Post

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

July 15, 2026

AM-NCCTFDJFMIL-OSI
AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 15, 2026 – Full Text

AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 15, 2026 – Full Text

Generated July 15, 2026 06:00 NZST · Included sources: 10

1. Federated Farmers warn of last-minute rush for iwi agreements

July 14, 2026

MIL OSI

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is sounding the alarm over councils rushing to sign new iwi partnership agreements before the Resource Management Act is replaced.
Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper says Environment Canterbury is the latest council attempting to finalise a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreement before the new planning system comes into force.
“Under the Government’s replacement legislation, as currently drafted, councils won’t be able to enter into new Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements.
“But that draft legislation presently carries over any existing Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements.
“Predictably, that has triggered a rush from iwi organisations seeking to lock agreements in before the law changes.
“The latest example is Environment Canterbury, which has suddenly announced it’s considering an agreement with Ngāi Tahu, with elected councillors given only one week to consider and decide on the draft agreement.
“ECan is showing flagrant disregard for their community, pushing this through with no public notification before it appeared on the agenda this week, to be ratified next week.
“That’s deeply concerning and we’re calling on the Government to intervene so councils can’t rush these agreements through before the system is reformed.”
Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements, created under the Resource Management Act, set out how councils and iwi work together on resource management matters.
They can allow for joint decision-making on plans and resource consents.
In its Election Platform launched last month, Federated Farmers expressed concern about the increasing number of agreements between councils and iwi that allow for co-governance or co-management of natural resources.
Since the Government released its draft Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill in late 2025, dozens of new agreements have been initiated around the country, including in Manawatū-Whanganui, Northland and most recently Taranaki.
Hooper says councils have little discretion once an agreement is formally requested.
“Councils are legally required to negotiate these agreements, which puts elected members under enormous pressure to complete them before the law changes.
“That creates a real risk of rushed decision-making and inadequate public scrutiny.
“In Canterbury, councillors have had very little time to consider the proposal before being asked to ratify it.”
Federated Farmers will write to Environment Canterbury urging it to pause the process and allow proper consultation.
“The timing couldn’t be worse. Local government reform is also underway and, within a year or two, Environment Canterbury may no longer exist, with smaller unitary councils taking its place.
“Signing long-term partnership agreements now could bind future councils that don’t even exist yet.
“Those future councils should be free to negotiate their own relationships with iwi once both local government and resource management reforms are settled.
“Rushing agreements through now shows little respect for future elected representatives or the communities they’ll serve.”
Hooper says the situation reinforces the need for Government action.
“This scramble highlights exactly why ministers need to step in and change the new legislation before it’s enacted.”
In its submission on the Government’s resource management reforms, Federated Farmers recommended the new system shouldn’t carry over Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements.
“If the Government decides to retain them, there need to be clear limits.
“They shouldn’t override democratic decision-making, expand the scope of planning legislation or create additional consent requirements.”
Hooper says the agreements raise important questions about who should influence planning rules and resource consent decisions.
“We fully support councils and iwi working together and building strong relationships.
“But decisions affecting property rights and resource consents should ultimately rest with people the public can vote in or vote out.
“Our concern is that some agreements move beyond collaboration and hand significant influence to groups that aren’t democratically accountable in the same way elected councils are.”
While some agreements focus primarily on improving communication, Hooper says others extend much further.
“For example, Northland Regional Council’s agreement with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine includes funding for iwi environmental planning work and provides opportunities for iwi representatives to participate in resource consent processes.”
He says farmers are concerned about what that could mean in practice.
“A farmer wanting consent for a feed pad, a new effluent system or worker accommodation could end up facing extra costs, delays and bureaucracy.
“Federated Farmers is firmly opposed to blanket requirements for cultural impact assessments on routine consent applications.
“Farmers already spend enough time and money navigating an overly complex consent system.
“The last thing rural New Zealand needs is another layer of consultants, planners, lawyers and reports added to an already broken resource management system.”

