AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 16, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand First

Introduction

Good afternoon.

You may have noticed there was a slight distraction that happened in a flurry in Wellington earlier this week.

As already stated – after days of speculation and guesswork, it ultimately boiled down to quote Shakespeare ‘much ado about nothing’.

That is not to brush-off the seriousness of the issue for National internally, but to highlight the fact that we as a collective government are less than three months away from a pivotal election and our main focus must be the people of New Zealand and our country’s future.

Throughout this week’s distraction, kiwis woke up each day and went to work, some working two or three jobs, still seriously worried about the next pay cheque, or the next rates bill, or the next power and food bill, or how to afford the basics for their family.

It is our collective responsibility as the parties of government to ensure we never lose sight of why we are here and who are the masters in all of this – the people of New Zealand.

All too often, today’s politics has turned into some sort of soap opera, that is seen more as some sort of entertainment and click-bait for media, gotcha politics from the opposition, or personal opinions on things people did or said – which ultimately has no effect on the things that really matter and concern kiwis.

There is little doubt about the reasons why a majority of kiwis have switched off and are disheartened by the direction our political system has been heading for some time.

None of that lessens the basic responsibility that governing parties have.

We should be focussed on what New Zealanders gave us a mandate to do – turning this country around with policies and values that will give our country a better future – focussing on driving down the cost of living, cost of food, cost of power, cost of fuel, turning this economy around – and do it all with stability, experience, and hope. 

This pivotal election is less than three months away and we need to give voters a clear and unified message – that we are going to win and take New Zealand back to being a leading economy again.

Kaikoura Electorate

One of the key pieces of infrastructure in this area is Port Marlborough. 

There seems to be a sustained campaign from some quarters that continue to advocate for the Port to be moved to Clifford Bay. 

All this achieves is a massive amount of uncertainty in Picton and Blenheim businesses.

In July this year, as Minister for Rail, I formally announced the project at Port Marlborough to build the needed infrastructure to secure and keep the port at Picton where it should be.

With New Zealand First in government, the port will not move.

Marlborough District and Kaikoura have formally approved head start process to amalgamation. The amalgamation has broad agreement however Ngai Tahu has just proposed following the boundary lines of the failed Labour Party’s “Three Waters”. 

Marlborough and Kaikoura would be cut off by Ngai Tahu takiwa boundary. 

Ladies and gentlemen, the waters come from the heavens and a gift from god, and belongs to every New Zealander regardless of race. 

That’s our policy. 

We are not going to let this issue stop local government decisions about amalgamation.

New Zealand First has a strong record of investing and delivering here in this region – encouraging job creation and much needed regional activity:

• The Stop-bank at Spring Creek – a Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) investment of  over $13 million towards the project – to protect the community in flooding events.
• The Havelock Marina Wharf upgrade and dredging of Havelock channel – over $9 million to the Port Marlborough.
• Grants from RIF to restore local petrol supplies at Elaine Bay in the outer Marlborough Sounds, to support Aquaculture and recreational uses.
• Aquaculture consents extended to 2050 – 60% of this industry is in Marlborough Sounds.
• Investment in the Blue Endeavour NZ King Salmon offshore Salmon Farm located 7km off Cape Lambert. Now operating and production value of $350 million a year as the goal.
• Marlborough Library – funded $11 million from the Provincial Growth Fund.
• Kaikoura Whale Trail – Cycle & Walking trail nearing completion – funded by the Provincial Growth Fund for the technical study and the $18 million shovel ready project.

Ladies and gentlemen, the other politicians talk, but where is the action?

New Zealand First has a consistent history of investing in our regions to create jobs, infrastructure, and productivity.

Experience Matters

New Zealand First started our long campaign in March this year and have been packing the halls around the country every week delivering the message to thousands of kiwis that we are focussed on two things – campaigning on the bold policies our country needs for a real change in direction for our country, and the promise to continue to fight for ordinary hard working kiwis against the establishment, elitist, status quo.

