Date:  05 June 2026

The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) organised the managed hunt on the tops of Nelson Lakes National Park’s Matakitaki Valley. Thirty-nine keen hunters flew in by helicopter to 13 blocks across the remote tops for a week, removing 202 deer and six chamois.

NZDA’s Dave Haynes says the hunt was a win for the National Park as it keeps deer numbers managed, a win for recreational hunters who got to fly into a zone that is otherwise difficult to access, and a win for the community because of all of the meat went to a foodbank.

Some of the vension from a NZDA managed hunt which was donated to a local foodbank | Image: NZDA ©

“We were able to donate 192 kg of mince, sausages and patties to local Blenheim foodbank Crossroads, thanks to grants from the Blenheim Lions Club and Lotteries for the processing costs. The meat will make a difference for the community.”

Dave says the hunting in the area is hard yakka but it was an absolute privilege to be there.

“We were blessed with amazing weather, it was very cold at night with frozen tarns and frost on the tent, but when the sun came up you were down to a t-shirt.

“Most hunters are conservationists by nature as well. We want to see native environments thriving as being out in pristine wilderness adds immeasurably to the hunting experience.”

DOC Nelson Lakes Operations Manager John Wotherspoon says the collaboration with NZDA has been a strong one.

“It’s a great relationship, and everyone gets something they value out of it. We all want to see a healthy environment, and we can get more done by working together.

“DOC contributed to the helicopter costs and granted permission for the helicopter landings in an area where they are generally restricted, given the benefits these hunts have to conservation.

“As well as the animal control, the hunters give us lots of valuable data that really helps our understanding of the area.”

John says while recreational hunter efforts alone aren’t enough to keep on top of rising deer numbers, they make a significant contribution and have an important role to play alongside other management tools.

Dave said this was the third managed hunt NZDA had run in this area and they were hoping to do more in the future.

“It’s been great to see the community get behind us. We worked closely with Murchison Helicopters, were given grants for processing the meat, and even got supplied handheld thermal devices from Advanced Optics, which made a big difference spotting deer we might not have otherwise seen.”

Contact

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/05/managed-hunt-a-win-for-conservation-hunters-and-community/

The Green Party says this Government has nearly halved funding for food banks in Budget 2026, extending the $15 million in annual support for just one more year before cutting it to $8 million a year from 2027, at the very moment demand has never been higher.

“Food banks are the last lifeline for the people doing it the toughest, and this Government has chosen to nearly halve their funding,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. 

“Demand has never been higher. The NZ Food Network is now supporting more than half a million people every month, a 165 per cent increase since 2020. Cutting food bank funding now is cruel.” 

“This Government is fuelling unemployment and has no plan to end the cost-of-living crisis it presides over. They are cutting benefits and now they are cutting food banks. They are pulling away the last supports people rely on at the exact moment they need them most.” 

“They have found just $23,000 more for school breakfasts while more than a quarter of tamariki live in households where food runs out. That tells you everything about where this Government’s priorities sit.” 

“Food banks shouldn’t need to exist. But while they do, there is no excuse for halving their funding,” says Davidson.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/04/luxons-government-nearly-halves-food-bank-funding-as-demand-hits-record-high/

In a move that will save retailers around $40 million a year, the Commerce Commission has released a draft decision recommending the reduction of the fees businesses must pay the likes of banks to accept company cards, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer.

“When a retailer gets charged too much to accept a payment, that cost doesn’t just sit with them. It gets passed on to all of us as consumers through surcharges and higher prices at the counter,” Mr Brewer says.

“Last year the Government asked the Commission to focus on where the costs of payments lie for businesses. 

“We knew that businesses were getting charged too much, and this decision confirms that. 

The draft decision today from the Commerce Commission on company cards builds on the earlier work to twice reduce interchange fees for businesses for other card types. 

“Thanks to the work done by the Commission, businesses will be expected to save up to $290 million a year,” Mr Brewer says.

“Reducing these costs benefits consumers, as it is expected businesses will pass these savings through.”

Businesses get charged fees for all non-EFTPOS card transactions, including on company card transactions. 

“New Zealand businesses are paying around $125 million a year in interchange fees for company cards, despite these cards only making up a small share of transactions. That’s not fair, and local businesses shouldn’t be wearing the cost,” Mr Brewer says.

“These fees are close to double what they are in Australia. Capping them means fairer costs for the businesses we rely on, and less pressure pushing up the price you pay at the checkout.

“This decision reinforces that the fees retailers currently pay are well above what it actually costs to process payments.

“This is all part of the Governments plan to fix the basics, build the future and ensure Kiwis are getting a fair deal at the checkout.”

Notes for editor:     

• The Commission is now consulting on the draft decision and expects to make a final decision later this year. More information is available on the Commission’s website: Interchange fee regulation | Commerce Commission
• The fees for card payments are complex, and include costs from banks, credit card companies, and terminal providers, among others. These fees are charged through merchants, who are the single point of contact that businesses deal with (often their bank).
• Company cards, referred to above, are also known as commercial credit cards, and the Commerce Commission refers to them as such.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/04/cheaper-card-payments-for-businesses-proposed/

The Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill passed its third reading last week, delivering simpler, clearer, and more workable lending laws for New Zealanders, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer says.

