AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 31, 2026 – Full Text
1. Homes for the hounds now the focus
July 31, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Racing Minister Winston Peters says a brighter future awaits the hundreds of dogs involved in the greyhound racing industry which winds up today.
Commercial greyhound racing ends 31 July 2026 following the passing of legislation in April with the support of all parties in Parliament. The legislation followed a decade in which three independent reports showed unacceptable death and injury rates, with no noticeable improvement.
Mr Peters says the focus is now on rehoming the estimated 1400 dogs with the Greyhound Transition Agency (GTA) appointed to coordinate the task.
“The GTA is has a clear plan – the Greyhound Rehoming Project – is fully funded and is working with established expert organisations who have been rehoming racing industry greyhounds for years.
“The rehoming plan ensures owners / trainers of former racing dogs have financial support to care for animals until they are rehomed,” Mr Peters says.
“There was clear, strong support from most New Zealanders that ending greyhound racing was the right thing to do.
“No taxpayer money is being used in the $60 million programme which is funded by the TAB using proceeds that would previously have gone into greyhound racing.
“The last week of racing was sadly marked by yet another death of a greyhound which was put down after breaking her leg in a race at Addington on Wednesday. It was a tragic reminder of the toll of deaths and serious injury for an industry which had run out of social licence to operate.
“Let that be the last death of a racing dog, and we encourage Kiwis to get onboard in providing these greyhounds with a loving home and a brighter future,” Mr Peters says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/31/homes-for-the-hounds-now-the-focus/
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2. Business Canterbury Welcomes Employment Leave Act
July 30, 2026
Source: Business Canterbury
Business Canterbury welcomes the passing of the Employment Leave Act, which replaces the Holidays Act after decades of complexity and uncertainty.
Chief Executive Leeann Watson says, “Congratulations must go to the Government and Minister van Velden for taking a piece of legislation that had been stuck in review for years, and delivering changes that will make leave calculations and management clearer and more workable for both employers and employees.”
“The leave calculations in the Holidays Act required an advanced calculus degree to navigate, and too often left both employees and employers unsure about the fairest way to determine entitlements.
“Payroll and leave legislation will always need to balance ease of use with fairness and practicality, but where the Employment Leave Act has landed is lightyears ahead of the outgoing Holidays Act. It removes another significant layer of red tape and will help businesses focus more on growth and on employing more people.
“Moving to a pro-rated minimum sick leave entitlement removes an absurdity within the previous law, where employees working fewer hours could receive disproportionately higher entitlements.
“As with the Holidays Act, the provisions in the new law set out minimum entitlements only. Employers will still be able to offer packages that go beyond the minimum requirements, and many already do.
“Continuity across political cycles will be important for employers. We hope that political parties will look at the progress made on the whole and not revert to repeal and replace conversations over the two-year implementation period.”
“The passing of the Employment Leave Act also nearly completes the key set of reforms the business community has long been calling for.
“The trifecta of policy changes businesses asked for ahead of the last election were resource management reform, health and safety reform, and Holidays Act reform, with two of three now passed by the Parliament.
“We look forward to working with the Government on the next set of improvements that will best support businesses to grow and hire more people.”
Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.
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3. PSA stands firm on ‘change the Government’ campaign, welcomes talks with Commissioner
July 30, 2026
Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi
The PSA is standing by its ‘change the Government’ postcard campaign after issuing fresh advice to members – this follows Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche complaining the postcards breached political neutrality and should not be displayed in public service workplaces.
“We are not retreating from our position and reject Sir Brian’s characterisation of the postcards,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, PSA National Secretary Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Our legal advice is that they do not breach the obligations on public servants to be politically neutral and reflects the rights of public service workers to freedom of expression under the Bill of Rights.
“Our members have the same rights of political expression as any other New Zealander, and for many election cycles they have shared union material at work consistently with their duty to be politically neutral in how they do their jobs. That has not changed.”
