AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 26, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is boosting accountability and transparency for ratepayers by releasing a second round of council performance data today, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.  

“Rates are one of the biggest household bills Kiwis pay, yet they have no control over the cost. Ratepayers deserve to know where their money is going and how their council is delivering for their community,” Mr Watts says.

“With today’s release, we are putting information into the hands of the people who pay the bills, strengthening accountability and improving transparency around council performance.”

The first release of council metrics in 2025, focused on financial performance. This second round builds on that work with new measures covering asset management, service delivery and governance, alongside updated council profiles and comparison tables.

“These updated metrics are part of our Government’s wider programme to get councils back to basics and ensure stronger discipline around ratepayer funding,” Mr Watts says. 

“We want councils focused on delivering the core services and infrastructure communities rely on.

“Last month we introduced legislation to cap council rates increases at four per cent. This discipline will keep rates affordable and provide greater certainty for households and businesses.

“Together, these changes give ratepayers more visibility over council performance and more confidence they are getting value for their money.”

Notes to editors:

• The information can be viewed at Council performance – Our work – Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport
• The Government established the council performance measurement framework to routinely publish council performance information and support clearer public accountability.
• Results should generally be compared between councils within the same group, rather than across all councils.
• The Government intends to continue developing the annual publication over time.
• Water services delivery measures are expected to be developed separately as water services delivery plans are analysed.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/25/council-performance-data-puts-ratepayers-in-the-drivers-seat/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s new firearms laws come into force today, marking the biggest reset of the firearms regulatory system in more than 40 years, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.

“Most provisions of the Arms Act 2026 and the new Arms Regulations 2026 take effect today, replacing the old legislation and regulations with a system designed to improve public safety, make compliance simpler, and rebuild trust with licenced firearm owners,” says Mrs McKee.

“At the same time, Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand begins operating as the country’s independent firearms regulator, separate from Police. This separation is one of the most important changes we have made. Police should be focused on investigating crime, catching criminals and keeping firearms out of the hands of people who should not have them.

“The regulator has a different job. It will deal overwhelmingly with New Zealanders who have gone through the process of becoming licenced and want to comply with the law. The result of these reforms should be a regulator that respects licenced firearm owners, treats them fairly, and recognises them as the customer.

“In return, I want licenced firearm owners to respect the regulator and have trust and confidence in the people working there. That trust has to be earned through competent service, consistent and practical decisions, reasonable timeframes, clear explanations, and a willingness to listen when there are genuine problems with the system.

“The new Act replaces the Arms Act 1983 with legislation that is clearer, more logically structured and better targeted at risk. It strengthens the law against unlawful firearms activity, including by disqualifying gang members from holding firearms licences and introducing new offences aimed at emerging criminal behaviour, while simplifying requirements for licenced firearm owners.

“It also establishes the independent Firearms Licensing Review Committee, giving licence holders a new avenue to challenge regulatory decisions without having to go directly to the District Court.

“The law matters, but culture matters too. An education-first approach should be at the heart of the new regulator. Success should be measured by whether people understand their obligations, can reasonably comply with them, and whether regulatory intervention is focused where it is actually needed.

“People are more likely to comply, ask questions, report problems and provide useful information when they trust the regulator they are dealing with. I am already hearing from licenced firearm owners that they are seeing a positive change in culture. That is encouraging, and I want it to continue.”

The Arms Regulations 2026 also come into force today and replace the Arms Regulations 1992, giving effect to the changes made in the Arms Act 2026.

“Most of the regulations commence today. Provisions relating to approved ammunition sellers come into force on 23 July 2027, while some provisions relating to multi-entry visitor licences commence on 23 February 2028.

“Firearms are used by New Zealanders to put food on the table, earn a living, manage pests, protect biodiversity, compete in sport and enjoy the outdoors. That is why getting this system right matters.

“This new law focuses on keeping firearms out of the hands of gangs and criminals while treating licenced firearm owners with the fairness, dignity and respect they deserve.

“I believe New Zealand can have the best firearms system in the world. Today is a major step towards achieving that.”
 

Note to editors:

The Arms Regulations 2026 can be read here.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/new-firearms-system-takes-effect/

Source: New Zealand Government

The refresh of the Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Plan has been released today, building on strong workforce growth that has resulted in more New Zealanders getting faster access to support, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“We came into office knowing workforce shortages were one of the biggest barriers to people getting the mental health and addiction support they need. That’s why we made publishing New Zealand’s first dedicated mental health and addiction workforce plan a priority in our first year,” Mr Doocey says.

