PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 2, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

The new Drury and Paerātā railway stations have been formally opened today, with services beginning tomorrow and weekday peak trains running every 10 minutes, Rail Minister Winston Peters and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say. 

The stations will serve Drury, Paerātā, Franklin and South Auckland, with each station providing two platforms, 350 car parks and bus connections. 

“Around 130,000 more people are expected in this part of Auckland over coming decades, and infrastructure must come before growth – not years afterwards, as too often happens in this country,” Mr Peters says.

“These stations are here because we funded them when last responsible for rail, as part of our wider commitments to unlock capacity, lift train frequencies, invest more than $500 million to get the network up to standard, and enable electric trains from Britomart right down to Pukekohe.

“While others say nice words about rail, we fund it, deliver it, and on this happy occasion are still here to open it.

“We will keep advocating for rail because taxpayers have built an asset with real potential to move people and goods efficiently – and we intend to make full use of it.”

Mr Bishop says the stations are part of the Government’s recent investment in Auckland’s rail network and will support growth in the south. 

“These stations are among the final elements of a recent $2.4 billion dollar Government investment in Auckland’s rail network,” Mr Bishop says. 

“The Auckland Rail Network Rebuild has been completed in time for the City Rail Link (CRL) to open soon. We’re also replacing level crossings across the network to support more frequent train services. 

“The Third Main Line is now open, separating freight and passenger rail services, while the rail line to Pukekohe has been electrified. Looking ahead, new rail stations at Ngākōroa are also set to open in 2027. 

“This is about investing in infrastructure that will help allow our largest city to grow. 

“Our investment is delivering convenient and reliable trains, to help improve productivity, and new infrastructure out here in southern Auckland to enable housing and business growth.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/01/new-drury-and-paerata-stations-open-for-south-auckland/

Source: Media Outreach

TANGERANG, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – VinFast is showcasing its expanding electric vehicle portfolio at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026, featuring a diverse lineup ranging from the VF 3, VF 6, VF 7 and VF MPV 7 to its Green vehicle series. The Company is also introducing its “Drive Worry Free” proposition alongside a comprehensive suite of customer programs designed to deliver greater peace of mind throughout the EV ownership journey, reinforcing its customer-centric philosophy.

From July 30 to August 9 at ICE BSD City, Tangerang, VinFast will welcome visitors to an immersive exhibition space designed to bring the complete EV ownership journey to life, from vehicle selection and charging to after-sales services, customer support programs, and solutions that help optimize long-term ownership costs while enhancing vehicle value over time.

A key highlight of VinFast’s presence at GIIAS 2026 is the debut of its “Drive Worry Free” proposition, built around five pillars: Zero Operating Cost, Battery Peace of Mind, Ownership Confidence, Service Confidence, and Business Confidence. Through these five pillars, VinFast aims to support customers throughout every stage of EV ownership, from selecting and purchasing a vehicle to everyday use, by addressing practical considerations including operating costs, charging accessibility, battery support, after-sales services, long-term vehicle value, and opportunities to unlock additional economic value.

Visitors who place a vehicle deposit during GIIAS 2026 will also enjoy a range of exclusive promotions. Customers purchasing the VF 3 mini-SUV will receive a MAP shopping voucher worth IDR 3 million. Buyers of the VF MPV 7 and Limo Green will receive a shopping voucher worth IDR 4 million, while customers purchasing the VF 6 or VF 7 will receive a voucher worth IDR 5 million.

In addition, customers who place a reservation at the exhibition will have the opportunity to participate in a lucky draw featuring attractive prizes. The promotion is subject to VinFast’s applicable terms and conditions, and shopping vouchers are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.

Alongside these exhibition-exclusive offers, VinFast continues to provide a range of competitive ownership programs designed to enhance customer confidence throughout the ownership journey. These include a resale value guarantee of up to 80%, complimentary charging at the V-GREEN charging network, two years of complimentary battery subscription and a lifetime battery warranty.

