AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 23, 2026 – Full Text
1. Youth mental health access data to be reported
July 22, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has today announced that the Government will begin publicly reporting how quickly young people are accessing mental health support as part of its quarterly mental health target results from the next release.
“I have listened to calls for greater transparency around youth mental health. That’s why from the next release, our quarterly mental health target reporting will include a breakdown showing how quickly young people are accessing support against the three access targets,” Mr Doocey says.
“When I introduced these targets, I was clear that their purpose was to improve transparency and accountability. There is nothing that holds me more accountable than publicly reporting how we are tracking for everyone to see.
“It is only common sense that, alongside regional and ethnicity breakdowns, we also report how fast young people are accessing support.
“We know mental health is one of the biggest challenges facing young New Zealanders today, and I am determined to pull every lever available to ensure they can get the support they need.
“A recent survey showed only 3.7 per cent of young people who needed support said they couldn’t get an appointment. However, it also highlighted other barriers we must continue to break down, with 29.4 per cent saying they did not know where to get help, and more than 35 per cent saying they were too embarrassed to seek support.
“That tells us our work must go beyond increasing access. We also need to make sure young people know where to go for help and feel confident asking for it.
“That is why hosting New Zealand’s first Youth Mental Health Summit at Parliament was so important, and why I am committed to working alongside Youthline to implement the youth-led roadmap presented at the summit.
“The Government is continuing to deliver support for young people across the continuum of care through initiatives including Gumboot Friday counselling sessions, increased funding for specialist youth mental health services, and mental health promotion to encourage young people to seek support early.
“While there is more work to do, by publishing the youth breakdown, I expect to see continued improvement in ensuring young people get faster access to the support they need.
“I want to especially thank the Mental Health Foundation for their advocacy in ensuring the youth data is publicly released.”
Notes to editor:
As of the most recent quarter the below is how youth are tracking against the targets:
- 77.3% of young people accessing specialist mental health services within 3 weeks.
- 79.5% of young people are accessing primary mental health support within 1 week.
- 73.1% of young people are being admitted, transferred or discharged from an emergency department within six hours.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/22/youth-mental-health-access-data-to-be-reported/
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2. Licenced firearm owners heard with improvements to Arms Bill
July 22, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Further changes to the Arms Bill will make New Zealand’s firearms laws more practical, proportionate, and effective, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.
A range of changes to the Arms Bill recommended by the Justice Select Committee have been adopted by the Government and further changes are being proposed via an amendment paper.
“The Committee’s report shows that licenced firearm owners, and all New Zealanders are finally being listened to, and that reflects what I’ve been hearing too,” says Mrs McKee.
“In 2019 and 2020, the Government rushed through changes with next to no consultation that treated licenced firearm owners as villains while failing to reduce crime committed by the unlicensed.
“This time around, thousands of licenced firearm owners took the time to write a submission, they were heard, and many of their suggestions are reflected in the Committee’s report.
“The Bill is a significant improvement on the mess we have currently. A range of practical changes were made at Committee to remove unnecessary red tape, improve public safety, and ensure the law functions as intended.
“The changes recommended by the Committee will benefit licenced firearm owners, firearms businesses, gunsmiths, clubs and ranges, hunting guides, museums, and pest controllers.”
Changes recommended by the Committee and adopted by the Government include:
Extending from seven to 21 days the period during which gunsmiths may possess pistols or restricted firearms without needing a permit to possess or immediately recording the transfer in the firearms registry.
Extending multi-entry visitor licences up to 18 months, giving greater flexibility to people returning for annual events such as duck shooting, the roar, or sporting competitions.
Clarifying that museum workers do not require an endorsement on their licence or permit to possess firearms while carrying out their duties.
Extending museum worker licences to five years initially and 10 years on renewal.
Clarifying a range of definitions so the law operates as intended for both licenced firearm owners and for public safety.
Allowing firearms licences to be temporarily suspended outside business hours where urgent action is necessary such as in domestic violence situations or where someone is at risk of harming themselves or others.
Setting 23 September 2026 as the main commencement date, with the Bill fully in force by 23 February 2028.
Mrs McKee will also introduce an Amendment Paper containing further improvements, including:
Preventing the Arms Regulator from appointing members of the Firearms Licensing Review Committee, ensuring challenges to licensing decisions are considered independently of the organisation that made the original decision.
Requiring greater firearms safety and practical firearms knowledge among Review Committee members.
Removing provisions allowing the Regulator to proactively extend firearms licences, as extensions are already being used provided the person applies before their licence expires.
