AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 17, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters will meet Pacific counterparts from Niue, Fiji and Samoa in Auckland today.

“In these uncertain geostrategic times in our region, it is more important than ever that we connect with fellow Pacific leaders,” Mr Peters says.

Mr Peters will hold talks with Niue’s Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi, Fiji’s Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Sakiasi Ditoka and Samoa’s Commerce, Industry and Labour Minister Afioga Fata Ryan Schuster.

This is Mr Peters’ first in-person meeting with Niuean Prime Minister Tagelagi since his re-election in May.

“New Zealand and Niue’s constitutional relationship remains strong, underpinned by shared values, close people-to-people ties, and a commitment to working together for our mutual benefit, as demonstrated by the Political Declaration signed last year,” Mr Peters says.

Mr Peters will also meet Fijian Minister Ditoka and Samoan Minister Fata, who are attending the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership Ministerial Meeting in Auckland, being hosted by Trade Minister Hon Todd McClay, as guests of New Zealand. 

“Minister Ditoka’s first visit to New Zealand as Foreign Minister will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss the strengthening of our bilateral relationship across a number of areas,” Mr Peters says.

“We are also pleased to host Minister Fata in New Zealand so soon after our visit to Samoa for its Independence Day celebrations in June,” Mr Peters said.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/16/new-zealand-hosts-pacific-leaders/

Source: New Zealand Government

Kiwis are one step closer to being able to carry digital drivers’ licences on their phones with public consultation on its design now underway, Associate Transport Minister James Meager and Digitising Government Minister Paul Goldsmith say.

“Digital drivers’ licences are an important step towards making everyday interactions with transport services faster, easier, and more secure. This is about giving people a practical new option to prove who they are and their right to drive, using technology many already carry with them every day,” Mr Meager says.

“Our Government is committed to fixing the basics and building the future, and that is exactly what these proposals would achieve. It is about creating a simpler, more joined-up system where people can manage their transport needs online and receive important information quickly.

“Putting people at the centre of the design is essential to getting this right. We want to hear people’s views on the proposed approach, including what would give them confidence in that system.”

“I want to assure Kiwis that the licences are being designed with privacy and security at their core, allowing users to share only the information required for a transaction,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“This will be entirely optional. People who prefer a physical licence can keep using one, while those who want the convenience of digital will have that choice.

“Public feedback is a vital step in making sure digital driver licences are a safe, trusted, and widely used option. I encourage all New Zealanders to share their views,” Mr Goldsmith says.

Notes to editor: 

• The Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Act, the legislation to enable digital driver licences and other transport service improvements, passed earlier this year.
• This consultation seeks feedback on the detailed rules needed to put these changes into effect.
• The consultation is being led by the New Zealand Transport Agency and will run for four weeks.
• Police will continue to be able to check licence status through the driver licence register, moving to digital driver licence verification over time.
• Feedback can be submitted via this link.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/16/kiwis-asked-to-help-shape-digital-driver-licences/

Source: New Zealand Government

John Rae has been reappointed as Chair of the Crown Regional Holdings Limited Board for a further three-year term, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

“John Rae’s reappointment recognises the depth of experience and governance capability he brings to the Crown’s regional investment portfolio,” Mr Jones says.

Mr Rae has extensive legal and financial experience across both the public and private sectors including banking and technology, and is highly experienced in capital-raising and investment.

“Mr Rae’s continued leadership will provide stability and ensure the board remains well-placed to support the Government’s regional development objectives.” 

Crown Regional Holdings Limited (CRHL) is responsible for holding significant Crown investments that support regional economic development across New Zealand.

CRHL’s portfolio spans multiple government funding programmes. The portfolio has grown in both scale and complexity, reflecting the Government’s commitment to regional economic development. 

As at the end of the 2025 financial year, the CRHL portfolio held investments from eight regional funds in 13 regions, and 19 industry sectors. These included 201 active contracts totalling $1,085 million comprised of $822m in loans, $140m in equity, and $123m in capital assets.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/16/crhl-board-chair-reappointed/

Source: New Zealand Government

People in Canterbury experiencing mental distress have received support from a new mental health co-response team since it began operating, with early results showing the service is already delivering positive outcomes for the region, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced today.

“Since the end of May, 35 people have received support through this new co-response team. Early feedback shows the team is making a real difference for people in the Canterbury region,” Mr Doocey says.

“The new co-response team brings together mental health professionals and Police to respond to people experiencing mental distress 111 calls.

“This is about recognising that while Police play an important role in keeping people safe, mental health professionals have the skills and experience to provide support for people experiencing distress. Police are not mental health professionals.

“It’s utterly unacceptable that before this in Canterbury, when a concerned mum, dad, friend, or colleague called 111 looking for a mental health response, they received a criminal justice response. This Government is changing that because New Zealanders deserve better.

“Canterbury was chosen to be in the first tranche because we know there is higher demand in the region. The team started working on 25 May and has been operating 10 hours per day, Tuesday to Friday, from midday to 10pm and 10am to 8pm on Fridays.

