AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 25, 2026 – Full Text
1. Rail crossing work reaches milestone
July 24, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The opening of the new pedestrian bridge at Glen Innes train station today marks a step forward in replacing rail level crossings to unlock the benefits of City Rail Link, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simon Watts.
New pedestrian bridges at Te Mahia and Takanini will also be completed over the coming month, marking the first stage of a programme to replace rail level crossings and prepare Auckland’s rail network for more frequent train services.
Construction of the pedestrian bridges began in September 2025 after the Government and Auckland Council brought forward funding for the replacement of level crossings in Takanini and Glen Innes.
“These new bridges are a win for the community and a step towards improving Auckland’s transport network,” Mr Bishop says.
“Removing level crossings is essential to getting the full benefits of City Rail Link. It will allow more frequent train services on the Southern Line while improving safety and reducing delays for both road users and train passengers.
“At several of these crossings there have been dozens of near misses over the past decade. Separating pedestrians from the rail corridor will make these stations safer while keeping people and traffic moving.
“The Government and Auckland Council brought this funding forward so this work could get underway sooner, and it’s great to see the first project now complete.
“Sixteen level crossings have been closed or replaced over the past decade, and this next stage of work will help Auckland get more out of its rail network.”
Auckland Minister Simon Watts says, this milestone is another example of what can be achieved when central and local government work together to deliver better outcomes for Aucklanders.
“As Auckland continues to grow, we need infrastructure that supports more reliable public transport while making it easier and safer for people to move around the city.
“These new pedestrian bridges improve safety for communities and will help support the increased train services Aucklanders can expect when City Rail Link opens.”
Notes to editor:
- The Glen Innes Station bridge construction cost $12.2m.
- In February 2025, the Government and Auckland Council each confirmed $200 million in funding for the first three years of work. The NZTA Board approved funding in April 2025. It is anticipated that the remainder of the cost will be allocated through the National Land Transport Programme 2027–2030.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/24/rail-crossing-work-reaches-milestone/
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2. Government support for Kaikoura community
July 24, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is making a contribution of $50,000 to the Kaikōura Mayoral Relief Fund, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell announced today.
“Kaikōura was hard hit by heavy rainfall in early July, resulting in widespread flooding, landslides, road closures and damage to homes and infrastructure.
“My thoughts are with everyone who was impacted. This event caused significant disruption across the district and recovery is ongoing.
“This contribution to the Mayoral Relief Fund has been made in response to a request from Kaikōura District Council and will help meet community needs such as residential waste disposal and replacement of uninsurable items.
“This funding is in addition to an earlier $50,000 contribution to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust to support flood-affected Kaikōura farmers, with matching funding from Federated Farmers,” says Mr Mitchell.
“I was on the ground during this event and saw firsthand how well the Kaikōura community supported each other. Thank you to everyone who stepped up quickly to respond to this event and keep people safe – first responders, council and civil defence, iwi and marae, and community members.”
Mayoral Relief Funds help communities bounce back after an emergency. Local communities and councils understand where the immediate needs are and how to help individuals, whānau and community organisations, marae.
The funds are in addition to other support that may be available from other agencies such as the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry for Primary Industries.
Mayoral Relief Funds are intended to help fill gaps quickly where an immediate need exists. It’s not a replacement for insurance and costs covered by other funding sources.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/24/government-support-for-kaikoura-community/
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3. Palestine Forum of New Zealand Condemns Israel’s Escalating Assault on Al-Aqsa Mosque and Calls for Immediate New Zealand Action
July 24, 2026
Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand unequivocally condemns the latest Israeli assault on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, where thousands of illegal Israeli settlers, escorted by heavily armed occupation forces and led by the extremist Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, stormed one of Islam’s holiest sites in a deliberate act of provocation and religious aggression.
These actions are neither isolated incidents nor spontaneous events. They form part of a long-standing Israeli policy aimed at asserting control over occupied East Jerusalem, erasing Palestinian identity, and fundamentally altering the historic and legal status quo of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The repeated military raids, restrictions on Palestinian worshippers, and intimidation of Islamic religious authorities constitute grave violations of international law, international humanitarian law, and the fundamental right to freedom of religion.