Experience and leadership has never mattered more.

Now is not the time for weak leadership.

We need leaders of the next government to say the things that people are thinking without fear or favour. 

We need leaders to say the things that might be unpopular.

To say the things that others only talk about behind closed doors, but are too afraid of the backlash from the woke precious snowflakes on the left, or worse, the mainstream media.

We need leaders who are not afraid to be strong on important issues.

We certainly don’t want weak, out of touch leaders, who can’t make the tough decisions this country needs in these uncertain times.

And we don’t need weak leaders to don’t understand New Zealand values.

We can’t continue to allow the two big parties to tinker round the edges of big issues, and do nothing but manage the decline of our country.

We are at a pivotal point in the future of New Zealand.

That is why we have bold policies that will change the direction and thinking of our country.

We have already announced a number of these policies this year.

It is what we need for real change to drive down the cost of living, secure a future for kiwis, and reinforce who we are as New Zealanders.

We have announced policies to break up the power companies monopoly. 

We have announced policies to split the supermarket duopoly.

We have announced polices to re-establish a competitive state-owned bank.

We have announced polices to return mining royalties created in the regions back to the regions.

We have announced establishing a proper transparent inquiry into those who were injured by the Covid 19 vaccine – so we can find out exactly what happened, who was responsible, and publicly hold them to account.

We announced our KiwiSaver policy of making it compulsory with automatic $1000 sign-up at birth. It means the day a baby is born it gets $1000 in its account to start saving.

Our policy is to establish a $100 billion Future Fund that will invest in a thirty-year infrastructure plan for our country.

We have also announced that we will pull out of the Paris Agreement that is senselessly hamstringing our economy. 

New Zealand has one of the loosest electoral laws in the world, and that is why we have announced a policy to ensure that only citizens are allowed to vote in our country. 

At our Campaign Launch, we announced a policy to invest $1billion to start exploring our gas and oil reserves in our deep-sea basins so we can own and export our own oil and gas.

Here we are wrestling with an international fuel crisis while we could be owning and using our own.

New Zealand has natural resources that are there, ready to be utilised to transform our country.

This is about New Zealand’s economic sovereignty and security,

We can’t continue serving international interests and decision making.

We will find those energy reserves, we will extract them, and what we find, we will use to make our country prosperous again.

And we also have announced the ‘Kiwi Kids Grant’ that will support New Zealand citizens raising their first three children, through the first three years of their lives – $5000 per child for each of the three years.

New Zealand needs to start viewing our citizenship as most other countries around the world do – as a privilege that comes with special and unique rights and identity. 

This does not take away from the ability for migrants looking to move here, contribute, and help build our country from showing total commitment and patriotism for NZ by becoming a citizen. 

Even the most basic of privileges and rights in any country like voting has become more like an expectation for anyone, rather than a unique right for New Zealanders.

Why do all the naysayers act shocked and dismayed that a political party is wanting to ensure that citizenship actually means something? 

Our recent policies like voting and Kiwi Kids Grant and citizens only voting, is not anti-anything or anti-anyone. Those policies are showing that we value our citizenship and don’t shy away from wanting special and different rights and privileges to go with it. 

This is about valuing our unique citizenship the way it should be – just like the vast majority of other countries do around the world. 

We have more of such policies to come that will truly change the direction and thinking of our country.

And what have the other parties announced as policies so far? More taxes, more spending, solar panels and free bus rides.

The Left’s Wasteful Policies and Empty Promises

The election is 84 days away, and we are already seeing the other parties reverting to type, as they always do at election time, with no direction, no plan, and no real policy, that will give New Zealand the change that we need.

There is a difference in this election, that we haven’t seen in a long time. 

Kiwis are looking at what parties are offering as their values and principles in these uncertain times.

There will be the inevitable policies and promises made, and they are important, but kiwis are looking to a party that stands with them in their core values – that will change the current pathway we are on as a country.

New Zealanders gave us a mandate to turn this country around after the Labour Party wasteful spend-up, achieved nothing, and put people on the go woke, go broke path.