“Early feedback from the region has been positive. The Specialist Mental Health Services adult acute inpatient service recently noted the impact that input from the co response team had on an admission process. Police have indicated this support is highly valued and is resulting in some people not needing to be taken to the Emergency Department.

“This reinforces what we already know about why this model works. The Wellington co response evaluation 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.

“This responds to the many heartbreaking stories from people with their own experience of having a uniformed Police officer turn up during times of mental health need, who have said clearly this has caused further distress.

“We are committed to delivering a better crisis response and the co-response teams form part of that plan.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/16/mental-health-response-for-canterbury-111-calls/

Source: New Zealand Government

New figures reveal further year-on-year improvements in the number of New Zealanders moving off benefit and into work.

Minister of Social Development and Employment Louise Upston says the numbers are encouraging.

“In the year ending June 2026, there were 86,544 exits from a main benefit into work – an increase of 5772 from the year ending June 2025,” Louise Upston says.

“Today’s figures are similar to previous statistics released in March this year, which showed 5580 more people leaving a main benefit for work during the year ending March 2026 compared to the same period the year before.

“Year-on-year quarterly results are also showing a similar trend, with 21,261 exits from a main benefit into work – 1665 more than the June 2025 quarter.”

Today’s figures reflect the typical seasonal patterns for this time of year, with a small (1 per cent) increase in the number of people receiving a working age main benefit and fewer exits compared to the last quarter.

“We generally see a small bounce back from the March quarter, which normally has higher exits into work with the beginning of the school year and work picking up post holidays, so year-on-year comparisons are often a more reliable indicator of job market trends,” Louise Upston says.

“Economic conditions are challenging, but today’s figures are promising for the job market and job seekers.

“Our Traffic Light System continues to help jobseekers stay on track with their job search responsibilities and seize every opportunity available.

“MSD’s Kōrero Mahi seminars are helping thousands of jobseekers take practical steps toward sustainable employment through targeted employment support – including advice about finding the right job, CV support, or being referred to job vacancies, training, or case management.

“Throughout the quarter ending June 2026 more than 16,000 people attended MSD’s Kōrero Mahi – Let’s Talk Work seminars, which are targeted towards people who are new to benefit and have full-time work obligations,” Louise Upston says.

“ChamberWorks – a partnership between New Zealand Chambers of Commerce and MSD – helps connect businesses with pre-screened candidates and recruitment support, delivering a pipeline of talent and jobs for those on benefit.

“MSD partners directly with businesses also.

“An example of that is Ventia, which has worked with the Northern Jobs and Skills Hub to support school leavers and job seekers into seasonal and full-time employment pathways, developing local talent, strengthening workforce retention and reducing reliance on temporary labour. In 2025, more than 100 people were placed in jobs with Ventia, up from 36 in 2024.

“Other examples include the Ara Jobs and Skills Hub, which trains and connects people to jobs across the Auckland Airport precinct. MSD has also worked closely with SkyCity to help people gain employment opportunities upon the recent opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre.

“By helping businesses to thrive, driving income growth, and providing practical support to help get jobseekers into work, this government is committed to supporting New Zealanders towards independence.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/16/latest-figures-continue-year-on-year-increase-in-jobseekers-finding-work/

Source: New Zealand Government

Ten trade ministers and up to 100 delegates representing 21 countries will gather in Auckland this week for one of the most significant international trade meetings New Zealand has hosted in two decades, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.

Mr McClay will chair the second Future of Investment and Trade (FITP) Partnership Ministerial Meeting on 17 July, bringing together economies from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific.

“This is a global gathering, hosted by New Zealand, at a time when the world trading system is under real pressure. Ministers are coming to Auckland to focus on reducing barriers and boosting trade,” Mr McClay says.

The 16 FITP member countries are small and medium sized economies that rely on trade. New Zealand has invited Korea, Peru, Thailand, Fiji and Samoa to attend this year’s meeting as observers. 

“Visiting ministers will have an opportunity to engage with the New Zealand business community and make decisions that mean trade rules are consistent, less costly and easier to navigate.

“We are agreeing practical ways to reduce barriers and make it easier for everybody to trade outside of a free trade agreement. We have to do this because trade rules are becoming contested, relationships more complex, and disruptions more frequent.

“The FIT Partnership is one way to address the unnecessary red tape, complex processes and regulations that directly affect our Kiwi exporters. Non-tariff barriers are a clear example. They affect $9 billion of New Zealand trade and hit the primary sector hardest. As Chair, I will be working with FIT partners to tackle them as a priority.

“The meeting also deepens our ties with the initiative’s other founding partners, Singapore, Switzerland and the UAE, while opening doors in emerging markets and regions where our trade links are less developed,” Mr McClay says.

“Hosting ministers from four continents puts New Zealand at the forefront of global trade once again, and shows the world just what we have to offer.”

New Zealand is a founding member of the FIT Partnership, which includes Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Morocco, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.

Ministers will also discuss promoting paperless and digital trade, which reduces business costs and lifts productivity, confronting subsidies that distort trade, and reinforcing the rules that secure a level playing field.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/16/trade-ministers-from-around-the-world-gather-in-auckland/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Foreign Ministers of Fiji and New Zealand have signed a refreshed Duavata Partnership, outlining the relationship’s priorities for the next five years.

