AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 10, 2026 – Full Text
1. Cabinet approves extension to Tauranga Landslides Inquiry
September 9, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga will now report back in February 2027, Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has announced.
The Inquiry was established following the landslides at Mauao Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay Road, Pāpāmoa, which claimed eight lives in January 2026.
The Inquiry’s purpose is to establish how the fatal landslides occurred, report on whether relevant agencies took appropriate steps to manage any apparent risk in the period immediately prior to the two fatal landslides – including steps to warn and evacuate people likely to be affected by the landslides – and identify any lessons that can be applied to reduce the risk of similar tragedies in future.
“The Inquiry’s Chair, the Honourable Sir Mark O’Regan, a retired Supreme Court Judge, asked the Government for an extension for the presentation of the final report. It was due to report to the Government in early December this year. Cabinet has agreed to extend the delivery date to 18 February 2027, following the request from the Inquiry Chair,” says Ms van Velden.
“The Inquiry’s terms of reference state that it must have regard for the Davison Review, an external review commissioned by the Tauranga City Council, if that review was delivered before the conclusion of the Government’s Inquiry. The Davison Review was originally scheduled to be completed by 30 June but was extended twice before being delivered on 19 August 2026. This extension will enable the Inquiry to carefully examine the Davison Review findings.
“I know any delay will be disappointing for those awaiting its findings. The families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives, and the affected communities will rightly be wanting answers. At the same time the Government expects to receive a comprehensive report. That is why the Government has agreed to this extension.”
Note to editors:
Minister van Velden took responsibility for the Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga on 13 August 2026, after the role of Associate Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery was disestablished.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/09/cabinet-approves-extension-to-tauranga-landslides-inquiry/
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2. Sleep science project tests wool performance
September 9, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is supporting the world’s first clinical sleep trial testing how New Zealand strong-wool bedding performs against synthetic alternatives, say Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson.
The three-year, $2 million sleep science research programme is supported with $800,000 from the Primary Sector Growth Fund and led by Wisewool. The project will test real people in their own homes and in sleep laboratories, to measure how New Zealand strong-wool bedding performs against synthetic alternatives. It will assess sleep latency, body temperature regulation, breathability, moisture management, hypoallergenic performance and overall user comfort.
Mr McClay says the project is a major opportunity for New Zealand’s wool sector.
“Scientifically validating wool’s sleep benefits will allow strong-wool to command a premium, positioning it as a high-performance natural alternative to foam, synthetics, feathers and cotton. Working with leading sleep researchers to provide credible evidence, will open doors in international markets.”
The project builds on earlier government support that helped Wisewool develop its premium wool bud filler for furniture and bedding products.
“Thanks to that work, Wisewool already pays Tairāwhiti East Coast farmers a 50-cent premium for every kilogram of raw wool they supply,” Mr McClay says.
“The company aims to process 30 million kilograms of wool across the North Island over the next decade. Achieving this will require sourcing a significant share of New Zealand’s strong-wool from all over the country. This project is critical to making that vision a reality.”
Mr Patterson says the investment reflects the government’s commitment to rural communities.
“This is exactly the kind of innovation New Zealand needs – science-led, sustainability-driven and delivering real value for farmers. The long-term potential for regional growth is significant.
“Proving the premium sleep case for New Zealand strong-wool lifts demand and farmgate returns right across the sector, from growers through to exporters.
“We expect this project to create a competitive advantage for New Zealand wool, driving increased demand and profitability,” says Mr Patterson.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/09/sleep-science-project-tests-wool-performance/
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3. Hospitality industry served regulatory relief
September 9, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Minister for Regulation David Seymour and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston have today welcomed the completion of the Ministry for Regulation’s Hospitality Sector Review, which will make it easier and cheaper for hospitality businesses to open, and easier for them to do business.
“Everybody has a favourite café, bar or restaurant they wish was still open. Today’s announcement is about cutting red tape and getting rid of dumb rules which can contribute to closures,” Mr Seymour says.
“If we are going to unlock New Zealand’s potential, we need to let Kiwi businesses get on with business.
“The sector was hit hard by Covid. Red tape and dumb rules made It hard for the sector to bounce back. The rules and regulations are imposed by so many departments that they’re difficult to fix. That’s why we set up a Ministry with a mandate for cutting red tape; to fix the problems no one else can.
“For example, the Review heard from a food truck which considered setting up in Australia because the process in New Zealand was so bureaucratic. On exploring this option with Australian regulators, they were given one contact and a clear pathway to set up the business. In New Zealand, they had to meet with 13 different officials from 8 different central and local government agencies. They said the pathway to set up was incredibly confusing and complex.”