We signed a coalition agreement to govern with stability and experience three years ago – and we keep our word. 

New Zealand First brings what is too often missing in politics – experience and common sense. 

New Zealand First brings a commitment to New Zealand industry, to manufacturing, to jobs right here for our own people. 

It is our policy to break up the power companies, so that we stop seeing business after business closing down and moving offshore, and so that you do not pay outrageous power bills because the retailing arms of the energy companies control the generation of power.

New Zealand First brings commonsense to immigration policy – where we get people we need, not people who need us.

We believe in infrastructure before population growth, not afterwards, and infrastructure focused on fixing what’s broken, not flash upgrades and vanity projects.

New Zealand First brings traditional kiwi conservative values – where hard work should be rewarded, where job security and home ownership underpins a stable family life. 

We want a country where young people aren’t worried about their family’s future, or where they see better opportunities overseas.

We are the party of social conservatism, patriotism, and nationalism. Those values are what it means to be a kiwi – and New Zealand First is proud to not only stand by those values, but to fight for them.

This is an election where the choice is simple: do you trust a cabal of woke left-wing student politicians from Labour, nutbars from the Greens, separatists from the Māori Party or the globalist socialist consultants from Opportunity to stick up for your family, for your values, for your job, for your country?

Last week, Chris Hipkins shocked the country and held a stand-up with media to announce that he has ruled New Zealand First out.  As you can imagine it took us all by surprise.

Not least, because we had ruled Labour out in 2022, then again twelve months ago, and again every month when answering the same stupid questions from the media.

When Hipkins wasted everyone’s time and ruled us out, we said Hipkins had severe learning difficulties, and we stand by that statement.

But what should be the most concerning for voters, is that he did not rule out working with the Māori Party, and their racist separatist policies to pull our country apart. 

He did not rule out working with the Greens, and their $88 billion debt increase, or their new policy bribe to give $2.4 billion to Marae – without any external checks.

In fact, what did Labour think? They fully supported that policy. 

Did Hipkins rule out working with Opportunity, who want you to pay 1.75% of your land value every year for your home? You already pay local rates, now you will have to pay annual rent to the Government.

For those who do not own a home, what positive is there if ownership becomes a millstone around your neck. We cannot be a nation of renters. We must be a property-owning democracy again.

And what did the leader of TOP say when questioned about an old couple on the pension, who worked hard and saved all their lives, bought a house for their future and their children’s future, who would face a $20k land tax bill every year? She said, yes, they will have to downsize to pay it.

And do you know what that money would be used for? Infrastructure? Health? Education? Fuel security? Food prices? No.

It will be used to give everyone in New Zealand, even if they sit on their derriere with no job, a Universal Basic Income of $19,400 a year – for free, for doing nothing.

The left call this ‘fairness’, we call it communism.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the stark truth. The Labour Party that you once knew, perhaps even supported, is no more.

That party is gone. All of these polices are proof of that.

Can you imagine Helen Clark or Michael Cullen, or Bob Tizard or Peter Frazer signing up to this?

These parties on the left are not people who see New Zealand as one people, one country, one flag, one law, or people who believe in fundamental kiwi values like hard work, ambition, and personal responsibility.

These are people who believe in a separatist society, and who want to borrow, tax, and spend – but have zero economic credentials, or even vision, to deliver growth.

Chris Hipkins and Labour are willing to work with parties like Opportunity, Greens, and the Māori Party because Labour care more about the number of seats that will give them power, rather than the danger of who it is that will sit in those seats.

Challenging the Status Quo

The greatest threat to this blind ideology, to social elitism, and to the status quo, is New Zealand First.

We, from the very beginning, stand for one country, one people, one law, one flag, regardless of gender, race, or religion.

And the country we are defending is called New Zealand – it’s in our party’s name.

We have been for protecting our nation’s sovereignty and national interest, protecting our unique role in the world, protecting our nation’s pride in who we are, where we have come from, and our traditional Kiwi values.