“New Zealanders should be able to access affordable finance when they need it, whether they’re buying a home, renovating, upgrading a car, or managing household costs,” Mr Brewer says

“But under Labour’s CCCFA changes, lending became harder, slower, and more frustrating than it needed to be. Borrowers were put through intrusive and unnecessary checks, lenders became overly cautious, and good Kiwis were left jumping through hoops just to get a loan.

“These rules were meant to protect consumers. Instead, they created complexity, confusion, and cost.

“This Government promised to bring common sense back to lending, and today we have delivered.

“We are simplifying the rules, reducing unnecessary compliance costs, and supporting a more competitive lending market. That means better access to credit, more choice, and more affordable finance for consumers.”

Responsibility for credit regulation will transfer from the Commerce Commission to the Financial Markets Authority, bringing firms into the FMA’s licensing regime and creating a clearer, more consistent regulatory system.

“We are also removing unnecessary personal liability for senior managers and directors and making consequences for certain disclosure breaches more proportionate. Accountability remains, but the rules need to be workable and fair.”

The Government is also strengthening consumer protection through the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill, which also passed its third reading last week.

“When things go wrong, consumers need access to fair and independent dispute resolution.

“This Bill improves accountability across financial dispute resolution schemes by allowing for more consistent independent reviews and minimum requirements for scheme board members, including skills, experience, and independence from industry.

“Together, these Bills are about restoring balance.

“We are fixing the basics, reducing unnecessary red tape, and building a more competitive economy. We have turned the page on Labour’s bad CCCFA settings and delivered clearer rules, stronger competition, better access to finance, and proportionate consumer protection.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/02/workable-lending-laws-delivered/

More young New Zealanders will have the opportunity to gain practical skills and industry experience while still at school, with the Government doubling the number of trades academy places available, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Education Minister Erica Stanford say.

“This Government backs the trades. We know that for many young people, vocational education provides a direct pathway into skilled careers and lifelong opportunities,” Nicola Willis says.

“Budget 2026 invests an additional $69 million to double the number of trades academy places from 10,000 to 20,000.”

“This investment means thousands more students will be able to access hands-on learning, gain industry experience, and develop the skills and knowledge they need for apprenticeships, further training, and employment while they are still at school,” Erica Stanford says.

“It also supports our wider qualifications reforms, which are creating stronger vocational pathways for young people and ensuring they have access to meaningful, real-world learning opportunities while they are still at school.

“Alongside the expansion of trades academy places, the Government is investing a further $15 million for Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) to develop new vocational subjects as part of New Zealand’s new senior secondary qualifications.

“For the first time, vocational subjects will be fully integrated into our national qualification system and developed in partnership with industry.

“The Industry Skills Boards are working directly with employers and sectors across New Zealand to ensure the knowledge and skills being taught match what industry needs. That means students will be better prepared for apprenticeships, further study, and employment.

“Subjects currently being developed include Building and Construction, Outdoor Education, and Primary Industries, with additional vocational subjects under development.

“This Government rejects the idea that there is only one pathway to success.

“Our new qualifications will give vocational pathways the same status, rigour, and recognition as any other pathway, giving young people more opportunities to succeed in the pathway that is right for them.

“Doubling trades academy places to 20,000 is a clear signal that this Government backs vocational education, backs the trades, and backs young people to succeed.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/02/more-trades-academy-places-for-young-people/

New Zealand is joining partners including Australia and the European Union in placing travel bans on three extremist Israeli settlers, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.

“These travel bans are targeted at three individuals who have actively worked to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank, including through violence,” Mr Peters says. 

“The actions of these individuals threaten peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians and drive the region further into crisis.”

The three individuals receiving bans from travelling to New Zealand are: Itamar Yehuda Levi; Harel David Libi; and Eliav Libi.

“Our travel bans are not about the Israeli people, nor the Israeli Government. This action is against three individuals whose use of violence and displacement is destabilising the West Bank. We have been clear such actions are unacceptable.

“New Zealand has consistently stated that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are a violation of international law,” Mr Peters says.

“Expanding settlements, and the violence that accompanies it, undermines prospects for a two-state solution.

 “New Zealand continues to call for a two-state solution, a position shared by the overwhelming majority of the international community. 

“Only a negotiated two-state solution will secure peace, safety, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” Mr Peters says.

 New Zealand has previously placed targeted travel bans on individuals, politicians and military leaders advocating violence or undermining democracy in a range of countries, including Israel, Russia, Belarus and Myanmar.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/02/travel-bans-on-extremist-israeli-settlers/

Foreign Minister Winston Peters held talks with a range of Polynesian leaders in Samoa over the long weekend. 

“It’s been an honour to attend Samoa’s Independence Day commemorations today, and hold talks while in Apia with the leaders of Samoa, Tonga and Tokelau,” Mr Peters says. 

“While today has been one of celebration for Samoa, it’s also clear the conflict in the Middle East, and consequent fuel supply and cost issues, are having a big impact on our region.