The Review identified a number of problems with how the sector was regulated, including:
- businesses have to provide the same information multiple times, often to the same regulator (i.e. councils)
- some decisions take too long, and businesses have little certainty about timeframes
- alcohol licensing and renewal processes can be inefficient, disproportionate to risk, and ineffective in some cases
- fees for licensing and registration are too high for some hospitality businesses, not always transparent, and are not covering the costs for regulators
- food safety requirements are not always effective, efficient, or proportionate to risk
- food safety checks and compliance practices may not be effective, efficient, nor proportionate
- disproportionate regulatory barriers affect the provision of transport services
- building consent and planning requirements can create unnecessary costs and delays for temporary structures such as marquees.
“Now, we’re fixing those problems. In the coming weeks Ministers will be deciding which recommendations to accept, and the next steps,” Mr Seymour says.
“Our hospitality sector plays a vital role in New Zealand’s economy – it supports jobs, local communities and the experiences of domestic and international visitors across the country,” Louise Upston says.
“The hospitality sector is a $21.4 billion industry, employing more than 193,000 people across the country. We’re backing Kiwi businesses and supporting a stronger visitor economy.
“As several of the recommendations highlight, hospitality issues often span multiple portfolios and agencies. That is why I will develop a Hospitality Action Plan to provide a coordinated framework for priority hospitality initiatives across government.
“I intend to continue working in partnership with the sector to remove barriers to growth, support businesses and workers, and ensure hospitality can thrive as part of a growing New Zealand economy.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/09/hospitality-industry-served-regulatory-relief/
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4. Restoring pay equity would boost income of 91,000 families by $300/week – PSA analysis
September 9, 2026
Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi
New analysis shows restoring pay equity would:
- Provide an income boost for 91,000 families with 136,000 children
- Lift an estimated 11,000 children out of poverty
- Deliver families six times more a week than the Govt’s average FamilyBoost payment
New PSA analysis shows 136,000 children in 91,000 families would be better off by $300 a week on average if pay equity was restored, confirming again how damaging the Government’s decision to axe claims has been.
The analysis, modelled from Census 2023 data and Treasury’s own figures, shows restoring pay equity would put a combined $1.39 billion a year into the pockets of families with children – an average of $300 a week per family, or around $195 a week for every child.
That would be enough to lift an estimated 11,000 children out of poverty overnight, on the material hardship measure.
“Pay equity for New Zealand women is the right thing to do morally but it also makes fiscal and economic sense. Every party in Parliament should be committed to ensuring that children do not live in poverty in New Zealand in 2026 and pay equity is an important step to making this a reality, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“You can’t claim to be tackling child poverty with one hand while blocking the single biggest pay rise this country’s lowest-paid workers have ever been offered with the other – our analysis exposes just how cruel and heartless scrapping pay equity was.
“This is who the Government has really hurt – 136,000 children whose families are doing it even tougher in a cost of living crisis because this Government tore up their pay equity claims.
“This cruel and sexist decision was rushed through under urgency in a single day with no warning and without a thought for the families it affected. Our analysis, coupled with an earlier paper on the economic upside of pay equity, exposes the true consequences of this decision and the missed opportunity.
“It’s staggering that this Government spent months trumpeting FamilyBoost as its answer to the cost of living, when pay equity would put more than six times as much into the pockets of families with kids. FamilyBoost pays around $47 a week on average to just 60,000 families, and fewer than 2,000 receive the maximum $120 a week.
“Pay equity would change the lives of so many thousands of families and they wouldn’t have to fill out a single form to get it.”
The PSA’s earlier analysis of Treasury’s own modelling showed reinstating pay equity would grow the economy by $13.5 billion and create 13,000 jobs over four years – a $2.25 return for every dollar spent, better value than the Government’s own flagship growth policies.
“The Government chose to make the Budget numbers work by taking money out of the pockets of low-paid women and their children, while handing tax cuts to landlords and big tobacco,” said Fitzsimons.
“The facts are clear as daylight. Low- and middle-income families spend what they earn in their own communities, supporting local shops and local jobs. That’s money this Government is choosing to withhold – in other words wage theft.
“We will leave no stone unturned until New Zealand women and their families have pay equity.
“We’re calling on the Government, and on every party heading into the election, to front up: will you commit to restoring pay equity and lifting these children out of poverty, or will you keep defending a decision that’s failing families and failing the economy?” said Fitzsimons.