We fight for the hardworking blue-collar Kiwi battler, who just wants the chance to help build a country they are proud of.

We have always been, and always will be, for common sense.

Thirty-three years ago we created this party with a vision. A vision of hope for every New Zealander for the chance of a better future for our children and grandchildren.

Our country is not just a place, it is who we are as people. 

In this election, we have a rare chance to change the shape of parliament for the better, and in doing so, to reshape our country the way you want it.

We are asking you to make a choice with our future generations in mind.

Take back control from the Wellington Bluesky bubble, 

take back control from the ‘way it’s always been’, 

take back control from those who choose to be CV politicians, where they are here one day, run out of gas, and are gone the next – taking with them a rolodex of international job opportunities, speaking circuits, or book tours, looking back over their shoulder at New Zealand’s decline – which they were critically caused. 

New Zealand First, from our launch thirty-three years ago, has been battling that elitist status quo. No one can deny that. On issue after issue that needed public exposure, the rest remain silent – the latest being the Covid Inquiry disgrace. When others wouldn’t raise a finger, we have raised the roof.

In November we have the real chance to show the power of MMP. We can move away from what our system used to be, and make a real change to how our country is governed.

Conclusion

Ladies and gentlemen, we are all here because we love our country, and we are proud of it.

True democracy is a rare flower in the history of humanity.

We have inherited a free country that our forebears fought and died for, and it’s our job to preserve it.

But only if we are proud of what we have inherited can we come together and move forward to shape the vision of our country’s future.

We live in a country that, at its core, traditional New Zealand values once saw us amongst the world’s leaders – hard work, fair pay, valuing our citizenship, building a sense of community, and knowing who we are as kiwis.

We must remember, New Zealand is the beneficiary of Western values, democracy, and the rule of law. And the advancement and enhancement of those principles have only occurred in those societies that have united together as one people – and who celebrate their nationhood instead of perpetuating division.

There is a lot of uncertainty around the world and at home, but we must keep hope alive that, with hard work and perseverance, tomorrow will be better.

New Zealand First is nationalist, patriotic, and socially conservative.

We are proud to not only stand for those values, but to fight for them. 

It hasn’t been easy – but things in life worth doing – are never easy. 

We must never forget that challenge.

We must never stop believing in New Zealand.

That is our vision and that is our mission.

To protect, to save, and to restore New Zealand’s place at the top of the world.

By putting New Zealand and New Zealanders first.

We are asking you to join us – and Party Vote New Zealand First.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/15/winston-peters-the-labour-party-you-once-knew-is-no-more/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

A solar farm near Foxton is the 32nd project and eighth renewable energy project to be granted Fast-track approval.

Genesis Energy lodged its application in February 2026, with approval taking around three and a half months since the appointment of an independent expert panel.

“The 220 MWp solar farm will generate approximately 345 GWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to power approximately 47,000 homes,” says Mr Bishop.

“Reliable renewable electricity generation is critical to supporting economic growth and regional resilience.

“New renewable energy projects approved through Fast-track will add more than 990 megawatts of new generation capacity. That’s more than five per cent of New Zealand’s current generation capacity and enough to power approximately 322,000 households annually.

“Foxton Solar Farm will be built on land currently used for livestock and dairy farming, it will also improve water quality in the area by stopping the leaching of the equivalent of around 25,700 kg of nitrogen per annum.”

““The project will provide around 100 jobs during construction and contribute directly and indirectly to the local economy,” Mr Jones says.

“The project represents a major investment in the region and will help drive regional economic growth while advancing New Zealand’s transition to a more reliable and sustainable energy future.”

Mr Brown says the Government’s goal is abundant, affordable and reliable power for all New Zealanders.

“Demand for electricity is expected to increase significantly as New Zealanders increasingly go electric in everything from their bikes to their businesses. 

“This project will contribute to the Government’s goal of doubling renewable energy generation by 2050. Renewables were a record 96.5 per cent of electricity generation in the last three months of last year and more generation is required for a resilient and reliable electricity supply to underpin economic growth. 