The fresh advice sent to members confirms that the campaign will continue. Members can take postcards home to share with family and fri, and can share them with workmates, but should not leave or display them anywhere open to the public. Members are advised to keep doing their jobs impartially, not to use workplace resources for election activity, and, where practical, to cover or remove work lanyards or identifying items if atting rallies.
The PSA disputes the Commissioner’s view that the postcards amount to election advertising and is seeking further independent legal advice on the matter.
“It’s a bit rich for Sir Brian to lecture us on political neutrality when his own investigation into the Commission’s anti-strike Facebook adverts is well overdue, and has already cost tens of thousands of dollars,” Fitzsimons said.
“That review is due to report shortly. New Zealanders will be able to judge then for themselves whether it has delivered any real accountability.
“We welcome Sir Brian agreeing to meet with us to discuss this. We’re always ready for a genuine conversation, but political neutrality must be a standard the Commission holds itself to as well.
“And we stand by our campaign – we need to change the Government to one that properly values a public service and equips it to meet the many challenges New Zealanders face. This government has done nothing but run it down, cast thousands out of work, and eroded the services New Zealanders rely on.
“The Government plans 9000 more job cuts so we are sing a loud and clear message that enough is enough and come 7 November we urge voters to change the Government.”
Background on Facebook advertising issue:
19 December 2025 Explosive document dump days out from Christmas exposes Govt’s cynical attack on striking workers
1 December 2025 PSA welcomes external review of Public Service Commission strike adverts – PM now needs to intervene in health disputeThe Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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4. Warkworth to Te Hana PPP signed
July 30, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement to deliver the first section of the Northland Expressway – Warkworth to Te Hana – starting one of New Zealand’s most significant infrastructure projects, Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced.
The Project Agreement was signed this week between the Crown and the Northway consortium to design, build, finance, maintain and operate the expressway, and reached financial close today.
Detailed design, site mobilisation and early construction works are expected to begin in the coming months.
“Northland has incredible potential and Warkworth to Te Hana is one of the most significant infrastructure investments this Government is making to support jobs, unlock economic growth, and provide a safer, more resilient connection for people and freight between Auckland and Northland,” Mr Bishop says.
“The scope includes a new 26-kilometre, four-lane expressway with grade-separated interchanges at Warkworth, Wellsford and Te Hana. It also includes 15 standardised bridges, two underpasses, numerous large culverts, 12 wetland stormwater treatment basins, and twin tunnels of around one kilometre through Kraack Hill above the Dome Valley near Dome Forest.
“Over the life of the expressway, the benefits are expected to include 145 fewer deaths and serious injuries, travel time savings of seven to ten minutes per vehicle, more than 1,000 fewer closure hours caused by unexpected events such as severe weather, and the removal of around 1,000 heavy vehicles a day from the existing SH1 main streets through Wellsford and Te Hana.
“Following strong interest in the Northland Expressway at our Infrastructure Investment Summit in March last year, three competitive consortia were shortlisted by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to deliver the first section. The Northway consortium was confirmed as the preferred bidder in May this year.
“This PPP represents good value for taxpayers. The final project cost has a net present value (NPV) of $3.649 billion, around $251 million below the $3.9 billion Public Sector Comparator approved by Cabinet in March last year, which estimates what the project would cost under traditional public sector procurement.
“Every dollar invested is also expected to return $1.60 in wider economic benefits to New Zealand.
“Warkworth to Te Hana is the largest public-private partnership in New Zealand’s history and demonstrates the benefits that well-structured, highly competitive PPPs can deliver. Lessons from previous PPPs, including Transmission Gully, along with international best practice and market feedback, have been incorporated from the outset.
“This has included a more sophisticated approach to allocating risk, securing property and resource consents earlier, and establishing a stronger evidence base for setting affordability thresholds.