MIL OSI

Back to index · Read original article

2. Capital market reforms to power economic growth

July 14, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is seeking feedback on the next phase of its capital market reforms, aiming to lower the cost of raising money for Kiwi businesses and deliver stronger returns for everyday investors, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer.

“Economic growth is this Government’s central priority, and deep, competitive and trusted capital markets are central to that ambition,” Mr Brewer says.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is seeking feedback on the next phase of its capital market reforms, aiming to lower the cost of raising money for Kiwi businesses and deliver stronger returns for everyday investors, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer.

“Economic growth is this Government’s central priority, and deep, competitive and trusted capital markets are central to that ambition,” Mr Brewer says.

“It comes down to one thing: the cost of capital. When it costs too much for a Kiwi business to raise money, good ideas go unfunded and businesses that should be expanding stay stuck. Our job is to bring that cost down, to make raising money here easier and cheaper, and to make investing here more rewarding.

“When our capital markets work well, everyone benefits. Businesses can raise the money they need to take the next step, and the millions of Kiwis with KiwiSaver see it in stronger returns on their savings.

“This is the second phase of our reforms. Last year we made a series of common-sense changes to cut compliance costs, reduce red tape, and remove barriers to listing on the NZX. We made forward-looking financial information optional for NZX listings and have agreed to lift the mandatory climate reporting threshold to $1 billion in market capitalisation.

“Now we’re going further. We’ve released a discussion document seeking feedback on how to modernise the rules that govern our capital markets, so they keep pace with rapid innovation and cut the costs and barriers that hold businesses back. We want New Zealand to be globally competitive.

“That includes eight targeted proposals for change, all aimed at lowering the cost of capital and removing barriers to raising it, while keeping the investor protections that give people the confidence to put their money to work.”

The eight areas open for feedback are: product disclosure statements, director and issuer liability, Catalist market settings, Unlisted Securities Exchange audit requirements, crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending limits, wholesale investor settings, auditor liability, and broker activity and visibility of offers.

“These are sensible, targeted changes and a great next step. We want to hear from businesses, fund managers, investors, financial advisers, and everyone with a stake in these markets about where the rules are getting in the way,” Mr Brewer says.

“Your ideas will help make sure our markets are dynamic and built to deliver the capital our businesses need to grow, from a start-up in a garage to a company competing on the world stage. I encourage anyone with an interest to have their say through MBIE’s website at https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/consultation-on-capital-markets-reform.

“We’re fixing the basics and building the future, so the businesses and investors who drive a stronger economy have the markets they need to back themselves,” Mr Brewer says.

Notes to editor:

  • A discussion document released today seeks feedback on both the overall direction of reform and eight specific areas where change could make a difference:
  • Product disclosure statements
  • Director and issuer liability
  • Catalist market settings
  • Unlisted Securities Exchange audit requirements
  • Crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending limits
  • Wholesale investor settings
  • Auditor liability
  • Broker activity and visibility of offers
  • The consultation opens today and runs for six weeks, closing on Tuesday 25 August 2026. To read the discussion document and have your say, visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/consultation-on-capital-markets-reform.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/14/capital-market-reforms-to-power-economic-growth/

Back to index · Read original article

3. Attacks on unions are costing working people

July 14, 2026

Source: NZCTU

A new report from the OECD shows that working people are being left behind by this Government, says New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.

“The Employment Outlook report for 2026 shows real wages falling faster in New Zealand than anywhere else in the OECD. In real-terms, New Zealand’s working people are earning 6.4% less than they were in 2021.

Source: NZCTU

A new report from the OECD shows that working people are being left behind by this Government, says New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.

“The Employment Outlook report for 2026 shows real wages falling faster in New Zealand than anywhere else in the OECD. In real-terms, New Zealand’s working people are earning 6.4% less than they were in 2021.