Removing the requirement to obtain a permit to possess when acquiring major parts for restricted firearms because these parts are often also used in standard firearms.
Making a range of further technical changes to improve clarity, public safety, and the workability of the law.
“These changes strengthen the independence of the review process, remove unnecessary duplication, and ensure the new system works in practice,” says Mrs McKee.
“Separately, in regulations Cabinet has agreed to reduce the number of scheduled pistol shooting activities required to maintain a pistol endorsement from 12 to 10 each year, as recommended unanimously by the Committee.
“This recognises that illness, range closures, and other unforeseen circumstances can make the current requirement unnecessarily burdensome, without improving public safety.
“I thank the Committee for their constructive work on this Bill.”
New regulations giving effect to the changes in the Bill will come into force at the same time as relevant provisions. Most of the Bill will commence on 23 September 2026, with the remaining provisions coming into force progressively by 23 February 2028.
Note to editors:
The Amendment Paper can be found here: Arms Bill – Amendment paper No 658 | New Zealand Legislation
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/22/licenced-firearm-owners-heard-with-improvements-to-arms-bill/
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3. Aucklanders to have their say on proposed changes to Plan Change 120
July 22, 2026
Source: Auckland Council
Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee has today approved proposed changes to Plan Change 120 for public notification. This gives Aucklanders another opportunity to have their say on the region’s housing rules through an additional round of public submissions.
The proposed changes respond to Government legislation that reduced Auckland’s minimum housing capacity requirement from around two million homes to a minimum of 1.4 million homes.
These changes continue to meet the Government’s mandatory housing requirements, with some additional housing opportunities proposed in places with good access to transport and services, following feedback received from local boards and iwi authorities.
Mayor Wayne Brown says it’s good to get a clear decision today that will allow Auckland to move forward.
“The option we’ve gone with is a compromise between those who wanted us to do less and those, like me, who wanted us to do more.
“Eighty-five per cent of properties won’t be affected, but we are going to get intensification where we’ve sunk billions of dollars into better public transport networks and where it makes sense.
“It is fair to say most Aucklanders are sick and tired of talking about intensification and plan changes – our decision delivers a good, balanced outcome and we don’t need the goal posts shifted anymore,” he says.
Housing where it makes the most sense
Councillor Richard Hills, chair of Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee, says the proposed changes recognise that where housing is located is just as important as how much housing is enabled.
“Now, once again, it’s Aucklanders’ turn. We encourage people to tell us what they think by making a submission.
“The proposed changes to the plan continue to provide significant capacity for more housing where it makes the most sense – in well-connected locations – while providing the strongest protections for flooding and other natural hazards. The evidence shows demand for housing is highest in these locations because of good access to jobs, services and public transport.
“This makes the best use of the transport, water and other infrastructure in which Aucklanders have already invested billions of dollars.
“It could also provide more options for Aucklanders to own or rent a home close to transport, services and everyday needs and allow others to downsize and remain in the neighbourhoods where they raised their families.
“Areas close to the city centre and rapid transit already provide some of Auckland’s best access to jobs, education, services and public transport. Major investments such as the $5.5 billion City Rail Link and the $1.6 billion Central Interceptor are making these locations even better connected and better able to support more housing in the future, while around 85 per cent of Auckland’s urban area remains unchanged,” says Councillor Hills.
What was approved?
The committee agreed a revised package of proposed changes:
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Within 10 kilometres of the city centre, taller building heights in some of these walkable catchments is still proposed. This includes around the five Western Line stations as set out in legislation: Maungawhau/Mt Eden, Kingsland, Morningside, Mt Albert and Baldwin Ave.
The proposal removes additional housing around smaller local centres and along most frequent bus routes beyond 10 kilometres of the city centre.
Auckland’s wider residential area reverts to the current Auckland Unitary Plan rules, adopted in 2016 with around 85 per cent of Auckland’s urban area remaining unchanged.
Housing capacity is not a building target
The current Auckland Unitary Plan is estimated to provide theoretical housing capacity for around 1.2 million homes. The proposed changes are estimated to provide theoretical housing capacity for between approximately 1.5 and 1.7 million homes.
“Housing capacity is not a target for how many homes will actually be built,” says Councillor Hills.
“It measures how many homes Auckland’s planning rules could theoretically allow over time if every eligible site was developed to its maximum permitted capacity.
“This is a plan for 30 years or more. The number of homes ultimately built will continue to depend on factors such as population growth, market demand, infrastructure availability and decisions made by property owners and developers.”