“The procurement process was also strengthened through bid cost reimbursement to encourage competitive participation, NZTA retaining intellectual property, price evaluation during the Request for Proposal stage, and an optimisation phase to maintain competitive tension between the final bidders.
“Ultimately, the Northway consortium put forward the strongest overall proposal, providing the best balance of price, quality and risk. The agreement provides greater certainty over costs, reduces the risk of disputes and delays during construction, and delivers better value for taxpayers over its lifetime.
“A PPP is like getting a mortgage to buy a house. Rather than paying the full cost upfront, it is spread over a longer period and repaid over time. But a PPP goes further than financing alone. The private partner is also responsible for designing and building the road, maintaining it, and meeting agreed performance standards throughout the life of the contract.”
In August 2025, Cabinet agreed to a Crown Capital Contribution (CCC) towards construction of the project. The Government provided NZTA with a $1.6 billion, 10-year loan to finance the contribution. NZTA will make these payments to the contractor during the latter stages of construction, beginning from 1 July 2028 (FY2029).
“NZTA will also begin making regular Unitary Charge payments once the road opens. These payments are linked to agreed performance, safety, maintenance and availability standards, helping protect value for taxpayers over the 25-year operating period. Financial deductions apply if those standards or KPIs are not met,” Mr Bishop says.
“Delivering wider employment and economic development benefits for Northland is also critically important. The Northway consortium expects around 60 per cent of total physical works spending to flow through local supply chains, creating opportunities for local subcontractors across earthworks, drainage, pavements, bridges and other civil engineering works.
“In addition, Northway has indicated it will create youth and graduate opportunities through internships, graduate roles, apprenticeships and school-to-work pathways, with a focus on local young people, including Māori and Pasifika. These opportunities will be backed by training, mentoring and pastoral support to help participants gain skills, qualifications and pathways into long-term infrastructure careers.
“I want to thank the unsuccessful bidders for their strong participation in a robust and competitive procurement process and congratulate the Northway consortium on its successful bid. I look forward to joining them on site in the coming months to celebrate design and construction getting underway.
“Northland has incredible potential, and today’s agreement is a major milestone in unlocking the infrastructure, jobs and economic growth the region deserves.”
Notes for editors:
- In July 2024, Cabinet agreed in principle to use an Accelerated Delivery Strategy to deliver the Northland Corridor, including a PPP procurement for Section 1, Warkworth to Te Hana.
- In March 2025, Cabinet endorsed the Implementation Investment Case and approved NZTA to commence procurement of the project through a PPP.
- In August 2025, Cabinet agreed for NZTA to contribute a Crown Capital Contribution (CCC) to the construction of the project. Cabinet also agreed to provide NZTA with a $1.6 billion 10-year loan to finance the CCC and appropriated funding for the loan.
- The CCC reduced the required private capital for the Warkworth to Te Hana project. This ensured that the Request for Proposals (RFP) procurement process was competitive and reduced the amount of private debt required by each bidder, especially given the debt market capacity for such a large project.
- The CCC also struck a balance between retaining sufficient transfer of risk from the Crown to the PPP consortia and taking advantage of the Crown’s lower cost of capital. All these considerations are consistent with the Treasury PPP Policy Guidance which sets out the factors and trade-offs that should considered when assessing the need for a CCC.
- The CCC payments can only be used on direct Project construction costs, and not indirect Contractor costs. Mechanisms are in place to ensure that risk is appropriately managed through the construction phase.
- A Gateway 3 Review was conducted between 4 – 8 May 2026. This focused on the procurement process and preparation for Financial Close and delivery. The review resulted in a Green/Amber delivery confidence assessment, with seven recommendations. NZTA accepted all recommendations in full and will or has already actioned them.
- In June 2026, Cabinet approved the project to enable NZTA to proceed to financial close. Financial close occurred on Thursday 30 July. Financial Close means the financial conditions of the Agreement have been met and is when the construction capital becomes available.