“Two years on, the results are clear. We have more people on the frontline, vacancy rates are falling and more New Zealanders are getting faster access to support.

“Since coming into Government, the frontline mental health and addiction workforce has grown by 11 per cent. 

“We have increased first-year psychiatry registrar intake by 50 per cent, from 33 to 48, and are on track to double clinical psychology internships, increasing from 40 to 80. 

“Health NZ Mental health registered nurse vacancies have nearly halved, falling from almost 15 per cent in September 2023 to 7.9 per cent in March 2026. Health NZ Psychiatry vacancies have also fallen, from 20.9 per cent in March 2024 to 15.6 per cent in March this year.

“For the first time, we have exceeded the workforce target, with 514 new mental health and addiction workers commencing training up from 457 in 2023. 

“These workforce gains are helping deliver faster access, with nearly 84 per cent of people accessing primary mental health and addiction support within one week, and more than 82 per cent accessing specialist services within three weeks.

“The 2026 refresh builds on that progress and looks at new ways we can continue to grow the frontline workforce.

“For the first time, the plan has a dedicated focus on digital mental health. We know technology can have a big role to play in helping people find the right support at the right time. The refresh will help ensure our workforce is embracing the technology available to them and better utilising AI and digital mental health tools.

“We are also investing in and growing our mental health NGO frontline workforce, who are making a difference every single day.

“We are backing our community organisations and want to see that workforce continue to grow. This refresh will help make that happen. 

“We will also continue to grow specialist workforces and respond to pressures, including forensic demand and substance-related harm, while growing the overall mental health and addiction workforce pipeline. 

“We came into Government with a clear plan to deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response. We have delivered on all three. “That is what having a plan, sticking to it and driving it looks like.

“Those on the frontline come to work every day, often under challenging conditions, to make sure people are looked after and getting the support they need. We are backing them to do what they do best by growing the workforce, fixing the basics and building the future.”

Notes to editors:

The refreshed plan can be found here.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/25/growth-of-frontline-mental-health-workers-to-continue/

Source: New Zealand Government

The National Ticketing Solution (NTS), also known as Motu Move, will roll out fully in Canterbury from today, marking an important milestone in delivering an easier and more convenient way for passengers to pay for public transport across New Zealand, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Current public transport ticketing systems are majority funded by Government through the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) and are at the end of their useful life. Instead of paying to upgrade four different legacy systems, decisions were made in 2022 to fund, design, and deliver one new modern system to replace them all. That is the National Ticketing Solution or NTS,” Mr Bishop says.

“The NTS will make public transport easier and more consistent nationwide, allowing passengers to pay with contactless debit or credit cards, Apple or Google Pay, or a prepaid Motu Move card, with cash also accepted in some areas.

“Canterbury has been the testing ground for the NTS, with new features introduced progressively over the past year. Contactless payments for standard adult fares began in November 2025, followed by Community Services Card and SuperGold discounts linked to Motu Move accounts in February this year.

“As of September, more than two million trips have been taken using the NTS in Canterbury, including thousands of registered users with applicable fare discounts. The strong uptake and use of the NTS have given the project team the confidence to roll out all remaining features.

“From today, the NTS will now also enable child, youth, and accessibility fare discounts. This means any public transport user who has created a Motu Move account, linked their eligible fare discount and preferred contactless payment method will automatically get the best fare when they travel.

“Today, we are also introducing prepaid Motu Move travel cards, available online or through participating retailers. Children aged five to 18 years old, as well as Community Services Card holders, are eligible for a free Motu Move card when their region transitions to the NTS. Children can also claim one free replacement card if they lose their first card.

“For users who don’t qualify for an applicable fare discount, you can continue to use your preferred credit/debit cards or mobile devices to pay a standard adult fare, as you have been able to do since November last year or purchase a Motu Move card. 

“With the full NTS now available in Canterbury, more equipment will be installed on local buses and ferries over the next few months, allowing passengers to tag on and off each service. By the end of the year, all customers will have moved to the new system, with Metrocard and cash no longer accepted.

“The NTS will be rolled out across all regions by the end of 2027. Once complete, New Zealand will be one of the few countries in the world where people can travel on public transport across multiple regions using the same system, contactless payment method, and get the best fare automatically when they travel.

“Given public transport services are majority funded by the Government through the NLTF, having one ticketing system will also help provide better quality data to help public transport authorities plan services and deliver better value for money.

