AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 11, 2026 – Full Text
1. 500 schools nationwide selected for solar panels
August 10, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Five hundred schools have been selected for solar technology under the Government’s plan to improve schools’ energy affordability and resilience, Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Education Minister Erica Stanford say.
The Ministers announced the list of schools today at Te Papapa School in Auckland, the first to have solar panels installed as part of the pilot for the Government’s $30 million Solar on schools programme, announced as part of Budget 2026.
“Today’s announcement moves the programme from planning into delivery to help lower power costs for schools,” Mr Brown says.
“340 schools in the North Island, 157 in the South Island and three in the Chathams will benefit from this practical, forward-looking initiative that turns sunshine into savings and gives power back to schools.
“The announcement not only provides certainty to schools across the country who are eager to get on with adopting solar power, it will support regional and local businesses and presents a significant opportunity for the industry to build capability and showcase the value of smart energy technologies,” Mr Brown says.
“By generating more clean, renewable energy on school rooftops, we can cut schools’ electricity use from the grid, reduce emissions, and lower their power bills at the same time,” Ms Stanford says.
The 500 schools have been selected because they are experiencing energy or fuel insecurity, facing higher energy costs, are scheduled for gas or diesel boiler replacements, or have a need for greater energy resilience.
Under the programme, and following on-site assessments for suitability, solar panels will be installed at the 500 schools over three years. Up to 150 of them will also receive energy management systems, and selected schools will receive batteries where they are expected to deliver the greatest savings and community resilience benefits.
Ms Stanford says this programme makes use of the buildings we already have, reducing the environmental footprint, and helping schools keep more money in their budgets year after year.
“Large schools are expected to save around $8,000 a year on average on electricity, freeing up money that can be spent on teaching and learning.
“It will also give students a real-world example of renewable energy in action, right there at their own school.
“This is a smart, practical investment in both our schools and New Zealand’s future.”
An Expression of Interest is now live on the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) seeking solar system planners, designers and installers to deliver the programme nationwide.
Note to editors:
- A full list of the 500 schools eligible for the programme is attached and now available on the Education website: Solar panels at school – Ministry of Education. Participation in the programme will be confirmed following an on-site assessment for solar suitability.
- The initiative is jointly funded through $20 million from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)’s Community Renewable Energy Fund and $10 million from the Ministry of Education.
- A regional breakdown of eligible schools and estimated solar system sizes is listed in the table below:
| Solar system size | Schools | |||||
| Region | 10 | 20 | 30 | 50 | 110 | Total |
| Chatham Islands | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Auckland Region | 29 | 17 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 80 |
| Bay of Plenty Region | 21 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 35 |
| Canterbury Region | 26 | 19 | 14 | 6 | 6 | 71 |
| Gisborne Region | 10 | 1 | 2 | 13 | ||
| Hawke’s Bay Region | 14 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 22 | |
| Manawatū-Whanganui Region | 25 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 41 | |
| Marlborough Region | 7 | 1 | 8 | |||
| Nelson Region | 6 | 2 | 1 | 9 | ||
| Northland Region | 30 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 36 | |
| Otago Region | 19 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 37 |
| Southland Region | 15 | 1 | 16 | |||
| Taranaki Region | 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 14 | |
| Tasman Region | 6 | 2 | 8 | |||
| Waikato Region | 32 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 47 | |
| Wellington Region | 32 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 3 | 52 |
| West Coast Region | 8 | 8 | ||||
| 294 | 57 | 52 | 64 | 33 | 500 | |
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/10/500-schools-nationwide-selected-for-solar-panels/
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2. Open ocean salmon farm Fast-tracked
August 10, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Fast-track approval of the Hananui Aquaculture Project off Rakiura/Stewart Island will bring significant benefits to Southland and New Zealand’s economy, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop and Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones say.
This is the 31st project and the first aquaculture project to be approved through the Fast-track process.