- The Northway consortium comprises Acciona Concesiones SL, Global Sustainable Infrastructure GP IV Ltd and Acciona Construction New Zealand Ltd, alongside strong New Zealand partners including Downer New Zealand and AECOM.
- Construction planning, mobilisation, detailed design, and early works are due to commence from August 2026, with main construction starting in November 2027. The road is expected to open in 2033 and full works are expected to be completed in 2034.
- The ongoing Unitary Charge (UC) payments over the 25-year term of the Agreement cover financing (debt and equity), operations and maintenance, performance adjustments, and insurance and lifecycle costs.
- Financial deductions to the UC payments apply if the road is closed during the operational period or if Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not met.
- Potential KPI deductions support performance outcomes across safety hazard management, incident response, asset management, reporting, compliance, communication, and environmental obligations.
- The terms of the Project Agreement expire in 2058, and the road will be handed back to NZTA at the conclusion.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/30/warkworth-to-te-hana-ppp-signed/
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5. Dog control guidelines updated for safety
July 30, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Updated dog control guidelines released today will help keep Kiwis safer while the Government continues its review of dog control laws, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.
“Too many Kiwis have been victims of disgusting attacks from dogs in recent years. Every New Zealander should be able to walk around their neighbourhood without worrying about being attacked by a dangerous and uncontrolled dog.
“Dog owners are personally responsible for their animals. They need to ensure that their animals pose no threat to others, and councils need the right tools to crack down on individuals who could be putting others at risk.
“Last year alone, ACC recorded more than 14,000 claims related to dog bites and attacks. That’s a reminder of why getting dog control right matters.
“Whether stronger penalties for irresponsible owners are necessary, or more powers for council officers to deal with threatening animals – all options are on the table as we look to strengthen dog control laws to keep communities safe.
“Today’s release of updated guidelines under the current legal framework is the first part of that review.
“Having not been updated since 2015, today’s release provides practical and up-to-date guidance to help councils make full use of the current tools available under the Dog Control Act. They promote responsible dog ownership and inform councils on how to respond effectively when problems arise.
“They also improve data collection and reporting through a new template to encourage standardised reporting of dog control data across councils. Better information will help build a clearer picture of dog control issues across New Zealand and support better decision-making.
“This is the first step in our efforts to strengthen dog control laws, crack down on dangerous dogs, and hold owners accountable. We are backing councils with better tools and guidance so they can help keep their communities safe.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/30/dog-control-guidelines-updated-for-safety/
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6. MSF: Pakistan must protect Afghan refugees from forced return
July 30, 2026
Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
- Afghan refugees in Pakistan are living under constant fear of detention, loss of livelihood, and deportation
- The Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’s (IFRP’s) impact on refugees’ access to healthcare is concerning, as refugees are delaying or foregoing medical care out of fear of arrest
- MSF urges the Government of Pakistan to ensure refugees are not forcibly returned to Afghanistan under the IFRP and further urges countries hosting Afghan refugees to halt all involuntary returns to Afghanistan.
30 July 2026 – Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders (MSF) urges the Government of Pakistan to ensure refugees are not forcibly returned to Afghanistan under the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) and to establish formal exemptions for individuals with international protection needs.
MSF is deeply concerned about the IFRP’s impact on refugees’ access to healthcare. Refugees told MSF teams they are delaying or foregoing medical care out of fear of arrest and to avoid documentation checks at health facilities. This has led to preventable health issues, including cases of malnutrition and pregnancy complications.
MSF spoke with Najib*, an Afghan refugee arrested during a police raid on his home, despite showing his Proof of Registration (PoR) card.
“My wife was three months pregnant when the police took me. When I was released and came home the next day, she was still out of her mind. She told me that she had started bleeding very heavily because of stress and deep sadness. My mind was filled with so many images: the picture of the arrest, the trauma, the mental anguish from the previous night—everything was racing through my brain. But, just to save my wife’s life, I acted despite the fear. I finally decided I had to go to the hospital, but I was terrified that they would arrest me again. I rushed her to the doctor, but we were too late. My wife had already had a miscarriage.”
