AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for November 4, 2026 – Full Text
1. Government backs regional airline Air Napier
November 3, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is continuing its support for regional air services, with Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager announcing an $845,000 loan to Hawke’s Bay airline Air Napier.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan will help Air Napier undertake essential upgrades to its fleet and refinance some existing debt.
“Air Napier plays an important role in supporting businesses across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti, and helping people access essential services,” Mr Jones says.
“For decades, it has provided flights for Hastings-based doctors and nurses travelling to and from Wairoa, saving hours of road travel and helping ensure local communities can access vital healthcare.”
The loan is from the remainder of the Government’s $30 million regional air connectivity package, established in 2025 to support vulnerable regional air services. Air Napier is the final airline to receive support through the package.
“Regional airlines are critical to the economic success of our regions,” Mr Meager says.
“They support tourism, trade and business activity, while also helping maintain essential services during emergencies and civil defence responses.
“During Cyclone Gabrielle, Air Napier helped transport civil defence personnel, medical staff, patients, and urgent supplies, including medicines, up and down the East Coast.”
Mr Meager says regional airlines continue to face significant cost pressures in a challenging operating environment.
“The Government recognises the important role these airlines play in connecting regional communities. That is why we have continued to support the sector, including through the recent announcement of $5.7 million in grants to help meet day-to-day operating costs.”
Editors’ note
For more information on the regional air connectivity RIF package, see Government backing vital regional connectivity | Beehive.govt.nz.
The following loans have been provided to date:
Air Chathams – $17.2m to refinance debt
Sounds Air – $4.5m to upgrade its fleet and refinance debt
Island Air – $252,000 for fleet maintenance
Golden Bay Air – $1.1m to refinance debt and fund essential ongoing maintenance
Stewart Island Flights – $640,000 for aircraft refurbishment
Sunair – $2.08 million for potential aircraft acquisition, fleet maintenance, and debt refinancing
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/03/government-backs-regional-airline-air-napier/
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2. Government backing Whale Trail tourism venture
November 3, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is investing up to $12 million to connect Picton to the Whale Trail cycling and walking track, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston say.
A proposed bridge over SH1 and the main trunk railway, together with the associated trail works, would provide a direct connection between Picton where many walkers and cyclists disembark the Cook Strait ferries, and the 170km walking and cycling trail along the South Island’s northeast coast to Kaikoura.
“The climb out of Picton on SH1 for cyclists has long been acknowledged as a tricky section. They must navigate other ferry traffic which is often heavy, particularly during the holiday periods,” Mr Bishop says.
“The bridge and associated trail work would provide a safer and more direct connection between Picton and the Whale Trail, avoiding this narrow, busy and high-speed section.”
Improving the connection to Picton would complete the Whale Trail, an important step forward for the trail itself and wider tourism across the top of the South Island, Ms Upston says.
“The Whale Trail, already a popular trail with visitors and locals alike, has the potential to attract more visitors to the region, encourage longer stays, and showcase more of what Marlborough and Kaikōura have to offer,” Ms Upston says.
“This project is the last part of this tourism infrastructure. Connecting the trail directly to Picton will create a more seamless experience for visitors and strengthen one of New Zealand’s premier walking and cycling attractions.”
Mr Bishop says that before any decisions is made on the construction of the bridge, government needs confidence there is a deliverable solution, a clear understanding of costs, and a pathway to successful delivery.
Government support is being provided in stages with up to $1 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund supporting the New Zealand Transport Agency to undertake bridge investigations, design and planning.
A further $4.4m from the Infrastructure Reference Group Programme will help deliver the final section of the shared walking and cycling trail connection into Picton.
Additional funding of up to $6.6m has been ring-fenced for potential bridge construction, subject to further design work and future decisions.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/03/government-backing-whale-trail-tourism-venture/
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3. Government support for aged care facility
November 3, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will help fund a much-needed new 24-bed wing at O’Conor Home for senior citizens in Westport, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello say.
