AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 1, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has delivered on its commitment to crack down on boy racers, fleeing drivers, and other antisocial road users, with Parliament passing the Antisocial Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.

“At present, the consequences for antisocial driving behaviour have not been strong enough to deter this appalling behaviour. Communities across New Zealand have been forced to put up with illegal street racing, burnouts, fleeing drivers, intimidating convoys, disorderly dirt bike gatherings and siren battles for far too long,” Mr Bishop says.

“New Zealanders have had enough. These activities put participants, bystanders and Police at risk, disrupt neighbourhoods, and create fear and frustration for law-abiding Kiwis. This law sends a very clear message: if you use our roads to intimidate or endanger communities, there will be serious consequences.”

The new offences and penalties include:

Establishing a presumptive sentence of vehicle destruction or forfeiture for those that flee Police, street racers, intimidating convoys, and owners who fail to identify offending drivers
Giving Police more powers to manage antisocial vehicle gatherings by closing roads or public areas and issuing infringements
Increasing the infringement fee for making excessive noise from or within a vehicle from $50 to $300

“These changes mean convicted fleeing drivers, street racers, and people participating in intimidating convoys can expect to lose their vehicles through destruction or forfeiture, unless limited exceptions apply,” Mr Bishop says.

“The legislation also ensures penalties for excessive vehicle noise better reflect the impact this behaviour has on communities.”

Minister Mitchell says the new law gives Police stronger tools to respond to antisocial road use and protect communities.

“For too long, the consequences haven’t matched the harm being caused. This law backs Police with the powers they need to manage antisocial vehicle gatherings and ensure repeat offenders face meaningful consequences,” Mr Mitchell says.

“People have had enough of this dangerous, obnoxious behaviour. Excessive noise, siren battles, illegal street racing and fleeing Police is not harmless fun. It is intimidating, disruptive, and places people at risk.

“Antisocial road use has no place in New Zealand. Our message is clear: if you choose to engage in this behaviour, expect serious and lasting consequences.”

The Bill was recommended for passage by the Justice Committee following public submissions from councils, community groups, businesses and individuals.

Importantly, the legislation includes safeguards to ensure penalties remain fair and proportionate, and does not target lawful car enthusiasts or legal motorsport events.

“This law is tightly focused on illegal behaviour,” Mr Bishop says.

“Our message is simple: if you want to drive dangerously and intimidate communities, face the consequences.”

Notes to editor: 

Most changes will come into effect in six-months’ time. This transition period allows for changes to be circulated with frontline staff and for judiciary and legal stakeholders to be able to the operationalise changes.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/bill-passed-to-tackle-antisocial-road-users/

MIL OSI

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand is backing Pacific nations’ fisheries through increased funding and support to drive innovation and help generate higher returns on tuna, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones say.

“The Pacific region supplies more than half of the world’s traded tuna. However, the countries in whose waters most tuna are caught do not always get a fair return on that catch,” Mr Peters says.

“Backing the Pacific-based fish processors who link coastal communities to the global marketplace is one way New Zealand can help change that.”

Mr Jones spoke at the opening of the 25th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting at Parliament this evening where he announced a funding boost for the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).

“This increased support from New Zealand will help the FFA combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, build capacity across member countries, and ensure the long-term sustainability and integrity of the region’s fisheries resources,” Mr Jones says.

The FFA will also be supported to drive the Pacific Islands Tuna Ventures programme (PITVP) which is focused on “value-add” opportunities for tuna fisheries.

“New Zealand’s funding, science, technical expertise and management know-how can help deliver better returns to Pacific fishers and their families,” Mr Peters says. 

“One way to secure the future success of the sector is by helping businesses diversify production to capture higher returns from each tonne of tuna. This is the focus of the New Zealand-supported PITVP.”

The programme has already had success with projects turning previously wasted tuna by-products into pet food, fertiliser and high-value food products.

Pacific fisheries ministers are meeting in Wellington this week for the annual Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting and the Regional Fisheries Ministerial Meeting. It is the first time in 18 years New Zealand has hosted these meetings.

Mr Jones, who is chairing the ministerial meeting, says the funding highlights New Zealand’s commitment to the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) as the key Pacific Island regional fisheries institution. 

“As with New Zealand, fisheries provide significant income for many Pacific nations and are critical for their domestic food security.

“Fisheries span many marine boundaries and the tuna range widely, so managing them effectively and keeping their stocks healthy is a regional effort. This is why our support for the FFA is essential and why coming together in these meetings is important,” Mr Jones says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/further-new-zealand-support-for-pacific-fisheries/

Source: New Zealand Government

Courts are set to receive a double boost, with two Bills introduced today to expand the role of Community Magistrates and modernise remote participation, says Courts and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.

