AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 28, 2026 – Full Text
1. Three million screening kits help find thousands of cancers
September 27, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
More than three million bowel screening kits have now been distributed nationwide since the National Bowel Screening Programme began, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“This programme saves the lives of New Zealanders. Since it began in 2017 under the previous National-led government, more than three million bowel screening kits have been distributed, leading to more than 3,300 bowel cancers being detected. Over 40 per cent were found early, when they can often be successfully treated.”
Last year, the Government began lowering the starting age for free bowel screening from 60 to 58, the first step in its commitment to match Australia’s screening age.
“Lowering the age is already making a difference. Since the first tranche of districts went live in October 2025, 96 per cent of newly eligible 58- and 59-year-olds have been invited to screen, and more than half of those in the second tranche have been invited since it began on 23 March this year.
“So far, 1,320 people across the country have returned a positive result, and 37 cancers have been detected.
“Every one of those 37 people would have had to wait another two years for a screening kit under the old age limit. Instead, their cancer has been found sooner, giving them the best possible chance of successful treatment.”
Mr Brown says the Government is continuing to build on that progress.
“As part of Budget 2026, we announced the screening age would be lowered further, from 58 to 56, making more than 200,000 additional New Zealanders eligible for free screening. Over the next 25 years, that change is expected to prevent 638 bowel cancers and save 522 lives.
“From July, we also rolled out a simple home test nationwide for people with bowel cancer symptoms, known as the FIT for symptomatic pathway. It helps clinicians prioritise colonoscopies for those who need them most, freeing up the specialist capacity needed to keep safely lowering the screening age.
“We are committed to lowering the bowel screening age to match Australia, and we will keep going as quickly and as safely as we can.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/27/three-million-screening-kits-help-find-thousands-of-cancers/
Back to index · Read original article
2. Health targets: shorter waits for patients in Northland and Auckland
September 27, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Patients across Northland and Auckland are getting faster access to care, the latest health target results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Healthcare in the Northern region is improving steadily. Patients are spending less time in emergency departments, waits for surgery and specialist appointments are coming down, and more children are being protected from preventable disease,” Mr Brown says.
“We know there is more work to do, and that is exactly why now is the time to build on this progress.”
These results mark the second annual milestone toward the 2030 health targets. Key results in the Northern region from April to June include:
Shorter stays in emergency departments: the Northern region is the highest performing in the country, with Counties Manukau recording the largest annual gain of any district, up 11.9 percentage points to 76.9 per cent. Northland leads the region on 86.0 per cent.
Shorter waits for first specialist assessments: Counties Manukau up 8.3 points to 76.5 per cent, the strongest result in the region, with Auckland up 7.2 points to 68.0 per cent and Waitematā on 68.7 per cent.
Improved childhood immunisations: Auckland on 88.2 per cent, with Counties Manukau up 3.7 points to 87.9 per cent and Waitematā up to 84.7 per cent.
Faster cancer treatment: Northland up 6.2 points to 89.5 per cent, within half a point of the 2030 target of 90 per cent.
Shorter waits for elective treatment: Counties Manukau up 9.8 points to 74.7 per cent.
Mr Brown says the latest figures show encouraging progress in ensuring more Aucklanders and Northlanders receive their elective surgeries within four months, including hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery.
“Behind every one of these numbers is someone who is off the waiting list and on the way to getting their life back. We thank our doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible.
“Improving health outcomes is exactly why this Government has been so focused on responsible fiscal management. Careful management of the books is what allows us to keep investing in the services New Zealanders rely on most, while keeping taxes low.
“There is still more work to do. Too many people are still waiting too long, and we will not stop until every New Zealander has timely access to care. With a record $32 billion annual investment, we are rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable, and driving better outcomes on the way to 2030.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/27/health-targets-shorter-waits-for-patients-in-northland-and-auckland/
Back to index · Read original article
3. Health targets: shorter waits for central and lower North Island
September 27, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Patients in Whanganui, the Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, and Wellington are benefiting from shorter waits and faster access to care, the latest health target results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“The Central region now leads the country on shorter waits for elective treatment and specialist assessments. Whanganui recorded the largest improvement nationally for elective treatment, and MidCentral and Wairarapa have both now met the 2030 elective treatment target,” Mr Brown says.
“We know there is more work to do, and that is exactly why now is the time to build on this progress.”