“Providing safe, fit-for-purpose facilities for our senior citizens is a marker of a compassionate and caring society. When older people need this type of specialist care, it should be near their family, friends and community,” Mr Jones says.
The $13.9 million new wing will see capacity at O’Conor Home increase from 68 to 92, providing an additional 10 places for residents requiring dementia care and 14 more hospital-level care beds. Approximately 25 new staff will be recruited to care for the extra residents.
Despite having a much higher proportion of people aged 65 and over than the national average, the West Coast has seen a reduction in specialist aged-care services over the past 10 years, with O’Conor Home the only provider in the Buller district.
“Increasing access to this type of specialist residential care on the West Coast will reduce pressure on the wider health system, particularly hospital services,” Ms Costello says.
“It will also see fewer older people having to go to aged care facilities outside the region. This initiative aligns with our wider aged care reforms which will give people better access to the services they need.”
The O’Conor Institute Trust Board which owns and operates O’Conor Home has also received funding for the project from Health New Zealand, Development West Coast and the wider Buller community.
The RIF loan of $2.1m will ensure the construction-ready project goes ahead as soon as possible, with detailed design and consent work already completed, and it has an anticipated completion date of August 2028.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/03/government-support-for-aged-care-facility/
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4. Regional radio strengthened for emergencies
November 3, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is investing in the resilience of independent radio broadcasters to help ensure regional communities can access vital emergency information when electricity, internet or telecommunications services are disrupted.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell today announced a $300,000 grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to support the Regional Emergency Broadcasting programme.
“Regional radio stations play a vital role in keeping communities informed, particularly when other communication channels fail,” Mr Jones says.
“This RIF investment will strengthen critical communications infrastructure and help ensure New Zealanders can continue to access important information when they need it most.”
The funding will support the installation of back-up generators and associated infrastructure at 10 independently owned regional radio stations throughout the country.
Mr Mitchell says having reliable communication in regional areas is essential during emergencies, and the Regional Emergency Broadcasting programme complements Radio New Zealand’s role as the nationwide emergency radio station network.
“When events disrupt power and telecommunications networks, radio can be one of the most dependable ways for people to receive warnings and updates,” Mr Mitchell says.
“This investment will help communities remain connected to their trusted sources of information during emergencies, supporting response and recovery efforts and improving public safety.”
The work will be co-ordinated by the Independent Media Association in partnership with participating regional broadcasters. The funding will support back-up generation capability, electrical works, fuel storage, site preparation, testing and commissioning. A further $20,000 of co-funding will support project delivery.
Editors’ note
The 10 participating stations are:
Coromandel FM
1XX (Eastern Bay of Plenty)
Lake FM (Taupō)
Peak FM (Ruapehu District)
Central FM (Central Hawke’s Bay)
Beach FM 106.3 (Kapiti Coast)
Compass FM (North Canterbury)
Coast FM (West Coast)
South Canterbury 100.3
Radio Central (Central Otago)
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/03/regional-radio-strengthened-for-emergencies/
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5. Government backing iwi-led geothermal potential
November 3, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Funding for two iwi-led geothermal projects near Rotorua will help build the knowledge needed to better understand the Bay of Plenty’s geothermal potential, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund will provide a $3.82 million loan towards the $5.53m Ngāti Rangiteaorere geothermal exploration programme in the Tikitere-Ruahine geothermal field, northeast of Rotorua.
A $3m grant will support research into the Waimangu geothermal system, the world’s youngest, formed by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption.
“Rotorua has deep geothermal knowledge and capability, and geothermal is already an important part of the Bay of Plenty economy. But there is still much to learn about the region’s geothermal potential and the opportunities it could enable,” Mr Jones says.
“This early-stage work will build that understanding, while supporting Māori land-owner led stewardship and creating opportunities for specialist contractors, skills development and employment during delivery.”