“Too many people are spending too long caught in the court system, and victims should not have to wait a year or more to see a case resolved,” says Mrs McKee.

“The Community Magistrates Legislation Amendment Bill will free up more than five full-time judges by allowing Community Magistrates to deal with more straightforward matters from start to finish.

“Community Magistrates already play an important role in the District Court. Expanding their jurisdiction will make better use of their skills, improve timeliness, and will mean District Court judges can spend more time on the serious and complex cases that need their attention.

“It is a practical, common-sense reform that gets better value out of the court system and helps cases move faster.”

The Community Magistrates Legislation Amendment Bill will enable Community Magistrates to:

• take guilty pleas for all cases except those tried in the High Court, such as murder and manslaughter;
• preside over trials and determine guilt for offences with a maximum penalty of a fine, community-based sentence, or up to three months’ imprisonment;
• order pre-sentencing reports for offences being referred to a District Court judge for sentencing;
• make a greater range of bail decisions where the defendant has pleaded guilty before a Community Magistrate; and
• make a greater range of administrative decisions, including transferring trials from one District Court to another and hearing unopposed limited driver licence applications.

Budget 2025 provided funding for three additional Community Magistrates and extra training to support them in their work. Judge Moses has also recently been appointed as the first Chief Community Magistrate, providing judicial oversight and recognising the growing importance of Community Magistrates to the courts system.

The Government is also introducing the Courts Remote Participation Bill, which will modernise the law for using remote technology in court cases.

“Remote participation is not appropriate for every hearing, but where it saves time, reduces cost, and avoids unnecessary disruption, the law should enable it,” says Mrs McKee.

“The current framework is outdated. This Bill will replace the Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010 with a new enabling framework that gives the courts clearer rules and more consistency.

“The Bill will allow new Court Rules to set defaults or presumptions about which events should be held in person and which can be held remotely. This will give greater certainty to defendants, victims, lawyers, judges, court staff, and justice sector agencies.

“Judges and Registrars will still retain discretion to depart from those defaults after considering the criteria in the Act. This is about creating a clearer starting point, not removing judicial judgment.

“These reforms build on the Government’s wider work to improve court performance, including the Judicature (Timeliness) Legislation Amendment Act passed last year, which provided for more judges and updated procedures that were slowing the system down.

“While there’s still more work to do, significant progress has been made in improving timely justice in the District Court. The criminal backlog has seen a 28 percent decrease since February 2024, the equivalent of more than 1,500 fewer victims waiting for justice.

“In the same period, the proportion of cases disposed of within timely justice thresholds has increased from 81% to 85%. More than 58,000 victims have experienced more timely access to justice over that period as a result.”

Notes to editors – Courts Remote Participation Bill

• The Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary are working together to develop the Court Rules, which are expected to draw on the default settings in existing judicial protocols for remote participation.
• To help people understand how the Bill and Court Rules will work together, a Summary Document on the Court Rules will be made available on the Ministry of Justice website while the Bill is before Select Committee.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/five-judges-for-the-price-of-none/

Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has today announced the remaining six locations for new mental health co-response teams, marking another step in the Government’s rollout of a better crisis response for New Zealanders experiencing mental distress. 

“We’re transforming the way emergency services respond to people in mental distress by ensuring more New Zealanders receive a mental health response, rather than a criminal justice response when they call 111,” Mr Doocey says.

“It is utterly unacceptable that for too long, when a concerned mum, dad, friend or colleague calls 111 looking for a mental health response, they have received a criminal justice response. This Government is changing that because New Zealanders deserve better. 

“Already we’ve announced new co-response teams in Auckland, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty and Canterbury, with positive results already coming through from the first tranche. Today, I can confirm Northland, Lakes, Hawke’s Bay, MidCentral, Whanganui, and Nelson Marlborough will be the next districts to get the new teams. 

“Budget 2025 funded ten new co-response teams, tripling the number available across the country. Before this investment, there were just five teams; when the rollout is complete, there will be fifteen. That’s a significant expansion that will ensure more New Zealanders can access the right support. 

“What’s particularly important about this next phase is that many of these locations will serve our rural communities. We know people living in rural New Zealand can face additional barriers to accessing support, whether that’s longer travel distances or more limited access to the range of mental health services available in urban areas. 

“These communities know what works best for them. The new Co-Response Teams will be designed to meet the unique needs of the locations. Health and Police will work together to tailor their approach for the district and community. 

“These locations were selected based on demand and need, using data including emergency department presentations, crisis contacts, engagement with specialist mental health services and suicide statistics. 

“We want this additional resource going where it’s needed most and will make the biggest impact, because at the end of the day, location should never be a barrier. Whether someone lives in a major city or a rural town, they deserve faster access to the right support. 