“Fast-tracking the consenting process to encourage investment in new energy generation is a key part of achieving that 2050 goal.”

Notes to editor

More information about the project: Foxton Solar Farm

Fast-track by the numbers:

• 32 projects approved by expert panels.
• 16 projects with expert panels appointed.
• 59 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 28 active substantive and 31 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 118 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:

• 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]
• Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
• Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
• Haldon Solar [Renewable energy]
• Hananui Aquaculture [Aquaculture]
• 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:

• 188 Beaumont Street
• Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills
• Auckland Prison Capacity Increase
• Barrytown Minerals Project
• Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
• Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
• Central and Southern Block Mining Project
• Downtown Carpark Site Development
• 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
• Waikanae North Development

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/14/foxton-solar-farm-fast-tracked/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and Viet Nam are strengthening bilateral trade and cooperation, says Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay.

“Viet Nam and New Zealand have reaffirmed the strength of their bilateral relationship through new market access that will create opportunities for a range of agricultural products,” Mr McClay says. “This reflects the strong partnership between our countries and will deliver benefits for producers, exporters and consumers on both sides.

“Consumers in Viet Nam will soon be able to enjoy premium New Zealand honey, deer velvet, and venison, while New Zealanders can look forward to high-quality Vietnamese flowers and foliage, including carnations, daisies, orchids and lilies.”

Viet Nam and New Zealand also signed a new Memorandum of Arrangement, aimed at boosting cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

“The new arrangement recognises the significant experience and expertise of Vietnamese and New Zealand producers,” Mr McClay says. “It reflects the high level of trust between our countries and supports our shared ambition to deepen cooperation and deliver benefits for both sides.”

Areas of cooperation include research, technology, sustainable agriculture, and capability development. Todd McClay says the Viet Nam and New Zealand relationship continues to go from strength to strength.

“Last year Viet Nam and New Zealand elevated the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations. The Government remains fully committed to our important relationship with Viet Nam, growing bilateral trade, and creating mutual opportunities for producers.”
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/new-zealand-and-viet-nam-boost-agricultural-trade-and-cooperation/

Source: New Zealand Government

Today’s roll return data tells us what we already knew; families want schooling options that reflect the needs of their children, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. 

Data released today shows that as of July 1, 2026, there were 1,732 students enrolled in 17 charter schools.

“These numbers show that diversity and choice in New Zealand’s schooling system is important to parents,” Mr Seymour says. 

“On 1 July last year we had just seven schools. One year later we’ve more than doubled that to 17 and more than six times the number of students are enrolled.

“We knew there was demand for charter schools. In some cases, demand is even higher than we expected. Some sponsors are telling us that the demand is even greater than they can physically accommodate.

“Some are moving into bigger spaces. For example, Northwest College in Auckland has had to move into a bigger building to accommodate its growth, and it continues to receive regular inquiries about enrolment. Newer schools are in huge demand too. Twin Oaks School only opened in Term 3 last year and has already had to move into a bigger space. 

“Charter school rolls continue to grow, and more young New Zealanders are unlocking their potential. Students who were not attending are at school, and those who were behind are ahead. Five of the first seven schools to open in early 2025 are exceeding their targets for attendance, and five are exceeding their achievement targets. 

“For example, TIPENE took initial assessment data in February 2025. It showed more than half their students were below the expected levels in mathematics, reading, and writing. By the end of the year, 81 per cent of students were achieving at or above the expected level in mathematics, 79 per cent in reading, and 80 per cent in writing. 

“Charter schools show that education can be different if we let communities bring their ideas to the table.

“These schools have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results.

“The charter school equation is: the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success.

“There are more ideas in the communities of New Zealand than there are in the Government. That’s why we open ideas to the wider community and apply strict performance standards to the best ones.