The Ngāti Rangiteaorere geothermal exploration project, led by a subsidiary of the Ngāti Rangiteaorere Koromatua Council, will explore and test the geothermal resource on Ngāti Rangiteaorere land, building a clearer picture of its characteristics and potential future uses.
The Waimangu programme, led by the Ngāti Rangitihi and Tūhourangi Tribal Authority, will undertake research drilling and monitoring to improve understanding of the protected geothermal system, while safeguarding its significant environmental, cultural and tourism values and generating wider public-good knowledge.
“The Government’s From the Ground Up geothermal strategy recognises that high upfront costs, uncertainty and gaps in geothermal knowledge can be barriers to exploration and research. It sets a clear direction for building science and technical capability, strengthening regional economies and supporting iwi and hapū aspirations for geothermal resources,” Mr Jones says.
“These projects put the strategy into action by building knowledge of important geothermal systems, supporting iwi-led stewardship and providing a stronger evidence base for future decisions.”
Any future development leading from the projects would depend on the results of the research and exploration, further funding and investment, regulatory and consenting requirements, and appropriate protection of environmental and cultural values.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/03/government-backing-iwi-led-geothermal-potential/
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6. Health – Failed coalition policy takes toll on care for newborn babies – NZNO
November 3, 2026
Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation
The failure of NZ First and the National Party to deliver on their policy to “ensure Plunket is funded to do their job properly” is stopping newborn babies and their mums getting the care they deserve, a new survey has found.
The survey of 278 New Zealand Nurses Organisation members found Plunket nurses are so stretched 36% don’t have time to help with breastfeeding and a further 40% don’t have time to provide support for postnatal depression.
It comes as documents released under the Official Information Act show that despite the NZ First and National policy (page 8), there was no budget bid from Ministers to achieve this and the iconic New Zealand institution has received funding under the level of inflation this Parliamentary term.
NZNO delegate and Plunket community Karitane worker Dana Struthers says the survey revealed underfunding has created excessive workloads with one-third of Plunket nurses supporting seven or more tamariki a day. Such pressure has resulted in 60% of Plunket workers thinking about leaving their jobs in the past six months.
“Plunket workers say they are so busy rushing between appointments, some only have time to ‘weigh, measure and get out the door’.
“Plunket is so much more than that. We are often the only health workers to go into homes after a new baby. We need to have enough time with whānau to discuss important issues such as safe sleeping, maternal mental health and family violence,” Dana Struthers says.
Other survey findings include that 73% believe understaffing has increased their stress levels and 58% don’t believe Plunket staffing levels are adequate to meet the needs of the communities they support. Concerningly, 40% say they don’t have enough time to reassure anxious and concerned new parents and 31% don’t have enough time to screen for family violence or safety concerns.
“Underfunding Plunket means the whānau we support don’t get the level of care they deserve,” Dana Struthers says.
NZ First Associate Health Minister Casey Costello told RNZ in September that funding for Plunket was “in line with the coalition agreement” and had increased by 17.5% since the Coalition Government took office.
However, Te Whatu Ora has now said there was an error in the figures provided by Casey Costello and the increase over the term of the Coalition Government was 9.85%.
NZNO delegate and Plunket nurse Angela Meikle says the Minister has some explaining to do to Plunket workers and the whānau they care for.
“The Minister is being disingenuous at best. Inflation over the same period was 10.10%. This means there has been no funding increase for Plunket in real terms. Far from funding us properly, the Government is merely managing the decline of our services.
“To add insult to injury, NZ First Leader Winston Peters hasn’t responded to a letter from 480 of Plunket workers sent in August urging him to keep his promise,” Angela Meikle says.
NZNO chief executive Paul Goulter says the Nurses Organisation has “significant concerns” about incorrect information on Plunket funding provided to media by the office of Casey Costello.