“Strong unions mean better wages. The OECD calls in this report for collective bargaining to be put at the heart of labour market policies—but this Government has relentlessly attacked working people and their unions since coming to power.

“Last year, 73% of working New Zealanders saw their pay go up by less than inflation, according to Stats NZ. 44% saw no increase at all. Yet those same New Zealanders see the cost of living continuing to climb.

“As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, the Government should be looking for solutions that lift the wages of working people. Instead, they’re making workers’ lives harder by pushing through legislation like the Employment Leave Bill.

“It’s clear that working people aren’t getting back on track. Oil prices are rising, interest rates are increasing, and wages continue to lag behind inflation. How are New Zealanders meant to keep up?”, said Ansell-Bridges.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/14/attacks-on-unions-are-costing-working-people/

Back to index · Read original article

4. New entrant seeks to expand exploration portfolio

July 14, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Resources Minister Shane Jones has welcomed further investment interest in New Zealand’s petroleum sector, with a recent new entrant seeking to expand its exploration interests in the offshore northern Taranaki Basin.

New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) has today opened a three-month competitive application process for a petroleum exploration permit application from Sunda Energy.

Source: New Zealand Government

Resources Minister Shane Jones has welcomed further investment interest in New Zealand’s petroleum sector, with a recent new entrant seeking to expand its exploration interests in the offshore northern Taranaki Basin.

New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) has today opened a three-month competitive application process for a petroleum exploration permit application from Sunda Energy.

“This is the sixth petroleum prospecting or exploration permit application accepted since the Government removed the offshore oil and gas exploration ban, and another encouraging sign that investors are taking a fresh look at New Zealand’s resource potential,” Mr Jones says.

“Sunda Energy is a potential new participant in New Zealand’s petroleum sector, and I welcome its interest. New entrants bring capital, expertise and competition, which are all important ingredients for a healthy and active sector.”

Sunda entered the New Zealand market in April through an acquisition deal with Matahio Energy for its New Zealand assets, including the producing Cheal, Cheal East and Sidewinder fields, and the Puka exploration permit. That acquisition is subject to ministerial consent and the relevant applications are currently under evaluation by NZP&M officials.

The new petroleum exploration permit application covers about 645 sq km offshore within the territorial sea between northern Taranaki and southern Waikato. The proposed permit area has previously been explored and contains the Awakino gas condensate discovery and other identified potential prospectivity.

The application proposes detailed geological and seismic studies to assess the permit area’s prospectivity, including reprocessing existing 3D seismic data and evaluating drilling targets.

With six applications now accepted for evaluation, covering opportunities ranging from frontier prospecting acreage through to more mature exploration targets, Mr Jones says the breadth of interest is encouraging.

“We know there is still significant petroleum potential in New Zealand’s offshore basins. Exploration is the first step in understanding whether those resources can be developed to support our long-term energy security,” Mr Jones says.

“This growing pipeline of exploration activity gives me confidence New Zealand could be entering a new chapter. Responsible exploration today has the potential to help underpin tomorrow’s energy security, create high-value jobs, attract investment into our regions, and strengthen New Zealand’s economic resilience.”

Competing applications will be accepted until 5pm, 14 October, 2026. Applications will be assessed in accordance with the criteria set out in the Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025 and against the requirements of the Crown Minerals Act, including the applicant’s technical and financial capabilities, record of compliance, health and safety and environmental capabilities and systems, and proposed work programme.

For more information, see: Applications under the open market competitive process – New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/14/new-entrant-seeks-to-expand-exploration-portfolio/

Back to index · Read original article

5. Thailand Advances Net Zero 2050 through Public–Private “ONE MIND” Collaboration TCMA Launches “The NEXT Chapter” to Position Industry as a Climate Solution Partner

July 14, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Thailand is strengthening its transition toward a net-zero economy through enhanced collaboration between government and industry. On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) announced its strategic initiative, “The NEXT Chapter to Net Zero 2050,” aimed at accelerating implementation across five priority areas under the theme ‘Accelerating Collaborative Action towards Net Zero 2050.’ The initiative reinforces the cement industry’s evolving role as a Climate Solution Partner, aligned with the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, a collective industry commitment supporting national climate goals.