“With another two schools having just opened this term, and another two schools opening early next year, I expect to see this strong growth continue.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/charter-school-rolls-grow-again-by-almost-18/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s tourism recovery maintains its momentum, with international visitor arrivals for June reaching 95 per cent of 2019 levels for the same period, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

Statistics New Zealand figures released today show 201,900 international visitors arrived in New Zealand in June 2026, up 8.1 per cent on June 2025 and reaching 95 per cent of June 2019 levels. 

“This data shows just how far the sector has come over the past year with international arrivals continuing to build momentum, demonstrating that New Zealand is making strong progress towards our goal of a full recovery in visitor numbers,” Louise Upston says. 

“Tourism plays a major role in growing the economy. These latest results keep us on track for achieving our goal of doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034. 

“The June results are particularly positive given International Air Transport Association (IATA) data shows global air passenger demand fell 1.7 per cent in June compared with the same month last year. 

“This highlights the enduring appeal of New Zealand as a safe and welcoming destination with incredible experiences to offer.” 

The data shows continued growth from China with visitor arrivals reaching 14,300, up 27 per cent compared with June last year. 

“Australia remains our biggest market with 108,200 arrivals, up 14 per cent from last June. It’s positive to see our mates from across the ditch continue to choose New Zealand for a winter break.” 

Annual figures show New Zealand welcomed 3,674,600 overseas visitors in the year ending June 2026, an increase of 299,300 or 9 per cent on the previous year ending June 2025. 

“Despite global challenges, visitors continue to choose New Zealand, and that’s a credit to our tourism and hospitality operators who work hard to deliver memorable experiences and showcase the very best our country has to offer.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/14/overseas-visitor-numbers-keep-climbing/

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Viet Nam’s President and Party General Secretary, To Lam, have agreed new steps to advance the New Zealand-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“This visit has been about putting our partnership to work and delivering benefits for both countries,” Mr Luxon says.

“When we met in Ha Noi last year, we marked 50 years of diplomatic relations by elevating our relationship. Today we have backed that ambition with action.”

The leaders discussed growing trade and investment, reducing barriers, expanding links in science and technology, and deepening cooperation on peacekeeping, maritime security and transnational crime. They announced five outcomes spanning agricultural cooperation, market access, education, defence, and climate-smart agriculture.

“These outcomes will open new opportunities for exporters, strengthen education and security links, and support farmers and health professionals,” Mr Luxon says.

An agricultural package will expand two-way market access, including for New Zealand honey and deer products and Vietnamese cut flowers and foliage, while further support for climate-smart agriculture will build on work that has lifted farmer profits and cut rice emissions by 50 per cent.

“His Excellency To Lam’s visit has set a clear direction for the New Zealand-Viet Nam relationship for the decade ahead,” Mr Luxon says.

“We are committed to turning today’s agreements into results for people in both countries.”

General Secretary and President To Lam’s visit is the first State visit to New Zealand by a President of Viet Nam since 2007.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/new-zealand-viet-nam-advance-relationship/

Source: New Zealand Government

A new petroleum mining permit will bring additional natural gas to the domestic market over the next decade and generate valuable export earnings from new oil production, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. 

Regulator New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) has today granted Matahio NZ Onshore Limited a 10-year petroleum mining permit in the onshore Taranaki region covering approximately 19 sq km for the Puka field, a small oil and gas field discovered in 2012. Included in the permit area is the promising Oru prospect. 

“As only the second petroleum mining permit to be granted in the past eight years but one of two granted in the last year or so, this is yet another signal that momentum in New Zealand’s petroleum sector is growing,” Mr Jones says.

Matahio has estimated that the recoverable reserves from the existing Puka discovery are approximately 170,000 barrels of oil and 1.3 billion cubic feet of gas. An independent assessment of the Oru prospect estimates prospective resources of 1.8 million barrels of oil and 1.2 billion cubic feet of gas.

All gas produced in New Zealand is used domestically by industrial users and as a fuel to generate electricity when renewable energy sources can’t meet demand. The light, high-quality oil produced in Taranaki is sold into international markets and typically refined into petroleum products.