Ngāi Tahu Seafood Resources Limited lodged its application in November 2025, with approval taking around five months following the appointment of an independent expert panel.
“The Hananui project has taken around seven years to progress. Ngāi Tahu applied for consent under the RMA in 2019, which was later withdrawn. They then reapplied through the COVID-19 Fast-track process in 2020. Subsequently, in August 2023, the application was declined,” says Mr Bishop.
“Alongside this approval, our planning reforms will further support Māori commercial aquaculture, including by making it easier for iwi to unlock the potential of Aquaculture Settlement Areas provided for under the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004, making the process easier, faster and more efficient.”
Mr Jones says that once Hananui is fully operational, it is projected to produce 14,400 tonnes of salmon per year, generating more than $310 million in sales, and creating 415 to 480 jobs in the region.
“This is almost as much salmon as was produced by all of New Zealand’s salmon farms in 2025-2026,” Mr Jones says.
“The global appetite for our king salmon is extremely high, representing a massive opportunity for New Zealand. To take full advantage of it we need to increase supply to meet this demand, and the approval of Hananui is an incredibly positive step in this direction.
“This Government has made aquaculture growth a focus, setting a $3 billion annual revenue target for the sector by 2035. A key pillar to achieving this goal identified in our Aquaculture Development Plan is large-scale open-ocean farming such as Hananui.
“Fast-track approval means these projects can proceed sooner, supporting jobs, regional growth, and export earnings, as well as New Zealand’s position as a leader in sustainable seafood production.”
Notes to editor:
Fast-track by the numbers:
- 31 projects approved by expert panels.
- 16 projects with expert panels appointed.
- 58 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 28 active substantive and 30 referral applications.
- 65 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
- 149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
- On average, it has taken 119 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.
Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 31
- Arataki [Housing/Land]
- Ashbourne [Housing/Land
- Ayrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
- Green Steel [Infrastructure]
- Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
- Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
- Delmore [Housing/Land]
- Downtown Carpark Site Development [Housing/Land]
- Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
- Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
- Haldon Solar Farm [Renewable energy]
- Hananui Aquaculture Project [Primary Industry]
- Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
- Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme [Renewable energy]
- Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works [Renewable energy]
- Māhinerangi Wind Farm [Renewable energy]
- Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
- Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
- The Point Mission Bay [Housing/Land]
- Pound Road [Housing/Land]
- Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]
- Ryans Road [Housing/Land]
- Southland Wind Farm Project [Renewable energy]
- State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus) [Infrastructure]
- Sunfield [Housing/Land]
- Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
- Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure]
- Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]
- Waitaha Hydro [Renewable energy]
- Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]
- Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal [Infrastructure]
Expert panels have been appointed for: 16
- 188 Beaumont Street
- Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills
- Auckland Prison Capacity Increase
- Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
- Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
- Central and Southern Block Mining Project
- Foxton Solar Farm
- Hunua Quarry Development
- Mt Iron Junction
- Mt Welcome, Pukerua Bay, Porirua
- Northwest Rapid Transit
- Southern Link Inland Port
- Stella Passage Development
- The Point Solar Farm
- Twizel Solar Project
- Waikanae North Development
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/10/open-ocean-salmon-farm-fast-tracked/
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3. Solomon Islands – Ou’oumatawa Community in Small Malaita Constituency takes delivery of new CDF-funded truck
August 10, 2026
Source: Solomon Islands Government Ministry of Rural Development
PRESS STATEMENT
DATE: SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST, 2026
The people of Ou’oumatawa Community in Small Malaita Constituency (SMC) have boosted their emergency response and transport capabilities with the arrival of a new 2-ton tipper truck on 27 July 2026.
Member of Parliament for SMC, Honourable Rick Hou, officiated the handover, marking a major milestone in the constituency’s transport infrastructure and service delivery.