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand is deeply alarmed by the continued silence and inaction of much of the international community. Every failure to hold Israel accountable emboldens further violations, fuels instability, and undermines the very international legal order that democratic nations claim to uphold.
New Zealand Must Not Remain Silent
New Zealand has long presented itself as a principled defender of international law and human rights. That commitment must extend to Palestine.
The New Zealand Government cannot continue to issue generic statements of concern while Israel systematically violates international law with complete impunity. Silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality, it is acquiescence.
We therefore call on the New Zealand Government to:
- Publicly and unequivocally condemn the Israeli government’s escalating violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
- Reaffirm that East Jerusalem is occupied Palestinian territory and reject any attempt to alter its legal or historical status.
- Demand an immediate end to Israeli military incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the ongoing restrictions imposed on Palestinian worshippers.
- Support meaningful international accountability measures, including investigations into violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
- Work with like-minded nations to ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians, religious sites, and cultural heritage under occupation.
An Assault on International Law
The targeting of Al-Aqsa Mosque is not merely an attack on a place of worship. It is an attack on the religious freedoms of millions of Palestinians, on the cultural heritage of humanity, and on the international legal framework governing occupied territory.
The repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, the denial of access to Palestinian worshippers, and attempts to impose a new reality by force directly challenge decades of international consensus and numerous United Nations resolutions.
If the international community continues to tolerate these violations without consequence, it sends a dangerous message that international law is optional and that powerful states may act with impunity.
A Call for Principle, Justice and Accountability
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Jerusalem and throughout occupied Palestine.
We call upon political leaders, faith communities, civil society organisations, and all people of conscience across New Zealand to speak out against these grave violations and to demand accountability.
The protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque is not solely a Palestinian or Muslim issue. It is a universal issue of justice, human dignity, religious freedom, and respect for international law.
New Zealand has a proud history of standing on the right side of history. The time has come to do so again.
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4. PSA calls on Govt to make mileage increase permanent as oil prices surge
July 24, 2026
Source: PSA
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5. Appointments to the NZTA Board
July 24, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has today announced the reappointment of David Smol and the appointments of Lana Stockman, Steve Haszard and Murdo Beattie to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board.
“David Smol’s wide-ranging regulatory, governance and public sector experience will continue to provide valuable oversight to the NZTA Board,” Mr Bishop says.
“Lana Stockman brings a diverse professional background across finance, engineering, psychology and regulation.
“Her understanding of commercial and investment trade-offs for regulators and operators in New Zealand and Australia will strengthen the Board’s capability.
“Steve Haszard is a commercially astute board member and executive leader with strong regulatory experience.
“His experience leading organisations through change, including as Chief Executive of WorkSafe and Managing Partner of Meredith Connell, will be valuable to the Board.
“Murdo Beattie brings deep commercial and investment management experience, including in complex infrastructure and transport-related transactions.
“His leadership on significant transactions, including the recapitalisation of Air New Zealand and the Crown re-acquisition of KiwiRail, will add strong commercial expertise to NZTA’s governance.
“These appointments reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring NZTA has the governance, regulatory and commercial expertise needed to deliver for New Zealanders.
“I would like to particularly acknowledge Catherine Taylor, who is retiring after five and a half years of service to NZTA. She has made substantial contributions to the Board’s governance and oversight of NZTA. Catherine’s leadership as Chair of the Regulatory Subcommittee has been especially valuable in supporting the Board’s regulatory responsibilities.
I also thank Pat Dougherty and Mike Rudge for the subject matter expertise and valuable contribution they have brought to the Board,” Mr Bishop says.
Lana Stockman, Steve Haszard and Murdo Beattie’s appointments are for three-year terms ending on 26 July 2029.
David Smol’s reappointment is for a two-year term ending on 31 July 2028.
Notes to editor:
BIOs
David Smol
David Smol is an experienced leader and director with significant regulatory and public sector knowledge. He currently holds chair roles with Wellington UniVentures, GNS Science, the Ministry of Social Development’s Risk and Assurance Committee, and the Department of Internal Affairs External Advisory Committee. He also holds director roles with the Co-operative Bank, Contact Energy, Victoria University of Wellington Council, the Ministry of Housing, and the Defence Capability Board.