Visitors to the VinFast booth can explore the Company’s growing product portfolio, including the VF 3, VF 6, VF 7, VF MPV 7, Nerio Green, Herio Green, and Limo Green. Selected models will also be available for test drives, allowing visitors to experience their performance, technology, comfort, and driver assistance features first-hand.

Beyond the vehicle display, visitors can also explore the dedicated V-GREEN charging zone to learn more about the company’s expanding charging infrastructure, including its growing network of thousands of charging points across Indonesia and the charging programs available to VinFast customers.

The booth also features the Green Rental zone, showcasing the “Sewa Jadi Cuan” initiative, which enables eligible VinFast owners to make their vehicles available for rental through VinFast’s official platform when not in use, allowing them to generate additional value from their vehicles.

In addition, visitors can consult VinFast representatives on warranty and maintenance programs, battery subscription plans, the resale value guarantee program, and a range of flexible financing solutions offered in collaboration with banking and financial partners in Indonesia.

Antonio Zara, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, said: “Choosing a vehicle is not simply about selecting a means of transportation. It is also about choosing an ecosystem that can support customers throughout their ownership journey. Through GIIAS 2026, we want Indonesian consumers to experience how VinFast brings together electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, after-sales services, customer programs, and mobility solutions into one integrated ecosystem, making the transition to electric mobility more convenient and worry-free.”

In just over two years since entering the Indonesian market, VinFast has built an increasingly diverse product portfolio while steadily developing a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem supported by its assembly plant, the V-GREEN charging network, an expanding dealer and after-sales network, Green Rental mobility solutions, and a growing range of customer-focused ownership programs.

To date, VinFast has established more than 40 dealer showrooms across Indonesia and continues to expand its retail footprint, with plans to add more than 150 new showroom locations in the coming years. This expansion underscores the Company’s long-term commitment to the Indonesian market and its aspiration to support the country’s transition toward greener transportation./.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

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

Source: New Zealand Police

Rotorua Police have dealt a major blow to organised crime in the Bay of Plenty, busting a large, commercial scale drug operation, making over a dozen arrests and removing millions of dollars’ worth of drugs from the hands from organised criminal networks.

Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow, Bay of Plenty Field Crime Manager said the significant operation shut down 14 grow houses in Rotorua, removing up to $6.5 million worth of cannabis from the black market, and resulting in the arrest of 16 people.

Five residential properties, 21 bank accounts and two vehicles have been restrained under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act.

Of the 16 Vietnamese nationals arrested, 14 are facing charges relating to the cannabis growing setup and associated offences. Two were arrested in relation to Immigration Act Offences.

Operation Harvey follows a six-month joint investigation between Police and Immigration New Zealand officers from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

The operation targeted residential rental properties being used to house large-scale commercial cannabis growing operations involving Vietnamese organised crime groups.

The termination involved more than 220 staff from across Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Auckland districts, as well as support from electrical companies to make the properties safe and assist with the investigation phase.

On Tuesday, 25 warrants were executed across Rotorua and Auckland.

Of the 21 residential properties searched across Rotorua, 14 had active and significant cannabis grow houses operating in them and 10 were rental properties located in residential areas.

Police allege all the houses had been using stolen power illegally diverted by the offenders from nearby power boxes – with conservative estimates noting they had been illegally diverting about $30,000 worth of power per week to run the grow houses.

“This was a well organised, significant and well-resourced grow operation with all the properties were linked to the same criminal network.

“Police believe the drugs were destined for sale to other organised criminal groups to on sell.

“Over 3500 high value plants were seized along with 97 pounds of dried cannabis head packaged and ready for the wholesale market.

“The cannabis seized has a bulk sale value of $1.8 million, but has a potential street market value well in excess of $6.5 million depending on how it is sold,” said Detective Inspector Pilbrow.

Alongside cannabis, tens of thousands of dollars of cash were seized, along with cannabis growing equipment.

“The scale of this operation is one I’ve not seen before. It is a multimillion-dollar business used to fund other organised criminal activities. We believe the equipment located and seized at the grow houses is worth more than $1 million alone.

“Many of these houses were packed to the brim with cannabis plants at various stages of growth. Houses had been altered to allow maximum use of space, with specialised timing and ventilation systems fitted to assist in the growing and to also avoid detection.

