AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 24, 2026 – Full Text
1. Federated Farmers – Fresh hope for Waikato farmers caught by Plan Change 1
June 23, 2026
Source: Federated Farmers
Back to index · Read original article
2. Recognising Kiwi search and rescue excellence
June 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The exceptional skill, teamwork and dedication of Kiwi search and rescuers have been on full display at the New Zealand Search and Rescue (NZSAR) Awards, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.
Mr Meager hosted the annual event at Parliament this evening, created to shine a light on the courage, skill, and commitment shown by those who keep us safe.
Three Gold Awards and seven Certificates of Achievement were presented to teams and individuals, acknowledging courageous work in 2025 or significant contributions to search and rescue over many years.
“Each of these awards tells a story of the extraordinary lengths and efforts people have gone to, to help those in their time of need. I believe they celebrate the very best of New Zealand: our people, culture, values and connection to the outdoors,” Mr Meager says.
“Our country has one of the largest and most challenging global search and rescue regions. It covers more than 30 million square kilometres, which is one twelfth of the Earth’s surface. This makes the sector’s work even more dangerous and treacherous.”
The Operational Gold Award was presented to the team involved in Operation Artigau, the search for Argentine tourist Hector Gaston Artigau who went missing in Mt Aspiring National Park last year. Despite significant efforts, he has never been found.
“This was an intensive and dangerous operation involving five organisations and 40 Wānaka search and rescue volunteers who, over 20 days, contributed 823 hours of their own time. Two search and rescue dogs and their handlers were also brought in to help. It was a huge collaborative effort.” Mr Meager says.
Support category Gold Awards were presented to Keith Allen for more than 40 years of service to search and rescue through NZ Police and Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre, and to Carolyn Tapley for her 12-year contribution to Coastguard Canterbury and Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, including the rebuild of a new $2.6 million Search and Rescue Centre in Lyttelton following the Canterbury earthquakes.
“I congratulate all the Award winners for this well-deserved recognition of their outstanding effort and thank them for their service, professionalism, passion and unwavering selfless commitment to helping others,” Mr Meager says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/recognising-kiwi-search-and-rescue-excellence/
Back to index · Read original article
3. Progress continues across all five health targets
June 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
More New Zealanders are being seen and treated sooner across the health system, with the latest results showing continued improvement across all five Government health targets year-on-year, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“The Government’s focus is on shorter wait times for Kiwis, and these results show the system is continuing to move in the right direction,” Mr Brown says.
“More people are being seen sooner, more treatments are being delivered, and the elective waitlist is reducing. That’s real progress, with a clear, meaningful impact for patients and their families.”
Key improvements for the January to March quarter compared to the same quarter in the previous year include:
- Shorter waits for elective treatment: 64.9 per cent treated within four months, up from 57.3 per cent in the same quarter last year
- Shorter waits for first specialist assessment: 61.2 per cent seen within four months, up from 58.2 per cent in the same quarter last year
- Improved childhood immunisation: 83.5 per cent of children fully immunised at 24 months, up from 79.3 per cent in the same quarter last year
- Shorter stays in emergency departments: 74.4 per cent of patients admitted, discharged, or transferred within six hours, up from 74.2 per cent in the same quarter last year
- Faster cancer treatment: 86.2 per cent of patients receiving cancer treatment within 31 days of decision to treat, up from 84.6 per cent in the same quarter last year
“These results reflect steady progress across planned care, cancer services, and prevention, and show what happens when the system is focused on delivery with patients at the centre.
“Every percentage point represents real people who waited less and got care sooner.”
The results also show continued growth in the volume of care delivered across the system:
- 178,349 first specialist assessments were completed, up 7 per cent on the same quarter last year (167,069)
- 51,089 people were treated from the elective waitlist, up 5.5 per cent on the same quarter last year (48,389)
- 4,793 people received their first cancer treatment, up from 4,364 in the same quarter last year
- 11,947 children were fully immunised at 24 months, up from 11,359 in the same quarter last year
“While there’s more work to do, this progress shows the system is heading in the right direction.
“The Government’s five health targets are designed to drive accountability and keep the system focused on what matters most: patients. These results show that our plan to fix the basics and build the future of our health system is working, delivering better, faster care for all New Zealanders.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/progress-continues-across-all-five-health-targets/
Back to index · Read original article
4. Consumer NZ – More than 41,000 people call for fair repayment for retirement village residents
June 23, 2026
Today, Consumer NZ presented its fair repayment petition to Labour’s spokesperson for seniors, Ingrid Leary. The petition calls for a law change so residents who leave a retirement village get their money back sooner.