Lana Stockman
Lana Stockman has a diverse professional background with qualifications in finance, engineering and psychology, and has held regulatory roles throughout her career. She has a strong understanding of commercial and investment trade-offs for regulators and commercial operators, at management and governance levels in New Zealand and Australia. Her current roles include the Monash University Energy Market Institute Advisory Council, the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology, and Deputy Chair of the Trinity Schools Trust Board.
Steve Haszard
Steve Haszard is a commercially astute board member and executive leader, skilled in driving transformational change in business and culture. He brings strong regulatory experience through his roles with Meredith Connell, where he developed and managed the firm’s regulatory and compliance advisory business. He was Deputy Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of WorkSafe. His current roles include the Audit and Risk Committee at Debt Managers, Chair of the Governance Assurance Board at Talley’s Group Ltd, Independent Director of Stellar Projects, and Independent Director of Meredith Connell.
Murdo Beattie
Murdo Beattie has extensive experience in commercial and investment management, including complex contracting arrangements through his time at Cameron Partners. He has led significant arrangements including the recapitalisation of Air New Zealand, the Crown re-acquisition of KiwiRail, the separation of Spark and Chorus, Australian Infrastructure Fund’s acquisition of North Island gas transmission and distribution assets, the sale of Paymark, and Contact Energy’s acquisition of Mānawa Energy. His previous roles include Senior Advisor and Managing Partner/Director at Cameron Partners, Head of Business Development at Telecom NZ, Fund Manager at Fay Richwhite and Co. and Tower Insurance, Advisor to the Minister of Finance, and Policy Analyst at the New Zealand Treasury.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/24/appointments-to-the-nzta-board/
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6. Proposed changes affecting Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements raise public health concerns
July 24, 2026
Source: Hāpai Te Hauora
Hāpai Te Hauora says planning decisions are public health decisions, warning the Government’s decision to remove Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements from its replacement resource management legislation risks weakening Māori participation in decisions that shape health and wellbeing.
While Hāpai supports efforts to improve and streamline Aotearoa’s planning system, it says reform should strengthen, not replace, the partnerships that have taken years to build between iwi and local government.
Chief Executive Jacqui Harema says planning decisions extend far beyond development.
“Planning decisions shape much more than development. They influence housing, drinking water, the natural environment, transport, climate resilience and the places where our whānau live, work and play.
“These are all fundamental determinants of health. The decisions we make about our environment today will have lasting impacts on the health and wellbeing of future generations.”
Harema says Hāpai’s position is grounded in the understanding of oranga whenua, oranga tangata – the wellbeing of the land and environment is inseparable from the wellbeing of our people.
“For Māori, the wellbeing of our people is inseparable from the health of our whenua and wai. When decisions about te taiao are made without meaningful Māori partnership, the impacts can be far-reaching and felt for generations. Strong partnerships between iwi and local government recognise this connection and help ensure decisions are informed by mātauranga Māori, local knowledge and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our environment and communities.”
Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements were established under the Resource Management Act to provide a formal framework for iwi and councils to work together on planning and resource management matters. Hāpai says the agreements recognised that meaningful relationships and genuine partnership lead to better outcomes for communities.
“Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements were established because other forms of engagement had repeatedly failed Māori communities. Replacing these agreements with a weaker participation framework risks taking us backwards.
“It sends yet another signal to Māori that this Government is willing to put commercial interests ahead of an already strained Te Tiriti relationship, at a time when genuine partnership is essential to addressing the complex environmental, housing and health challenges facing whānau.”
Harema says Hāpai is also concerned the proposal emerged only after submissions on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill had closed.
“Had we known this change was being proposed, we would have addressed it directly in our submission.
“Decisions of this significance deserve transparent public consultation and a genuine opportunity for Māori to have their voices heard.”
Hāpai Te Hauora is calling on the Government to ensure any replacement framework preserves meaningful partnership between iwi and local government, and recognises that Māori must continue to have a genuine role in decisions that shape the health of our people and our environment.
Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata.