“At a time when New Zealand faces ongoing energy security challenges due to our declining gas reserves, every new source helps,” Mr Jones says.

“Gas will continue to remain critical to our energy mix in the decades to come. It supports electricity generation during periods of low hydro inflows and renewable generation, and it provides energy and feedstock for many businesses that are important to our economy. 

“The additional oil produced from the Puka Field will generate export revenue, boost royalty revenue and contribute to regional economic activity. All New Zealanders benefit when we responsibly develop our natural resources and convert them into jobs, income and economic growth.”

Mr Jones says today’s decision demonstrates opportunities still exist within the Taranaki basin and that responsible development can continue to play an important role alongside investment in renewable and emerging energy technologies.

“This permit alone will not solve New Zealand’s energy challenges but it is a positive step in the right direction. Together with the growing pipeline of proposed new exploration activity, I’m confident we are moving in the right direction,” Mr Jones says. 

“A resilient energy system requires diversity. That means continuing to invest in renewable energy, supporting emerging technologies, and making sensible use of the natural resources we have. New Zealand needs all of these components working together to deliver affordable, secure and reliable energy for households and businesses.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/puka-field-mining-permit-application-approved/

Source: PHARMAC

8

Progress is made on implementing recommendations from the Board commissioned external reviews into workplace culture and consumer engagement. This should include initiatives such as a consumer reference group.

Accelerated and ongoing

We initiated the 12-month Reset Programme with the aim of supporting Pharmac to be a more outward-focused and transparent organisation that values and actively engages with consumers and stakeholders. We established a Consumer and Patient Working Group to provide consumer insight and advice to the Reset Programme, ensuring the consumer community is actively engaged and diverse views are represented.

The chair of the Consumer and Patient Working Group, Dr Malcolm Mulholland, was nominated and selected by members of the wider consumer and patient community and endorsed by the Pharmac Board.

The working group consisted of up to 10 consumer and patient community members, including the Chair, reflecting the breadth and diversity of communities impacted by Pharmac’s work, including under-represented voices.

To deliver the programme effectively, we used a 90-day plan approach to focus on improvements, actions and change. Progress was reported publicly on our website.

One of the key actions from the Culture Review report was the development of a compelling new organisational vision and establishing measurable strategic objectives. This was completed during the year supported by significant external and internal engagement.

Other activities that were progressed during the year included work on governance, finance and performance; systems, data and digital transformation; workforce, capability and ways of working; and legal, policy and corporate governance.

This expectation is not included in the 2026/27 Letter of Expectations.

Whilst not a specific expectation for 2026/27 many of the recommendations for improvement are captured as part of Pharmac’s planned deliverables in 2026/27.

9

A new vision and strategy is developed that supports the organisation to be more outwardly stakeholder focused including ensuring this is reflected in the annual Statement of Performance Expectations, and a revised Statement of Intent by June 2026.

Completed

A new vision and strategy were developed and agreed by the Pharmac Board in May 2026.

Our annual 2026/27 Statement of Performance Expectations, and a revised 2026/27 – 2029/30 Statement of Intent were completed in June 2026 and published on our website.

This expectation is not included in the 2026/27 Letter of Expectations.

The SPE is an annual statutory document required under the Crown Entities Act 2004. We will develop the 2027/28 SPE over the coming year, with completion scheduled for June 2027.

10

Pharmac is investing in data and digital infrastructure to enhance core functions and improve decision making, collaboration and transparency. 

Accelerated and ongoing

We have used one-off funding provided in Budget 2025 to develop a two-year data and digital programme.

The first and key project underway is the redevelopment of the Pharmaceutical Schedule (the Schedule). The project replaces the legacy Schedule applications and implements a modern, centralised Schedule database and integrates with other systems internally and externally. This represents the most significant change to the Schedule in the last 30 years.

As part of this project, we have agreed a joint project plan with Health NZ to align delivery of the Schedule with the new Special Authority IT system they are delivering. A go-live date for both systems is scheduled for late October 2027.