These results mark the second annual milestone toward the 2030 health targets. Key results in the Central region from April to June include:
Shorter waits for elective treatment: the Central region is the highest performing in the country. MidCentral and Wairarapa have met the 2030 target of 95 per cent four years early, and Whanganui recorded the largest gain of any district in the country, up 20.8 percentage points.
Shorter waits for first specialist assessments: also the highest performing region in the country, with MidCentral leading on 79.6 per cent, Wairarapa up 6.4 points to 76.9 per cent, Whanganui up 6.7 points to 76.3 per cent, and Capital and Coast up 4.2 points to 68.6 per cent.
Faster cancer treatment: Wairarapa has met the 2030 target of 90 per cent four years early, up 4.6 points to 94.5 per cent, with MidCentral up to 88.0 per cent and Hawke’s Bay up to 86.9 per cent.
Improved childhood immunisations: Capital and Coast on 89.7 per cent, the highest result of any district in the country, with Wairarapa up 2.1 points to 86.4 per cent, MidCentral up to 85.7 per cent, and Hawke’s Bay up to 84.3 per cent.
Shorter stays in emergency departments: Capital and Coast up 10.2 points to 63.2 per cent, the second-largest annual gain of any district in the country, with Hutt Valley up 4.3 points to 72.8 per cent.
Mr Brown says the latest figures show encouraging progress in ensuring more patients across the Central region receive their elective surgeries within four months, including hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery.
“Behind every one of these numbers is someone who is off the waiting list and on the way to getting their life back. We thank our doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible.
“Improving health outcomes is exactly why this Government has been so focused on responsible fiscal management. Careful management of the books is what allows us to keep investing in the services New Zealanders rely on most, while keeping taxes low.
“There is still more work to do. Too many people are still waiting too long, and we will not stop until every New Zealander has timely access to care. With a record $32 billion annual investment, we are rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable, and driving better outcomes on the way to 2030.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/27/health-targets-shorter-waits-for-central-and-lower-north-island/
Back to index · Read original article
4. Health targets: shorter waits for Waikato and surrounding regions
September 27, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Communities across Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Taranaki, and Gisborne are getting faster access to care, the latest health target results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“This is a significant milestone for the Midland region. Every district is now meeting the 2030 target for faster cancer treatment, and waits for elective surgery have come down right across the region,” Mr Brown says.
“We know there is more work to do, and that is exactly why now is the time to build on this progress.”
These results mark the second annual milestone toward the 2030 health targets. Key results in the Midland region from April to June include:
Faster cancer treatment: the Midland region is the highest performing in the country, and all five districts have now met the 2030 target of 90 per cent, four years early. Waikato leads on 96.2 per cent.
Shorter waits for elective treatment: Gisborne up 14.4 percentage points to 83.9 per cent, the strongest result in the region.
Shorter stays in emergency departments: Gisborne leads the region on 91.8 per cent, with Lakes up 3.3 points to 85.8 per cent and Waikato up 4.5 points to 73.8 per cent.
Shorter waits for first specialist assessments: Lakes on 85.2 per cent, with Gisborne up 10.0 points to 74.9 per cent, Taranaki up 4.7 points to 69.2 per cent, and Bay of Plenty up 5.6 points to 67.8 per cent.
Mr Brown says the latest figures show encouraging progress in ensuring more patients across the Midland region receive their elective surgeries within four months, including hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery.
“Behind every one of these numbers is someone who is off the waiting list and on the way to getting their life back. We thank our doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible.
“Improving health outcomes is exactly why this Government has been so focused on responsible fiscal management. Careful management of the books is what allows us to keep investing in the services New Zealanders rely on most, while keeping taxes low.
“There is still more work to do. Too many people are still waiting too long, and we will not stop until every New Zealander has timely access to care. With a record $32 billion annual investment, we are rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable, and driving better outcomes on the way to 2030.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/27/health-targets-shorter-waits-for-waikato-and-surrounding-regions/
Back to index · Read original article
5. Health targets: shorter waits for South Islanders
September 27, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
South Islanders are getting faster access to care, with shorter waits for surgery and specialist appointments, the latest health target results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Healthcare in the South Island is improving steadily. Every district has reduced waits for elective treatment and specialist assessments, South Canterbury has become the first district in the country to meet the 2030 target for specialist assessments, and the South Island leads the country on childhood immunisations,” Mr Brown says.