What happens next?
Public submissions are expected to run for four weeks from the end of August 2026.
Anyone can make a submission. Aucklanders are encouraged to read the proposal and have their say through the AK Have Your Say website from late August.
People who have already made a submission are welcome to provide additional feedback on the proposed changes through the additional submissions process. Their existing submissions will continue to have standing unless withdrawn.
Following the submissions period, an independent hearings panel will consider all submissions, hold public hearings and make recommendations to Auckland Council.
The council is expected to make final decisions on Plan Change 120 in mid-2027.
Plan Change 120 – what is being proposed?
Walkable catchments
- retain the Government’s required walkable catchments around the city centre, metropolitan centres, and rapid transit stops (train stations and Northern and Eastern busway stops).
- retain walkable catchments of generally 800 metres (10-minute walk) around rapid transit stations and metropolitan centres and 1,200 metres (15-minute walk) around the city centre.
- retain the legislated building heights of 10 and 15 storeys around the five Western Line stations: 15 storeys at Maungawhau, Kingsland and Morningside; and 10 storeys at Baldwin Avenue and Mt Albert stations.
- retain the proposed building heights of 10 and 15 storeys around a number of other walkable catchments within 10 kilometres of the city centre (with the exception of Meadowbank Station, which is proposed to reduce to six storeys).
- reduce building heights in walkable catchments outside 10 kilometres from the city centre to generally six storeys, which is the height required by central government.
Town and local centres
- retain more apartment and terraced housing choices around most of Auckland’s town centres, as required by government. These are typically located on main roads with good access to public transport. These are places where people go to shop, work, or use services, such as St Lukes, Northcote, and Onehunga.
- remove additional housing choices around local centres across Auckland with the existing Auckland Unitary Plan rules retained. These are smaller shopping areas like Blockhouse Bay or Grey Lynn.
Frequent bus routes
- retain additional intensification along selected frequent transit corridors (major bus routes) within 10 kilometres of the city centre.
- remove additional housing along major bus routes outside 10 kilometres of the city centre.
Natural hazards
- retain stronger natural hazard rules with additional downzoning in the most vulnerable areas based on updated flood modelling and rainfall data to limit housing in high-risk areas and to make homes more resilient.
Wider urban area
- The vast majority of Auckland’s wider urban area reverts to the Auckland Unitary Plan rules, adopted in 2016.
Partial withdrawal
- The committee also agreed to partially withdraw parts of the original Plan Change 120 proposal that are no longer being progressed. Partial withdrawal narrows the geographic area covered by the plan change.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/22/aucklanders-to-have-theirsayon-proposed-changes-to-plan-change-120/
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4. Term 2 in person attendance highest since 2016
July 22, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Provisional school attendance data for Term 2 2026 shows despite high fuel prices in person attendance rates were higher than any Term 2 since 2016, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says.
In Term 2 2026, 64.2% of students attended school regularly. This was a 5.8 per cent increase from 58.4 per cent in Term 2 2025. A student attends school ‘regularly’ when they are in class for more than 90 per cent of the term.
“When the Government takes attendance seriously, so do students and their families and care givers,” Mr Seymour says.
“This data shows attendance rates continue to rise under this Government. We are focussed on fixing what matters, and few things are as important as school attendance.
“That’s the attitude we’ve taken to attendance during this difficult period. The results speak for themselves. Under this Government attendance during tough times has skyrocketed.
“In Term 2 2022 regular attendance was at 39.6 per cent. In Term 2 2026 about 199,134 more students attended school regularly. Kiwi students are showing up to school more, and parents are pushing them to attend. Those students and parents should be proud.”
The region with the biggest increase in Term 2 2026 was Bay of Plenty (up 8.0 percentage points to 60.5% in Term 2 2026 from 52.5% in Term 2 2025). This was followed by Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast (up 7.3 percentage points to 64.8% in Term 2 2026 from 57.5% in Term 2 2025) and Tāmaki Herenga Waka (up 7.1 percentage points to 57.8% in Term 2 2026 from 50.7% in Term 2 2025).
“We’re on a roll, and I expect that to continue. Our attendance initiatives are now in force and have delivered results already. As educators, communities, and families become more familiar with new tools, those results will continue to improve,” Mr Seymour says.
“For example, every school is now required to have implemented their own attendance management plan (AMP). It means there are escalating responses for declining attendance.”
Some examples of how interventions might work are:
5 days absent: The school to get in touch with parents/guardians to determine reasons for absence and set expectations.
