PM Edition: Top 10 Business 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/

Source: Media Outreach

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Source: New Zealand Government

Youth Minister James Meager says the Government has helped more than 400 young Kiwis turn tragedy into triumph through support for hands-on youth development programmes in areas impacted by recent severe weather events.

“Over the past year, several serious storms have occurred across multiple regions, which has had a devasting impact on many communities,” Mr Meager says.

“This has created significant hardship, disruption, and adversity for many local young people, who are particularly vulnerable to long-term effects when their schools, homes, and communities are impacted.

“That is why we stepped in to support six local organisations to deliver programmes tailored to their communities’ specific needs, which enable young people to re-engage in education, prepare for employment, and embark on positive pathways.”

The $315,000 investment includes:

• Ngātiwai Trust Board ($80,000 – Northland)
• Ngāti Maru Ki Hauraki Incorporated ($45,000 – Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel)
• Whitianga Community Services ($45,000 – Whitianga)
• Te Awanui a Rua Charitable Trust ($60,000 – Ruapehu and Northern Whanganui)
• Ignite Sport Trust ($60,000 – Lower Hutt)
• Whenua Iti Trust ($25,000 – Nelson/Tasman)

“We have seen some incredible outcomes because of these programmes. Participants developed new skills in areas such as forest restoration, weather impact management, and outdoor survival,” Mr Meager says.

“They have also learned about health and safety, chainsaw operation, first aid, and other employment-focused topics.”

“Young people have developed these practical skills while giving back to their communities. Importantly, they have also had access to safe, youth-focused spaces where youth workers can help them process the emotional impact of these events.

“As we celebrate International Youth Day this week, it is a timely reminder to acknowledge the perseverance and contributions these young people have made to their communities, as they recover from these devastating, and in some cases life-changing, events.

“This Government is determined to set young people up with the necessary skills they need to thrive. This investment helps those in need get back on their feet and realise their highest potential.” 

Notes to editor:

Detailed information on the six youth development programmes is as follows:

• Te Awanui a Rua Charitable Trust ($60,000) was contracted to provide a minimum of 60 young people in Ruapehu and Northern Whanganui Districts with opportunities focused on digital inclusion, driver licensing, ATV, quad bike and chainsaw safety, and recovery-related community activities such as clean-up and food distribution.
• Ngāti Maru Ki Hauraki Incorporated ($45,000) was contracted to operate the Te Weiti Youth Hub and Wellbeing Initiatives across the Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel District to a minimum of 45 young people. The programme was focused on providing practical assistance to help maintain connection and support and return to everyday life e.g., transport, clothing, digital devices, school resources, as well as support their general wellbeing. Additionally, the programme supported the Thames Rangatahi Advisory Panel to undertake youth engagements in isolated and rural areas, designed to connect young people and communities to discuss the impacts of severe weather events, community resilience, and emergency preparedness. 
• Whitianga Community Services ($45,000) was contracted to provide a minimum of 45 young people in Whitianga with access to the Mercury Bay Youth Centre where they have been able to engage in practical learning focused on life skills such as budgeting, cooking, employment-readiness, legal literacy, and driver licensing, and been supported to navigate the emotional impacts of the severe weather events.
• A minimum of 80 young people in the East Coast of the Northland region are being supported through a programme delivered by Ngātiwai Trust Board ($80,000) offering workshops and one-to-one mentoring designed to reconnect them to local pathways and opportunities within their communities, education support, and emergency preparedness training.
• Ignite Sport Trust ($60,000) is providing a minimum of 110 young people in Lower Hutt with workshops centred on achieving educational goals, opportunities to develop leadership and life skills, individualised goal-setting and mentoring, and Activity-Based Learning designed to build self-discipline, identify and strengthen their talents, understand teamwork and accountability, and build resilience and perseverance.

• Whenua Iti ($25,000) was contracted to provide a series of one-day active wellbeing programmes in Nelson/Tasman that supported 88 young people in flood-affected areas to reconnect with the waterways alongside which they live. The programmes were designed to help young people rebuild confidence and strengthen water-safety skills.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/young-kiwis-turn-weather-tragedies-into-triumph/

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/

Source: New Zealand Government

A new partnership is supporting The Polyfest Trust to strengthen hundreds of at-risk young people’s educational and employment pathways through leadership development and mentoring opportunities, Youth Minister James Meager says.

The Government is investing $350,000 through the Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund to support The Polyfest Trust to deliver its three-month programme to more than 350 Auckland young people aged 12 to 24.

That investment is being doubled to $700,000, through co-funding from Rangitāmiro Limited ($250,000) and One Foundation Limited ($100,000).

Mr Meager says the programme, announced as part of International Youth Day celebrations this week, will be run as part of the ASB Polyfest Māori stage.

“Through four sessions, participants will gain leadership, goal-setting, and decision-making skills as they prepare for the Secondary School Kapa Haka Nationals and ASB Polyfest 2027,” Mr Meager says.

“Personalised attendance and engagement plans will be developed alongside youth mentors, as the young people explore future education, training, or employment opportunities, to set them up for long-term success.