PSA analysis on the cost of pay equity
- PSA analysis – Pay equity would improve the lives of 136,000 New Zealand children
- 23 August Govt’s axing of pay equity cost jobs & GDP growth – PSA analysis
PSA actions to date on pay equity campaign
The PSA has taken a number of steps to fight the Government’s scrapping of pay equity. See the PSA campaign page. Actions include:
- Supported setting up the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity
- 26 May 2025 PSA supports peoples’ select committee on undemocratic pay equity changes
- Joined combined union High Court action under the Bill of Rights
- 18 August 2025 Five unions to take Government to court over pay equity
- 5 December 2025 Human Rights Commission intervention a boost for landmark pay equity legal case
- 6 August 2026 Govt’s pay equity defence ‘cynical and opportunistic’, unions tell High Court as landmark hearing concludes
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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5. Advocacy – Peters out of step with the world and legal obligations on Israeli settlement trade
September 9, 2026
Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
9 September 2026
PSNA says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is derelict in its duties if it can’t identify and ban products from illegal Israeli settlements on the Occupied West Bank.
This follows announcements by the UK, France and Canada that they would ban imports of products which originated from the settlements.
MFAT is reported to have stated a ban ‘would be complex and require a full policy process’ and so New Zealand couldn’t do it, at least until after the elections.
PSNA spokesperson Rinad Tamimi says Palestinian support groups had been urging the government to identify imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territory for more than 20 years, on the basis that settlement goods were falsely labelled as ‘Product of Israel.’
“Then in July 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled that UN members must ‘distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967’, as means of ending the occupation.”
“That’s plenty of time for MFAT to work out how to deliver a trade ban.”
Tamimi says there is ample precedent for import bans.
“The sanctions New Zealand imposes on Russia include oil, gas, coal and gold. Other Russian imports are prohibitively tariffed.”
“There were comprehensive import bans on apartheid South Africa.”
“So statements, like those made by ACT Leader David Seymour, that New Zealand is ‘a trading nation – we don’t generally use trade bans to make political points’, is quite untrue.”
Tamimi says the MFAT was also falsely claiming that New Zealand was sending a clear signal to Israel that New Zealand condemned settler violence, and the Israeli government must control it, and it must not expand settlements.
“The government has banned a small bunch of rabid settlers from entering New Zealand, along with two ministers.”
“But it also sent a clear message at the same time, in June last year, by stating that that it was just two ministers, and the ban was specifically not ‘designed to sanction the wider Israeli government’.”
“Yes, the message is clear to Israel – the New Zealand criticism is meaningless hot air.”
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6. Advocacy – 12 countries move against Israeli settlements – New Zealand must act
September 9, 2026
Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand
9 September 2026
Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on the New Zealand Government to follow France, the UK, Canada and nine other countries and impose restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Twelve countries have now announced measures targeting trade connected to Israeli settlements, signalling growing international concern over the continued expansion of settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.
Where is New Zealand?
Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank have expanded for decades, involving the transfer of Israeli civilians into occupied territory and the development of homes, businesses and infrastructure on land claimed by Palestinians.
Settlement activity is not simply a political issue. It has significant economic dimensions. Goods produced in settlements enter international markets, while businesses and institutions can become connected to, and benefit from, settlement activity.
New Zealand should not be importing or supporting an economic system that contributes to the entrenchment of settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.
If the Government is serious about international law, human rights and Palestinian self-determination, it must move from statements to action.
Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on the Government to:
- Ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank;
- Prevent New Zealand companies and institutions from supporting or profiting from settlement activity;
- Review government procurement, investment and trade relationships linked to settlements; and
- Join international efforts to impose meaningful economic measures against the settlement enterprise.
The question for the New Zealand Government is straightforward: if France, the United Kingdom, Canada and other governments are prepared to take action, why isn’t New Zealand?
New Zealand should not wait for others to act.
If twelve countries can take action, New Zealand can too.
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7. Construction of Waiouru Defence Force homes to begin
September 9, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The New Zealand Defence Force and local iwi Ngāti Rangi have today signed an agreement enabling the construction of 50 new homes at Waiouru Military Camp to begin, Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“Our government is committed to fixing the basics, and that means ensuring our sailors, soldiers and aviators and their families have access to warm, safe, dry homes, for modern living.
“High-qualityhousing is essential to our soldiers’ wellbeing, retention and operational effectiveness.
“This agreement will strengthen the meaningful partnership NZDF has with Ngāti Rangi, and respects the important role the iwi plays in the future of the land.”
The agreement honours commitments made under the Ngāti Rangi Treaty settlement. It involves the sale of buildings and land to Ngāti Rangi, which will then be leased back by the NZDF under a long-term lease arrangement.
Completion of the homes and development of the surrounding land is expected to be completed by mid-2028.
Under the Homes for Families programme the NZDF is progressing additional new homes at military camps and bases in Devonport, Wellington, Whenuapai, Christchurch and Manawatū.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/09/construction-of-waiouru-defence-force-homes-to-begin/
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8. Barrier to gas storage development being removed
September 9, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government will remove a key barrier to creating underground gas storage by ending the requirement for developers to pay royalties on gas that is unlikely to be extracted or sold, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
“Across the world, underground gas storage is a proven way of improving flexibility and resilience in energy systems. There are already proposals being explored that could significantly expand New Zealand’s storage capacity, and we want to ensure unnecessary regulatory barriers are not standing in the way of those investments,” Mr Jones says.