10 days absent: School leadership meets with parents/guardian and the student to identify barriers to attendance and develop plans to address this.
15 days absent: Escalating the response to an Attendance Service Provider. If absence escalates beyond this point (or for cases of non-enrolment) prosecution of parents becomes a possibility.
Budget 2025 also included $140 million of additional funding to improve attendance over the next four years.
“We’ve re-organised the provision of attendance services, awarding new contracts and increasing support for services providing excellent results,” Mr Seymour says.
“In 2024 Ministry of Education and ERO reviews found that the attendance services system wasn’t working. Funding was scattershot, distributed inefficiently, and failing to get results.
“Now, attendance services are much more effective. They’re better resourced, more accountable, better at effectively managing cases and more data driven. Thanks to this Government’s investment, they can reach twice as many students.
“Attending school is the first step towards achieving positive educational outcomes. Positive educational outcomes lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities every student deserves.”
This data is provisional and subject to minor changes.
The years 2020 and 2021 are not included in comparisons because they’re not directly comparable with other years, due to the way that attendance was recorded during Covid-19 lockdowns.
The full provisional data breakdown can be found here: Attendance | Education Counts
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/22/term-2-in-person-attendance-highest-since-2016/
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5. NZ and PNG strengthen Defence ties
July 22, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand and Papua New Guinea’s Defence relationship continues to grow, with the two countries today signing an agreement to deepen cooperation and engagement, Defence Minister Chris Penk says.
“In an increasingly volatile world, Pacific nations like ours are stronger when we work closely together to respond to the complex security challenges affecting our region,” Mr Penk says.
“PNG Defence Minister Elias Kapavore and I today signed the Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation 2026-2029, which will further deepen our cooperation and engagement, through more defence dialogue, training, exercises and personnel exchanges.”
Today’s signing builds on the New Zealand-Papua New Guinea Statement of Partnership 2025-2029 signed last year, which reaffirmed our nations’ security, defence and economic ties.
Mr Penk will also attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministers Meeting while in Papua New Guinea.
“As digital technologies become increasingly central to the security and prosperity of the Pacific region, New Zealand is focused on remaining an active and constructive partner, driving digital transformation, boosting economic growth and strengthening cybersecurity,” Mr Penk says.
“The ICT Ministers’ Meeting is a recently established part of PIF architecture, bringing together technology leaders from across the Pacific to help to shape the region’s approach to digital transformation and emerging technologies.
“New Zealand is committed to Pacific regional cooperation. We are stronger when we act together, supporting the Pacific to become a digitally inclusive and connected region.”
New Zealand will host the Pacific Islands Forum in 2027.
Caption: New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk and Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Elias Kapavore signed the Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation 2026-2029 on Wednesday.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/22/nz-and-png-strengthen-defence-ties/
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6. Relieving pressure on facilities in tourism hotspots
July 22, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is investing $3.8 million to improve public toilet facilities in two of New Zealand’s busiest visitor destinations, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today.
The funding, provided through the International Visitor Levy (IVL), will support upgrades and new facilities in the Mackenzie and Queenstown Lakes districts.
“Both districts welcome large numbers of visitors each year, placing significant pressure on infrastructure normally funded by ratepayers,” Ms Upston says.
“Local communities shouldn’t be left to carry the full cost of facilities used by visitors from across New Zealand and around the world. This investment will support a user-pays approach, so visitors contribute towards the facilities they use while helping councils provide cleaner, more reliable public amenities.”
“Tourism supports jobs and local businesses across the country. By investing the IVL back into busy visitor destinations, we are ensuring tourism continues to deliver for communities and ratepayers,” Louise Upston says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/22/relieving-pressure-on-facilities-in-tourism-hotspots/
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7. Human Rights Commission calls on all parties to #HonourthePromise two years on
July 22, 2026
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission is calling on all political parties to commit to fully implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care – two years after the final report was released.
In 2017, the Commission launched the E Kore Āno (Never Again) campaign calling for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Thanks to advocacy from survivors and support from people across Aotearoa New Zealand, the Royal Commission was eventually established in 2018.
Eight years on, Human Rights Commission Tatau-Uruora (Chief Executive) Meg de Ronde says the findings of the Inquiry represent “a clear roadmap for how we can transform our care system and lay the foundations for a thriving Aotearoa.”
“Many survivors have waited too long for justice. The recommendations provide a clear and achievable package for redress, and how we ensure such abuse does not happen again.”