“We discussed New Zealand’s support for the Pacific Islands region as it deals with the fuel crisis, and our coordination with partners such as Australia, the United States, the World Bank and the ADB on this matter,” Mr Peters said. 

“We’ve reiterated that New Zealand stands with our Polynesian partners at this challenging time.”        

While in Apia, Mr Peters held bilateral meetings in Apia with Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa, Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua and Ulu of Tokelau Faipule Alapati Tavite. As is traditional when visiting Samoa, Mr Peters also called on the Leader of the Opposition Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi.

As well as cost of living, the future of Moana Pasifika was a topic of discussion during Mr Peters’ visit to Samoa. 

 “Rugby is a huge part of New Zealand and Polynesian culture – and Moana Pasifika’s future is important to the governments and people of Samoa and Tonga, as well as to New Zealand’s Pacific communities and rugby fans,” Mr Peters says. 

“It would be a seriously regrettable if Moana Pasifika were unable to take part in future Super Rugby seasons and we want to make sure every option is explored to try to find a sound business proposition and sustainable economic footing for the team.   

“We indicated to Prime Ministers La’aulialemalietoa and Lord Fakafanua that New Zealand shares Samoa and Tonga’s aspiration that Moana Pasifika can continue to play in future seasons. 

“Accordingly, we have instructed our officials to engage with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders with urgency to explore all possible options for a financially sustainable future for Moana Pasifika.”   

Mr Peters returns to New Zealand later today.             

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/01/talks-on-polynesian-priorities-in-samoa/

The first of two shipments of New Zealand’s diesel reserve is now on its way to New Zealand, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.

The fuel was loaded on 31 May and is now en route to Marsden Point in Northland, where it is expected to arrive mid-June (16-18 June). The second shipment is expected to arrive in early July. 

Channel Infrastructure is continuing work to refurbish two former crude oil tanks at Marsden Point to create around 93 million litres of capacity for the diesel. The tanks will be ready to receive the fuel when the first shipment arrives.

Together, the two shipments represent around nine days’ of typical diesel consumption for the country.

The additional supply will not count towards the fuel companies’ minimum stockholding obligations, and will be controlled by the Government.

Nicola Willis says the reserve will strengthen New Zealand’s fuel security and resilience.

“Diesel is critical to keeping New Zealand moving. It powers freight, agriculture, construction and many of the services New Zealanders rely on every day.

“Having additional diesel available in New Zealand provides greater resilience and gives New Zealanders confidence that we are better prepared for potential supply disruptions,” Nicola Willis says.

“The Crown and Z Energy agreed that the company will own and manage the reserve stocks. How and when the reserve is used will be decided by ministers,” Shane Jones says.

The refurbishment of the tanks at Marsden Point is being paid for by up to $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/01/first-shipment-of-extra-diesel-reserve-bound-for-nz/

Brent Impey has been appointed the new chair of Radio New Zealand, alongside Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca as new governors, Minister for Media and Communications says.

“Mr Impey’s elevation to chair provides critical continuity for RNZ’s governance and leadership. His decisive and transparent leadership style, deep media sector experience and commitment to journalistic independence will be valuable in guiding RNZ into the future.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to Dr Jim Mather who has served three terms on the board, and outgoing Governors Jane Wrightson and Irene Gardiner, for their significant contributions to RNZ during their tenure. I wish them all the best. 

“I welcome the new Governors Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca. They have a strong mix of governance and executive experience, including expertise in financial oversight, digital transformation and stakeholder engagement. Their collective skills will support RNZ in navigating the evolving media landscape.

“These appointments will bolster the Board for the next three years, supporting RNZ to be a financially sustainable and trusted state broadcaster.”

Brent Impey has been a RNZ Board Governor since 1 September 2024. His extensive career in the media sector includes board roles at the Television Broadcasters Council, Advertising Standards Authority and Radio Broadcasters Association. 

Paula Browningis an accomplished executive and director with digital technology expertise.  She is currently the part-time Executive Director of WeCreate Inc, an alliance of creative industries, and serves as Deputy Chair of the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board. 

Mr Dellabarca is a seasoned governance professional and executive leader with expertise in financial management. As a Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Laws degree, he brings a strong foundation in both finance and legal disciplines.  He is currently the Chair of Epic Char and a director on the Drive Electric Board.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/29/brent-impey-appointed-chair-of-rnz/

Mr Speaker, the Greens want every New Zealander to feel proud of our country. 

Not just for our history; for granting women the vote, standing against the United States for a nuclear free Pacific and splitting the atom. 

We want New Zealanders to feel proud of the country they live in today. 

We want New Zealanders to be able to swim in their rivers.  

To be able to grow food in healthy soil.  

To catch abundant fish from the ocean to feed their families.  

To be able to afford their groceries.  

To be housed. To heat their homes.  

To have the right to a good education and secure job.  

To innovate. To create. To have fun. 

We want New Zealanders to be happy, healthy and safe. Unified. 

But this Government is telling us “computer says no”. 

Today, they have released a Budget that tells us that they have no hope, no plan, no ambition and no vision for our country.  