“We know there is more work to do, and that is exactly why now is the time to build on this progress.”
These results mark the second annual milestone toward the 2030 health targets. Key results in the South Island from April to June include:
Improved childhood immunisations: the South Island is the highest performing region in the country, with Southern on 88.3 per cent.
Shorter waits for first specialist assessments: South Canterbury has become the first district in the country to meet the 2030 target of 95 per cent, up 12.0 points to 95.8 per cent, four years early, with West Coast up 4.1 points to 70.0 per cent.
Shorter stays in emergency departments: West Coast on 94.6 per cent, the closest of any district to the 2030 target of 95 per cent, with South Canterbury up 7.0 points to 92.9 per cent and Southern up 3.5 points to 77.8 per cent.
Faster cancer treatment: South Canterbury has met the 2030 target of 90 per cent four years early, up 3.3 points to 91.3 per cent, with Nelson Marlborough half a point away at 89.5 per cent.
Shorter waits for elective treatment: every district in the region improved, led by West Coast on 87.8 per cent.
Mr Brown says the latest figures show encouraging progress in ensuring more patients across the South Island receive their elective surgeries within four months, including hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery.
“Behind every one of these numbers is someone who is off the waiting list and on the way to getting their life back. We thank our doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible.
“Improving health outcomes is exactly why this Government has been so focused on responsible fiscal management. Careful management of the books is what allows us to keep investing in the services New Zealanders rely on most, while keeping taxes low.
“There is still more work to do. Too many people are still waiting too long, and we will not stop until every New Zealander has timely access to care. With a record $32 billion annual investment, we are rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable, and driving better outcomes on the way to 2030.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/27/health-targets-shorter-waits-for-south-islanders/
Back to index · Read original article
6. Cardiac lab upgrade complete at Auckland City Hospital
September 27, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The first of three cardiac catheterisation (cath) lab upgrades at Auckland City Hospital is complete, part of a multi-million dollar investment in Auckland’s cardiac services, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Cath labs are where heart disease is diagnosed and treated. They support everything from diagnostic angiograms to complex interventions such as stenting, pacemaker insertion, and electrophysiology,” Mr Brown says.
“This $4 million upgrade delivers a state-of-the-art lab with the latest imaging technology, future-proofing Auckland City Hospital’s ability to deliver world-class cardiac care.
“Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death for New Zealanders, and demand for cardiac procedures continues to grow as our population ages. Investing in modern equipment ensures our hospitals can meet that demand well into the future.
“Clinicians at Auckland City Hospital now have access to enhanced imaging technology, which improves diagnostic accuracy, supports safer procedures, and reduces radiation exposure for both patients and staff.”
The lab is the second to be completed under a region-wide programme covering six cath labs across Auckland hospitals, following Counties Manukau last year. It replaces ageing equipment and modernises the workspace, delivering sharper imaging and a more efficient procedural environment. Upgrades are planned next for North Shore Hospital, Starship Children’s Hospital, and two further labs at Auckland City Hospital.
“Running this as a coordinated, region-wide programme means upgrades can be timed to minimise disruption to services, so patients keep getting the care they need while the work is underway.
“With two more upgrades to come at Auckland City Hospital, patients will keep seeing the benefits. Each completed lab means more of the hospital’s cardiac work is carried out with modern equipment, in a facility built for the way cardiac care is delivered today.”
Other recent upgrades across the country include a new cath lab at Tauranga Hospital serving the central North Island, and a third lab at Christchurch Hospital.
“We are focused on investing in the infrastructure Kiwis need to access the critical healthcare services they rely on. Upgrades like this one mean patients receive world-class cardiac care close to home, and our cardiology teams have the equipment they need to keep delivering it,” Mr Brown says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/27/cardiac-lab-upgrade-complete-at-auckland-city-hospital/
Back to index · Read original article
7. NZFirst to Campaign on Ending the Waitangi Make-Work Industry
September 26, 2026
Source: New Zealand First
NZFirst Policy Announcement: Ending the Waitangi Make-Work Industry
The Treaty of Waitangi Tribunal has become a make-work organisation – now
hearing any and all claims that in a former time would’ve been dismissed on
application as being inappropriate.
Many claims before the tribunal are directly contesting the right of a mandated
parliament to pass laws.
That is a direct semi-judicial threat against the very essence of our democracy.