Funded by the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at a cost of $190,000 under the SMC 2025 budget, the truck is expected to improve access for the movement of people, emergency health cases, agricultural produce, building materials, and essential supplies. It will also support community development activities and improve access to schools, healthcare, and markets.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hou reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring CDF resources improve the lives of people throughout SMC, saying the truck reflects his dedication to practical projects that promote economic opportunities and community wellbeing.
Lesly Hekoiu, Chairman of the Ou’oumatawa Transport Committee, expressed gratitude on behalf of the community, noting it was the first time since the village’s establishment that they had received such a valuable gift from the government.
He credited Hou’s leadership and support for making the vehicle possible, and thanked him for listening to the community’s needs and delivering a project that will benefit current and future generations.
The community pledged to properly manage and maintain the vehicle to ensure it serves them for years to come.
The truck reflects SMC’s ongoing commitment under Hou’s leadership to improving socio-economic wellbeing through practical projects and an enabling environment for economic opportunity, particularly through continued road infrastructure development in the constituency.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), John Misite’e, congratulated SMC on the achievement, emphasising the importance of empowering communities through practical projects and an environment conducive to economic growth, particularly through road and transport infrastructure.
He said this aligns with the ministry’s vision “to empower Solomon Islanders toward self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development,” and that providing an enabling environment for economic opportunities, especially through road infrastructure and transport, remains a priority.
PS Misite’e said that the ministry looks forward to continuing to work closely with SMC and supporting other constituencies to deliver meaningful projects that improve rural livelihoods.
CDF is the financing component of the Solomon Islands Government’s Constituency Development Program, administered by MRD and implemented across 50 constituencies to improve livelihoods.
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is one of the 24 ministries within the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) machinery. MRD is established on the 28th September, 2007.
Its core mandates as contained under Legal Notice 164 in accordance with the Constitution of Solomon Islands is to oversee the effective planning and implementation of Government’s Rural Development Policies.
Our vision is to ensure all rural Solomon Islanders become meaningfully participated in development activities to improve their social and economic livelihood.
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4. Delmore residential development Fast-tracked
August 10, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Delmore residential development in Auckland has been granted Fast-track approval, says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.
This is the 30th project and 11th project in Auckland to be approved through the Fast-track process.
Vineway Limited lodged its application in January 2026, with approval taking around five months from the appointment of an independent expert panel.
“The Delmore development is over 61 ha of land in Ōrewa, Auckland, and consists of over 1,200 residential dwellings, a commercial area, two neighbourhood parks, a network of protected ecological areas, and the construction of a State Highway 1 interchange,” Mr Bishop says.
“The project is predicted to contribute $1.22 billion to the local economy over 25 years, as well as to ecological restoration through the management of approximately 44 hectares of indigenous vegetation and creation of new wetland environments.
“The independent expert panel found the project will deliver significant regional benefits and has will granted the approvals sought, subject to a comprehensive set of conditions.
“A key issue considered during the assessment was the provision of water and wastewater services. The panel noted that recent amendments to the Fast-track Approvals Act allows for conditions to be imposed that will recognise infrastructure solutions that are adequate to support projects.
“Given constraints on existing public infrastructure, the applicant has proposed privately providing water supply and wastewater services through facilities designed to meet the development’s needs and allow for future expansion.
“For the first stage of the development, wastewater will be treated and discharged on site, with treated wastewater transported off site during summer periods when necessary.
“Before the second stage of the development can proceed, the applicant will be required to obtain further approvals for a long-term wastewater solution, including on-site disposal, continued transport off site, or connection to the public network if capacity becomes available.
“The panel concluded the proposed wastewater treatment and disposal system is technically feasible, can meet the needs of future residents and community facilities, and will appropriately manage off-site effects through the consent conditions.”
Notes to editor
More information about the project: Delmore
Fast-track by the numbers:
- 30 projects approved by expert panels.
- 17 projects with expert panels appointed.
- 59 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 29 active substantive and 30 referral applications.