“I have also made my expectations very clear to our Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) that the Government will not be funding any other public transport ticketing system in the future. No exceptions. All PTAs signed on to the NTS in October 2022, and now is the time to get onboard and get it done.

“After a long history of frustrating delays and setbacks, I’m pleased that we are finally getting on with the job of delivering the NTS. It will make public transport more convenient, easier to use, and deliver a consistent experience, no matter where New Zealanders are or what service they are using.”

Notes to editor:

• A fare discount (or concession) is applicable on travel for eligible passengers, e.g. for children, people over 65, and those who have accessibility needs.
• People with more than one applicable fare discount can link the discounts to their chosen contactless card or device. This guarantees them the best fare whenever they travel.
• Applicable fare discounts can’t be linked to more than one card or device at a time and people need to always tag on with the same contactless card or device to get the concession fare.  
• The National Ticketing Solution, also known as Motu Move, is available on all Metro bus and ferry services in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri districts. 
• Prepaid Motu Move cards are available online, from local retailers, and the Metro Counter at the Bus Interchange.  
• The removal of cash options from public transport services is a decision for Public Transport Authorities and not a requirement of the National Ticketing Solution.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/national-ticketing-solution-rolls-out-in-canterbury/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Further investments will be made through the Gas Security Fund into two projects to help secure New Zealand’s ongoing energy needs, Resources Minister Shane Jones and Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop say.

The projects are:

• $14.5 million to contract Schlumberger New Zealand (SLB) to create the first basin-scale offshore pseudo 3D dataset using state-of-the-art seismic technology – with free access for industry for two years to incentivise companies to explore in New Zealand.
• $21.5m for a time-limited equity arrangement for EnZed Energy’s Kaheru offshore exploration project in Taranaki. The project has an estimated total cost of $71 million, with EnZed Energy seeking to raise the remaining $49.5m from other investors.

The Schlumberger project will bring together existing public and private datasets, alongside proprietary seismic technology that improves access to and understanding of the underground geology in the Taranaki, East Coast, and Great South basins.

“The value of this project is that it transforms a huge amount of fragmented subsurface exploration information into a single, basin-scale, AI-enabled exploration product delivered in industry standard format,” Mr Jones says.

“This is easier to access and interpret, making it more useful for industry. It will be very attractive to international exploration companies deciding where to put their money and effort.”

The datasets will be available free of charge to potential explorers for two years, reducing costs and improving access to key information for the sector.

The EnZed Energy project will explore the promising Kaheru prospect off Taranaki to determine whether commercially recoverable gas is present.

“This project could identify a significant new source of domestic gas supply to help meet our nation’s energy needs in the coming years. It targets an estimated 182 petajoules of additional gas reserve in the Kaheru permit. That’s equivalent to nearly 25 percent of New Zealand’s January 2026 proven and probable gas reserves,” Mr Jones says.

“The Gas Security Fund is intended to help us keep the lights on and the wheels of industry turning during periods when electricity supply from hydro, wind and solar is constrained,” Mr Bishop says.

“That’s good news for businesses, households, and essential services like hospitals and schools. New Zealanders need access to a reliable energy supply when renewables are unable to meet demand.

“The fund has been designed to provide time-limited support to the gas sector so it can continue contributing to the supply of energy needed for activities that support jobs and underpin key sectors of our economy as we move towards more renewables,” Mr Bishop says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/24/further-investment-into-gas-security-projects/

Source: New Zealand Government

Rail Minister Winston Peters confirmed Interislander will soon be back to its full complement of vessels ahead of the busier spring and summer months, following Kaitaki returning from scheduled dry-dock on Tuesday 21 September. Kaitaki will resume sailings tomorrow (Saturday 26 September).

“The hand-wringers, backseat admirals, and know-nothing know-it-alls predicted a ‘perfect storm’ ferry crisis when Interislander scheduled maintenance for Kaiārahi and Kaitaki during the quieter winter period,” Mr Peters says.

“They were wrong, but at least they were consistent.

“Despite the usual weather issues and a brief problem with a Bluebridge ferry, the Cook Strait remained open, freight and passengers kept moving, and New Zealand functioned while the maintenance programme proceeded as planned.

“Dry-docking is a routine and essential part of operating ships, and Kaitaki has undergone the maintenance and inspections required to keep her operating safely and reliably until the new ferries arrive in 2029.