“ASB Polyfest has grown into one of the largest Pacific cultural festivals in the world and is a powerful celebration of culture, language, and identity. It provides young people with opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

“We know that culture and community play an important role in helping young people succeed. By investing in these sorts of programmes, we are supporting young people to realise their potential and build strong pathways into education, employment, and leadership.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/14/auckland-youth-supported-from-stage-to-study/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

More young children with high and complex developmental needs will receive earlier, tailored support to help them learn, grow, and thrive, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today.

The announcement was made during a visit to The Pudney Hub in Hawke’s Bay, one of the newly appointed providers for the expanded Early Intervention Specialist Service (EISS).

From September, alternate providers will deliver up to 1,000 EISS placements nationwide at any one time, giving more families access to specialist help when it can make the greatest difference. The Ministry of Education will continue to be the primary provider of Early Intervention services across New Zealand.

The additional provider capacity will give eligible children and their whānau greater choice in who delivers their support, while helping more children start receiving specialist services earlier in their learning journey.

“Every child deserves the chance to build confidence, develop their strengths, and experience success from the earliest years of learning,” Ms Stanford says.

“This expansion means more children with high and complex developmental needs will receive the right support earlier, helping them take part, make progress, and flourish in education and in life.”

EISS is a Ministry of Education-funded service that provides tailored specialist support for young children with high and complex developmental needs. Services are delivered through a mixed-market model involving both the Ministry’s Early Intervention Service and alternate providers, supporting families to access help that meets their child’s needs.

The expansion is part of the Government’s multi-year Budget 2025 investment in learning support, the largest boost in a generation. It is focused on identifying needs earlier, meeting growing demand, and giving learners the support they need to achieve their potential.

“This Government is committed to making sure every child has the backing they need to succeed,” Ms Stanford says.

“By increasing both the number of placements and the number of providers delivering services, we are strengthening the learning support system and helping more families get support sooner.”

“This investment is about reducing wait times, giving families more choice, and helping more children participate, progress, and achieve alongside their peers.”

“These are practical changes that will make a real difference for children and whānau, strengthening learning support services and helping every child reach their full potential.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/government-delivers-more-support-for-children-with-complex-educational-needs/

Source: New Zealand Government

The latest quarterly update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission shows the value of projects in the National Infrastructure Pipeline has increased by $15 billion, totalling $290 billion across all initiatives, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.

“The Infrastructure Pipeline snapshot shows that the total economic value of the country’s infrastructure projects is continuing to grow, complemented by a steady flow of new projects across the country,” Mr Bishop says.

“The newest swathe of initiatives also includes various projects for our healthcare system. That includes upgrades to support cancer treatment and radiology, maternity facilities, special care for babies, building upgrades, extensions, strengthening, and more.

Mr Bishop says the value of fully funded initiatives has climbed $4.5 billion in the last quarter to $95.8 billion.

“The Pipeline provides an independent view of current and future infrastructure projects and programmes across the country, including in areas like roads, healthcare, water infrastructure, and schools. It includes central government, local government and private sector projects.

“We’re seeing sustained momentum, and better information – that helps industry, business, and government to plan and invest. That helps to grow the economy, support jobs, and lift productivity across New Zealand.

“The value of infrastructure work that is in construction has remained constant at $71 billion, with projects in the Pipeline being completed being replaced with new projects entering construction. 

“Another $17.5 billion worth of initiatives is progressing through planning and scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months.”

The Infrastructure Commission’s newly released snapshot report is based on June submissions to the Pipeline from 135 infrastructure providers, which now includes nearly 12,500 infrastructure projects.

Mr Bishop says the snapshot shows $193 billion worth of initiatives with full or partial funding commitments, or a confirmed funding source, up from $190 billion from March.

“In addition to funded projects, the Pipeline includes early-stage initiatives that have not yet secured a funding source. These projects help signal future demand, highlight market constraints and opportunities, and support workforce planning. A more complete Pipeline is better for everyone – from councils and contractors to central government agencies.

“The growth we are seeing is great news for our construction sector up and down the country, and for the wider economy. A stronger, clearer picture of funded work gives the sector the confidence to plan ahead, retain staff, and invest in capability.

“While there is still room for improvement, these indicators are welcome signs as we build for the future.”

Read the latest Pipeline update: http://www.tewaihanga.govt.nz/the-pipeline/pipeline-snapshot

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/steady-growth-in-infrastructure-pipeline-update/

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend:

Police can confirm a young child has died following a dog attack in Aranui this afternoon.

At around 4.45pm, emergency services were called to a Basingstoke Street address following a report of a child sustaining serious dog bite injuries.

Upon arrival, emergency services located a young child in a critical condition. Despite the immediate efforts of first responders, and a member of the household, the child sadly died at the scene.

The dog involved was known to the occupants of the address and lived at the property.

Police remain at the address carrying out a scene examination, and enquiries into the circumstances that led to this tragic incident are ongoing.

Occupants of the address are assisting Police with enquiries.

Police extend their condolences to the child’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time and ask that their privacy be respected.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/14/serious-incident-aranui/

MIL OSI