“NZNO calls on Minister Costello to explain how this mistake with official data was made. She also needs to reassure the public there was no deliberate effort by her office to inflate the figures so she can claim the Government has fulfilled their coalition agreement policy to “properly” fund Plunket,” Paul Goulter says.
Attachments:
- Whānau Āwhina Plunket Kaimahi Survey report
- Whānau Āwhina Plunket workers’ letter to NZ First Winston Peters
- Plunket Funding 2023-2026 one-page summary (OIA response letter and documents available on request)
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7. ASB: Could the youth vote be Election 2026’s most important factor?
November 3, 2026
Source: ASB Bank
Young Kiwi could play a pivotal role in a close election, with ASB economists identifying youth turnout as a key variable for this election.
ASB’s special election note released today identifies five important themes shaping the economic backdrop to the election, spanning the cost of living, youth turnout, a more fragmented political landscape, fiscal pressures, and infrastructure investment.
Young people have a lot at stake, but the question will be whether they turn up to vote. Enrolment is now closed and same day enrolment is not available this election. Latest enrolment data shows youth enrolment is down around 2%. However, a significant surge in enrolments earlier in the year suggests young people are paying attention to the election and its outcome.
Youth have plenty of reasons to be paying attention. The labour market has softened considerably, youth unemployment is at a multi-decade high, and younger New Zealanders are also navigating the cost of living.
“Historically, younger people are less likely to enrol and less likely to vote, so the question now is whether that apparent interest translates into turnout. In a close election, whether younger Kiwi make it to the ballot box could be influential,” says ASB Economist Wesley Tanuvasa.
The youth turnout question sits within a much broader economic backdrop facing New Zealand, with the cost of living still front of mind for voters.
ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith says “New Zealanders have come through a difficult few years, and for many households the pressure hasn’t disappeared. The challenge is that some of New Zealand’s longer-term economic pressures aren’t going away either.”
“We need to rebuild our fiscal buffers, invest substantially in infrastructure, and prepare for the growing costs of an ageing population. It’s a balancing act of what New Zealand needs today and the decisions that will put us in a stronger position tomorrow,” says Mark.
Rates, fuel, energy, and food costs have generally risen faster than incomes through the post-COVID period, while surveys cite inflation and the cost of living as a top concern. At the same time, ASB economists point to a more fragmented political landscape, which could produce a wider range of potential fiscal outcomes.
The next Government will also inherit significant fiscal and infrastructure challenges. Core Crown debt has risen from below 6% of GDP in 2007 to more than 40% today, while ASB estimates New Zealand faces an infrastructure deficit of around $200 billion and around $1 trillion of infrastructure investment requirements over the next 30 years.
“We need to invest in infrastructure that can support productivity and resilience. But we also need to be realistic about how much the economy can absorb at once,” says Mark.
“Trying to do everything immediately risks running into capacity constraints and putting more pressure on inflation.”
And some of the biggest pressures extend well beyond the next electoral cycle. By 2065, New Zealand is projected to have just two people aged 15–64 for every person aged over 65, down from seven in the 1960s.
Mark says that “elections naturally focus attention on the next few years, but some of our biggest economic challenges are decades in the making.”
“There aren’t any easy answers. But the next Government has an opportunity to get ahead of some of these pressures, rather than leave future governments with even tougher choices.”
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8. Same inflation, different choices: Australia protected jobs while Luxon’s Government cut them NZCTU
November 3, 2026
Source: NZCTU
Australia and New Zealand faced the same global inflation shock, but only New Zealand workers have been made to pay for it with their jobs, a new report from the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) shows.
The report finds the two countries have had very similar inflation outcomes over the past five years. What differed was how their governments responded. Australian policymakers chose to protect the post-pandemic gains in employment, while New Zealand aggressively pursued lower inflation at a major cost to working people.
“Across the Ditch, unemployment is a full percentage point lower, employment has kept growing through the entire post-pandemic period, and full-time employment has expanded significantly. In New Zealand, job numbers have fallen steeply and unemployment and underutilisation have skyrocketed,” says Sandra Grey, New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi President.
