AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 15, 2026 – Full Text

Source: NZCTU

A new Convention on decent work in the platform economy has been adopted at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva — the first binding global labour standard for platform work.

Crucially, it says employment status must be decided mainly on the facts of the working relationship, not whatever label a company puts on it. It also strengthens rights around pay, deactivation, algorithmic management, social protection and health and safety.

“This convention is a huge milestone for platform workers around the world” says NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Secretary, Melissa Ansell-Bridges, who was a member of the workers’ group and sat on the drafting committee. “It affirms that all workers, including digital platform workers, are entitled to fundamental rights like collective bargaining. This is undoubtedly a turning point in the fight to improve conditions for these workers.”

“It is absolutely shameful, however, that the New Zealand Government was one of only two governments to vote against the convention,” says Ansell-Bridges. The other government to vote against was the United States. “That leaves this Government isolated from the clear international consensus that platform workers need stronger rights and protections.”

At a time when the rest of the world is trying to increase protections, Brooke Van Veldon has taken them away with the “gateway test” that became law earlier this year, effectively stripping these workers from the ability to challenge employment status.

The message from Geneva is clear: lift standards for platform workers, don’t undermine them. The New Zealand Government should reverse course, drop its out-of-step gateway test, and bring domestic law into line with this new global standard.

What the Convention does

• Applies fundamental rights at work to the platform economy, including freedom of association and collective bargaining.
• Requires employment status to be decided mainly on the facts of the relationship.
• Strengthens protections on deactivation and algorithmic management.
• Supports fair pay, social protection and health and safety.
• Protects workers’ personal data and helps guard against violence and harassment.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/13/new-zealand-woefully-out-of-step-with-new-global-standard-for-digital-platform-workers/

Source: New Zealand Government

Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.  

“These awards, now in their second year, highlight how native planting can work alongside other productive land uses to deliver strong environmental and economic outcomes,” Mr McClay says. 

“Native forests and farming go hand in hand. We can farm the best land and plant natives on the most vulnerable, to stabilise hillsides and safeguard waterways.

“With 67 entries, the awards show what’s achievable when enthusiasm for native forests meets local knowledge – from farmers and lifestyle block owners, to iwi, communities, and forestry companies,” Mr McClay says. 

“Growing interest in the awards reflects increasing confidence that native forestry can support environmental resilience while complementing productive land uses. 

“These champions are helping to shape a more sustainable future for our landscapes and communities. My congratulations go to each of them.”

The six Growing Native Forests Champions award winners for 2026:

• Lifestyle Block Owner: Ollie Langridge, Tasman – for organising 450 volunteers from 23 countries to ‘rewild’ a 17-hectare lifestyle property, including planting locally endemic species. 
• Mana Whenua: Ngāti Koata Trust, Te Tauihu (Nelson and Marlborough) – iwi focused on growing native forest across Te Tauihu for future generations.   
• Trees on Farms: Philip & Jenny Leith, Tasman – resilient farming through native planting of gullies and wetlands, and opening farm to public for lasting environmental and community benefit.  
• Forestry Company: Kingheim Limited, Taranaki – promotion and propagation of puriri trees for timber, carbon, and cultural values. 
• Catchment and Community: Styx Living Laboratory Trust (Canterbury) – for planting 230,000 trees with the community within the Pūharakekenui/Styx River Catchment. 
• Large Scale Restoration Project: Waingake Transformation Programme, Tairāwhiti – Project transitioning from pine to native forest to protect Gisborne’s water supply. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/12/celebrating-new-zealands-native-forest-champs/

MIL OSI

Source: Media Outreach

On the afternoon of May 29th, in Singapore, partnership signed at the Vietnam–Singapore Tech Connect Forum, witnessed by the highest-level government delegations from both nations, combining QuantumTX’s breakthrough MitoCharge technology with Kaopiz’s end-to-end software, AI, and IoT engineering capabilities

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

Source: New Zealand Government

Space Minister Chris Penk has today announced the successful recipient of round two of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme, which is helping launch innovative Kiwi space technology.

“New Zealand’s space sector is growing rapidly, creating high-value jobs and attracting international investment. We’re supporting that to help Kiwi businesses and researchers turn bold ideas into real technologies that can benefit our economy, environment, and everyday lives,” Mr Penk says.

“Through round two of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme, the University of Auckland has been awarded $300,000 for its Rakiraki CubeSat project.

“The Kiwi Space Activator supports New Zealand innovators to move new space technology and concepts from the lab to launch – whether in space or at high altitude. This is a key step in building our sovereign space capability.