The Commission is launching a new public campaign aimed at mobilising nationwide support and ensuring the issue remains a priority for decision-makers.
To mark the beginning of this campaign, Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report, Erica Stanford, and her parliamentary colleagues have been invited to receive a bouquet of flowers on the steps of Parliament. They will be hand delivered by a group of survivors of Abuse in Care, together with Human Rights Commission Tatau-Uruora (Chief Executive) Meg de Ronde, as well as supporters, whānau and mana whenua.
The flowers and foliage have been gathered from known places of abuse around the country – including the former sites of Ōwairaka Boys’ Home, Porirua Psychiatric Hospital and Marylands School in Christchurch. This symbolic arrangement has also been wrapped in cloth printed with all 233 recommendations from the Inquiry.
This bouquet represents the lives, experiences, and strength of survivors, and the hope that the Royal Commission’s recommendations will be implemented with diligence and care.
This moment is intended as a gesture of remembrance and acknowledgement to uphold the wishes of survivors, and will take place ahead of the two-year anniversary of the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Whanaketia Report, on the morning of Wednesday 22 July.
“The Commission has a long record of involvement with advocating for justice for survivors of abuse and we have a responsibility to ensure that their experiences and their hopes and aspirations for redress are not forgotten,” de Ronde says.
“Together, we must ensure these recommendations are implemented in full – and that abuse in care never happens again.”
To follow along with the campaign, follow us on social media using the links at the bottom of the page.
Hear more from survivors and learn how you can support them at honourthepromise.co.nz
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8. New charter school opens doors
July 22, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Term 3 begins today, and with it the opening of Te Whare Kounga, a new charter school in Wairoa, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. Today more students can take advantage of that opportunity,” Mr Seymour says.
“Te Papatipu Matihiko is the sponsor of Te Whare Kounga and have been operating an alternative education programme in Wairoa for the last two years. That programme was a huge success. Students and schools were lining up to take part once space opened up. The charter school model has allowed them to meet some of this demand.
“Wairoa has one of the highest rates in the country of young people not in employment, education or training. Te Whare Kounga recognises that mainstream education is failing some children in New Zealand.
“Te Whare Kounga will ensure children in Wairoa have access to all the opportunities associated with a high-quality education. That is what they deserve.
“The school joins a growing number of Māori charter schools: Te Rito, Te Kura Taiao in Northland, Te Kāpehu Whetū and TIPENE in Auckland, Te Kura Awhitu in Ruatahuna and Te Aratika High School in Hastings. In Term 1 next year, they’ll be joined by Ngāti Toa Rangatira-led Kura Toa and Te Kura o Ngāti Whātua ki Tāmaki.
“When it comes to education, one size does not fit all.
“Charter schools show education can be different if we let communities bring their ideas to the table.
“These schools have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results.
“The charter school equation is: the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success.
“This takes the total number of open charter schools to 18.
“This is just the beginning. I hope to see many more new charter schools opening, and state and state-integrated schools converting to become charter schools.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/22/new-charter-school-opens-doors/
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9. Calmer, quieter classrooms – as walls go up
July 22, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Nearly 200 schools have begun the process of replacing open-plan classrooms with enclosed learning spaces to create quieter, calmer spaces more suited for learning, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today.
“When I began visiting schools, teachers consistently told me how difficult it was to teach in open-plan classrooms, and parents also raised strong concerns.
“At the end of 2025, the Ministry of Education launched the Modifying Open Plan Classrooms Initiative and invited schools to register their interest in reinstating classroom walls. A total of 193 schools responded.
“As of June 2026, the Ministry has completed assessments for 46 schools as the first step, with modifications finished at six.
“Schools that have had walls reinstated are reporting overwhelmingly positive feedback.
“Teachers say there is less noise and fewer distractions, stronger student concentration and engagement, and more flexibility in how they teach.
“Quieter classrooms also better support neurodiverse learners and students who need calmer learning environments.
“Children cannot be expected to learn well when surrounded by noise and distractions.”
By the end of the year, at least 38 schools will have received modifications.
The Ministry of Education has also stopped funding new open-plan classroom developments.
The six schools with completed modifications are:
- Beckenham Te Kura o Puroto
- Foxton Beach School
- Horotiu School
- Karamea Area School
- Levin East School
- Nelson College for Girls
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/22/calmer-quieter-classrooms-as-walls-go-up/
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10. Climate News – Greenpeace says new report reveals devastating impact of Luxon’s climate policy reversal
July 22, 2026
Source: Greenpeace
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