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7. Bankable projects with clear ROI metrics vital to plug Malaysia’s RM130 billion adaptation deficit
July 24, 2026
Source: Eco-Business
Bankable projects with clear ROI metrics vital to plug Malaysia’s RM130 billion adaptation deficit
Kuala Lumpur, 24 July: Climate finance will need to shift towards strengthening market capacity and commercial viability to help Malaysia meet its urgent adaptation needs but is strained by a lack of bankable projects, clear metrics and project fragmentation, said regional leaders at the flagship www.eco-business.com/events/unlocking-capital-for-sustainability-2026-malaysia/” style=”color:#1155cc;text-decoration:underline;”>Unlocking capital for sustainability summit in Malaysia yesterday.
Malaysia requires approximately US$32.56 billion (RM133 billion) in disaster risk reduction and resilience in the coming decades to cope with mounting risks such as floods, droughts, coastal degradation and nature loss.
Edward Vrkić, resident representative for UNDP Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, said there is a “mismatch between what investors are looking for and how climate projects are currently structured.”
“Nature and climate adaptation is competing for capital against a mitigation story that sells better. Regulatory drivers, ESG pressure and familiar deal structures channel private capital into renewables and electric vehicles, leaving adaptation largely public-led. At the same time, Malaysia’s National Adaptation Plan (MyNAP) remains under development, so financing lacks a unifying framework and a prioritised project list,” he said during his keynote address.
Aligning climate, economic and business realities
H.E. Ajay Sharma, British high commissioner to Malaysia, said in his special address: “One of the roles of international financiers is to address the risks preventing private capital from flowing into viable opportunities. That is why our international climate finance is now more focused on helping markets to work better, strengthening project bankability – especially among SMEs, and helping private capital flow at scale and to the right places.”
“This includes programmes such as the UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) to help countries’ transition to a low carbon economy, the Climate Finance Accelerator to support climate enterprises become investment ready and mobilising investments through vehicles such as British International Investment and MOBILIST.”
Meanwhile, companies that treat projects such as decarbonisation as a compliance obligation frequently fall behind, missing out on new and lucrative opportunities, Kati Ferry, chief executive officer for EUROCHAM Malaysia, said.
“The companies that treated it as an engineering, investment and market opportunity began developing cleaner technologies, reducing energy use, redesigning manufacturing processes and creating new products and services. Those are often the companies now winning new contracts, attracting talent, improving efficiency and preparing themselves for the markets of the future,” she said in her closing address.
This includes the TechnipFMC facility in Johor which, though lacking a major upfront investment, became feasible due to a financing model which matched the operational needs of the customer, she said.
“The capital was available. The technology was available. What unlocked the project was the right commercial agreement.”
Asia setting the pace for the transition
Organised by Eco-Business in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), alongside strategic partner, AmBank Group, and supporting partners, Control Union Malaysia, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and TOMRA, the 2026 edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability – Malaysia convened over 230 delegates from government, finance and industry under the theme of “Financing growth for a resilient economy”.
Jessica Cheam, founder and CEO for Eco-Business, said Asia is proving to be a region where sustainable finance is built and not just discussed, with Malaysia itself writing the rules in this space before the investments arrive.
“It has been so encouraging to see that Malaysia has built on the momentum of the Asean chairmanship last year and moved from rhetoric to regulation. The Securities Commission’s Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030 now targets RM90 billion to RM100 billion in cumulative sustainability financing by the end of the decade,” she said in her opening remarks.
“Alongside it, a National Carbon Market Policy has laid the groundwork for a national carbon credit ecosystem, ahead of a carbon tax on iron, steel and energy that government has, for now, chosen to delay given the economic headwinds.”
Fostering connections through tailored, impact-driven sessions
The sustainable finance forum also featured curated dialogues on nature and biodiversity’s role in shaping finance and business strategy, led by PwC Malaysia and AmBank Group; financing Malaysia’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters, led by MyDIGITAL Corporation and PEMANDU Associates and attended by Datuk Dr Haji Hazland Haji Abang Hipni, deputy minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak; helping Malaysian SMEs turn climate risks into business opportunities, led by Funding Societies Malaysia and Generali Insurance Malaysia;
and financing the shift from a linear to a circular economy, featuring supporting partner TOMRA.