“More than 41,000 people backed our call for fast and fair repayment for all residents after they leave a retirement village,” says Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy.
Consumer is seeking to address the current power imbalance whereby residents who exit a retirement village can be left waiting many months, or even years, to get their money back from the village.
The government has proposed a 12-month deadline for repayment, but Consumer says this is too long to wait. Consumer is also concerned that the proposed repayment timeframe would only apply to future residents. This means the 55,000 residents currently living in retirement villages could still have to wait too long to get their money back.
“We understand the government is working on amendments to the Retirement Villages Act, but the proposed changes are not good enough,” says Duffy.
“The volume of petition signatures indicates this issue matters, and we urge the government to pay attention to that.
“We know that some villages will express concerns that the changes we are calling for would lead to higher costs for residents – however, we don’t expect any associated price increase would be significant.
“Right now, the sector’s funding model relies on departing residents’ capital, interest free, for extended periods. That can’t continue.”
Consumer says any villages facing genuine financial constraints could apply for payment extensions and those sharing at least half of the capital gains would be exempt from the repayment rules.
The petition was presented on the steps of parliament at 1pm, Tuesday 23 June.
About the petition
Consumer’s petition asks the government to introduce new laws requiring:
- full repayment of residents’ money within 3 months of the agreement ending
- an interim payment of 10% or $50,000 (whichever is higher) within 5 working days of the agreement ending
- interest on late repayments
- public disclosure of repayment timeframes, so residents know what to expect before they move in.
About Consumer
Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.
Back to index · Read original article
5. New research to support yellow-legged hornet response
June 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Four new research projects will help the ongoing efforts, led by Biosecurity New Zealand, to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet from New Zealand, say Science Minister Penny Simmonds and Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
The new research is being led by scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, a Public Research Organisation established by the Government last year.
“In one project, scientists will use modelling to help identify areas in Auckland most at risk of ongoing hornet presence, supporting the surveillance work being done on the ground,” says Ms Simmonds.
“There’s been an unprecedented level of public reporting during the response, with around 17,850 notifications to date. This data will be used in some of the Institute’s modelling work, underscoring the value of ongoing public involvement in efforts to eradicate the hornet.”
Andrew Hoggard says since yellow-legged hornets were first detected on Auckland’s North Shore last year, 77 queens and 132 nests have been found and removed, with no further sightings since early April.
“This is a really positive sign, but continued vigilance is needed from the public and intensive searching and trapping is ongoing as part of the response operation.
“There is still work to do in this next phase of the response. While we have made great progress, we must be ready for the possibility that some queens have survived. Even if we detect no hornets in spring, we will need ongoing surveillance with no detections before we can confirm eradication.”
The Bioeconomy Science Institute is also creating a readiness guide to support the apiculture sector in managing hornets long term, should the need arise.
“As part of our response, it makes sense to review the tools and approaches used by beekeepers overseas where the hornet is established,” Mr Hoggard says.
The research projects are supported through the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Overview of the four SSIF funded hornet research projects:
- Identifying high‑risk areas for ongoing hornet presence using modelling.
- Assessing the potential impacts of yellow‑legged hornets in non‑urban parts of New Zealand.
- Targeted science communication to build awareness among Māori communities of the threat posed by yellow‑legged hornets.
- A readiness package for the honey and pollination sectors should long term management become necessary, drawing on international experience and New Zealand’s eradication response learnings.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/new-research-to-support-yellow-legged-hornet-response/
Back to index · Read original article
6. Thailand Launches FastPass Program, Unlocking USD 21 billion in Strategic High-Tech Investment
June 23, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul formally launched Thailand FastPass at Government House, mobilizing over USD 21 billion (approximately 700 billion baht) in strategic high-tech investment. The program integrates eight government agencies to cut regulatory approval timelines by up to 50 percent, accelerating approved investments from license to operating factory.
FastPass targets high-value sectors including advanced electronics, aerospace technology, precision machinery and automation systems, and recycled plastics.
By coordinating eight key government agencies—including Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), the Department of Industrial Works, the Customs Department, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), the Energy Regulatory Commission, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and the Provincial Electricity Authority—the initiative removes historical friction in permitting, environmental approvals, and infrastructure connectivity.
At the ceremony, the eight agencies formalized their coordination by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing to reduce approval and licensing timelines by 20 to 50 percent across key investment milestones, including factory permits, free-zone processing, environmental impact assessments, and power grid connections.