That is why New Zealand First today is announcing its plan to end the Treaty of
Waitangi grievance industry and get back to all being equal citizens with equal rights
in our country.
New Zealand First will table legislation within the first 100 days after the next election
to immediately abolish the Waitangi Tribunal, and replace it with the Treaty of
Waitangi Completion Commission.
The new Commission will have the purpose of finalising all claims prior to 2008, after
which time its work will be finished.
The Treaty of Waitangi industry jobs will be replaced by real work. The days of the
Waitangi Tribunal acting as an authority of parliament will be over.
We will put an end to activists using the Tribunal and taxpayers money as a platform
to interfere with the direction and legislation of parliament.
Maori land reform and administrative improvements in the Maori Land Court will be a
major priority for New Zealand First.
Under New Zealand First, the Ministry of Maori Development will be directed to drive
practical outcomes that accelerate development. The Ministry will ensure that Maori
owned land, marine farming, forestry and other resources continue to enhance
regional productivity, employment and community resilience.
We will also ensure that all relevant policy issues pertaining to the implementation of
existing Treaty of Waitangi settlements are addressed by a strengthened Ministry of
Maori Development.
Contemporary claims, modern policy differences, and post-settlement leadership will
be the responsibility of the Ministry of Maori Development.
Crown Maori relations work will return to being the responsibility of the Ministry of
Maori Development – as was written into the law in 1991 when that department was
established.
ENDS
Get our newsletter and stay informed!
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/26/nzfirst-to-campaign-on-ending-the-waitangi-make-work-industry/
Back to index · Read original article
8. Pay equity poll: voters say make the fiscals wait, not women! – PSA
September 26, 2026
Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi
- 49% would support delaying the return to surplus by one year to restore pay equity
- 46% would support delaying the net debt target by two years
- A majority of Labour, Greens and Opportunity voters support delays
- National voters split 39% for and 39% against delaying surplus; only ACT voters strongly opposed
New Zealanders’ support for restoring pay equity extends to a willingness to see governments adjust their fiscal targets, if necessary, to make provision for the cost of doing so, a new Talbot Mills poll commissioned by the PSA shows.
The National-ACT-New Zealand First coalition estimates that it had saved $12.8 billion over four years through its decision in May last year to scrap pay equity claims under urgency, without warning and without consultation. Coalition parties have suggested that it would be unaffordable for a future Government to settle these claims and the legislative framework that supported it.
“We reject the suggestion that fiscal targets are more important than paying women workers what it’s proven they are worth and this poll shows New Zealanders agree,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“We’ve previously identified savings that could bring the net fiscal cost down well below previous fiscal estimates.- Plus, the next Government can have revenue measures or use some of its Budget operating allowances to contribute to the cost.”
Even on the most conservative assumptions, where the full gross cost of restoring pay equity flows through the Government accounts, the impact of this would be:
- to delay the operating balance (as measured by OBEGALx) coming back in surplus by just one year, from 2028/29 to 2029/30; and
- to push out the date for achieving the target of bringing net core Crown debt down to 40 percent of GDP (‘the 40 percent target’) by a modest two years from 2032 to 2034.
“These are fiscal adjustments that New Zealand can easily afford,” said Council of Trade Unions National Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.
“What’s more, this polling shows that New Zealanders strongly support the Government making these choices, if needed to restore pay equity.”
Far more New Zealanders would be prepared to delay the Government’s return to surplus by a year to restore pay equity than oppose it, 49 percent to 28 percent.
Support for delaying the 40 percent debt target by two years also leads voter sentiment, 46 percent to 29 percent.
This poll adds to growing public pressure on parties contesting the election to make a tangible commitment to restore pay equity (poll details below and attached).
“Voters are ahead of the politicians,” said Ansell-Bridges. “The next Government must right the wrongs of the past and deliver pay equity for the 180,000 predominantly female workers whose pay rise was sacrificed to make the Budget numbers work.
“New Zealanders understand that paying people their true worth for the jobs they do matters, and that it should come ahead of the fiscal targets. They are prepared to wait a little longer for a surplus to see it done.”
The poll shows it’s not just voters on the left. National voters are evenly split on delaying the surplus, and NZ First voters are more likely to back a delay than oppose it. Only ACT voters are clearly opposed.