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Thailand is strengthening its transition toward a net-zero economy through enhanced collaboration between government and industry. On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) announced its strategic initiative, “The NEXT Chapter to Net Zero 2050,” aimed at accelerating implementation across five priority areas under the theme ‘Accelerating Collaborative Action towards Net Zero 2050.’ The initiative reinforces the cement industry’s evolving role as a Climate Solution Partner, aligned with the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, a collective industry commitment supporting national climate goals.

The TCMA at 20 event was presided over by H.E. Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, and brought together senior representatives from government agencies, industry, professional institutions, and international organizations, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing Thailand’s Net Zero 2050 target.

In his remarks, the Minister of Industry emphasized that achieving net-zero emissions requires coordinated action across all sectors under a unified ‘ONE MIND’ approach. The Ministry of Industry continues to advance enabling policies, regulatory frameworks, and economic instruments to support industrial decarbonization, while promoting green industry development, strengthening ESG standards, and enhancing competitiveness. He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with international partners, including UNIDO, GIZ, and the Government of Canada, to accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies.

Dr. Chana Poomee, Honourary Chairman of TCMA, noted that Thailand’s cement industry is transitioning beyond its traditional role toward becoming a Climate Solution Partner, contributing to climate mitigation through both emissions reduction and the development of sustainable construction solutions.

Representing the government sector, Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Mr. Sunthorn Kaewsa-ard, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Industry, underscored the importance of public–private partnerships (PPP) in translating policy commitments into measurable outcomes, ensuring that emissions reductions are achieved alongside sustained industrial competitiveness.

Mr. Surachai Nimla-or, Chairman of TCMA, described “The NEXT Chapter” as a strategic inflection point for the industry, guided by the principle of being competitive, sustainable, and low-carbon. TCMA is advancing this transition through five key implementation engines, integrating policy, technology, innovation, energy transition, circular economy, and digitalization to enable systemic change that is measurable, scalable, and aligned with national timelines.

TCMA also continues to advance the SARABURI SANDBOX, a low-carbon city pilot that serves as a platform to test policy instruments, technological solutions, and green financing mechanisms through multi-stakeholder collaboration, with the objective of scaling successful models at the national and regional levels.

The launch of “The NEXT Chapter” underscores the role of Thailand’s cement industry as a key contributor to regional decarbonization efforts and highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing an inclusive and sustainable transition toward a low-carbon economy.

Hashtag: #TCMA #TCMAat20 #TCMAinAction #TCMAtoNetZero2050 #NextChapterNetZero #ClimateSolutionPartner #CementDecarbonization