Unless, of course, that hope, plan, ambition and vision is just what we see here: allowing corporations to profit handsomely off the misery of regular New Zealanders. Subsidising and supporting the very fossil fuels that Treasury’s BEFU tells us are the major vulnerability in our economy. 

This isn’t a cost-of-living crisis. It is a cost of greed crisis. 

Christopher Luxon, Nicola Willis, aren’t you sick of pretending? 

Pretending that there is no money? 

‘Cause the National Party can find money when it wants to. 

And I’m not just talking about their rich-lister donations. 

In the past two years, they’ve found billions in their budgets in tax cuts for landlords, tobacco companies and the wealthy and sorted. 

There’s been billions for fossil fuel production. 

Billions and billions to meet Trump’s request to spend up large on new military equipment. 

So they’ve taken billions and billions from the poorest New Zealanders, cutting access for the homeless to emergency housing and cutting access to benefits while thousands of New Zealanders are being pushed out of their jobs by this same Government to the highest number since 1994 – the year that I was born.  

And the books today show us that unemployment will in fact be higher in the next few years as a result of the decisions that this Government was just clapping for than were forecast in December. That means another 6,500 New Zealanders will lose their jobs thanks to the decisions of Christopher Luxon.  

These books also show us that Christopher Luxon’s ‘responsible fiscal management’ has resulted in further downward revisions of GDP growth forecasts. Treasury today has also warned that his obsession with fossil fuels will raise costs for households and businesses, which can slow spending, investment, and the very growth that they love to grow about, ultimately reshaping the economy’s structure, and lowering our output and economic performance.  

It’s dressed up in a heck of a lot of fancy language, but today the Government is effectively choosing where our collective resources go, and who gets to be in charge. Who really gets to make decisions. 

And this week, Christopher Luxon has shown us – albeit kicking and screaming – into broad daylight, who he sees as his job to serve. 

We have seen laws stripping people’s right to hold big polluters accountable, originally drafted by the country’s largest climate polluters – Fonterra and Z Energy – were introduced by this Government with glee.  

The Greens have exposed that the Government is taking on one and a half billion dollars more in debt to try and quietly cover the tracks of their failed climate policies. 

This is why it’s so important to understand that every time this Government makes decisions to push more of our country’s wealth up to those at the top, they are also damaging our democracy.  

Fewer and fewer people get more and more money and more and more influence, while more and more people are left with scraps they’re told to fight over – and told, don’t look up. 

Let’s run through some important facts. 

Because despite this Government’s best efforts to starve our economy, New Zealanders are slugging away and working hard, and we’ve been lucky with global commodity prices, so our economy is growing in size. 

But more and more people are getting poorer and poorer. 

And the Government is cutting away investment in our basic, collectively owned and operated public services.  

So: our economy is growing, but regular people are getting poorer, and our Government is shrinking, while taking on more debt. 

So, where is New Zealanders’ money going? 

Well, last year, the 100 odd households on the NBR’s rich list increased their wealth by almost 8 billion dollars. In just one year. 

Supermarkets are making $1m a day in excess profit. Power companies’ net profits were $557 million in the second half of last year. Banks raked in profits of almost $7b in 2025. That’s $1,248 in profit for Australian banks for every single New Zealander. 

Our economy is worth $445 billion dollars. It’s bigger than it’s ever been. 

But our hospitals and schools and our nurses and our doctors and our teachers who staff them are struggling. Our firefighters are striking twice a week because the fire trucks meant to save lives are falling apart. 

Our public services don’t fail overnight. When we don’t invest properly in them, those services get slower, more stretched and further away for every year that passes. 

There is a word for that. Austerity. It’s how you break a country in slow motion. 

Luxon’s Government has boasted about new money for health and education. But once you count inflation, a growing and ageing population, and what it really costs to deliver these things, much of that ‘record investment’ is a cut in everything but name. 

This Government will do anything in order to avoid taxing the mega-rich. 

They’ll take school kids’ lunch money. They’ve made real terms cuts to our schools and our early childhood education – meaning higher fees for parents. They’ve cut $300,000 from programmes that help New Zealanders with energy hardship, when record numbers are struggling to pay their power bill.  They’ve raided millions of dollars from food banks, and taken away almost $700m from public housing tenants.  

I guess just some of us are entitled to our entitlements.  

Their decisions will close down sexual violence prevention services.  

Christopher Luxon promises growth means more money in our economy. And he is right about that. 

What he’s not being straight up about is how he knows that growth is not shared. 

He knows that under his economic rules, that wealth goes straight to the top. 

But maybe I’m being too generous. 

Maybe he truly still believes in trickle down economics, like some believe in the tooth fairy. 

Maybe he believes his own shtick about ‘hard choices’ as he entrenches an economy that’s been designated as a speculator’s tax haven by Australians. 

The same Australians from the same Australia where higher tax rates on those who can afford to pay mean there’s more Government revenue to invest in better public services and infrastructure. The same Australia that this Government is sending so many of our best and brightest to, because under this Government, New Zealanders are having a really hard time imagining a better tomorrow here at home. 

I know politics is hard. I know that changing your mind and doing something differently in this environment opens you up to all kinds of attacks that you’re u-turning, or backtracking, or whatever we want to call it. 