Discovery and Design Phase underway for a new contract management system; the development of patient & supplier portals; and improved application development tools to improve workflow. We are also exploring opportunities for use of AI across Pharmac’s work.

This expectation continues under the “Continuous improvement of organisational culture and capability” theme.

Our focus will be continued delivery of our Data and Digital programme working in partnership with Health NZ and other sector stakeholders.

11

Pharmac continues to contribute to the Government’s health priorities including:

1. The Government Policy Statement on Health 2024-2027 (GPS).
2. National health targets.
3. New Zealand Health Plan and associated Pae Ora strategies.

Ongoing

We gave effect to relevant actions outlined in the GPS and supported delivery of targets across priority areas where applicable. The three actions specific to Pharmac in the GPS were:

• improve the availability of and access to cancer medicines in New Zealand.
• enable faster access to medicines by improving the timeliness of processes related to accessing new medicines.
• continue to develop Pharmac’s model to ensure patient voice and wide-ranging societal consequences are taken into account.

Government priorities have been incorporated in our 2026/27 – 2029/30 Statement of Intent and 2026/27 Statement of Performance Expectations.

This expectation continues under the “Continuous improvement of organisational culture and capability” theme.

Pharmac will give effect to relevant actions in the GPS and support, where relevant, delivery of targets and actions across priority areas.

The Government is scheduled to complete a new three-year GPS by June 2027, and we will contribute to GPS development.

12

Pharmac’s work gives effect to the Cabinet Circular (24) 5: Needs-based Service Provision, to meet the Government’s expectations for how the targeting, commissioning and design of public services should be based on the needs of all New Zealanders.

Ongoing

We formalised our Access Criteria policy which guides how we set access criteria within the Pharmaceutical Schedule. The new approach ensures that the target patient population are clearly defined from the outset and broad descriptive criteria are set to ensure everyone in the target group will have access to medicines.

The Access Criteria policy fulfils government expectations as set out in the Cabinet Circular (24) 5 on need-based service provision.

We revised other policies and procedures to ensure alignment with Cabinet Circular, including a revised Equity Policy.

This expectation continues under the “Continuous improvement of organisational culture and capability” theme.

We will continue to strengthen implementation and understanding of our Access Criteria Policy.

We are currently reviewing the access criteria for medicines where there are ethnicity-based criteria, with a view to removing or replacing them with clinical criteria where possible.

13

Pharmac is delivering the agreed outcomes from the medical devices review including working collaboratively with the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand, medical devices industry and other stakeholders.

Accelerated and ongoing

In September 2025, the Government announced changes to how hospital medical devices are procured. Under this joint approach, Health NZ and Pharmac share responsibility focusing on the areas that best align with its expertise and capabilities. Ministers issued a joint letter of expectations (LoE) to both agencies outlining 11 expectations for joint work.

At the end of March 2026, the Ministry of Health completed its six-monthly report to Ministers on the progress of the joint partnership between Pharmac and Health NZ, confirming that implementation remains on track and that the collaborative operating model is bedding in well. The report highlights the increasing clarity around roles, improved coordination across workstreams, and the steady progress being made on procurement, category planning, and contract transitions

A cross-agency oversight group oversees implementation, monitors performance, resolves issues, and ensures alignment procurement with system priorities.

This expectation continues under the “Continuous improvement of organisational culture and capability” theme.

Our focus for the year ahead to ensure delivery of the joint LoE, is to progress a coordinated programme of work with Health NZ, focused on operational transition and system readiness. This will include:

• delivering a joint transition plan covering contract ownership changes.
• establishing a shared procurement pipeline, agreed processes and timeframes.
• strengthening the benefits and value measurement framework.
• ensuring consistent and coordinated approaches to supplier engagement, communications and relationship management including establishment of a Supplier Reference Group.
• supporting Device Advice and Assessment Pathway using Health Technology Assessment.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/2025-26-pharmac-letter-of-expectations-progress-update-july-2026/