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

6. Tertiary Education – Cost of tertiary education will be 19% higher than 2 years ago

July 13, 2026

MIL OSI

Source: Tertiary Education Union

The union for academics and staff working in universities, polytechnics and wānanga say that the proposal to permit tertiary institutions to increase student fees to 6% in a year when fees-free support has been withdrawn is unacceptable and irresponsible.
President Te Tiriti for the Tertiary Education Union (TEU), Ti Lamusse, says the 6% addition proposed by the Government in the Annual Maximum Fee Movement would push fees for New Zealand students to more than 19% above 2024 levels.
“Everyone is suffering from the cost of living crisis. To remove fees free and to push student costs and debt even higher is cruel, short-term thinking by this Government.”
Ti Lamusse says that students are being asked to absorb fee increases at nearly double the rate of general price increases. Inflation currently sits at 3.1%.
“This puts the burden of education on the shoulders of young people and their whānau. We want our young people to enter the workforce armed with skills, energy and great ideas, not weighed down by debt.
“Ultimately TEU believes education is a public good and it should be freely accessible to all. We want to set our young people up for success, not use their education as a profit-making machine.”
Aidan Donoghue, President of Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) says students are doing it hard. 
In a recent State of the Student Survey conducted by VUWSA with 1200 students at Victoria University, 38% of respondents said they had skipped a meal in the last fortnight.
“Our everyday living costs and debt have been compounded. Having fees free ripped away from us was an absolute kick in the teeth. I had a student phone me in tears after the annoucement, because they’d budgeted their education under the assumption that their last year would be free.They’ve now left university.
“Students I talk to are wondering why they’d stay in New Zealand. We’re talking about losing the next generation of nurses, teachers, doctors, agricultural workers and engineers – highly skilled people who should be moving into our workforce, but they can’t see why they’d stay with the level of debt and cost and a better lifestyle overseas. There’s a sense that there’s no support for them here in their own country.”
Ti Lamusse says the Annual Maximum Fee Movement has become a mechanism for passing the chronic government underfunding of universities, polytechnics and wānanga onto students.
“The answer to creating a thriving society for our young people is proper government investment, not higher fees.
The Tertiary Education Union submitted on the consultation which closed this morning.
Notes:
  • 19% increase in student fees cost since 2024 is based on: the 6% increases over three years ( link) are compounding. In other words, each year’s 6% increase is calculated on the already-increased fee from the year before (assuming a TEI chooses to go with the maximum). Over 3 years, this works out to be just over 19%.
  • Public investment in tertiary education sits more than 24% below the OECD average ( link).

MIL OSI

Back to index · Read original article

7. HKUST and Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Deepen Partnership with Garuda Scholarship Framework to Nurture Top-Tier Talent

July 14, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce the implementation of an Indonesian government-funded scholarship framework aimed at cultivating top-tier future talent. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the integration of Indonesia’s newly launched Garuda Scholarship to support more outstanding students pursuing undergraduate studies at HKUST. Building on the cooperation agreement established in May 2024, the new MoU solidifies the formal scholarship framework while paving the way for both parties to explore further synergistic opportunities in student internships, academic exchanges, and joint research initiatives to drive innovation in higher education.

The agreement was recently signed by Prof. Badri Munir SUKOCO, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, and Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST. With the implementation of this agreement, HKUST is set to welcome its fifth batch of government-sponsored undergraduate students from Indonesia in the upcoming academic year starting this September.

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce the implementation of an Indonesian government-funded scholarship framework aimed at cultivating top-tier future talent. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the integration of Indonesia’s newly launched Garuda Scholarship to support more outstanding students pursuing undergraduate studies at HKUST. Building on the cooperation agreement established in May 2024, the new MoU solidifies the formal scholarship framework while paving the way for both parties to explore further synergistic opportunities in student internships, academic exchanges, and joint research initiatives to drive innovation in higher education.

The agreement was recently signed by Prof. Badri Munir SUKOCO, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, and Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST. With the implementation of this agreement, HKUST is set to welcome its fifth batch of government-sponsored undergraduate students from Indonesia in the upcoming academic year starting this September.

Beyond providing scholarship support for undergraduate students, HKUST and the Indonesian authorities actively discussed broadening the scope of their future collaboration during their recent meeting. Both parties are keen to explore potential avenues for joint research initiatives, academic knowledge exchange, student and faculty mobility programs, and the introduction of credit-bearing internships. These efforts aim to widen students’ global perspectives, equip them with practical work experience, and better prepare them for future career success.

Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST, said, “HKUST is the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to partner with the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in nurturing outstanding Indonesian undergraduates. We are deeply honored by the Indonesian government’s enduring trust and support for HKUST’s academic excellence. Indonesian students are an integral part of our international community, enriching our campus through their talent, perspectives, and consistent excellence across various academic disciplines. The signing of this new agreement marks a significant milestone in our partnership. Moving forward, HKUST will fully leverage its strengths in education, pioneering research, and knowledge transfer to advance shared objectives with Indonesia in areas such as digital transformation, green energy, and business innovation. Together, we aspire to cultivate future leaders—equipped with a global outlook, innovative mindset, and a strong sense of social responsibility—to inject new momentum into the sustainable development of Indonesia, the ASEAN region, and the world.”