But I would like to think, if I was privileged enough to be sitting in those seats over there making the decisions about where our country’s collective resources are used, if I had spent two years making decisions that were hurting regular people, I would like to think that I would pause and re-evaluate. 

That I would listen. To the chanting of our emergency service workers on strike for the longest industrial action in a generation. To the cries of babies this Government knows are being born into unnecessary, entirely preventable poverty. To the New Zealanders down at the RSA who just want some leaders with a spine. 

Instead, this Government ploughs ahead with their economic doom loop. 

They’ve decided to mercilessly cut back on spending without any idea of how the market they worship would fill the gap. That shocked business confidence they said they cared about and private sector investment also contracted by 2%. 

They cancelled thousands of new state house builds, and hundreds of infrastructure projects, which meant the loss of 15,000 construction sector jobs.  

Each job lost isn’t just devastating for that person or just for their family. It’s devastating to their local community, and their local economy, and the small businesses where they bought a morning coffee, or went on a date, or did their home renos through. 

And what’s the Government’s response to the doom loop of their own creation? 

It’s not to stop and think, maybe this thing isn’t working. 

Because maybe, instead of a plan, they’re running on instinct. A well-documented, well-exercised National Party instinct to hand over our collective wealth and control to a few people at the top. 

Former National Governments sold off state housing, which now means we hand out billions to line the pockets of private landlords. 

Former National Governments sold off our state-owned power companies, despite an overwhelming referendum in opposition, and now we all pay for an energy system driven by profit at the expense of innovation and renewable generation. 

Former National Governments shut down and amalgamated Ministries and Departments, closing factories and putting a wrecking ball through the regions. 

This National Government is no different. 

New Zealanders deserve so much better. 

And the Greens have consistently shown that better is possible. 

If we dared to tax multi-multi-millionaires and billionaires so they contributed fairly to the country that helped them build that wealth, we wouldn’t have to rely on charity to get new ambulances on the road. 

We could use this big old economy democratically, to achieve the things that no one of us could achieve alone. Very few people have the individual wealth to build a hospital or refurbish old classrooms, but together, we have more wealth than we’ve ever had. 

We can create jobs. We can build the things we need. We can protect the natural environment we rely on for life on earth as we know it. Or are we going to keep pretending that megalomaniac billionaires are going to solve our problems? 

I actually agreed with the Prime Minister when two months ago, as the fossil fuel crisis was just hitting, he boldly said that hope is not a plan. 

However, at exactly that same time, his Minister of Energy was quietly cancelling the long-awaited Energy Plan.  

The fossil fuel crisis has put a spotlight on the ticking time bomb sitting at the centre of our economy. 

And while Luxon’s Government seems intent on finding new ways to lace this timebomb into the fabric of everything we do. The Government hopes and prays for new fossil fuel shipments, and every time one is confirmed, they hope to restart the countdown timer. 

But if the counter gets to zero, our entire country, our entire economy, grinds to a halt. 

It’s not sensible to spend all of our resources fixated on feeding the beast in hopes to just reset the clock. 

We need to defuse the time bomb. 

The next step is rewiring our economy and country around something that will not blow up in our faces. 

We don’t get affordable, secure energy from expensive fuels that need to be hauled in from the other side of the planet. 

We get it when we tap into the abundant water, wind and sun and the geothermal activity beneath our feet. We get it when we electrify everything. 

That’s what it means to build resilience. 

It’s what it means to insulate ourselves against imported inflation. 

It’s what it means to build our country. 

But it’s not just nation building. It’s common sense. 

It’s taking control over the things that we have control over. 

But this Government is giving up control. 

Not to regular New Zealanders –  

But to corporations, off-shore shareholders and the fewer and fewer people who are getting more and more of our resources. 

Funnily enough, if our country were actually the business Christopher Luxon seems to think it is, it would also be a failing business. 

In business, you don’t succeed by firing all of your staff, cutting off your sources of revenue and then begging rich out-of-towners to maybe pop over because they can avoid paying tax, closing your eyes to the crumbling infrastructure. 

If things aren’t going right, you get a new business plan. You find a new strategy. 

But a country is not a company, and a Prime Minister is not a CEO. 

Prime Minister, I’ve spent two years inviting you to come and walk the streets of Auckland Central, to meet the people, including the children, who your policies have made homeless. 

I invite you to go and stand in the middle of Bendigo in Central Otago, and tell New Zealanders with a straight face that you want to poison the local waterways and churn our pristine biodiversity into a mine to make a quick buck for an Australian mining company. 

I invite you to come sit with me with regular people at Mt Smart during a Warriors game, to meet the couple from Hamilton who sit next to me, who drive up every other week for the game, who tell me your Government has been a wrecking ball for small business because you’ve sucked all of the money out of customers’ pockets. 

Prime Minister, I invite you to go outside. 

To touch grass. 

To breathe the air. 

To look at New Zealanders you’re supposed to serve in the eye. 

Those things are real. Those things matter. 

And when your made-up economic rulebook is destroying those very real things, those silly rules have got to change. 

Mr Speaker, here’s the hardest truth. And it’s not for the theatre that is this place. It’s for the New Zealanders beyond these walls. 