It also hosted an exclusive roundtable the next day on the topic of www.eco-business.com/events/making-circularity-work-aligning-policy-markets-and-stakeholders/” style=”color:#1155cc;text-decoration:underline;”>”Making circularity work: Aligning policy, markets and stakeholders”, featuring the participation of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) and exploring how policy, capital and disclosure frameworks can align for circular economy adoption.
Unlocking capital for sustainability is hosted in six markets across Asia in 2026. In addition to Kuala Lumpur, the flagship forum was hosted in Jakarta in June and will be hosted Manila in August, Singapore and Bangkok in September and Hong Kong in November.
For more information on next month’s Philippines’ forum, visit the www.eco-business.com/events/unlocking-capital-for-sustainability-2026-philippines/” style=”color:#1155cc;text-decoration:underline;”>Eco-Business event page.
About Eco-Business
Established in 2009, Eco-Business is Asia Pacific’s leading business intelligence and advisory platform dedicated to advancing sustainable development. We produce trusted, high-quality multimedia content exploring the world’s most pressing challenges—and the solutions driving change. Our work is aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Goals (SDGs) and supported by a 15-year archive of news, analysis, research, and events on sustainable development topics. Headquartered in Singapore, we have a presence in Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Beijing, and London.
For more information, visit www.eco-business.com.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
Learn more at www.undp.org and www.undp.org/malaysia” style=”color:#1155cc;text-decoration:underline;”>www.undp.org/malaysia.
About Unlocking capital for sustainability
Unlocking capital for sustainability is an annual flagship event organised by Eco-Business in partnership with UNEP FI that brings together high-level decision makers in finance, business, government and civic society to discuss and commit to actionable initiatives that mobilise the capital markets for sustainable development projects. Our full list of knowledge partners – past and present – can be found at www.unlockingcapitalforsustainability.com.
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8. Sod turned on final stage of Eastern Busway
July 24, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Construction has begun on the final 500-metre section of the Eastern Busway, a project that will deliver more reliable and efficient transport choice for Aucklanders.
The full Eastern Busway rapid transit corridor runs from Panmure to Botany, and the final section will connect Ti Rakau Drive to the Te Irirangi Drive/Te Koha Road intersection. A 600-metre shared path through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve will also extend walking and cycling connections in the area.
“Today marks a major milestone for Auckland’s transport network. When the Eastern Busway fully opens in 2027, it will connect Botany, Pakuranga and Panmure, giving people a reliable 40-minute trip from Botany to the city centre by bus and train,” Mr Bishop says.
“Public transport use on the Eastern Busway is expected to grow significantly, from 3,700 trips a day now to 18,000 by 2028, and 24,000 by 2048. Combined with City Rail Link, it will connect more people with jobs, education, and other opportunities making it easier for people to move around the city.
“After more than a decade working on the Eastern Busway, completing this final section will mean we are one step closer to delivering a fully connected rapid transit corridor between Botany and the city centre, giving more Aucklanders access to fast, reliable public transport.
Auckland Minister Simon Watts says the population of Auckland’s Howick Ward is expected to pass 190,000 by 2048, projects like the Eastern Busway are essential to giving people safe, reliable transport choices while freeing up local roads for freight and those who need to drive.
“The Eastern Busway is a major investment in Auckland’s future. It will support population growth, reduce congestion and help keep people and freight moving by providing more travel choices.
“Together with City Rail Link, this project will transform the way people move around our largest city, creating a more connected public transport network that will benefit Aucklanders for decades to come.”
The majority of construction between Pakūranga and Botany is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the extension through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve scheduled for completion in mid-2027.
Auckland Transport began construction of the Pakūranga to Botany section in 2023, delivering five kilometres of separated busway, walking and cycling paths, and associated infrastructure. The Botany link route extension received construction funding approval in late 2025, allowing work on the final section to begin.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the Eastern Busway is one of the city’s most significant transport investments.
“Auckland Council has worked alongside the Government to bring this project forward to improve the speed and reliability of public transport and reduce congestion.
“It also delivers on one of my key policies, to Get Auckland moving,” says Mayor Brown.
“The Eastern Busway will give people in east Auckland a genuine rapid transit option and make it easier for people to get to their destinations around our city quickly and safely.
“This project is an example of what transport integration enables with a dedicated busway, new stations and walking and cycling routes.”