- 65 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
- 149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
- On average, it has taken 119 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.
Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 30
- Arataki [Housing/Land]
- Ashbourne [Housing/Land]
- Ayrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
- Green Steel [Infrastructure]
- Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
- Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
- Delmore [Housing/Land]
- Downtown Carpark Site Development [Housing/Land]
- Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
- Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
- Haldon Solar Farm [Renewable energy]
- Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
- Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme [Renewable energy]
- Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works [Renewable energy]
- Māhinerangi Wind Farm [Renewable energy]
- Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
- Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
- The Point Mission Bay [Housing/Land]
- Pound Road [Housing/Land]
- Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]
- Ryans Road [Housing/Land]
- Southland Wind Farm Project [Renewable energy]
- State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus) [Infrastructure]
- Sunfield [Housing/Land]
- Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
- Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure]
- Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]
- Waitaha Hydro [Renewable energy]
- Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]
- Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal [Infrastructure]
Expert panels have been appointed for: 17
- 188 Beaumont Street
- Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills
- Auckland Prison Capacity Increase
- Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
- Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
- Central and Southern Block Mining Project
- Foxton Solar Farm
- Hananui Aquaculture Project
- Hunua Quarry Development
- Mt Iron Junction
- Mt Welcome, Pukerua Bay, Porirua
- Northwest Rapid Transit
- Southern Link Inland Port
- Stella Passage Development
- The Point Solar Farm
- Twizel Solar Project
- Waikanae North Development
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/10/delmore-residential-development-fast-tracked/
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5. Faster support for young people in Central, Lakes
August 10, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A new child and youth mental health and addiction service that will make it easier for young people and their families to access the right support has been officially launched in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
“This service has been designed to provide a single point of connection, helping children, young people and families navigate the mental health and addiction system and connect with the support that best meets their needs,” Mr Doocey says.
“When someone reaches out for help, they shouldn’t have to navigate multiple services or tell their story over and over again. This service takes a ‘no wrong door’ approach, ensuring people have a clear place to go.
“Rather than duplicating existing services, the new service, Hono ki te Ora, will work alongside health, education, social and community providers to improve coordination and help young people get to the right support sooner.
“I have heard from too many young people that, in a time of need, the system can feel too fragmented and they don’t know where to go for help. We know that not knowing where to go or who to talk to has been reported as the reason for unmet mental health needs for around one in three children.”
The service supports children and young people aged 5 to 24 years across Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes district, with self-referrals as well as referrals from schools, GPs and community organisations.
Mr Doocey says Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes was prioritised because it is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions, with a growing number of young families.
“Central Lakes is also one of New Zealand’s most geographically isolated communities. More than 70 per cent of New Zealanders who live over two hours from a major base hospital live in this region, making strong local services and better coordination of support especially important.
“The service operates from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Since beginning to receive referrals in May, the team has fully recruited its workforce, strengthened relationships across the community and established the foundations needed to support our young people.
“During its first three months of operation, 80 referrals have already been received, with every young person receiving support from the team.
“Thirty-five children and young people are currently being actively supported, while others have been successfully connected with the services best placed to meet their needs, including specialist services.
“The early response demonstrates the value of having a dedicated point of connection for children, young people and their families and is already helping ensure people are connected to the right support at the right time.
“I look forward to seeing the real results that will be delivered in the region as a result.”
Note to editor:
- The website can be accessed here.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/10/faster-support-for-young-people-in-central-lakes/
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6. Head Start and the future of essential regional services
August 10, 2026
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Chair Dr Deon Swiggs says the Canterbury Regional Council supports reform that delivers better outcomes for communities and the environment and is focused on ensuring regional services continue to be delivered without interruption.
“There are a range of governance models being proposed across Waitaha Canterbury, and our focus is not on favouring a particular structure. What matters is that Canterbury communities continue to receive the services they rely on.”
“Flood protection, public transport, water management, biosecurity, environmental regulation, emergency management and regional planning must remain integrated and resilient, whatever the final governance model.”