“This will deal a significant blow to those involved. These organised criminal groups have embedded themselves within communities simply to cause harm. Not only does the drug use put people at harm, but the associated offending such as the theft of electricity is a significant risk to households and members of the public,” said Detective Inspector Pilbrow.

The operation remains ongoing, with further search activity planned in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty. Further arrests and charges have not been ruled out.

Police remain committed to targeting organised crime groups and those who profit from the supply of illicit drugs.

Illegal drugs cause significant harm to individuals, families and communities. Reducing that harm requires a collective effort, and Police continue to encourage anyone with information about drug-related offending to come forward.

If you are aware of suspicious activity involving drugs, call 111 if it is happening now, or report information after the fact via 105.

Unfortunately, Police continue to see an increase in rental properties in suburban areas being converted into large-scale cannabis growing operations funded and controlled by organised criminal groups.

Advice for landlords

Police encourage landlords and property managers to remain vigilant and look out for signs that a property may be being used for illegal drug cultivation. This activity can cause significant damage, pose a fire risk and may jeopardise insurance payouts.

Landlords need to remember they have obligations to carry out due diligence on prospective tenants.

Police recommend landlords to carry out checks before signing up tenants:

– Carry out reference checks.
– Meet tenants face-to-face and check IDs
– Credit and income verifications.

Always ensure you carry out regular inspections of your properties. If tenants have a preference to pay rent in cash or offer to pay more to avoid inspections, that should be a red flag.

Landlords and neighbours can also play a part in stamping out these operations.

Other warning signs can include blacked-out or permanently covered windows, extractor fans, ventilation systems or unauthorised structural changes to the exterior of the property or signs that an electricity meter has been tampered with or bypassed.

By working together, we can all keep our communities safe.

You can report suspicions of an address to Police via 105 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/30/operation-harvey-police-shut-down-illegal-cannabis-grow-houses/

Source: Media Outreach

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

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

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua welcomes the elevation of Byron Pepper to the role of Deputy Chair of its Board. Mr Pepper was appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance for a term of four years, from 20 July 2026 to his current term end date of 30 June 2030.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/30/rbnz-deputy-chair-appointed/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Employment Leave Bill has passed its third and final reading, ushering in a long-awaited overhaul of the law that provides employees with employment leave entitlements, like annual and sick leave, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today. 

“This Bill delivers on the Government’s priority to replace the broken Holidays Act with a leave system which is simple and straightforward, so that employers have confidence in their calculations, and employees have confidence they are being paid correctly – a benefit to workers and businesses alike,” says Ms van Velden. 

“Kiwis have been asking Governments to do something about this legislation for years, and in particular they have been asking for an hours-based accrual system. Successive governments have put it on the to-do list, but nothing came to fruition. This Government has listened, and I am proud that this reform has finally been delivered.”  

Key aspects of the Bill include: 

• Annual and sick leave accrued in hours, in direct proportion to standard hours of work 
• Annual, sick, bereavement and family violence leave available from the first day of work 
• Use of a single hourly rate for paying leave, across all types of leave 
• A new 12.5% Leave Compensation Payment for additional and casual hours, instead of accruing annual leave and sick leave for those hours 
• Mandatory pay statements that itemise pay and leave in a way that’s transparent and easy to understand 
• Greater flexibility to cash up annual leave, with workers able to cash up 25% of their total annual leave balance each year 
• A new Otherwise Working Day test for those who work additional days or do not have a specified pattern of work  
• Removal of annual leave payment penalty for those returning from parental leave.  

“Achieving this milestone for workplaces is thanks to the hard work and generous time of those who have shared the vision of a better leave system, and have contributed their expertise and experience to the policy process. 

“We’ve already had decades of overcomplicated legislation so now that we’ve finally settled on a simpler path forward, I hope it will be enduring to give businesses and workers the simplicity and stability they need.  

The changes to the new leave system will have a 24-month lead-in to allow time for a careful and managed transition by businesses and payroll providers, and there will be an additional year after the Act comes into force to update leave terms in employment agreements.  