“We are tripling the number of co-response teams, which is a stark contrast to the previous Labour Government, which cut funding in 2018 after National had allocated it for these teams. 

“Despite having the Wellington co-response evaluation that found there was a reduction in the use of powers under the Mental Health Act, fewer people needed to go to an emergency department or police station, and the level of wraparound support increased. They were slow to act.

“While I wish that hadn’t happened, and more New Zealanders were already receiving the response they deserve, I’m pleased this Government is taking action to ensure people get the support they need. Already we are seeing them make a big difference.”

Notes to editor:
•    Budget 2025 includes $28 million to establish ten new mental health co response teams across New Zealand and increase crisis helpline capacity.
•    Implementation planning for the six newly announced locations will now begin. Timeframes for each team will be confirmed as planning progresses.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/six-co-response-team-locations-announced/

Source: New Zealand Government

University researchers will benefit from a $40.68 million boost in Government support to help commercialise their innovations, alongside new Intellectual Property (IP) rules taking effect from 1 July, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Penny Simmonds says. 

“The new national Intellectual Property Management Policy for publicly funded research will unlock the commercial potential of New Zealand’s world-class research, accelerate economic growth and deliver real benefits for Kiwis.

“These changes put researchers in the driver’s seat, giving them greater control over their inventions and stronger incentives to turn great ideas into global opportunities.

“From breakthrough medical treatments to low-emissions agriculture and high-tech industries, this uniquely New Zealand approach will help get discoveries to market sooner, create high-value jobs and strengthen our economy.”

The Government is increasing funding for university research commercialisation through enhancements to the Commercialisation Partner Network programme. Universities will be required to co-invest alongside Government, increasing overall investment into research commercialisation.

New Commercialisation Engagement Guidelines, developed in partnership with the sector, will also support researchers, universities, and industry partners to work more effectively as ideas move towards market.

“We are working closely with universities and research organisations to ensure researchers have the practical support they need to turn great ideas into real-world impact,” Ms Simmonds says. 

“That includes building commercialisation skills, identifying opportunities earlier, and connecting researchers with the expertise they need to develop viable ventures.

“The new support is also designed to strengthen collaboration across universities, making it easier to share expertise and back the most promising ideas, wherever they emerge.”

“With a stronger focus on early-stage ideas, this investment will help build a deeper pipeline of investable research and support more inventions to become start-ups, products and services.”

The initiative will begin with a pilot in 2026/27, ahead of a full investment round from 1 July 2027. The funding sits alongside broader changes to support science-led start-ups as part of the Government’s work to transform New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system. 

Following discussions with universities, PROs, and others, the Government has updated the Intellectual Property Management Policy to assist with its implementation. The final Intellectual Property Management Policy and newly developed Commercialisation Engagement Guidelines are available on the MBIE website https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/refocusing-the-science-innovation-and-technology-system/research-commercialisation 

The science start-up initiatives receiving Government funding are:

• University research commercialisation – an additional $40.68 million over three years from 1 July 2026, delivered through the Commercialisation Partner Network programme
• Founder and Start-up Support Programme (FSSP) – an additional $1.4 million annually for four years from 1 July 2026 to enable it to offer a dedicated deep-tech incubation programme alongside its existing programmes, taking total annual funding to $4.1 million
• New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology (NZIAT) – an additional $1.4 million annually for four years from 1 July 2027 to expand the HealthTech Activator model into other advanced technology areas.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/40-7m-boost-backs-university-research-from-lab-to-market/

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s proposal to widen access to Rosuvastatin based on clinical need. 

“Improving access to medicines in New Zealand is important to patients and their families. That’s why it has been a focus for this Government,” Mr Seymour says.

Pharmac will widen access to Rosuvastatin from 1 October 2026 by removing all eligibility criteria, including ethnicity criteria. It will remain a prescription only medicine, so clinicians will decide who needs it. 

“Rosuvastatin lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with high cholesterol. Clinicians are best placed to determine who needs Rosuvastatin. If a clinician thinks a patient would benefit from this medicine, they should be able to prescribe it to them, regardless of their ethnicity,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Supporting earlier and more effective management of high cholesterol for everyone will reduce avoidable hospital admissions and improve health outcomes.

“Around 76,000 New Zealanders currently use rosuvastatin each year. We estimate that once we change the eligibility criteria about 81,000 more people would access it in the first year, growing to about 108,000 more people over five years. People already receiving these medicines will not be affected by the proposed changes. 

“Pharmac can afford to pay for this through their 2025/26 Annual Tender. The annual tender helps Pharmac manage how much New Zealand spends on medicines by reducing the cost of those we already fund. Annual tender changes allow Pharmac to free up between $30 million and $50 million to spend on new medicines annually.