Chair Swiggs says the proposed reforms will end regional councils as they are now.
“Regional councillors won’t be re-elected in 2028 under any of these models. The Government’s guidance is also clear that Head Start proposals are for territorial authorities, not us. So, our job is making sure the work we deliver carries through seamlessly to whoever takes on those responsibilities.”
Why regional coordination is important
He says the region’s environmental and regional functions require coordinated decision-making, specialist expertise and long-term investment.
“Our rivers, catchments, transport systems, natural hazards and ecosystems don’t stop at council boundaries. Effective management requires coordinated planning and a region-wide perspective.
“Services such as freshwater monitoring, biosecurity, consenting and compliance operate every day and cannot simply be paused and restarted,” he said.
Supporting the transition to new unitary authorities
Canterbury Regional Council is advocating for future governance models to protect regional service delivery, maintain integrated decision-making and deliver strong environmental, economic and community outcomes.
Chair Swiggs says the organisation will make its operational systems, environmental data and technical expertise available to the Government and Canterbury councils through the detailed design phase, to help ensure any new entities can continue service delivery from day one.
“What matters is whether these functions keep being delivered at the scale Canterbury needs.”
Protecting Ngāi Tahu partnerships and Treaty arrangements
Government guidance is also clear that proposals must show how existing Treaty settlement arrangements carry forward. Chair Swiggs says partnerships with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Papatipu Rūnanga must also endure.
“In Canterbury that means the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act, our relationships with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and the ten Papatipu Rūnanga, and the iwi management plans that sit underneath them. Those relationships are part of how the work gets done, and they need to be embedded in whatever model emerges,” he said.
Canterbury local government reform timeline
Cabinet is expected to decide in September which proposals will proceed to a detailed design phase. Those plans must be in by March next year with final Cabinet approval expected in May. Governance arrangements for the new unitary authorities are expected to be implemented before or soon after the October 2028 local body elections. Where no proposal is submitted or accepted, the Government has signalled an interim process from the 2028 elections.
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Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/10/head-start-and-the-future-of-essential-regional-services/
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7. First solar farm fast-tracked
August 10, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A Canterbury solar farm is the first in New Zealand to be granted fast-track approval.
This is the 29th project and 7th renewable energy project to be approved through the Fast-track process.
Lodestone Energy Limited lodged its application in September 2025, with approval taking around eight months since the appointment of an independent expert panel.
“Haldon Solar Farm near Lake Benmore, 14 km southeast of Twizel, is expected to generate 370 GWh of renewable energy annually, enough to power around 45,000 households,” says Mr Bishop.
“Reliable renewable electricity generation is critical to supporting economic growth and regional resilience.”
“Seven renewable projects have been approved so far under the Fast-track process, including four new projects: Waitaha Hydro, Southland Wind Farm, Mahinerangi Wind Farm, and Haldon Solar. Together, these approvals will add more than 770 megawatts of new generation capacity, representing more than 5 per cent of New Zealand’s current generation capacity.
“The project represents a major investment in Canterbury and will help drive regional economic growth while advancing New Zealand’s transition to a more reliable and sustainable energy future”, Mr Jones says.
“Sustainable electricity generation is playing an increasingly important role in New Zealand. More energy production will help businesses grow, attract investment, strengthens regional economies, and creates jobs and opportunities for local communities.”
Mr Brown says the Government’s goal is abundant, affordable and reliable power for all New Zealanders.
“Fast-tracking the consenting process to encourage investment in new energy generation is a key part of that approach.
“Renewable energy projects like this play an important role in improving New Zealand’s energy security and delivering a more resilient and reliable electricity system.”
Notes to editor:
Fast-track by the numbers:
- 29 projects approved by expert panels.
- 18 projects with expert panels appointed.
- 60 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 30 active substantive and 30 referral applications.
- 65 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
- 149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
- On average, it has taken 119 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.
Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 29
- Arataki [Housing/Land]
- Ashbourne [Housing/Land]
- Ayrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
- Green Steel [Infrastructure]
- Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
- Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
- Downtown Carpark Site Development [Housing/Land]
- Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
- Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
- Haldon Solar Farm [Renewable energy]
- Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
- Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme [Renewable energy]
- Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works [Renewable energy]
- Māhinerangi Wind Farm [Renewable energy]
- Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
- Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
- The Point Mission Bay [Housing/Land]
- Pound Road [Housing/Land]
- Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]
- Ryans Road [Housing/Land]
- Southland Wind Farm Project [Renewable energy]
- State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus) [Infrastructure]
- Sunfield [Housing/Land]
- Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
- Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure]
- Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]
- Waitaha Hydro [Renewable energy]
- Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]
- Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal [Infrastructure]
Expert panels have been appointed for: 18
- 188 Beaumont Street
- Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills
- Auckland Prison Capacity Increase
- Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
- Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
- Central and Southern Block Mining Project
- Delmore
- Foxton Solar Farm
- Hananui Aquaculture Project
- Hunua Quarry Development
- Mt Iron Junction
- Mt Welcome, Pukerua Bay, Porirua
- Northwest Rapid Transit
- Southern Link Inland Port
- Stella Passage Development
- The Point Solar Farm
- Twizel Solar Project
- Waikanae North Development
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/10/first-solar-farm-fast-tracked/
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8. The Free Palestine Party: the newest political party in Aotearoa
August 10, 2026
Source: Free Palestine Party
Palestine Free from the River to the Sea
The Free Palestine Party is now an official New Zealand list party and will
be on every ballot paper.
The Free Palestine Party is the only party in this election dealing with
the most pressing economic, political and moral issue facing Aotearoa and
the world today. This crisis is caused by the apartheid colony of Israel
backed by US military power destabilising the Middle East.
Over 60% of the people of Aotearoa believe that the New Zealand government
should sanction Israel for its human rights abuses, this rises to 68%
amongst 18-29 year olds.
The only way to bring peace to the Middle East, stop a global depression
and end the holocaust of our time, is to put an end to the apartheid state
of Israel, just like apartheid South Africa.
The people of Aotearoa helped fight for the end of the apartheid state of
South Africa and thousands of Kiwis today have joined the ongoing protests
against the crimes of Israel. It is time for Kiwis and Aotearoa to be
leaders in the struggle against Zionism and Israel, as we were in the
anti-nuclear and anti-apartheid movements.
The Free Palestine Party is bringing this issue to the centre of New
Zealand politics where it should be. We have six main principles in our
platform that will help in the fight against apartheid and will stop New
Zealand from being complicit in the crimes against humanity of Israel and
the United States:
1. The right of Return for all Palestinians
2. The primacy of international law and UN resolutions
3. Upholding Universal Declaration of Human Rights in relation to Zionist
abuses.
4. Single State Solution in the whole of Palestine
5. Unconditional support for all forms of Palestine resistance.
6. Independent NZ foreign policy & withdrawal from military & security
alliances with US.
The Free Palestine Party thanks all its members and supporters that helped
it become a registered party. Thanks to their efforts the party will
receive $82 000 dollars in public funding, the same as all other new list
parties, to help us achieve our goals.
Resistance Until Victory!
Paul Hopkinson
President
Free Palestine Party
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9. Over 5,000 public servants at MSD the latest to hold stop-work meetings amid bargaining for better pay and service delivery – PSA
August 10, 2026
Source: PSA
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10. Innovative Health Management Platform LIVE4WELL’s “Purple Wellness Day” Concludes Successfully
August 10, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Causeway Bay Pilot Spearheads Citywide Preventive Healthcare, Echoing Primary Healthcare Agenda
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 August 2026 – Faced with the dual challenges of a steady rise in chronic disease rates and the immense pressure borne by public health resources in Hong Kong, putting preventive healthcare into practice has become a matter of urgency. To actively respond to the Government’s direction of strengthening primary healthcare and district-based service delivery, innovative health management platform LIVE4WELL has picked Causeway Bay as its first community pilot site, demonstrating its vision and practice in contributing to public health. Working with district organizations, the initiative enabled nearly 1,000 members of the public to experience non-invasive, painless and rapid screening. By combining artificial intelligence (AI) with big data, the platform encourages the public to take ownership of their own Bio-wealth Assessment Data, to identify and address potential health risks early.