“The pilot programme is enabling local innovations, helping to support commercialisation, improve access to global markets, and build a proven track record. 

“Rakiraki is a small New Zealand satellite mission working to be a trusted reference point for both radar and optical space tracking networks at the same time. 

“The project aims to help improve our ability to track and understand objects in space, helping to protect the satellite services that New Zealanders rely on every day, from GPS navigation to communications and emergency response.”

The University of Auckland will build and fly the satellite with support from Auckland University of Technology, while Space Operations New Zealand will provide ground station services.

“Developing and commercialising space technology is capital intensive and high risk, and having a proven track record – or flight heritage – is critical for attracting customers and investors. 

“It has been encouraging to see the large number of high-calibre applications – they reflect the quality of space innovation in New Zealand.  

“A total of $1.78 million has been awarded to the Kiwi Space Activator including funding awarded to four projects across rounds one and two. These are exciting projects, and I look forward to watching their progress and launch.”

Information about Kiwi Space Activator is available on the MBIE website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/industry-and-innovation/kiwi-space-activator

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/11/kiwi-space-tech-innovation-awarded/

Source: Family First

Not to be missed – the annual NZ Forum on the Family (also Family First’s 20th Anniversary!) is bringing together some exceptional international speakers (see below). This year we’ve also got a new format, with topical panel discussions (media, political, medical) and bonus sessions. The conference will be Friday evening 11th September and all-day Saturday 12th September. There’s also a new venue at Victory Convention Centre (98 Beaumont Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland 1010). The conference will start Friday night at 6pm with three sessions, and then the full day on Saturday from 8.45am. There will be an informal dinner on Friday evening, while Saturday includes morning tea and lunch. On Saturday we will also be doing a special on-stage live recording of CounterCulture – our new show that explores the issues relevant to Millennials and Gen Z. We’ll debate politics, media and other current issues.

The NZ Forum on the Family also brings together a national & international network of family-focused organisations, scholars, church & community leaders and individuals who are part of a movement for social change to bring New Zealand to a place where families are strengthened, marriage is honoured, life is protected, and religious freedom is upheld. Last year this event sold out, so Register Now!

Key speakers at this year’s Forum on the Family include:

• Dr Ben Carson (USA) – Raised by a single mother, Benjamin Carson’s mother firmly believed that education and faith in the Lord were the channels that would change the course of her boys’ lives and end the cycle of poverty for her family. After graduating from Yale University, Dr. Carson earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School. For nearly 30 years, Dr. Carson served as Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. In 1987, he successfully performed the first separation of craniopagus twins conjoined at the back of the head. In 2016, Dr. Carson accepted the position of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the Trump administration. In 2021, Dr. Carson founded the American Cornerstone Institute (ACI). [Dr Carson will be interviewed via video link]. Topic – Faith, Liberty, Community & Life – Why We Should Protect It
• Sall Grover (Australia) – After years of sexual harassment as a screenwriter in Hollywood, Sall Grover developed Giggle – an app marketed as a social space exclusively for women, offering functionality for networking, friendship, support groups, and professional collaboration. In May, in a case called Giggle v Tickle, the Australian Federal Court upheld a finding that Giggle had unlawfully discriminated against Tickle, a transgender-identifying man who tried to join the app as a woman. Sall’s case has significant implications for the legal recognition of sex-based rights in Australia but also NZ, particularly concerning the definition of “sex” in law, and the right to single-sex spaces for all. Sall has paid a huge cost – both financially but also emotionally – for simply standing for women. Now it’s our turn to stand with her! TOPIC: Giggle vs Tickle Brings A Serious Warning
• Leighton Smith (NZ) – In our view (and the view of many others) Leighton Smith has not only been a leading broadcaster in New Zealand for more than 40 years, but he has also been a strong and credible defender of conservative values in New Zealand. As part of Family First’s 20-year anniversary, we’ve asked Leighton to ask the hard questions of the boss. Leighton will interview founder Bob McCoskrie about the legacy of Family First, and what the future looks like given the current cultural changes and challenges. Topic: Family First’s 20 Years – Unmasked! Leighton Interviews Founder And CEO Bob McCoskrie
• Martyn Iles (Australia) – Between 2018–2023, Martyn was Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL). In that role, he produced a popular vlog called The Truth of It and appeared frequently in the media. Martyn cofounded the Human Rights Law Alliance (HRLA), an Australian law firm dedicated to assisting people requiring legal support in the areas of freedom of religion, conscience, and speech. Between 2023 and 2025 he was the Executive CEO at Answers in Genesis, a large Christian apologetics and education ministry well-known for its famous Ark Encounter and Creation Museum attractions. Martyn is launching a new Christian education technology platform for children and young people. Martyn previously spoke at the Forum on the Family in 2022. Topic: Why We Must (Boldly) Counter The Culture With Truth
• Dr Jillian Spencer & Dr Andrew Amos (Australia) – In 2023, Dr Jillian Spencer, a respected Queensland child and adolescent psychiatrist, was stood down from her job in 2023 and the position was terminated last September. Her only “offence” was refusing to comply with an automatic “affirmative” approach to children experiencing gender distress. Instead, she advocated for a careful, evidence-based, and holistic approach that considers each child’s broader mental health and family circumstances. Dr Andrew Amos was until recently an academic psychiatrist at James Cook University and chair of the Queensland Section of Rural Psychiatry with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, but has now been prevented from practicing clinically. Dr Amos has questioned whether “gender-affirming care” allows psychiatrists to properly assess whether mental illness may be contributing to a patient’s gender distress. Topic: Conviction, Courage, And Then ‘Cancelation’ – The Cost Of Truth

