AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 28, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, is travelling to the People’s Republic of China to visit Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, this week. Minister Simmonds will be accompanied by a delegation of 11 senior leaders of New Zealand institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs).

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between New Zealand and China in the Tertiary Education, and Science, Innovation and Technology areas, to promote New Zealand as a destination of choice for Chinese students, and to visit technology and research sites in Southern China to promote scientific collaboration between New Zealand and China.

While in China, the Minister will meet with the Minister of Education of China, Mr Huai Jinpeng, as well as education officials of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. 

“Vocational education is an important area of collaboration within the New Zealand-China relationship, built on enduring partnerships that have grown over the years,” says Minister Simmonds.

“Significant opportunities exist to strengthen educational connections between New Zealand and China and to increase the attractiveness of the New Zealand international education offering to Chinese students and agents.

“We’re deepening our education links through student exchanges, institutional partnerships, that benefit both countries, and I look forward to discussing what the future holds with my ministerial counterpart.

“I am looking forward to connecting with existing partners and exploring new avenues for education and science and innovation research cooperation between our countries,” Minister Simmonds says.

The visit supports the Government’s Going for Growth agenda to grow the value of international education and unleash growth and innovation in New Zealand. China is New Zealand’s largest source of international students and is the second largest source of international students for ITPs.

A visit to the New Zealand-China Joint Laboratory for Biomedicine and Health in Guangzhou will highlight our strong bilateral collaboration in biomedical research, including promising developments in cancer therapeutics. The visit to the XPeng Technology Park will showcase how China is translating research and innovation into commercial outcomes in areas such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, autonomous driving and advanced manufacturing.

Minister Simmonds departed New Zealand on Sunday 26 July 2026 and will return on Friday 31 July 2026.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/tertiary-minister-to-strengthen-new-zealands-vocational-education-links-with-china/

Source: New Zealand Government

Over 97,500 New Zealand families have now received FamilyBoost payments to help with the cost of early childhood education, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“Raising young children comes with significant costs, and this Government is committed to backing working parents with practical support that makes a real difference,” Nicola Willis says. 

“Last year we expanded FamilyBoost because we wanted more families to benefit and to receive larger payments.

“We increased the rebate from 25 per cent to 40 per cent of eligible early childhood education costs, increased the maximum payment from $75 to $120 a week, and expanded eligibility to families with an average household income of up to $229,000 a year.

“The latest figures show those changes are working. The average payment has increased by 70 per cent, and across the three quarters since the expansion an average of 12,331 families each quarter have received $75 or more each week towards their childcare costs.

“The June quarter is still being processed, but already 9,498 families have received $75 or more a week in FamilyBoost payments, with more claims continuing to come in.

“FamilyBoost is about making it easier for parents to balance work and family life while easing pressure on household budgets.

“We know that childcare costs can be a significant barrier for families, particularly when parents are returning to work after having children. That’s why we’ve strengthened FamilyBoost so more working families can access meaningful support.

“Since the scheme was expanded, registrations have continued to grow. Around 115,000 families have now registered for FamilyBoost, with over 97,500 families having already received at least one payment.

“I encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to register through Inland Revenue. It only takes a few minutes and families have up to four years to make a claim.

“Backing working parents and giving children the best possible start in life is part of this Government’s plan to fix the basics and build a stronger future. When families have more support to balance work and family life, they’re better able to get ahead, and that’s good for parents, children, and the wider New Zealand economy,” Nicola Willis says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/over-97500-families-benefiting-from-familyboost/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is making it easier for growers of smaller-scale crops to use the agricultural chemicals they need to control pests and weeds, says Minister for Food Safety Andrew Hoggard.

Agricultural chemicals are subject to risk-based maximum residue levels (MRLs). Until now, growers of minor crops such as strawberries or leafy greens have often had to rely on low default MRLs where no specific New Zealand limit has been set.

“These growers now have a pathway to use internationally agreed, risk-based MRLs, helping them get better value from available herbicides and insecticides.
Codex, the international standards-setting agency, has already done the work. This is a practical solution that balances safety with flexibility and makes it easier for industry to do business. Industry strongly supports this change, which will give growers more options and support export opportunities,” Mr Hoggard says. 
 
Most agricultural chemicals are registered for major crops, such as kiwifruit or apples, and their labels set out how they can be used.
Minor-crop growers who want to use the same products often need to do so off-label. Because default residue limits are low, they may have to use products early in the season or at less effective rates.

“Under the new pathway, strawberry growers could apply for a Codex MRL for sulfoxaflor, giving them another option to control aphids. A Codex MRL of 0.5 mg/kg would allow use during harvest with a practical withholding period, compared with New Zealand’s default MRL of 0.1 mg/kg, which requires a longer withholding period and limits its usefulness during the picking season,” Mr Hoggard says. 