The policy has undermined people’s ability to provide for their families, as people lose work and income amid fears of arrest and deportation. In early 2026, MSF ran mobile clinics for communities with no access to healthcare in Quetta, Balochistan, and identified a high burden of acute malnutrition among children seeking care, with 33.3% meeting the criteria for global acute malnutrition. Among those screened, 7.6 percent had severe acute malnutrition and 25.7 percent had moderate acute malnutrition. Nearly 90 percent of malnourished patients were Afghan refugees, most of them women and children.
The Government of Pakistan began implementing the IFRP in November 2023, initially targeting undocumented Afghan nationals and later extending to documented refugees holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) or Proof of Registration (PoR)—many of whom had lived in the country since 1979. In a July 10, 2026 directive, Pakistan authorities ordered the immediate arrest and accelerated deportation of all Afghan nationals without a valid visa.
“Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for over 45 years despite limited international support,” says den Hartogh. “Yet Afghan refugees live under constant fear of arrest, detention, eviction, loss of livelihood, and deportation. This makes it unlikely that many of the returns to Afghanistan are truly voluntary”. Over 2.5 million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan under the IFRP so far, many involuntarily, according to UNHCR. The UN recently identified over 70,000 Afghan refugees at imminent risk if returned. “It is critical that individuals with protection needs are not deported and that returns are voluntary, safe, and dignified,” says den Hartogh.
Between 2023 and 2026, roughly 6 million Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan, straining Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare system. The systematic erasure of women and girls from public life, sweeping U.S aid cuts and wider funding declines, an overstretched health system, and a deepening economic crisis compound the challenges returnees face to reintegrate.
MSF assessments of informal returnee settlements in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province in October 2025 and April 2026 found a lack of basic healthcare, inadequate shelter, undernutrition, and poor sanitation—increasing outbreak risk.
MSF urges countries hosting Afghan refugees to halt all involuntary returns to Afghanistan and ensure return processes do not undermine the protection and safety of refugees.
“We urge the Government of Pakistan to renew its long-standing solidarity with refugees and formally adopt mechanisms to identify and protect those at risk of harm upon return,” says Marko den Hartogh, MSF’s Head of Mission in Pakistan. “This must include women and girls, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, those needing urgent or long-term medical care, refugees awaiting resettlement, and others at heightened risk of marginalization, discrimination, or persecution.”
*Name changed to protect confidentiality and privacy
MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au
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7. 3,000+ social homes delivered in Auckland so far
July 29, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has met its 2023 election commitment to deliver 3,000 additional social homes in Auckland during the current term of government, reaching the milestone months ahead of schedule and providing thousands more Aucklanders with access to warm, dry and secure homes, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Before the election we publicly committed to increasing Auckland’s social housing stock by at least the then net build rate of 1,000 homes a year over three years. I’m pleased to say, we have delivered 3000 social homes since we took office, delivering on that commitment ahead of schedule – and we’re still going.
“At the end of June 2026, the net increase of social homes in Auckland since November 2023 was 3,034 and climbing.
“Delivering so many new social homes has taken a huge effort from Community Housing Providers, Kāinga Ora, developers, builders and everyone involved in getting these homes delivered. Thank you to everyone who has played a part.
“Kāinga Ora contributed 1,824 of the new Auckland homes, and Community Housing Providers have delivered the other 1,210.
“We’re not just delivering more social homes – we’re delivering homes that better reflect the needs of the people waiting for them.
“In 2023, only around 12 per cent of Kāinga Ora’s homes were one-bedroom properties, despite around 60 per cent of people on the Auckland housing register currently needing a one-bedroom home.