“Dry-dock included work on propeller and rudder components, and steering and stabiliser systems, with the vessel also benefiting from a full hull clean, blasting and repainting, including applying a new silicone-based coating designed to reduce marine growth and improve fuel efficiency.

“Interislander reliability in the year to date now stands at 100%, up from 99% in the last financial year – a far cry from the 82% in 2021 and 84% in 2022 recorded under the previous Government.

“That improvement reflects disciplined maintenance and the competence of the masters, engineers, crews, maintainers and operational staff who keep the service running.

“They deserve New Zealanders’ thanks for getting on with their jobs while others stood on the sidelines predicting calamity,” Mr Peters says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/25/ferry-perfect-storm-fails-to-arrive/

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Two new appointments to the Game Animal Council (GAC) will broaden its expertise and ensure it has the community connections required to drive New Zealand’s largest-ever hunter-led game animal management workstreams.

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has appointed Lisa Chase and Simon Cameron as councillors for one-year terms, from 1 October 2026.

“Ms Chase and Mr Cameron will be valuable additions following recent designations of New Zealand’s first two Herds of Special Interest (HOSI): the Fiordland Wapiti, and Sika in Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks,” Mr Meager says.

Lisa Chase brings governance experience through roles as a Trustee of Tūwharetoa-owned Waihi Pukawa Trust, operating the North Island’s largest deer farm. She was previously a Trustee of the Owhaoko B&D Trust, which has a hunting-focused business operating within the Sika range and works with key HOSI stakeholders.

“Lisa provides a valuable connection between the GAC, who will manage the Sika HOSI in the central North Island, and the community, who will be relied on to help deliver on-the-ground deer management. There are significant opportunities for locals, particularly youth, to engage with the HOSI and gain the skills, experience and knowledge necessary for successful careers in wild animal management,” Mr Meager says.

Simon Cameron has held several governance roles with Federated Farmers, including West Coast Provincial President. Combined with his professional hunting and guiding experience, Simon holds several key connections in the wild animal management sector and wider South Island.    

“Farmers have identified wild animal management as a key issue, and it is important that we work across all sectors to find combined solutions to common problems. Simon will be tasked with keeping our farmers and hunters connected, improving access to hunting opportunities, and better utilising the expertise and resources of both groups to manage deer populations to a sustainable level,” Mr Meager says.

“This is an opportunity to collaborate, identify problem areas and deliver real, practical solutions for farmers and hunters. Partnership, not partisanship, will be what leads us to better hunting, farming and conservation outcomes.

“Simon’s geographic proximity to the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation will be an added benefit as we roll out the country’s first Herd of Special Interest in Fiordland.”

Mr Meager says the appointments round off a series of governance changes that strengthen the GAC’s role as a statutory manager of game animals in New Zealand. 

Recent appointments also include former Deputy Prime Minister and current Chair of Pharmac Hon Paula Bennett, and experienced venison exporter and meat processor Jim Goodall. Wellington Airport CEO and existing GAC councillor Matt Clarke was also recently appointed as Chair of the Council.

“The GAC has delivered a strong programme of work since its inception in 2013, and these latest appointments reflect the importance of having strong governance in place to lead the Council into the next phase of game animal management in New Zealand,” Mr Meager says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/25/new-councillors-to-strengthen-game-animal-council/

Source: New Zealand Government

Upgrades to visitor infrastructure at Te Waihou Blue Spring in South Waikato will help manage growing visitor numbers and protect the quality of the visitor experience, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“Thousands of local and international visitors flow to Te Waihou Blue Spring every year to experience its remarkable natural beauty and crystal-clear waters,” Louise Upston says.

“As visitor numbers grow, it’s important that the facilities supporting those visitors are fit for purpose. That’s why the Government is investing $675,000 through the International Visitor Levy, towards infrastructure improvements at the site.

“Visitors are increasingly seeking high-quality experiences when they travel. Providing the right infrastructure helps manage demand, reduces congestion, and ensures places like the Blue Spring remain enjoyable for everyone.

“Protecting the future of these tourism assets ensures they remain visitor drawcards, supporting local jobs, incomes and investment, as well as something for local communities to enjoy.”

The investment will support South Waikato District Council and local iwi Ngāti Raukawa to deliver a range of improvements, which may include:

Extending the main Leslie Road carpark, the primary access point to the Blue Spring track.
New public toilet facilities at Leslie Road.
Technology infrastructure to support future visitor management options.
Establishment of park-and-ride services.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/25/improving-blue-spring-visitor-experience/