New Zealand Food Safety will assess each request. If it meets the criteria, public consultation will follow. If no concerns are raised, a New Zealand MRL based on the Codex MRL will be approved and adopted.

“This is about unlocking the potential of smaller-scale growers through sensible, practical rules that keep food safe and make it easier to get on with the job,” Mr Hoggard says.

More information about the new pathway and how to apply is on MPI’s website.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/more-flexibility-for-growers-of-smaller-scale-crops/

Source: New Zealand Government

Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell today announced the appointment of Deborah Hart as Chair of the Sport Integrity Commission Board.

“Deborah brings a wealth of governance, legal and accountability expertise to the role and will provide strong, independent leadership as the Commission enters its next phase and strengthens confidence in New Zealand’s sport integrity system.

“The Sport Integrity Commission plays a vital role in promoting safe, fair, and inclusive sport and recreation environments for all New Zealanders. Deborah’s experience and leadership make her exceptionally well placed to guide the Commission through its next phase of development.”

Mitchell also announced the appointment of Traci Houpapa MNZM, who has served as interim Chair since March 2026, as Deputy Chair.

“Traci has made a significant contribution to the Board and provided steady leadership as interim Chair. I want to thank her for stepping into that role. Her appointment as Deputy Chair will help support a smooth transition to the Commission’s new leadership structure.”

In addition, Tim Castle has been reappointed to the Board for a further two-year term.

“These appointments ensure the Board has the skills, experience and leadership needed to support the Commission’s important mandate and maintain public confidence in New Zealand’s integrity system.” 

Biography

Deborah Hart is an experienced governance leader and public policy adviser with expertise in dispute resolution, regulatory systems, consumer advocacy, and human rights. She chairs Utilities Disputes Limited and the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand and serves on the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

She has led major independent reviews, including the Independent Review of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Electoral Laws, is legally qualified and has extensive experience designing complaints, investigation, and accountability frameworks. Her career includes advising government on dispute resolution and serving as Executive Director of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/deborah-hart-appointed-chair-of-sport-integrity-commission-board/

Source: New Zealand Government

Cancer patients across the Wellington region will benefit from more precise and advanced treatment with a new radiation therapy Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine now treating patients at Wellington Regional Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This new machine means patients across the region can access more advanced, highly targeted cancer treatment closer to home,” Mr Brown says.

“This latest generation LINAC replaces a machine that had reached the end of its working life, and is the first of two replacement LINACs being delivered through a $12.6 million investment to modernise radiation oncology services across the Capital, Coast, and Hutt Valley district.”

Radiation therapy is used to treat a wide range of cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, head and neck, and gynaecological cancers, and to relieve symptoms, reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients receiving palliative treatment.

The new machine uses advanced camera-based surface guidance to accurately position patients and continuously monitor them throughout treatment. This technology provides an additional layer of precision by detecting even small changes in patient position, helping ensure treatment is delivered exactly as planned while minimising radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

“The new LINAC also supports ongoing clinical innovation and workforce development, providing opportunities for staff to train and work with the latest radiation therapy technology.

“Replacing a LINAC is a significant undertaking. Each machine weighs several tonnes and sits within a purpose-built bunker with 1.2 metre thick concrete walls. Before treating its first patient, the new LINAC underwent months of installation, commissioning and comprehensive safety testing to meet strict clinical and technical standards.

“The radiation oncology team at Wellington Regional Hospital maintained services throughout the installation period, ensuring continuity of care for patients during a significant equipment upgrade.”

Just over 1,500 new patients are treated across three machines at Wellington Regional Hospital every year, delivering more than 16,000 treatments annually. The second LINAC will be replaced later this year.

Mr Brown says the investment is part of a wider programme to upgrade and expand cancer treatment capacity across New Zealand.

“New LINACs are treating patients in Auckland and Dunedin, we have delivered the first ever radiation therapy services in Taranaki and Northland, and construction is underway on the new Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre, which will include a LINAC for the region.

“We are focused on fixing the basics and building the future. For Wellington patients, that means access to modern, world-class radiation treatment close to home, now and into the future.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/new-cancer-machine-treating-patients-at-wellington-hospital/

Source: New Zealand Government

Four new appointments and two reappointments have been made to the Medical Council of New Zealand, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

The four new members of the Council are Dr Derek Sherwood, Dr Manoja Kalupahana, Dr Roderick Mulgan, and Andie Cook, Mr Brown says.

Dr Kenneth Clark and Dr Hinamaha Lutui have been reappointed as health practitioner members.

“I acknowledge outgoing members Dr Rachelle Love, David Ivory, Simon Watt, and Dr Charles Hornabrook, and thank them for their contribution to the Council,” Mr Brown says.

“I also recognise Dr Clark’s ongoing contribution since he was elected as Chair in June. He continues to lead the Council, with Ming-chun Wu as Deputy Chair.