No one is coming to save us. 

New Zealanders are going to have to do this ourselves. 

And on November 7th, New Zealanders can resign this Government to the history books. 

But we are not going to spontaneously end up with a government that is willing to take on the well-resourced lobbyists in the country, and to work actively in the interests of regular people. 

So we are going to need a new kind of coalition. 

I’m not talking about the boring, circular talk-back talk of which politician will negotiate with which. 

I’m talking about New Zealanders coming together with a common, intentional idea of who we are as a country, and where all of us want to go. 

Because when everything feels complicated and chaotic, I believe we can agree on some basic things. 

Every New Zealander is entitled to a safe home. A good education. Affordable food. A secure job. Reliable transport. Renewable energy. 

These are the non-negotiables that every New Zealander is entitled to. And they can be the building blocks to help us rebuild our country for all of us. 

These are the things that we should fight for not just for ourselves, not just for the people we know and love, but even for the people we don’t know, and even the people we don’t like. 

To anyone and everyone listening, I’m asking you not just to believe in the Greens. I’m asking New Zealanders to believe in themselves, to believe in each other, and to believe in the country we can build if we are willing to work together to make it a reality. 

And I’m asking NZers not just to believe. I’m asking you to act. 

Because if New Zealanders are feeling powerless right now, it’s kind of by intent. That is exactly the strategy and the plan of this Government. To have regular people switch off so that power and wealth get concentrated in fewer and fewer hands. But I promise New Zealanders, they will find their power when they go out there and they talk to other New Zealanders about these basic things we have in common that we are willing to fight for, for each other. 

New Zealanders can do more than vote this election. They can join the campaign to rebuild this country.  

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/chloe-swarbrick-budget-speech-2026/

The Green Party says Budget 2026 leaves New Zealanders fending for themselves with no vision or plan for the country.

“Everyday, New Zealanders feel the reality that Luxon’s Government has no hope, no plan, no ambition and no vision for our country. Today’s Budget is yet more proof,” says Green Party Co-leader and finance spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick.

“The entire Budget Economic and Fiscal Update is a stark warning for hooking our economy up to more fossil fuel vulnerability, and reads like an ad for renewable energy generation. Yet, Luxon’s Government keeps on digging that hole and growing our vulnerability at the cost of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.”

“As homelessness was today recorded to reach its highest level ever after years of cuts in housing support from Willis, the Government’s housing strategy is clearly prison, where they’re today chucking half a billion dollars to increase capacity for prisoners.”

“Instead of asking the corporations raking in immense profits to pay their fair share as the cost of living soars for New Zealanders, Luxon’s Government has decided to entrench the cost of greed crisis,” says Swarbrick.

Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson says the people who can least afford it are the ones being asked to pay in this Budget.

“This Budget shows it’s students, renters, social housing tenants, whānau on low incomes and families already stretched thin, who did nothing to cause this Government’s economic mess, are the ones being told to wear it,” says Davidson.

“The Government could be doing so much more to bring down household bills and has decided not to in this Budget. Instead, they’ve spent every last dollar on more warships, drones and prison cells.”

“Life can be easier than this, because there is more for all of us when we decide to look after each other. That is the Aotearoa we are fighting for, and on 7 November people get to choose it,” says Davidson.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/budget-2026-leaves-new-zealand-with-no-plan/

Government contributions to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund are forecast to total $3.1 billion over the next four years, $2.2 billion more than expected at the Half Year Update in December, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“The Government’s Super Fund contributions are set by a legislated formula and rise from $562 million next financial year to just over $1 billion in 2029/30,” Nicola Willis says.

“Updated population projections, new inflation forecasts and other changes to formula inputs mean we are continuing to make contributions over the next few years, rather than drawing down from the Fund as expected in last year’s Budget.

“One significant change is the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation lowering their assumption of long-term expected returns from 7.8 to 7.2 per cent.

“This reflects their view that, with global equity markets at historically high levels, future returns will likely be weaker compared to recent years.”

These higher contributions are included in the Treasury’s fiscal forecasts. Super Fund contributions are capital investments that add to government debt but do not count against the Budget capital allowance.

“Withdrawals from the Super Fund are now expected from 2054 onwards, to help meet the future costs of New Zealand Superannuation.

“In the meantime, Budget forecasts show the cost of New Zealand Superannuation growing rapidly as the population ages, from $24.7 billion in the current financial year to $31.2 billion in 2029/30,” Nicola Willis says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/government-super-fund-contributions-increase/

Budget 2026 steals from low-income families and slashes public services, making working people and their families worse off in a cost-of-living crisis. Nicola Willis’s final Budget is a visionless one that does nothing to help working people and their families.

“The Budget does nothing to secure New Zealand’s future. The government is pouring billions of dollars into military hardware, prisons, and roads but doing almost nothing to relieve cost-of-living pressures for those doing it hardest. The summary of initiatives is a summary of cuts”, says Sandra Grey, President of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi.