MBIE will provide comprehensive guidance to support implementation on its Employment New Zealand website. Initial guidance and a timeline for further guidance and resources will be available once the Bill receives Royal assent.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/holidays-act-headache-finally-over-as-leave-reform-delivered/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders will be able to have suspicious skin spots and moles checked and removed at a local GP clinic, the first stage of a $23 million investment in community healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“New Zealand has among the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Skin cancer is our most common cancer, and it is one of the most treatable, but only if it is caught early,” Mr Brown says.

“For too many New Zealanders, what happens after a suspected skin cancer is spotted depends on where they live. In some parts of the country there are excellent community skin cancer services. In others, the only options are a long hospital wait or paying to go private.”

The $23 million investment will move more care out of hospitals and into local GP clinics and community services, starting with the removal and treatment of suspicious skin spots and moles. Over time, it will also include cataract follow-up with optometrists, symptomatic bowel cancer detection, and respiratory care.

“This first stage will build on the skin cancer services that already work well across the country, creating a nationally consistent approach to how this care is delivered.

“A key part of this is funding GPs to upskill, so more clinics can offer this care. That includes training in dermoscopy, which uses a specialised magnifier to examine suspicious spots closely, and skin excision, so those spots can be removed on site rather than in hospital.”

It builds on the $5 million the Government invested last year to enhance general primary care services, which has enabled the expansion of treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding and minor gynaecological procedures into participating GP clinics in every region of the country.

“When skin cancer is caught and treated early, outcomes are significantly better for patients. This initiative means more New Zealanders will be able to have suspicious spots checked and removed sooner, without waiting for a hospital appointment or paying to go private.

“It also means better use of our hospital specialists, who will be able to focus on the more complex cases that require hospital-level care, helping to bring down waiting times for those patients.

“We are focused on fixing the basics and building the future. Delivering more care in the community, closer to where people live, is a key part of that,” Mr Brown says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/01/skin-cancer-treatment-expanding-into-gp-clinics/

Source: New Zealand Government

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says changes to hazardous substances regulations coming into effect today will provide regulatory relief and ensure laboratory safety requirements better reflect the realities of working in labs. 

“I’m making practical changes to health and safety regulations that will maintain safety in laboratories while reducing unnecessary compliance costs,” says Ms van Velden.  

“In 2017, laboratories became subject to the same regulatory requirements as industrial operations that use hazardous substances. These requirements are nonsensical for laboratory environments, which are smaller scale and typically use a wider range of substances in lesser quantities.  

“Scientists told me that complying with these requirements would in some cases make their laboratories less safe. For example, laboratories with self-reactive substances are required to be on the ground floor of buildings. But locating laboratories on upper levels makes more sense from a safety perspective because otherwise, ground floor exits would be blocked by the fire, preventing evacuation. These rules don’t apply well to the laboratory environment. 

“They also told me that the costs of meeting the 2017 regulatory requirements would have been substantial. Universities New Zealand and the Independent Research Association of New Zealand estimated it was likely to cost between $1.5 billion to $3 billion, as laboratories across the country would have to be renovated. 

“I am pleased that scientists and those who work with hazardous substances everyday worked with the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment to achieve changes that will save laboratories from having to make their workers less safe or spend in the billions to comply. Laboratories can now choose to meet their obligations through a risk management plan tailored to the risks of flammable and oxidising substances in their lab, giving them greater flexibility while maintaining strong safety standards.” 

The changes introduce a dedicated compliance pathway for research, testing and teaching laboratories under the Hazardous Substances Regulations, recognising that these facilities operate differently from industrial operations like pesticide or cleaning product manufacturers.  

An Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) will be developed with industry to provide clear guidance for laboratories on how to meet the requirements.  

“These changes will support science, research and innovation while maintaining strong health and safety protections,” says Ms van Velden. 

Editor notes:  

• These changes have been made through the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Amendment Regulations 2026. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/30/practical-changes-introduced-for-laboratory-safety/

MIL OSI

MIL OSI