“The Medical Council plays a vital role in protecting the health and safety of New Zealanders by ensuring practitioners are fit and competent to practice, and I thank each of the appointees for their commitment to patients,” Mr Brown says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/appointments-made-to-medical-council/

Source: New Zealand Government

The opening of the new SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road flyover bridge is an important milestone for the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 Road of National Significance project, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Takitimu North Link Stage 1 is a significant investment in the western Bay of Plenty. The new 6.8km four-lane expressway will support economic growth and productivity by providing a more reliable, resilient and safer connection for road users and freight operators between Tauranga and Te Puna,” Mr Bishop says.

“The flyover bridge opening to traffic today is part of the major interchange being built at SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road, between Tauriko and Tauranga CBD. The 367-metre-long bridge spans a section of the Kōpūrererua Valley Reserve, one of Australasia’s largest urban wetlands.

“This is a complex project being delivered in a sensitive environment. In addition to 400,000m3 of earthworks carried out, the flyover bridge is a made of giant pre-cast concrete beams and supported by 14 piles, the deepest of which is 67 metres.

“People travelling towards Tauranga CBD will now use the new flyover bridge, while a slip lane will support movements towards Tauriko. A new roundabout under construction will provide entry onto Takitimu North Link, and work will continue around these new traffic flows as the wider project progresses.

“Overall construction of the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project is well advanced. Now in its fifth year, earthworks and the project’s 10 major structures are nearing completion, and the first sections of asphalt have also been applied. This marks an important transition from earthworks and structures to pavements and drainage. 

“The Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions, and the state highway network plays a crucial role in moving people and freight to and from Tauranga, Auckland, Hamilton and the Port of Tauranga. 

“The Takitimu North Link Stage 1 Road of National Significance project is about making those journeys more efficient, reliable, and safe. I look forward to further milestones being achieved in coming years in the lead up to completion in 2028.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/takitimu-north-link-sh29-flyover-opens-to-traffic/

MIL OSI

Source: Media Outreach

The round brings HiDream.ai’s total financing over the past three months to more than RMB 2.1 billion and marks its entry into unicorn status

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

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

SYDNEY, July 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, and Smart, Australia’s leading salary packaging and novated leasing provider, today announced a strategic partnership to make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible and affordable to Australians.

As the strategic partner to BYD and its premium brand DENZA, Smart provides access to more than 2.5 million Australians employed by Smart’s clients across the government, healthcare, education, corporate and not-for-profit sectors. This creates a direct pathway for eligible employees to consider a BYD or DENZA new energy vehicle through a Smart novated lease at the point of purchase, while helping customers understand affordability, tax savings and total cost of ownership.

The partnership provides customers access to specific tax savings for EVs through the government’s electric car discount, and comes as EV adoption continues to accelerate in Australia.

In June 2026, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 23 per cent of the new vehicle market, according to official VFACTS data. BYD Australia’s growth has been rapid, with year-to-date sales at the end of June reaching 52,335 vehicles, more than double the figure recorded at the same point last year.

As Australia’s largest salary packaging and novated leasing provider, Smart supports more than 580,000 salary packaging customers and has more than 120,000 novated lease and fleet vehicles under management. The new collaboration with Smart will give BYD customers access at the point of sale to salary packaging support and potential tax advantages available through a novated lease, including those available under current government policy settings.

BYD Australia General Manager, Wing You, said:

“As BYD continues to grow in Australia, we are focused on making new energy vehicle ownership as simple and accessible as possible for our customers.”

“Partnering with Smart allows us to integrate novated leasing support into the dealership experience, helping customers understand affordability, savings and ownership options at the point of sale.”

Smart’s Group Executive, Novated Leasing and Electric Vehicle Services, Sid Jha, said:

“This partnership brings together two market leaders with a shared ambition to accelerate Australia’s transition to electric vehicles. BYD has transformed the Australian market by making EVs more accessible, and Smart can now help remove another major barrier by integrating novated leasing into the customer journey.”

“Smart reaches more than 2.5 million Australians through employers nationally. By integrating salary packaging into the BYD customer journey, we can remove friction at a critical point in the purchase process and give customers a clearer view of cost, savings and ownership options before they make a decision.”

“For eligible Australians, this is about making EV ownership more attainable, not simply offering another way to finance a car. We can help customers understand whether a BYD through a Smart novated lease works for them, compare the cost of owning and running an EV, and give them the confidence to make the switch to electric.”

Contact

Michael Fairbairn | michael.fairbairn@smartgroup.com.au | 0448 524 731

Paul Ellis | paul.ellis@byd.com | 0455 344 431

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/994dc6e1-43f8-4082-b8cf-2fecf9fdd180 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/198dba46-6337-4df9-b6c7-a85d30e60858

– Published by The MIL Network