Prof. Ardi FINDYARTINI, Director of Transformative Learning Strategies and System at the Directorate General of Science and Technology, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to developing Indonesia’s future leaders through the Garuda Scholarship initiative. By embedding our talented undergraduate students within world-class academic and research ecosystem, we are not only expanding their global perspectives but also equipping them with essential future competencies. We highly value HKUST’s enduring trust and collaboration, and we are confident that this synergy will greatly contribute to Garuda ecosystem.

Currently, Indonesian students constitute HKUST’s second-largest international undergraduate student population. Building on this strong partnership, HKUST now hosts the largest number of Indonesian government-sponsored undergraduate students among all tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. These students are rigorously selected from leading secondary schools across Indonesia and represent the country’s most promising young talent.

This agreement will further leverage HKUST’s world-class teaching and research capabilities to cultivate outstanding talent aligned with Indonesia’s national development priorities. Currently, most sponsored Indonesian students are enrolled in programs spanning Engineering, Business and Management, Science, and Biotechnology. Moving forward, both sides plan to explore opportunities to expand their cooperation in frontier research collaboration and high-impact educational and talent-development initiatives, injecting fresh momentum into the socio-economic development of both Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Hashtag: #HKUST

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

8. Employment Disputes – 1,300 PSA members at DIA to strike on Monday

July 13, 2026

MIL OSI

Source: PSA

More than 1,300 PSA members working at the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) will walk off the job for two hours tomorrow (Monday 13 June) in support of their claim for a pay offer that keeps pace with the cost of living.
Rallies will be held from 11.30am to 12.30pm at picket lines in Auckland (corner of 38 Stanley Street), Wellington (corner of Waterloo Quay and Whitmore Street), and Christchurch (Bridge of Remembrance).
“These workers are going on strike as a last resort,” said Duane Leo, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. “After months of bargaining, DIA’s pay offer represents an increase of less than 1% for most members – well below the increase in cost of living.”
“DIA needs to come to the table with a fair offer, and the Government needs to fund public services so they can pay their workers fairly. The Government’s decisions to vilify and underfund public services are hurting these workers.”
The workers going on strike include those who process passports and documents recording our births, deaths, marriages and citizenship, National Library and Archives staff, gambling and anti-money laundering regulators, staff working on digital safety, child exploitation prevention, and violent extremism prevention, as well as community operations and emergency management roles.
What: Picket line rallies for DIA strikes
When: 11.30am-12.30pm, Monday 13 July
Where:
– Corner of 38 Stanley Street (Auckland)
– Corner of Waterloo Quay and Whitmore Street (Wellington)
– The Bridge of Remembrance (Christchurch)
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI

Back to index · Read original article

9. Langler Air Reports Winter Shift to Ducted Reverse Cycle in Perth

July 15, 2026

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

Perth, Western Australia, July 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Perth, Western Australia – July 14, 2026 –

Perth installer Langler Air says households are switching to ducted reverse cycle systems this winter, with state electricity tariffs reset in July and reverse cycle heating among the cheapest options.

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

Perth, Western Australia, July 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Perth, Western Australia – July 14, 2026 –

Perth installer Langler Air says households are switching to ducted reverse cycle systems this winter, with state electricity tariffs reset in July and reverse cycle heating among the cheapest options.

Winter heating enquiries across Perth have shifted sharply towards ducted systems since the state’s electricity tariff reset on 1 July, according to Langler Air, an air conditioning installation company based in Balcatta. The standard Synergy home tariff now sits at 32.37 cents per kilowatt hour under pricing confirmed by the Western Australian Government, and heating typically drives the winter peak in household power bills. Interest in the ducted reverse cycle air conditioning Perth households increasingly favour has lifted through autumn and early winter, with many replacing ageing gas heaters and portable electric units before the coldest weeks arrive.