Download our Forum Poster.

Forum Registration (includes the full conference across both Friday and Saturday)

$149 Individual

$269 Married Couple

$99 Special Student Rate (with Student ID)

Cost includes dinner on Friday evening, and Morning Tea and Lunch on Saturday.

Last year this event sold out, so Register Now.

Accommodation at Quest on Beaumont

We are pleased to offer a preferential accommodation rate at Quest on Beaumont, valid Thursday 10th September to Sunday 13th September 2026. Studio @ $210.00 inc GST.  One Bedroom @ $230.00 inc GST.

Here’s some other useful websites for booking hotels in central Auckland:
Aucklandisite.com ; Booking.com ; Discover Auckland ; Tripadvisor

Directions

Victory Convention Centre
98 Beaumont Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland 1010)

For more info:

tel: 09 261 2426
email: [email protected]

Cancellation and other terms

Should you wish to cancel your registration at least 30 days before the commencement of the event, we’ll refund you in full minus a $20.00 admin fee. If you cancel within 20 days of the event, we’ll refund 50% of the purchase price. If you cancel within 7 days of the event, or do a no-show on the day of the event, you’ll be liable for the full purchase price. In the unlikely event of cancellation of the event, the liability of the organisers is limited to the return of paid fees. The organisers may alter the times, dates and speakers of this event by notice to you at any time. While we are sorry if this causes inconvenience, the organisers will not be liable for any loss, damages or sadness arising from such changes.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/12/nz-forum-on-the-family-2026-register/

MIL OSI

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 June 2026 – As e-commerce continues to surge, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are seeking effective pathways for business development and transformation. To support the HKSAR Government’s e-commerce policy initiatives “Creativity * E-commerce – Beyond Limits”, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), with support of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB), and in partnership with the Trade and Industry Department, will co-organise the inaugural “E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026”(Expo). Held on 25 and 26 June at the HKPC Building, the annual flagship event spotlighting cross-border e-commerce will bring together tech innovation, brand and IP licensing, global platform support, and market expansion strategies. Hang Seng Bank is the Expo’s Diamond Partner, with support from over 240 supporting organisations. Featuring 80+ booths alongside a series of seminars, LIVE workshops, business matching sessions, and instant one-on-one consultations, the Expo aims to assist SMEs in expanding brand horizons from local to global.

In the 2026–27 Budget, the Government allocated additional funding to schemes such as the “BUD Fund” to help enterprises strengthen competitiveness and expand into new markets through technologies like AI. Various initiatives will also be rolled out to support upgrading and development of enterprises. However, amid rapid market changes, many SMEs are unsure where to start. HKPC’s “SME ReachOut” bridges policy resources with practical business needs, providing comprehensive, tailored support to address SMEs’ challenges. This Expo is a key initiative by the team, offering a one-stop platform that guides SMEs step by step, from strategy formulation to execution, empowering brands to achieve borderless expansion through e-commerce.

5 Thematic Zones to Help SME’s Going Global in One-stop

The Expo will feature 5 thematic exhibition zones, including Cross-border E-commerce Experience, New Retail Tech Application, Brand x IP Value-added, Smart Operations, and E-commerce Go-Global Support. Gathering 80+ exhibitors, the zones bring together e-commerce platforms, technology and business service providers, IP licensors, and Government funding booths. From platform selection and brand building to smart operations and worldwide expansion, all the key pillars of going global are precisely addressed.