“On Treasury’s forecasts, unemployment is set to rise to 5.5%. Around 227,000 people are expected to be on Jobseekers this year. The cost-of-living crisis is going to get worse, with inflation expected to rise to at least 4%. Real wages are forecast to fall across 2026. Child poverty is increasing. Treasury’s forecasts appear very optimistic and out of line with RBNZ and the commercial banks.

“Despite this grim economic picture, the government has slashed the incomes of the most vulnerable households. $380 million taken from social housing tenants. It has reduced Temporary Additional Support by $200 million, which will hurt the very poorest New Zealanders. It has set out a cumulative real terms cut of at least 18% to public services. These cuts will impact every Kiwi.

“A report out today finds we have the highest level of homelessness in our history. Yet the social housing builds announced today won’t start until 2028/29. In the meantime, housing precarity and homelessness will continue to grow as the government reduces support for emergency accommodation.

“This government promised New Zealanders it would fix the cost-of-living crisis. Electricity and gas prices are out of control, food prices are sky-high, council rates, insurance, public transport, they’ve all become unaffordable for ordinary Kiwis. There is no meaningful answer to any of these problems in Budget 26.

“The Budget fails to invest in health and education. Early Childhood Education sees a 2.5% real terms cut in subsidies. Schools’ operational grants see a 2% real terms cut. The health system gets only enough to maintain current state – which is one of extreme stress.

“In a time of growing climate disaster, the government has once again neglected to invest in resilience. There is nothing in this Budget to support managed retreat or to support our water systems cope with extreme weather. This is the very opposite of securing our future. Vulnerable communities are being hung out to dry by this government’s lack of action.

“Lacklustre investment in health and education contrasts with a huge spend up on prisons, military hardware, and roads. $477 million in operating spending is poured into growing the prison population, while $982 million goes into the Defence Force. A total of $4.5 billion in new capital expenditure is allocated to the armed forces and to building roads we don’t need – this is almost 80% of total new capital expenditure.

“The Government is continuing to make all the wrong choices”, says Grey.

“We need to remember that in its first year, this government gave away billions of dollars in tax breaks to landlords and tobacco companies. It could still choose to reform the tax system so the wealthy pay their fair share.” “Nicola Willis’s final Budget leaves a legacy of destruction. It will make the country poorer, more divided, and more precarious for working people and their families for years to come. Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis need to urgently change course,” says Grey.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/guns-prisons-and-roads-budget-is-another-disaster-for-working-kiwis/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/budget-2026-securing-new-zealands-future/

The earlier return to surplus forecast in this year’s Budget shows the benefits of disciplined economic management and a government taking its responsibilities seriously, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“Treasury forecasts released today show the government’s books returning to surplus in 2028/29, a year earlier than previously expected. This means less borrowing, a lower debt track and a stronger fiscal position than previously forecast.

“Debt servicing costs are currently more than $9 billion a year. Reducing the country’s debt burden means more taxpayers’ money can go towards the frontline services and infrastructure New Zealanders rely on, rather than ever-growing interest costs.

“The Government is continuing to invest in health, education, law and order and other essential frontline services New Zealanders rely on, while also building the infrastructure and resilience New Zealand needs for the future. What sets this Government apart is that it is doing so within a funding envelope that is affordable and responsible, while continuing the fiscal repair needed to put New Zealand on a stronger footing.

“The $2.6 billion OBEGALx surplus forecast in 2028/29 would be the first surplus in a decade, and is a big improvement on the $900 million deficit forecast in December’s Half Year Update. 

“Treasury also expects net core Crown debt to start reducing as a percentage of GDP in 2028/29, with this turning point occurring a year earlier than previously forecast.

“This improvement in the country’s books is reflected in the government’s borrowing programme. New Zealand Debt Management has lowered its forecast issuance of government bonds by $6 billion over the next four years, the first downward revision to the bond programme since 2021. 

“That is $6 billion New Zealand will not have to borrow, and not have to pay interest on.

“Treasury’s central forecast assumes the impact of the fuel crisis will be temporary, based on market pricing. While global uncertainty remains, even Treasury’s downside scenario shows OBEGALx returning to surplus in 2028/29.

“Getting the government’s books back in order has required some tough decisions, but all Kiwis will benefit from rebuilding the fiscal buffers New Zealand relies on to withstand future challenges whether they be caused by global upheaval, natural hazards or severe weather events. 

“That resilience matters in an increasingly uncertain world.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/surplus-forecast-reduces-debt-burden/

Budget 2026 is a responsible Budget that boosts funding for essential services and invests in the infrastructure New Zealand needs for the future without breaking the bank, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“At a time when many New Zealand families and businesses are still under pressure from higher living costs and global uncertainty, this Budget takes careful steps to support New Zealanders now while strengthening the economy for the years ahead.

“It will ensure New Zealanders can look forward to more jobs, higher incomes, stronger public services and a more affordable and secure country.

“Thanks to this Government’s careful management of the public finances, New Zealand is digging its way out of the post-Covid fiscal and economic hole. Balanced books are now in sight. 

“The Budget forecasts the economy to grow by an average of 2.7 per cent over the next four years, with unemployment falling from 5.5 to 4.3 per cent and wages continuing to rise faster than inflation. The Government’s books are forecast to return to surplus in 2028/29, a year earlier than previously forecast, with debt beginning to fall sooner as a share of the economy.