“Gas production is relatively steady throughout the year but demand for electricity generation can surge during winter peaks and dry years. Gas storage helps bridge that gap by ensuring supply is available when it is needed most.
“At present, developers can be required to pay royalties on ‘cushion gas’ that cannot be extracted or sold because it is needed to maintain operational pressure within a storage reservoir.”
Cushion gas is the volume of gas needed to maintain pressure within a storage reservoir so gas can be injected, managed and withdrawn effectively. It is operational gas, not gas that is intended to be sold.
“By removing the requirement to pay royalties on gas that is unlikely to be produced, we are making it easier to invest in underground gas storage thereby strengthening New Zealand’s energy security,” Mr Jones says.
“This change will require an independent expert to determine the proportion of a storage facility’s original gas that qualifies as cushion gas and is therefore not subject to royalties. Any gas above that amount will remain subject to existing royalty requirements.
“New Zealand’s energy security relies on reliable access to the fuels needed to keep the lights on, power industry and support economic growth.”
Mr Jones says that while Methanex’s decision to idle its operations next year frees up gas for other users and improves the short-term outlook for the market, it does not remove the need to strengthen New Zealand’s longer-term energy security.
“Gas will continue to play an important role in supporting electricity generation and industry for many years to come. We need practical measures that improve the flexibility and resilience of our energy system.
“New Zealand cannot afford a future where factories close, industries shut down and electricity prices spike because we failed to prepare. This decision removes a barrier to investment and helps ensure we have the energy security our economy depends on,” Mr Jones says.
Future reviews of the petroleum regulatory framework will consider how effectively the new measure is helping investment in underground gas storage and strengthening New Zealand’s energy security.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/09/barrier-to-gas-storage-development-being-removed/
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9. Guardians board member reappointed
September 9, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Business leader David McClatchy has been reappointed as a Member of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
The board manages and administers the investments for the NZ Superannuation Fund and the Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund which, as of 30 June, were worth $94.4 billion.
“Mr McClatchy’s reappointment – for a further three years from October 1 this year – recognises his strong commitment and contribution, maintaining stability and continuity during the pre-election period and into the future.
“Mr McClatchy brings extensive experience in managing and operating large investment businesses, overseeing portfolios for mutual societies, corporates, superannuation funds, and sovereign wealth funds. He has held a variety of governance roles within the investment sector.
“His reappointment to the board maintains the governance leadership, investment expertise and connections needed for the continued growth of the NZSF and Elevate. It also underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring the Guardians continue to deliver robust investment performance and fulfil their mandate to grow New Zealand’s sovereign wealth funds for future generations in an environment with heightened volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.”
Mr McClatchy has been a board member since 2021.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/09/guardians-board-member-reappointed/
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10. Disadvantaged students drive significant closing of education equity gap
September 9, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand’s latest OECD PISA results show a significant narrowing of the socio-economic achievement gap, driven by strong gains among students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“This is a really significant result. For years, a child’s socio-economic background has been far too strong a predictor of how well they will do at school.
“For the first time in years, that gap is closing, and it is closing because students at the bottom are doing better.”
Between 2022 and 2025, students in the lowest socio-economic quartile made gains equivalent to around a full year of learning in science, three terms in maths and six months in reading.
“In science and maths, achievement among the most advantaged students was essentially unchanged. This is not a story of the top coming down. It is a story of the bottom coming up.
“Importantly, the Ministry has tested these results against the known participation issues with the PISA sample, and the narrowing of the equity gap remains statistically significant.
“We still have a long way to go, and our overall results remain well below where New Zealand was 15 years ago. But after years of decline, this is an encouraging change in direction.”
Ms Stanford says improved attendance is likely to be part of the picture.
“You cannot learn if you are not at school. Regular attendance in Term 2 has risen from 39.6 per cent in 2022 to 64.3 per cent in 2026.
“I want to acknowledge teachers, school leaders and everyone across the education sector who have worked incredibly hard to improve outcomes for our kids.”
The Government’s reforms are focused on accelerating that progress, including structured literacy and maths, an hour a day of reading, writing and maths, a clear knowledge-rich curriculum, better resources and earlier intervention for students who fall behind.
“My focus is on closing the equity gap. A child’s means should never determine their destiny.
“Where you live, what school you attend or what your parents earn should not determine how far you can go. Every child deserves access to an excellent education, and that is what we are determined to deliver.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/09/disadvantaged-students-drive-significant-closing-of-education-equity-gap/
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