“While Australia has added thousands of full-time jobs, New Zealand has lost thousands under Luxon’s Government. It’s no wonder so many young Kiwis have moved across the Tasman in recent years,” says Grey.
“The unemployment rate in New Zealand rose higher than ours and working people in New Zealand saw the largest fall in real wages in the OECD and found it increasingly difficult to find a job. This difference is because of different monetary, fiscal, and employment policy choices”, says Melissa Donnelly ACTU Secretary.
The report sets out how the two countries took very different monetary, fiscal, and employment policy approaches through the inflationary period, and how those choices led to very different labour market outcomes.
“Luxon’s Government slashed public services, cut public spending, and cancelled major infrastructure projects. The Australian Government did the opposite and backed the labour market by investing more in public services. Luxon’s Government helped drive New Zealand into recession in 2024, while Australia’s public investment helped it avoid one,” says Grey.
The report also contrasts the two countries’ employment relations policies.
“Luxon’s Government repealed the Fair Pay Agreements Act, while Australia’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay reforms have strengthened workplace protections and supported real wages through the inflationary period. In a time of rising interest rates, Luxon’s Government made life much harder for working people by pulling back public investment and stripping away employment protections. Australia’s approach shows a better way is possible,” says Grey.
“Both countries saw unemployment fall to decades-long lows in 2022, but only Australia has held on to those gains. Luxon’s Government made the wrong choices, and working people have paid the price,” says Grey.
“Inflation has gone up again in both countries because of rising fuel and energy prices from the US-led attack on Iran. The only real difference now is that, because of policy choices, New Zealand has been left with higher unemployment and worse real wage outcomes,” says Donnelly.
“Luxon has justified his Government’s choices as necessary to bring down inflation, but the Australian experience shows that isn’t true. When inflation is driven by international factors, the Government needs to support workers, not make their lives harder by tanking the job market,” says Grey.
“Luxon’s Government hasn’t delivered better inflation outcomes than Australia. All it has managed to do is destroy jobs and livelihoods and drive tens of thousands of Kiwis offshore. Vote for change this week. Don’t risk 6 years of Luxon,” says Grey.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/03/same-inflation-different-choices-australia-protected-jobs-while-luxons-government-cut-them-nzctu/
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9. Govt nurturing New Zealand’s seed supply chain
November 3, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Hawke’s Bay’s arable sector is set to benefit from a $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund loan for a new grower-led seed cleaning, processing and storage facility in Central Hawke’s Bay, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says.
“Currently, much of the seed grown in Hawke’s Bay that requires specialist cleaning and processing is sent outside the region, including to as far away as Canterbury, before it can be sold domestically or exported. This adds cost, creates inefficiencies, and reduces returns for local growers” Mr Patterson says.
Previous government investment in 2023 supported development of a seed-drying facility, with the aim of creating high-value cropping opportunities in the region.
“This new investment builds on that foundation by bringing the full seed value chain together in one location, from drying and cleaning through to processing and storage.
“It reduces the need to transport seed outside the region for processing, meaning growers can retain more value locally while improving efficiency and resilience across the sector.
“The project positions Hawke’s Bay as a key hub for high-value seed production and will help support future growth in the sector.”
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has been working with local seed growers to bring the project to fruition and has coordinated efforts on the RIF application.
The facility will provide processing infrastructure for growers and seed companies across Hawke’s Bay and the wider lower North Island, increasing processing capacity outside Canterbury and strengthening domestic supply chains.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) funding will be provided as a loan, alongside $750,000 of grower and industry co-funding.