The ceremony drew more than 300 attendees, including foreign diplomats, international chambers of commerce, and multinational executives.
“In today’s global economy, speed is the ultimate competitive differentiator,” said Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand. “The Thai government is shifting from regulator to active business facilitator. By removing regulatory hurdles, increasing speed, and ensuring policy transparency, we are driving physical investments that will generate next-generation employment and secure Thailand’s long-term regional competitiveness.”
The push to turn approved projects into physical factories follows a historic surge in investment applications. BOI received a record USD 54.5 billion (approximately 1.8 trillion baht) in investment applications in 2025. Momentum has carried into 2026, with first-quarter applications already exceeding USD 30.3 billion (approximately 1 trillion baht).
The USD 21 billion total spans two FastPass cohorts. In the first phase, FastPass resolved regulatory bottlenecks for 76 previously approved projects valued at over USD 14.4 billion (approximately 474 billion baht). Today’s ceremony launched the second cohort: 25 projects from 23 companies worth USD 6.7 billion (approximately 223 billion baht), each receiving a formal Thailand FastPass certificate.
“We are focusing heavily on ‘realized investment’ entering the actual economy,” said Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. “The FastPass mechanism is designed to deliver immediate, concrete economic results in the short term, while laying down long-term structural benefits that will distribute wealth across our broader economy. These 25 pilot projects from 23 companies are projected to generate over 13,000 high-skilled jobs. Combined with the 76 projects cleared under FastPass in the preceding phase, total investment mobilized by the program exceeds 700 billion baht.”
This mechanism converts corporate capital into domestic benefits across five key dimensions: driving investment-led GDP growth, generating high-skilled careers, transferring technical know-how, integrating local SMEs, and creating localized economic multipliers within regional communities.
“The FastPass program fundamentally changes how Thailand works with global investors,” said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the BOI. “We put eight agencies into one pipeline. Permit timelines that once stretched for months can now be cut by up to half. That gets factories built, creates high-skilled jobs, and pulls Thai suppliers into global supply chains.”
Global corporations participating in the FastPass program cited Thailand’s strategic location, modern infrastructure, robust supply chains, skilled workforce, and favorable investment policies as the key drivers for their expansion.
“Thailand possesses the talent, infrastructure, and policy support necessary for next-generation industries,” said Mr. Simon Gwozdz, CEO of Equatorial Space (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a developer of low-Earth orbit space launch vehicles. “The BOI’s one-stop coordination significantly reduces regulatory complexity.”
“The availability of raw materials, infrastructure, and proactive government support were critical in our decision to anchor our regional operations here,” said Mr. Donald Carpenter, CFO of U.S.-based PureCycle Technologies, Inc. “The FastPass mechanism directly improves our operational efficiency.”
“The speed of obtaining factory licenses under the scheme has accelerated our operational readiness, creating a smoother path to scale,” said Mr. Larry Foo of SAM Precision (Thailand), a Malaysia-based manufacturer of precision components for the semiconductor industry.
“The depth of Thailand’s electronics supply chain and supportive state policies were critical to our investment decision,” said Mr. Kris Leetavorn, Director of Advanced Connection Technology, a high-density printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer. “The FastPass program drastically simplifies state coordination, allowing us to hit aggressive deployment timelines.”
To demonstrate Thailand’s readiness for advanced industries, the government showcased technologies currently being deployed or manufactured in Thailand, including humanoid robotics, LiDAR sensor systems, aerospace technology, and advanced electronics.
“Thailand FastPass proves what is possible when all agencies move in the same direction—approved investments actually get built,” Mr. Narit concluded. “The world is reshuffling supply chains. Investors need clarity and speed. Thailand is ready to deliver both. We will keep expanding FastPass to cover more permits and more strategic industries, creating quality jobs, strengthening supply chains, and raising Thailand’s long-term competitiveness.”
USD conversion based on a reference exchange rate of approximately 33 baht per USD (Bank of Thailand, June 2026).
https://www.boi.go.th
Hashtag: #BIO #Thailand #FastPassProgram
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Back to index · Read original article
7. Funding boost for hospices across New Zealand
June 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Hospices will receive a funding boost to strengthen palliative care services across New Zealand, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Thousands of New Zealanders and their families rely on hospice care every year during some of the most difficult times in their lives,” Mr Brown says.
