growers, foresters, fishers and processors.”

Key forecasts include:

dairy export revenue up 5 per cent to reach a record $28.6 billion
meat and wool export revenue up 14 per cent to a record $14.1 billion 
horticulture export revenue up 7 per cent to a record $9.5 billion
processed food and other products export revenue increasing 5 per cent to a record $3.5 billion

Mr McClay says the Government continues to back the food and fibre sector’s success.

“We are focused on supporting our farmers and growers because when the primary sector does well, it means more jobs, higher wages, and more money flowing through to communities.”

It also takes us closer to reaching New Zealand’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years.

“This National-led Government will continue to back the sector – including increasing trade opportunities like in India, reducing barriers to trade, and partnering with industry to help meet rising global demand by driving a step change in food and fibre production through greater land use flexibility.

“We are focused on fixing the basics and building the future through sensible reforms across freshwater, resource management and agricultural emissions.

“The Government is laser-focused on delivering more returns to Kiwi food and fibre producers and rural communities, growing the economy, and delivering prosperity for all New Zealanders – fixing the basics and building the future.”

The SOPI report was launched today at Fieldays, and is available at: www.mpi.govt.nz/sopi
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/11/food-and-fibre-exports-set-to-hit-record-64-3-billion/

Source: New Zealand Government

New data out today shows tourism is continuing its positive trajectory, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

Stats NZ data out today shows 288,500 international visitors came to New Zealand in April 2026 – up 8 per cent on the same period last year, and 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

It also reported a record number of visitors from the United States (25,800, up 14 per cent on the same time last year), Australia (138,000, up 4 per cent) and India (8,000, up 17 per cent).

Visitor numbers from China also reached 32,500, up 52 per cent compared to the same time last year.

The continued growth in the sector – New Zealand’s second-largest export earner – shows the Government’s work to back tourism is working, Louise Upston says.

“Tourism is a cornerstone of the Government’s push for economic growth. This sustained growth is great news for Kiwis – it represents business investment, jobs and incomes for New Zealanders, all while showing off our beautiful country that we are so proud of.

“It is particularly encouraging seeing such strong momentum from China, which is a really important market for New Zealand.

“This significant lift from China reflects growing demand and highlights the value of our targeted efforts to attract more international travellers including the visa-waiver trial for Chinese and Pacific travellers coming via Australia. We’re fixing the basics so the resilient, hard-working and ambitious tourism sector can build its future, delivering more economic growth to New Zealand in the process.

“This continued growth is encouraging, especially as it comes amidst the conflict in the Middle East and associated fuel supply pressures.

“We remain focused on strengthening performance across all our key markets. Growth doesn’t happen by accident – it’s down to ensuring settings are in place to help the sector fly.

“These latest figures show we are moving in the right direction.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/12/international-visitor-numbers-continue-to-climb/

Source: New Zealand Government

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has confirmed four new appointments to the Game Animal Council, including a new Chair.

Matthew (Matt) Clarke has been appointed Chair for a two-year term from 1 July 2026. He is a current Council member and has extensive governance and leadership experience, as well as a strong background in hunting and the outdoor sector.

“Mr Clarke has already made a valuable contribution to the Council and brings strong governance capability, sector knowledge, and continuity to the role,” Mr Meager says.

Hon Paula Bennett, Emeritus Professor Bruce McKenzie, and Jim Goodall have been appointed as members, alongside the reappointment of Callum Sheridan. All member appointments are for three-year terms beginning 1 July 2026.

“Ms Bennett brings significant governance and public sector leadership experience, including as a former Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand and current Chair of Pharmac. She has a strong understanding of statutory decision-making and stakeholder engagement,” Mr Meager says.

“Professor McKenzie has deep expertise in conservation science and land management, alongside governance experience and a practical understanding of hunting and ecological systems.

“Mr Goodall offers strong commercial and governance experience from the primary production and wild game sectors, with a solid understanding of supply chains and the realities of hunting and harvesting.

“Mr Sheridan’s reappointment provides valuable continuity, alongside his practical hunting sector knowledge leadership within the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association.”

The Game Animal Council provides advice to the Minister and works with the Department of Conservation, hunters, and landowners to support safe, sustainable hunting and improve hunting opportunities.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the significant contribution of outgoing Chair Grant Dodson, along with outgoing members John Cook and Andrew Simpson. I thank them both for their service and commitment and wish them well for the future,” Mr Meager says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/12/game-animal-council-appointees-confirmed/

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is calling on the Government to abandon their proposal to cut a third of the workforce at the Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention.

“You cannot say family and sexual violence is a priority while you gut the agency set up to end it,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. 

“The Centre exists because no single agency could tackle this crisis alone, and if a third of the workforce driving Te Aorerekura, the national strategy, is cut, that coordination simply does not happen.” 

“This Government is systematically withdrawing from the work of preventing family and sexual violence. Specialist prevention providers are losing funding and now the national agency meant to hold it all together is being hollowed out.” 

“At the same time, the Government are cutting funding to the very community organisations who are having to pick up the increased demand, without the increased government support they deserve.” 

“Every dollar we fail to invest in stopping violence before it starts is paid for many times over, in our hospitals, our schools, our courts, our prisons, and in the lives of tamariki who grow up with violence in their homes.” 

“The Government needs to abandon these cuts and properly fund the prevention workforce, in the Centre and in communities,” says Davidson.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/10/calls-for-government-to-scrap-family-violence-agency-cuts/