“This investment is about backing Hawke’s Bay growers with the infrastructure they need to expand production, increase exports and create long-term opportunities for the region,” Mr Patterson says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/03/govt-nurturing-new-zealands-seed-supply-chain/
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10. Woodfibre LNG Project to Generate $13.6 Billion in Economic Output and $11.6 Billion in Government Revenue
November 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
New economic impact study highlights significant contributions to Canada’s economy, job creation and long-term growth in British Columbia
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2026 – The Woodfibre LNG Project is delivering substantial economic benefits to Canada and British Columbia, with construction activities expected to contribute nearly $13.6 billion in economic output to the Canadian economy and generate an estimated $11.6 billion in government revenue over the project’s construction and planned 40-year operating period.
According to a new economic impact study conducted by Canadian strategy and research firm Deetken Insight, the investment in the Woodfibre LNG facility and FortisBC’s Eagle Mountain Pipeline is expected to generate significant economic activity across the country, supporting businesses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to government revenues.
The study estimates that construction activities will contribute nearly $7 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generate approximately $3.6 billion in labour income and support more than 52,000 modelled employment-years, representing over 15,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The project and associated pipeline activities are also projected to generate approximately $11.6 billion in government revenue over the construction and 40-year operating period. This includes an estimated $6.8 billion for British Columbia and approximately $485 million in municipal property taxes.
These revenues are expected to come from various sources, including resource royalties, income taxes, carbon tax, property tax, motor fuel tax and provincial sales tax.
Luke Schauerte, President and CEO of Woodfibre LNG, said: “Woodfibre LNG has yet to produce its first shipment of LNG, but the project is already delivering significant economic benefits to British Columbia and Canada. We’re generating jobs, supporting businesses, creating opportunities for First Nations and contributing to economic growth in communities across the province and country today. These benefits are already being realised, and they represent just the beginning of the economic contribution Woodfibre LNG will make over the next 40 years.”
Beyond its direct economic contributions, Woodfibre LNG, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, has invested $50 million in the cleanup and remediation of the former Woodfibre pulp mill site, transforming a previously contaminated industrial brownfield into the site of a major new energy infrastructure project.
The company has also supported local communities through its Community Partnership Programme and other initiatives. These include a contribution of nearly $1 million towards the purchase of a new CT scanner for Squamish General Hospital, helping strengthen local healthcare services.
While these community investments and philanthropic contributions were not included in the economic impact study, they form an important part of Woodfibre LNG’s broader commitment to delivering lasting benefits to the region throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Schauerte added: “Economic growth is most meaningful when communities can see and experience its impact. At Woodfibre LNG, that means creating employment, providing opportunities for local and Indigenous businesses, supporting community organisations and investing in the restoration of the site. We are committed to being a responsible long-term partner to the Squamish community and contributing positively to the region for decades to come.”
The Woodfibre LNG Project is currently approximately 75 per cent complete, with construction expected to be completed in mid-to-late 2027. Once operational, the facility will have the capacity to produce approximately 2.1 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually for export. It is also expected to become the world’s first net-zero LNG facility, marking an important milestone in the development of Canada’s LNG industry.
The latest economic impact findings underscore the project’s role in supporting Canada’s economic growth, strengthening British Columbia’s energy sector and creating long-term opportunities for businesses, workers and communities.
http://www.woodfibrelng.ca
Hashtag: #WoodfibreLNGProject
About Woodfibre LNG
The Woodfibre LNG Project is owned by Woodfibre LNG Limited Partnership, owned 70 per cent by Pacific Energy Corporation (Canada) Limited and 30 per cent by Enbridge Inc. The Woodfibre LNG facility is being built on the site of the former Woodfibre pulp mill site, which is located about seven kilometres southwest of Squamish, B.C. Woodfibre LNG will source its natural gas from Pacific Canbriam Energy, a Canadian company with operations in Northeastern British Columbia. Pacific Canbriam is an industry leader in sustainable natural gas production. Woodfibre LNG and Pacific Canbriam Energy are subsidiaries of Pacific Energy Corporation Limited. Woodfibre LNG is the first industrial project in Canada to recognise a non-treaty Indigenous government, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), as a full environmental regulator.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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