“The signing of our refreshed Duavata Partnership demonstrates New Zealand’s continued commitment to our strong friendship with Fiji and its people, and to deepening cooperation in areas of mutual benefit,” Mr Peters says.

“New Zealand and Fiji are natural partners, with decades-long ties spanning culture, sport, business, tourism, education, and people-to-people links.”

During their meeting, the two Ministers spoke about New Zealand’s interest in exploratory discussions with Fiji and Australia over the Ocean of Peace Alliance and the shared goal of boosting two-way trade to NZ$2 billion by 2030.

While in Auckland, Mr Ditoka will also attend the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership Ministerial Meeting hosted by Trade Minister, Hon Todd McClay, as a guest of New Zealand.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/16/new-zealand-renews-partnership-with-fiji/

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 July 2026 – Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the launch ceremony of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest was held on July 9 at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, and representatives of the organisers of the programmes officiated at the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Law announced that this year’s Hong Kong Fashion Fest will make its much-anticipated return from September 1 to 14 under the theme “Rhythm of the Heart”. The event will bring together eight flagship programmes curated by six industry bodies and, for the first time, will be combined with CENTRESTAGE — the annual fashion extravaganza organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) — to generate stronger synergies. She added that the Government will continue to work together with the industry to help Hong Kong’s fashion industry shine on the international stage.

This edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest continues to be spearheaded by CCIDA, in collaboration with the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Design Centre, the Clothing Industry Training Authority, the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, the Hong Kong Fashion Council, and the Hong Kong Design Institute. The rich variety of events spans haute couture, cross-regional menswear, denim culture, sustainable design and more. During the two-week Fashion Fest, Hong Kong will be transformed into a dazzling stage for embracing Eastern and Western fashion cultures and fostering creative exchanges, not only showcasing the creative power of emerging local and international fashion designers, but also sharing the vibrant energy of Hong Kong’s fashion with the public and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Since its inauguration in 2024, the Hong Kong Fashion Fest has developed into an annual fashion mega event over the past two years through introduction of new elements and strengthening of international crossover collaborations, bringing top-tier global fashion talents and industry elites to Hong Kong and help local fashion designers develop local and outside markets. For more detailed information and the latest updates on Hong Kong Fashion Fest, please visit the official website (www.hongkongfashionfest.com), or follow the official social media channels on Instagram (www.instagram.com/hkfashionfest), Facebook (www.facebook.com/hongkongfashionfest) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/@hkfashionfest).

Hashtag: #HongKongFashionFest #hkfashionfest #CSTB #CCIDA #CCIDAHK

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

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

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

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

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  15 July 2026 Source:  Office of the Minister for Hunting and Fishing

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager says his landmark decision will see sika managed under a clearer, more coordinated framework which strengthens hunting opportunities and improves key conservation outcomes.

Mr Meager made the announcement in Taupo with the Central North Island Sika Foundation, who will assist the Game Animal Council in its day-to-day management of the herd, alongside DOC, iwi and hapū, and other partners.

“I am a firm believer in the power of hunter-led conservation, and this designation empowers the sector to lead sensible herd management. It ensures hunters can put healthy animals on the family dinner table, while better protecting our precious biodiversity.” Mr Meager says.

“It will build on the Sika Foundation’s long-standing commitment to improving the health of the heard and the environment they live in.”

Mr Meager says the Herd Management Plan sets strong parameters and ensures conversation values remain firmly in place.

“It does not seek to increase animal numbers. A key focus will be reducing browsing pressure on young trees and improving forest regeneration, particularly in areas of high biodiversity,” Mr Meager says.

“The herd’s management will also be supported by ongoing monitoring from DOC and a formal review at least every five years, providing clear accountability.

“DOC will continue to manage all other aspects of public conservation land as usual within the area, while I retain overall authority and can amend or remove the designation, or any delegation, if required.

“For hunters on the ground, current access arrangements will remain under the existing permit system. People will be able to see a new HOSI area when applying for their hunting permit.”

The decision follows a full statutory process, including public submissions, engagement with iwi and hapū, and advice from key agencies and organisations.

“I want to thank everyone who contributed. This decision reflects a balanced approach that recognises the importance game animal hunting values, while maintaining strong environmental safeguards,” Mr Meager says.

“This day has been a long-time coming, with legislation supporting the creation of HOSIs passed back in 2013. I’m proud to deliver on National’s 2023 election promise to designate the first herds this Parliamentary term.”

Designation timeline

• March 2025: Proposal received from the Sika Foundation and Game Animal Council.
• April – October 2025: On behalf of the Minister, DOC engages with Treaty partners and key agencies to assess whether the herd is of special interest to hunters and can be managed for hunting purposes, alongside development of a draft Herd Management Plan
• November – December 2025: Public submissions on draft Herd Management Plan open
• December 2025 – March 2026: Submissions reviewed
• March – June 2026: Draft Herd Management Plan revised based on public submissions and Treaty partners and key agencies are re-engaged on changes.
• July 2026: HOSI designation.

Contact

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/15/building-the-future-of-sika-deer-herd-management/