Innovative health management platform LIVE4WELL has picked Causeway Bay as its first community pilot site, demonstrating its vision and practice in contributing to public health. Working with district organizations, the initiative enabled nearly 1,000 members of the public to experience non-invasive, painless and rapid screening.
As a community force, LIVE4WELL has also submitted policy recommendations to the HKSAR Government, spanning the smarter use of AI in health assessment, the rollout of non-invasive community outreach screening, the inclusion of inflammatory markers in community-level screening, and extending Chinese and Western medicine collaboration into the aspect of wearable devices, thereby supporting the HKSAR Government in aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the policy direction for the year ahead.
Business and District Leaders Aim to Fill the Gap in Advancing Chronic Disease Prevention and Control
LIVE4WELL’s six-day “Purple Wellness Day”, a public health screening experience event held in Causeway Bay from August 5 to 10, came to a successful close today. The event transformed a shopping mall space into an innovative health exploration hub, bringing together a wide range of top-tier health screening devices from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and overseas, more than 20 healthy-living partner merchants and various star speakers, enriching the public’s journey of health exploration.
Ms. Miranda WONG, Co-founder, LIVE4WELL, said, “The management of chronic diseases should never begin only after the onset of illness. As a digital health partner, LIVE4WELL builds on the Government’s primary healthcare policy framework to provide the public with more proactive and accessible preventive healthcare support. By integrating AI and big data technologies into retail and community settings, we are making non-invasive screening part of everyday life, rather than medical procedures that feel out of reach. At its core, this is our long-term commitment to health management and social care — whether it is identifying chronic disease risks early in elderly family members, or helping younger generations catch issues like pre-diabetes in time. We hope technology can make ‘early detection, early management’ a part of everyone’s daily life, rather than something people come to regret only after their condition has worsened.”
Mr. LEE Man-lung, Joey, MH, Chairman of Centre Stage Squarer and Wan Chai District Council Member, who attended the opening event and arranged for district residents to take part, said, “Screening that is non-invasive, painless, and delivers results instantly is a major breakthrough in AI technology — one that goes beyond technological progress but more importantly, gives businesses the capacity to create health assessment tools that are more beneficial and relatable to people’s lives. Health assessment is no longer a tedious questionnaire or cold clinical equipment, it is a new experience of conversing with one’s own body. The event is an excellent demonstration of how community organizations can harness technology to expand district health support services, building a low-cost and easily accessible health platform for the elderly and grassroots families. It is an approach well worth other organizations emulating.”
Non-invasive Screening Helps the General Public in Early Identification of Multiple Potential Health Risks
To encourage citizens to take the first step toward self-health management, approximately 300 free screening slots were reserved during the event, allowing people in need to experience a range of non-invasive, rapid and precise AI health screening, and to receive personalized health reports and expert interpretation on the spot. Visitors took part in non-invasive thematic areas across seven exploration zones, covering liver and kidney metabolism, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and retinal condition, blood glucose and metabolic risks, cell vitality and inflammation, musculoskeletal and postural health assessments, stress and mental balance, as well as hearing and blood pressure. After completing the journey, LIVE4WELL shared with participants a comprehensive body report that clearly presented their individual health indicators and risk assessments.
The event also featured more than 20 free expert health talks, attended by a cumulative total of nearly 500 participants, covering topics such as chronic disease prevention, nutrition, sleep, emotional well-being and mind-body health, reflecting the public’s increasingly keen demand for proactive self-health management.