Women are more likely to support delaying the surplus for pay equity (53 percent) than men (45 percent). On the debt target, support leads opposition in every age group, from 51 percent to 24 percent among 18-29 year olds to 42 percent to 32 percent among those aged 60 and over.
“The evidence for restoring pay equity is strong just like the public support,” said Fleur Fitzsimons.
“PSA analysis shows reinstating it would grow the economy by $13.5 billion over four years, create around 13,000 jobs, and lift an estimated 11,000 children out of poverty.
“The Government has defended scrapping pay equity on fiscal cost grounds. This poll shows many voters are willing to accept a short delay in the current fiscal targets to get it back.”
Earlier polling points the same way. A PSA-CTU Horizon Research poll in September last year found 42 percent opposed the pay equity changes, and a RNZ Reid Research poll in June last year found 43 percent against the overhaul.
“Restoring pay equity is the right thing to do, morally, fiscally and economically. The care and support settlement is ready to implement and should be resolved in the first 100 days,” said Fitzsimons.
Poll details
Talbot Mills Research nationwide online survey commissioned by the PSA. Sample size 1894, adults aged 18 and over. Maximum sampling error ±2.3% at the 95% confidence level. Fieldwork was conducted between 10 and 17 September 2026. Full survey report attached.
Questions
For the last few years, the Government has been spending more than it has been bringing in. This is currently expected to flip – called returning to surplus – in 2029. Would you support delaying the return to surplus by one year, until 2030, in order to restore pay equity for New Zealand women?
- Yes – 49%
- No – 28%
- Unsure – 23%
The current Government has a goal of getting net Government debt below 40% of New Zealand’s gross domestic product. Current forecasts suggest that this goal might be achieved in 2032. Would you support delaying the achievement of the 40% target by two years, until 2034, in order to restore pay equity for New Zealand women?
- Yes – 46%
- No – 29%
- Unsure – 25%
Previous PSA analysis on fiscal and economic benefits of pay equity
9 September Restoring pay equity would boost income of 91,000 families by $300/week – PSA analysis
23 August Govt’s axing of pay equity cost jobs & GDP growth – PSA analysis
Analysis of the fiscal impact of restoring pay equity out of existing revenue (and with no offsetting savings taken into account) was performed using Treasury’s Budget 2026 fiscal strategy model (FSM).
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.
Back to index · Read original article
9. Appointment to Monetary Policy Committee
September 25, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced the short-term appointment of Rebecca Williams as an internal member of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
Ms Williams will commence her one-year term on 15 October 2026, concluding on 14 October 2027.
The reduced term reflects adherence to electoral conventions, ensuring the next administration retains discretion over long-term appointments while maintaining the MPC’s operational and statutory requirements.
“Ms Williams brings strong institutional knowledge to the Monetary Policy Committee,” Nicola Willis says.
“I am confident that her expertise will support the MPC in its critical role of maintaining price stability.”
Currently Senior Manager, Economics at the RBNZ, Ms Williams has been with the bank since 2010, holding key roles in the Economics Directorate. She brings valuable expertise in monetary policy, economic forecasting, and policy analysis.
Notes to Editors:
The Board is expected to recommend the appointee to the new Assistant Governor Monetary Policy role for appointment to the Committee.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/25/appointment-to-monetary-policy-committee/
Back to index · Read original article
10. New nurses announcement too little, too late for decimated health system – PSA
September 25, 2026
Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi
The PSA is calling Health NZ’s decision to hire 380 new nurses nationwide a sign of a panicking government, not a meaningful solution to the chronic underfunding across Aotearoa’s public healthcare system.
“Although health workers will welcome any new hires into their massively overstretched teams, 380 nurses nationwide is a drop in the bucket when it comes to current vacancies,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi national secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.
“We know, for example, that there are around 70 vacancies just in the Counties Manukau district in South Auckland. There are 35 vacancies at the secure unit of Mason Clinic, also in Auckland.
“Allied health and administration teams across the country are carrying massive vacancies. There are dozens of data and digital roles still unfilled everywhere.
“All of these vacancies must be filled for New Zealand to have the fully functional public healthcare system we all want and deserve.
“The PSA and other health unions have been ringing alarm bells about widespread vacancies causing stress, burnout and a poorer level of care for years now.
“Frankly, this announcement is the sign of a government and health minister panicking 43 days out from an election, when they will be held to account by New Zealanders for running our health system into the ground.”
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.
Back to index · Read original article