The economics explain the shift. A reverse cycle air conditioner moves heat from the outside air into a home rather than generating it, producing several units of heating for each unit of electricity used. The Australian Government’s YourHome guidance lists reverse cycle systems among the cheapest ways to heat a home. Perth’s mild winters help, since outdoor temperatures rarely fall low enough to push the systems out of their efficient operating range. For a household running resistive electric heaters through July and August, the difference shows up directly on the power bill.

More information is available at https://langlerair.com.au/.

Ducted systems are drawing particular attention. A ducted system heats or cools an entire home through ceiling vents connected to a single central unit, while a split system serves one room at a time. Langler Air installs both, and has published an information guide covering air conditioning installation Perth residents can consult when comparing system types, sizing, and quotes. The company said winter remains the quietest period for installers, which shortens waiting times compared with the summer rush.

Langler Air has operated in the Perth market for more than 30 years and works as a supply-and-install specialist rather than a service business. Mitsubishi Electric recognises the firm as a Diamond Dealer, and it also installs systems from Daikin and Rinnai. Every job starts with an on-site consultation, with the company assessing the space before recommending a system rather than quoting from floor plans alone. Old units are removed and recycled when new systems go in, and the business does not run a maintenance arm, which keeps its calendar clear for installation work.

“The conversation has changed in the past two winters. People used to ask what it costs to install. Now they ask what it costs to run,” said a spokesperson for Langler Air. The spokesperson added that most callers are surprised a reverse cycle system can heat a home for less than the gas or plug-in heaters they already own. “Winter is the practical time to do it. The install calendar is quieter, and the running cost difference shows up from the first cold week.”

The pattern in Perth mirrors a wider national move towards efficient electric heating, with several state programs on the east coast already subsidising reverse cycle upgrades as households look to manage energy costs. Western Australian homeowners are making the same calculation on running costs alone. For older housing stock across the metropolitan area, the deciding factor is often ceiling space and duct design, which is assessed during the initial site visit.

About Langler Air

Langler Air is a Perth air conditioning installation and supply company based at Shop 2, 3 Cressall Road, Balcatta WA, providing ducted, split system, and reverse cycle installations across the Perth metropolitan area.

###

For more information about Langler Air, contact the company here:

Langler Air
Langler Air
08 6404 3888
info@langlerair.com.au
Shop 2, 3 Cressall Road, Balcatta WA, Australia

– Published by The MIL Network

Back to index · Read original article

10. Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Expo Connects Hong Kong Youth to Future Careers in AI Era

July 14, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth

Hosted at co-organiser and seed school St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, and the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the event was officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, with a rich lineup of keynote sharing sessions on career insights, future trends and opportunities; AI and future skills workshops; youth dialogue sessions; and career exploration company booths.

Source: Media Outreach

Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Central and Western District Office, Central and Western District Youth Network, and FutureGen Youth Foundation (“the Foundation“) co-organised the two-day Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo on 9 and 11 July. This event is funded by the Government of HKSAR, with the Hall of the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex provided as a venue. The event, part of the IGNITE18: Jumpstart Your Career series, brought together over 1,200 participants —including students, parents, teachers, and careers masters —alongside education institutions, prominent industry leaders, and community partners to explore future careers, AI, and the evolving world of work. Committed to expanding the program’s reach across the district, The Council of Central & Western District School Heads served as the event’s education partner.

Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth

Hosted at co-organiser and seed school St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, and the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the event was officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, with a rich lineup of keynote sharing sessions on career insights, future trends and opportunities; AI and future skills workshops; youth dialogue sessions; and career exploration company booths.