“We’re changing that by focusing on building the right homes, in the right places, for the people most in need. Around 60 per cent of the new social homes delivered in Auckland are one- and two-bedroom properties.
“We also know that there is significant need in South and West Auckland, so it’s encouraging that 75 per cent of the new Auckland homes are in those areas.
“These 3,034 additional social homes in Auckland form part of more than 8,400 additional social housing places delivered across New Zealand since November 2023.
“While the 3,000 homes milestone is worth celebrating, there’s a lot more to do.
“We’re continuing to invest in more social housing where it’s needed most. Through Budgets 2024, 2025 and 2026 we’ve funded over 4,500 additional social homes and affordable rentals, including further investment in Auckland through the Flexible Fund.
“We’ve funded a genuine, long-term social housing pipeline so Community Housing Providers, Māori providers and others can plan their build programmes further ahead.
“We’ll keep working with a wide range of providers to increase the supply of quality, fit for purpose social housing right across New Zealand.”
Notes to editors:
In September 2023, Deputy Leader of the National Party Nicola Willis publicly committed to delivering 3,000 additional social homes in Auckland between November 2023 and November 2026 (around 1,000 homes a year).
More than 8,400 additional social homes have been delivered nationally between November 2023 and June 2026, including 3,034 in Auckland.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/3000-social-homes-delivered-in-auckland-so-far/
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8. First new offshore petroleum permit granted
July 29, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A bid to undertake exploration over an area east of Kupe gas field in Taranaki has become the first new petroleum exploration permit to be granted since the Coalition Government reversed the ban on offshore exploration, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
Six months after the closure of a competitive market process for the application, New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) has today awarded Australian explorer EnZed Energy a 12-year petroleum exploration permit covering about 546sq km in the offshore Taranaki Basin.
“This permit marks a major milestone for New Zealand’s energy sector and shows that without doubt, we are open for business,” Mr Jones says.
“As the first new offshore petroleum exploration permit granted since the ban was reversed, it is a clear signal that confidence is returning and investors are once again prepared to back New Zealand’s resource potential.”
The permit area covers the Kaheru prospect, a promising exploration target. Under the permit’s work programme, EnZed Energy will undertake a staged exploration programme beginning with a study of existing seismic data and geological studies to better understand the prospect’s potential.
“For too long, policy settings discouraged investment in a sector that plays a critical role in supporting energy security, industrial activity and economic growth. Since coming into office, this Coalition Government has taken steps to provide greater certainty for investors, improve the efficiency of regulatory processes and create a more attractive environment for responsible resource development,” Mr Jones says.
With existing gas fields maturing, exploration remains an important part of understanding New Zealand’s future energy options. As at 1 January 2026, New Zealand’s proven and probable natural gas reserves had declined 23 per cent from the previous year to 731 petajoules – the lowest level since records began more than two decades ago. This underlines the need to better understand the country’s remaining resource potential.
“Natural gas remains a vital part of New Zealand’s energy system. It supports electricity generation when renewable output is low and provides an important fuel and feedstock for major industries,” Mr Jones says.
“Exploration does not guarantee a discovery but it is an essential first step in understanding the resources New Zealand may have available to support future prosperity.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/first-new-offshore-petroleum-permit-granted/
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9. Final appointments to Teaching Council
July 30, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Education Minister Hon Erica Stanford has announced the remaining appointments to the new Governing Council of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Patrick Walsh MNZM has been appointed Chair, Andrée Atkinson as Deputy Chair, Kelly Seaburg as a new member.
Kelly Seaburg’s expertise in early childhood education is a valuable addition, and Minister Stanford is also confident that Patrick Walsh’s and Andrée Atkinson’s leadership, financial, and governance experience, will provide clear direction over the next three years.
“Having a strong board is vital for responding to the significant challenges faced by the Teaching Council, especially around its core role of ensuring child safety.
“I am confident the Governing Council now has the collective skills and experience, including knowledge of the sector, to strongly support the enhanced regulatory focus.”