10+ workshops and live showcases will be held, offering expert insights, success stories, practical examples, innovative solutions, instant consultations, and business matching opportunities to help SMEs develop effective plans for going global.

A dedicated Government funding zone will also guide SMEs on Government funding to accelerate their upgrade and expansion. To cater to the needs of relevant groups and stakeholders, exclusive guided tours will be arranged. Led by specialists, the tours will cover all five zones and help SMEs identify the most suitable support.

10 Seminars with Valuable Expertise Experiences for SMEs to Learn, Apply, and Go Global

To assist SMEs in grasping opportunities to go global, a total of 10 seminars will be hosted with various industry experts sharing insights on cross-border strategies, market trends, technology innovation, and inspiring IP brand collaboration stories. Details of the seminars can be found in Appendix I.

The sessions will cover key e-commerce topics, with highlights including:

• Cross-border E-commerce: How to convert online traffic into orders
• New Retail Technology: Utilising AI to save time and increase sales
• Brand x IP Value-added: Enhancing brand value and expanding into overseas markets through IP collaborations
• Smart Operations: Unlocking global payments and green supply chains, and leveraging logistics technology
• Go-Global Strategies: Avoiding cross-border trade pitfalls and opening up business opportunities with relevant Government funding schemes

HKPC cordially invites all SMEs to participate in this Expo, leveraging the rich cross-border e-commerce and funding information available on-site to capture opportunities for expanding brands and markets through e-commerce. SMEs are welcome to register and participate in the event with free admission.

[E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026]
Date: 25-26 June 2026 (Thursday to Friday)
Time: 10:00 – 18:00
Address: HKPC Building, 78 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon
Admission Fee: Free (Pre-registration required)
Registration Link: https://ecommexpo2026.com
Enquires: SME ReachOut Hotline: (852) 2788 6868; Email: sme_reachout@hkpc.org

Hashtag: #HKPC

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

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

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has announced the appointment of 4 new District Court Judges.  

The appointees will take up their roles in July and October, filling vacancies at the Dunedin, Timaru and Auckland Courts.  

Those taking up appointment to the District Court are:

Maurice John Casey

Mr Casey has over 25 years’ experience in Family Law, including childcare disputes, relationship property, elderly care and mental health law. His experience encompasses relationship property matters, family protections claims, care of children, relocation, Hague convention proceedings, Mental Health Law and Elder Welfare Law. 

He has held appointment as Lawyer for Child for over 10 years and has also been appointed as Lawyer to assist the Court.  In January 2024, Mr Casey left partnership in the Napier law firm Carlie Dowling and is now a barrister sole, practising in Family Law and mediation.     

Judge Casey will be based at the Timaru District Court and is due to be sworn in on 30 July 2026.

Bryony Ann Millar

Ms Millar has been a Barrister Sole since 2007 based in Blenheim.  She manages a diverse practice which includes, family, relationship property and youth advocate work as well as handling criminal matters.  

She has been Counsel for Subject Person since 2013 and lawyer for Child since 2007, a member of the Crown prosecution Panel from 2011 to 2016 and a member of the Children, Young Persons and their Families/Oranga Tamariki, Blenheim Care and Protection Panel from 2008 to 2020.  

Ms Millar was the first woman President of the Marlborough Branch of the NZLS and a Standards Committee member from 2017 to 2020.

Judge Millar will be based at the Dunedin District Court and is due to be sworn in on 13 July 2026.

Tiffany Mary Cooper, KC

Ms Cooper started her career practising commercial and civil law and has been a litigator since 2004 when she began work at Hamilton Crown Solicitor Almao Douch. This was followed by a move to Meredith Connell in 2005 where she was a Senior Associate before joining the independent bar in 2014. Her Auckland based practice now primarily consists of criminal defence work. 

While her practice specialises in sexual assault cases, Ms Cooper represents clients in all criminal matters including drug and homicide cases. She regularly represents clients in appeals against conviction and sentence and was appointed as a Kings Counsel in 2022.

Judge Cooper will be based at the Auckland District Court and is due to be sworn in on 29 July 2026.

Erin Lee Woolley

Coroner Woolley was appointed as a relief coroner in October 2020, becoming a permanent coroner in November 2022.  

Her background is as a criminal prosecutor and she was an associate at Meredith Connell from 2013 to 2020. She also has expertise in advising public and private-sector entities on regulatory compliance issues and previously worked for a law firm in the United Kingdom where she advised large multinational companies, providing advice on regulatory aspects of their business.  

Judge Woolley will be based at the Auckland District Court and is due to be sworn in on 6 October 2026.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/12/new-district-court-judges-appointed/