“Ensuring people receive quality, compassionate end-of-life palliative care is deeply important to me, and investing in these services is critical to making sure that support is there when it’s needed most.
“To support that, Health New Zealand will provide a $12 million funding uplift to hospices for 2026/27.
“This investment follows a recent review of hospice services, undertaken by Health New Zealand in partnership with Hospice New Zealand and hospices, which identified significant variation in funding levels, service models, and the range of services provided across the country.
“Currently, Government funding covers around 64 per cent of total hospice service costs delivered across New Zealand, with the remaining 36 per cent funded by the sector. However, the level of Government support varies significantly between individual hospices, ranging from 22 per cent to 91 per cent.
“To help address these disparities, funding will be more closely aligned with need while ensuring every hospice receives a baseline increase.
“This targeted approach will ensure funding is better aligned to the needs of services and the communities they support, helping to strengthen access to specialist palliative care across the country.
“The funding uplift has been informed by information provided by hospices through Hospice New Zealand, and I want to acknowledge their leadership and advocacy on behalf of hospices and the communities they serve.”
Mr Brown say this investment also builds on wider Government action to strengthen specialist palliative care services.
“Budget 2026 included $15.5 million over four years to establish a nationally consistent specialist paediatric palliative care service, delivered through dedicated teams in both the North and South Islands.
“Together, these investments will strengthen hospice and palliative care services and improve access for families across New Zealand.
“We are committed to supporting palliative care services, including hospices, to ensure care is there for people and their families when they need it most. I want to sincerely thank the dedicated staff and volunteers who provide compassionate care and support during some of life’s most difficult moments.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/funding-boost-for-hospices-across-new-zealand/
Back to index · Read original article
8. Women’s representation on public sector boards above 50 percent
June 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Women continue to hold half of public sector board and committee roles, according to the 2025 stocktake of gender and ethnic diversity released today by Minister for Women Nicola Grigg.
“The evidence is clear that balanced boards lead to better outcomes and the input of women is vital to New Zealand’s productivity, growth and resilience,” Ms Grigg says.
The annual stocktake shows women hold 50.2 percent of public sector board and committee roles, marking the sixth consecutive year women’s representation has remained above the Government’s 50 percent target.
Women also hold 43.8 percent of board chair roles, significantly higher than the 31.7 percent recorded in 2015 when chair data was first collected.
“It is encouraging that women’s representation on public sector boards has remained above 50 percent again this year.
“We need to keep building that momentum by strengthening the pipeline of women ready for board roles through the refreshed governance database BoardConnector. The database now includes more than 1,100 women seeking board opportunities, and half of those are at an experienced level.
“There’s no shortage of skilled, qualified women ready to contribute in the boardroom. We’re building on that by encouraging more women to register with BoardConnector, to further broaden the talent pipeline and the range of skills available.
“We’re working with both the public and private sectors on opportunities to support women in governance and ensure that appointing agencies have strong candidates. This includes partnering with the Institute of Directors, organisations, and leadership services that are committed to supporting board opportunities for women,” Ms Grigg says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/womens-representation-on-public-sector-boards-above-50-percent/
Back to index · Read original article
9. Federated Farmers welcome Jones’ backing of Waikato farmers
June 23, 2026
Source: Federated Farmers
Back to index · Read original article
10. Three-month closure for Kaikōura rock lobster
June 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A three-month closure for the rock lobster fishery in the Kaikoura Marine Area will keep the fishery sustainable and prepare it for the peak fishing season, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
“The closure, which begins on 1 July, was requested by Kaikōura Marine Guardians and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura because of their concerns about the number of large rock lobster in the area,” Mr Jones says.
“The closure includes both recreational and commercial fishing, and the rūnanga is putting a rāhui on customary take.”
It is expected the closure will improve the fishery’s resilience ahead of the fishing season over spring and summer.
“Stopping fishing for the pre-summer period will reduce disruption to female rock lobster carrying eggs, and allow smaller rock lobster to grow. This is about supporting the future of the fishery and improving fishing during the peak season,” Mr Jones says.
Fisheries New Zealand will carry out a stock assessment for the Kaikōura rock lobster fishery later this year. Depending on the outcome of this assessment, catch settings for the wider fishery may be reviewed.
The temporary closure follows public consultation by Fisheries New Zealand in April this year.
“There was a good response with strong support for the closure. I thank everyone who took the time to provide their views.”
The closure will be in place until 30 September 2026.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/three-month-closure-for-kaikoura-rock-lobster/
Back to index · Read original article