Patrick Walsh was a long-term elected member of the Teaching Council before his appointment by Minister Stanford earlier this month. He is Headmaster at Sacred Heart College in Auckland and has an extensive background in education leadership.
He is Vice President of the Auckland Secondary Schools Principals Association, an Executive Member of the Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand (SPANZ), and an Executive Member of College Sport.
Andrée Atkinson is a qualified accountant with strong financial advisory skills. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a director including chairing risk and audit committees. She currently serves on the Boards of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and Te Kura (formerly The Correspondence School).
Kelly Seaburg has over 20 years’ experience in early childhood education and governance. She is Director of New Shoots Children Centres a network of early childhood education centres.
She has also held key advisory roles with the Ministry of Education’s Early Childhood Advisory Group and the Early Childhood Education Funding Review Advisory Group. Kelly’s term will commence on 1 September.
Kelly will join Pat Walsh and Andrée Atkinson, and the other members of the new Council:
Dr Sarah Brown, Principal at Kerikeri Primary School;
Patrick Drumm, Headmaster at Mount Albert Grammar School;
Heath Chittenden, Principal at Ashhurst School;
Dame Susan Hassall, former Headmaster of Hamilton Boys’ High School and Chancellor of the University of Waikato;
Debbie Francis, who has led change programmes across both the public and private sectors; and
Tom Gott, is an associate with MartinJenkins, with expertise in governance, strategy, organisational performance
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/30/final-appointments-to-teaching-council/
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10. Backing our frontline rural health workforce
July 30, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Rural communities across New Zealand will benefit from three new investments that will support the rural health workforce and help more people access care closer to home, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
“Where you live shouldn’t determine the healthcare you can receive. That’s why we’re backing rural clinicians with the training, support and workforce they need so people can access more care locally,” Mr Doocey says.
“These three investments will help rural clinicians to make better-informed decisions in an emergency, remove barriers to training and grow the frontline so more rural New Zealanders can access quality healthcare closer to home.
“For people living in rural and remote communities, getting the right care quickly can make all the difference. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is particularly important because it gives clinicians another tool to assess patients in real time, make faster decisions and determine whether someone can safely receive care locally or needs to be transferred to hospital.
“We are investing over $2.5 million in a new POCUS training and support programme to give rural doctors and nurses the skills and support they need to use an ultrasound as part of urgent and after-hours care. At least 140 rural clinicians are expected to receive this support over the next three years.
“Giving rural clinicians better training means more people can get the care they need closer to home, while ensuring those who do need hospital care can be identified sooner.
“At the same time, we are expanding access to the Primary Response in Medical Emergencies (PRIME) training.
“We know that in some rural communities ambulance response times can be longer. PRIME training will provide rural clinicians with additional skills to support emergency responses when people need urgent care, rather than relying on help to arrive from further away.
“Currently, around 29 per cent of clinicians completing PRIME training pay the costs themselves, which can be around $2,000. We are investing additional funding to remove that cost barrier, supporting around 150 more rural clinicians to build their urgent and emergency care skills over the next two years.
“When someone needs urgent care in a rural community, having a highly trained clinician nearby can make all the difference. We’re making it easier for more clinicians to get the training they need so they’re ready to respond.
“Additionally, the Government is investing $6 million in a refreshed National Rural Recruitment and Locum Support Service, helping rural general practices and providers attract and retain the workforce they need.
“The service currently plays an important role in recruiting permanent doctors and nurse practitioners for general practices. Now, for the first time, this will expand beyond doctors and nurse practitioners to also support the recruitment of registered nurses and allied health professionals, helping build stronger multidisciplinary teams.
“Strong rural health services rely on a strong workforce. We are backing the frontline so rural New Zealanders can access the care they need, without the unnecessary burden of long travel times.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/30/backing-our-frontline-rural-health-workforce/
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