“Pharmac heard through previous funding decisions, consultations, and engagement with health professionals and consumers that there is strong support for today’s decision. Because Pharmac already knew there is strong support for this decision, they didn’t want to waste time on further consultation. It’s great to see Pharmac move swiftly with this decision. The sooner people can access this medicine, the better.

“We’re making the system work better for the people it serves. When people can access their medicines easily, they stay healthier for longer. It also reduces pressure on other parts of the health system.”

A person is currently eligible for treatment with Rosuvastatin: 

• if they are considered at risk of cardiovascular disease and are Māori or Pacific; or 
• if they have a 15% or higher chance of having a heart attack over the next five years, and their cholesterol is above a certain level after trying other funded statin medications; or
• if they have established cardiovascular disease, and their cholesterol is above a certain level after trying other funded statin medications; or 
• if they have a genetic disease that causes them to have high cholesterol, and their cholesterol is above a certain level after trying other funded statin medications. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/pharmac-widens-access-to-medicine-for-high-cholesterol-for-everyone/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is moving to protect young children by making it mandatory for new corded blinds sold in New Zealand to meet recognised safety standards, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer says.

“Since 2008, eight young children have died in New Zealand after becoming entangled in the cords of window coverings. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, and behind every one of those numbers is a family that lost a child to something preventable. New Zealand families deserve to know the products they buy for their homes are safe,” Mr Brewer says.

“Between 2021 and 2026, three coroners recommended improvements to the safety of corded blinds. 

“That’s why we are making it mandatory for new corded window coverings to meet internationally recognised safety standards, including those used in Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States. It’s a practical, sensible fix that brings us into line with international best practice and makes these products safer for children.”

Once the standards are in place, new corded blinds will need to remove or reduce cord hazards through shorter cords, clearer warning labels, or safety devices supplied with the item so parents can fix loose cords out of a child’s reach.

“Many corded blinds sold here, particularly pre-made products from major retailers, already meet a safety standard. So this targets the higher-risk products that don’t, while keeping compliance costs limited for businesses already doing the right thing,” Mr Brewer says.

“New standards only apply to new products, so for the blinds already in homes, awareness matters just as much. I’d urge any parent with corded window coverings to visit MBIE’s Product Safety website for advice on replacing them or keeping cords out of reach.

“As a parent myself, I want every mum and dad to have confidence that their home is a safe place for their kids. No family should lose a child to something this preventable, and putting these standards in place is the right thing to do.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/corded-blinds-to-be-made-safer-for-children/

Source: New Zealand Government

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has today announced the reappointment of Deputy Chair Sue Tindal and the appointment of new director Natasha Possenniskie to the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission board.

“Sue Tindal’s extensive financial and governance experience, combined with her proven track record in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, will continue to provide invaluable strategic oversight to the Commission,” Mr Bishop says.

“Her institutional knowledge will be critical as the Commission takes on its new mandate of providing infrastructure investment and project assurance.

“Natasha Possenniskie brings over 25 years of experience in infrastructure planning, delivery, and assurance.

“Her leadership in modernising construction standards and managing large-scale infrastructure portfolios will strengthen the Board’s ability to assess high-priority proposals and ensure robust investment and project assurance processes. 

“These appointments reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring the Commission has the leadership and expertise required to deliver on its expanded mandate and improve infrastructure outcomes for New Zealand.” 

Notes to editor: 

BIOs 

Sue Tindal

Suzanne is the Deputy Chair and Chair of the Risk and Assurance Committee of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission. She is a Fellow of the Certified Practising Accountants of Australia, a Chartered Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, a Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors,  and is also the Chair of KiwiRail. Sue has extensive senior executive and governance experience across financial services, ICT, energy, global freight and logistics, central and local government sectors spanning domestic and international markets. Before moving into governance, Sue held executive roles as Group Chief Financial Officer of Auckland Council, Director of Consultancy at PwC, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Chief Operating Officer of Westpac Asia.

Natasha Possenniskie

Natasha Possenniskie is a highly experienced leader in New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure sectors, with over 25 years of expertise spanning operational management, risk assessment, procurement, and delivery of large-scale projects. As Director of Urban Outcomes Limited, Natasha has contributed to major initiatives such as the NZ International Convention Centre and Auckland Airport’s Domestic Jet Terminal. She has held governance roles in public and private organisations, including Quotable Value Limited, Te Toi Mahana, and Building Institute Aotearoa. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) from Massey University and professional memberships with the Institute of Directors, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, and Building Institute Aotearoa. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/appointments-to-the-infrastructure-commission/