Building A Future Talent Pipeline Through Early Industry and AI Exposure

Successfully equipping youth with direct access to leading industry representatives and companies, the signature youth event supported students across the Central and Western District in navigating their career and life planning journeys while strengthening Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse industries. Bringing together education institutions, corporations, government departments, professional organisations, NGOs and community partners, and spanning across more than 20 industries, the event bridged the gap between education and the rapidly evolving world of work, connecting young people with real-world industry insights and equipping them with the access, opportunities, and resources they need to explore future pathways and prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.

The IGNITE18 event series was pioneered by the FutureGen Youth Foundation, which aims to establish a citywide collective impact ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and parents to support students navigating career and life planning. The initiative seeks to provide exposure to diverse industries, future career pathways, and hands-on future skills and AI experiences, while offering valuable workforce market insights and professional development opportunities for teachers and careers masters. By engaging parents in understanding AI and future-ready skills, the program actively strengthens Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse sectors. The Foundation plans to expand IGNITE18 across all 18 districts in Hong Kong in the next two years.

“In a world where AI, business transformation, and entirely new fields are reshaping career pathways, there is an urgency to create greater access earlier – from secondary age – to better equip and support youth on their career development journey,” said Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation.

“At our Foundation, we have created a platform connecting over 140 Supporting Organisations with representation from education institutions, corporations, public institutes, NGOs, entrepreneurs and innovators to support youth career exploration and development in Hong Kong. Through IGNITE18, we aim to open doors earlier and inspire students to explore diverse career opportunities to be better equipped for tomorrow’s world – with the ultimate hope of building a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline for Hong Kong’s future.”

Uniting Corporate and Education Leaders in a Collective Impact Ecosystem

The Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo brought together an extensive network of participating and supporting organisations across corporate, tech, education, and public service sectors, including:

Strategic Partner: Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

Fully Supported By: McDonald’s Hong Kong

Supporting Organisations: DALLOYAU; Deloitte Foundation; DETERMINANT; Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry; Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; Police Community Relations Office, Central District,Hong Kong Police Force; Hong Kong Qualifications Framework; HSBC; JEMS Character Academy; L’Oréal Hong Kong; Microsoft Hong Kong; MTR Corporation Limited; Ocean Park Corporation; Pet Space Group Limited; PRISTER Corporation Limited; Project Management Institute; Story Jungle Education; Tencent Wetech Academy; XPENG Hong Kong; XPENG Hong Kong ARIDGE; Y.L.Yang Foundation; iREd Solutions Limited; Plus One Dimension Interactive Company Limited

Education Partners: Center for Global & Community Engagement (GCE), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; The University of Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters; Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools; Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan), Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety; Lingnan University Department of Digital Art and Creative Industries; Pre-incubation Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; School of Business, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; The Council of Central & Western District School Heads; The Education University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

Supporting Statutory Body: The Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen

The event also featured prominent leaders and experts sharing insights across business, finance, education, technology, innovation, and the public sector:

  • Lawrence Hung – Immediate Past President and Executive Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management
  • Gary Wong Chi-him, MH, JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
  • Professor Ava Kwong – Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer FamilyRegistry; Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
  • Professor Lee Man Hoi – Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
  • Serena Tang – Career Development and Training Director, HKU Business School

“We are deeply grateful to our seed schools, education partners, and Supporting Organisations for transforming the Foundation’s vision into action and for joining us in empowering young people,” said Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation.

“Through our work with students, we have seen how powerful it can be when young people hear directly from industry leaders, professionals, and innovators. Often, a single conversation, sharing unexpected angles, can spark new aspirations and help students see pathways they had never previously imagined. IGNITE18 is about planting those seeds of possibility – inspiring young people to explore, discover, and take their first steps towards shaping their own futures.”

The signature event showcased the boundless possibilities of a strong ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and families in supporting Hong Kong’s future leaders and talents. The IGNITE18 Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo generated strong community momentum that will continue to support students in understanding the future world of work, discovering their own pathways, and stepping into the future with confidence.

Hashtag: #FutureGenYouthFoundation

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