“This is a major investment in Auckland’s future, and it’s great to see construction now underway on the final link.”
The Eastern Busway section from Pakuranga to Botany is a $1.4 billion joint investment by the Government and Auckland Council.
Notes to Editor:
More information is available at www.easternbusway.nz.
Auckland Transport is working with Fletcher Construction, ACCIONA, AECOM and Jacobs as the Eastern Busway Alliance to design and build the busway.
A Transpower electricity cable supplying power to most of Auckland and Northland runs through the project area.
Attached: Artist impression of the Botany Link route through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Auckland Council have confirmed $101 million in funding to build the Botany link route at Guys Reserve, meaning more efficient transport choices are on the way for Aucklanders living in Botany,
Construction of the Panmure Station bus and rail interchange started in 2012 and opened in 2014. Construction of the Panmure to Pakuranga section followed in 2019 and opened in 2021. Pakuranga to Botany is the final phase of the project, with work beginning in 2023 and scheduled to open in 2027.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/24/sod-turned-on-final-stage-of-eastern-busway/
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9. Asia regional meetings conclude amid international turbulence
July 23, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Navigating global turbulence and disruption has been a major theme of high-level regional talks in Manila this week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.
“People all around the world are doing it tough, and our region is facing major security and economic impacts from the currently turbulent global environment,” Mr Peters says.
“In this context, it’s more important than ever that New Zealand works closely with our regional partners,” Mr Peters says.
He attended the annual ASEAN-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting yesterday, and the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum today. Mr Peters has been involved in Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led regional meetings for over two decades, having attended the inaugural EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in December 2005 – and a further ten since, a point celebrated by the region’s Ministers.
“At a time of growing uncertainty, New Zealand’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN is more important than ever in supporting regional stability, safeguarding global supply chains, and advancing the prosperity and security of our people,” Mr Peters says.
A joint statement released by Ministers following the ASEAN-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting yesterday emphasised the need to strengthen regional resilience.
“By working together, ASEAN and New Zealand are better placed to respond to change and build a more resilient future”, Mr Peters says.
While in Manila, Mr Peters also announced a new Comprehensive Partnership between Philippines and New Zealand and held a range of bilateral meetings with Foreign Minister counterparts – including Brunei, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Korea and Viet Nam.
Mr Peters arrives back in New Zealand tomorrow (24 July).
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/23/asia-regional-meetings-conclude-amid-international-turbulence/
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10. Reappointments to Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori Board strengthens continuity and leadership
July 24, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has confirmed the reappointment of Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod as Deputy Chair and Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand CNZM as a Board member of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori.
The appointments are for a three-year term commencing on 2 September 2026 and provide continuity for Te Taura Whiri as it continues its work to revitalise and promote te reo Māori.
“These reappointments ensure Te Taura Whiri continues to benefit from experienced leadership and strong governance,” Mr Potaka says.
“Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod and Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand each bring extensive experience, deep knowledge and a longstanding commitment to the revitalisation of te reo Māori.
“Their continued leadership will help Te Taura Whiri build on its important work to grow, promote and normalise the use of te reo Māori across Aotearoa.
“I thank Jeremy and Jennifer for their ongoing service and their continued commitment to strengthening te reo Māori.”
Notes to editor
Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod (Ngāti Kahungunu)
Dr MacLeod has served on the Board of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori since 2019 and will continue as Deputy Chair for the remainder of his term.
He brings more than 15 years’ experience in governance and Māori language revitalisation across iwi, community and private sectors. An award-winning language expert, cultural advisor and graduate of Te Panekiretanga o te Reo, Dr MacLeod leads Ngāti Kahungunu’s intergenerational language revitalisation strategy, Kahungunu, Kia Eke!
Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand CNZM
Ms Ward-Lealand is an acclaimed theatre, film and television actor, director and long-time advocate for te reo Māori. She has championed the language since 2008 and was gifted the name Te Atamira by Tā Timoti Kāretu and the late Professor Te Wharehuia Milroy in 2017.
She has extensive governance experience, including as a founding Board member of Watershed Theatre and co-founder of The Actors’ Programme. She was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to film, theatre, and television.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/24/reappointments-to-te-taura-whiri-i-te-reo-maori-board-strengthens-continuity-and-leadership/
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