From the Causeway Bay Pilot to a Health Vision for All 18 Districts
Held at the SOGO Causeway Bay store, “Purple Wellness Day” was LIVE4WELL’s first pilot scheme in bringing health technology into the community. Demonstrating at one of the city’s busiest commercial landmarks, the event exemplified how professional health management services can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Looking ahead, LIVE4WELL hopes to extend this successful model to all 18 districts of Hong Kong, deepening collaboration with community organizations such as District Councils, Care Teams, residents’ associations and district service groups to widen the reach of preventive healthcare. LIVE4WELL is actively connecting with more enterprises and brands that share its vision, so that through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and in its positioning as a digital health partner, it can contribute to Hong Kong’s primary healthcare development and realize the vision of “boosting health for all 18 districts”.
Aligning with Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan to Jointly Build a Forward-Looking Healthy City
In recent years, the Hong Kong Government has continued to strengthen primary healthcare services, promote preventive healthcare, and enhance community-based support for the elderly and of chronic diseases in its Policy Addresses and long-term healthcare planning. As Hong Kong formulates its First Five-Year Plan and proactively aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, LIVE4WELL, as a community force, is also committed to contributing its strengths through concrete action. LIVE4WELL believes that AI- and data-driven preventive healthcare technology, coupled with the strengths of the private sector and the community, can complement the public healthcare system. When the public achieves “early detection, early management”, the pressure on the public healthcare system can be gradually alleviated, enabling a sustainable health ecosystem for Hong Kong.
To build a healthier city in the long run, LIVE4WELL recommends progressively introducing inflammatory markers as a new dimension of health monitoring, building on existing health screening. Chronic inflammation is often closely associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Continuous tracking of inflammatory markers allows high-risk individuals to be identified early and followed up in a timely manner, easing the long-term healthcare pressure on Hong Kong.
Given that many citizens have a certain degree of resistance to, or psychological burden associated with, invasive tests such as blood draws, LIVE4WELL believes that the authorities should make good use of AI health assessment tools and roll out non-invasive community outreach screening to raise public participation. Combining existing screening with comprehensive health data analysis would help forecast healthcare demand. LIVE4WELL further recommends that the authorities continue to promote collaboration between Chinese and Western medicine to strengthen Hong Kong’s preventive healthcare system.
LIVE4WELL encourages the public to make good use of wearable devices to continuously track their personal health data, in step with the Government’s promotion for collaboration between Chinese and Western medicine — putting into practice the preventive care approach of “Chinese medicine for prevention, Western medicine for treatment” where TCM-based recuperation works hand-in-hand with Western medical diagnosis and treatment.
High resolution photos HERE
Photo captions:
Photo 1: Mr. LEE Man-lung, Joey, MH, Chairman of Centre Stage Squarer and Wan Chai District Council Member (center); Mr. Leo ZHUANG, Co-founder, LIVE4WELL (left); Ms. Miranda WONG, Co-founder, LIVE4WELL (right) pictured at “Purple Wellness Day”.
Photo 2: Ms. Miranda WONG, Co-founder, LIVE4WELL, delivered a speech at the “Purple Wellness Day”.
Photo 3:Mr. LEE Man-lung, Joey, MH, Chairman of Centre Stage Squarer and Wan Chai District Council Member, delivered a speech at the “Purple Wellness Day”.
Photo 4: LIVE4WELL reserved free screening slots to allow the public to experience first-hand a range of non-invasive, rapid and precise AI health screening, and to receive personalized health reports and expert interpretation on the spot.
Photo 5: The hearing test was popular among various screenings, with many elderly welcoming the chance to better understand their own hearing ability.
Photo 6: Health talks were held during the event, delivered by experts from various sectors, exploring topics such as preventive healthcare, chronic disease management, health management and social care.
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