“Returning to surplus and reducing debt means more of taxpayers’ money can go towards the frontline services and infrastructure New Zealanders rely on, rather than servicing ever-growing interest costs. It also means the Government is able to deliver timely, temporary and targeted support to households most affected by rising fuel prices while continuing to invest in New Zealand’s future. 

“To build this future, this Budget invests in state highways, rail, hospitals, schools, social housing, courthouses, police stations and Defence capability New Zealand will rely on for decades to come. It also invests in resilience projects to help communities stay connected and recover faster following severe weather events and other disruptions.

“These investments will improve transport connections, strengthen public services, support economic growth and back thousands of jobs across New Zealand.

“The Budget drives forward energy, planning and public service reforms to make New Zealand more affordable, more resilient and better positioned for the next generation. 

“It increases funding for health, education, and law and order, helps businesses to transition from gas to other forms of energy, funds the planning reforms needed to unlock growth and reserves, $450 million for potential future temporary and targeted responses to the fuel crisis if required. 

“This is a careful, measured Budget that continues the fiscal repair job begun three years ago while investing in the foundations of New Zealand’s future,” Nicola Willis says. 

“Budget 2026 invests in essential frontline services, critical infrastructure and the reforms needed to secure a future where New Zealanders can look forward to more opportunity, higher wages, better public services and a more affordable country for the next generation.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/a-responsible-budget-to-secure-nzs-future-2/

Budget 2026 introduces a new prudential levy on banks, non‑bank deposit takers, insurers, and other financial market participants to help cover the costs of services provided by the Reserve Bank, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“This mirrors the approach taken by the Financial Markets Authority and the Commerce Commission which fund much of their activity through levies on financial market participants. 

“It is also consistent with international practice in countries like Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. 

“This levy will ensure the cost of regulation and supervision is borne by financial market players rather than taxpayers.

“The prudential levy is estimated to recover around $209 million over the next four years. The levy will be paid to the Reserve Bank, with the revenue returned to the Government through an increased dividend. 

“In a more unstable world, it’s important we strengthen the financial system, so it keeps working for Kiwis when times get tough. 

“The Reserve Bank will commence consultation with the sector following the Budget.  Cabinet is aiming to make decisions early 2027 with a view to the levy being introduced mid-2027.”

Notes to editors: 

New Zealand’s financial services industry is large and profitable.
The revenue from the new levy will be less than 1 per cent of the total profits of the big four banks alone.
The Reserve Bank’s prudential responsibilities include:

Licensing entities to operate in New Zealand.
Developing and issuing prudential requirements imposed on regulated entities.
Monitoring the financial health of regulated entities and supervising them to ensure compliance with prudential requirements.
Taking enforcement action against entities that breach their requirements.
Crisis management and resolution of entities in financial distress.

The levy will apply to deposit takers, insurers and financial market infrastructure providers. 

Deposit Takers: There are currently 27 registered banks and 14 licensed non-bank deposit takers in New Zealand
Insurers: There are currently 81 licensed insurers in New Zealand, operating across the general, life, and health insurance markets. 
Financial Market Infrastructures (FMIs): There are currently five designated FMIs, which arrange and provide for the clearing, settlement and recording of financial transactions like payments, securities, and derivatives.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/financial-industry-to-bear-the-cost-for-regulation/

The Government has committed up to $1.075 billion to KiwiRail’s planned network investments between 2027-2030, alongside $106.9 million to continue critical metropolitan rail infrastructure renewals, Rail Minister Winston Peters and Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today.

“New Zealanders invested sweat, blood and tears to build their national rail network, but previous Governments let it rot,” Winston Peters says.

“We are putting New Zealanders’ rail assets to work once again.

“Rail infrastructure is funded like the State Highway network thanks to our law reforms when last responsible for Rail, and this is the first time a government has fully funded a three-year programme up front to put rail on the same sure footing as many other infrastructure categories.

“Rail freight covers its own costs by competing commercially and we are now seeing rail freight volumes, revenues, profits and reliability improve after a concerted effort to deliver a strategy that makes best use of national rail assets.

“KiwiRail can now use this funding allocation in Budget 2026, combined with the approximately $60 million its freight customers contribute to Track User Charges, to prepare the 2027-2030 Rail Network Investment Programme for approval by the Government.

“Rail infrastructure investment already sees 66 cents in every dollar going to maintenance and renewals, well above the 60 cent benchmark the Infrastructure Commission recommends and we expect this will increase over time, ensuring a great network condition for families and freighters.

“The Government expects value for money and cost efficiency from KiwiRail having enabled the procurement of modern plant and equipment to underpin faster and simpler rail network operations,” Winston Peters says.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the $106.9 million to continue critical renewals on the Auckland and Wellington metropolitan rail networks will help improve their reliability and resilience.

“Thousands of people rely on trains every day to get to work, school, appointments and events. They deserve services that are reliable, resilient, and able to keep pace with growth in our biggest cities,” Chris Bishop says.

“Auckland and Wellington have suffered from historic under-investment in their metro rail networks. 

“This Government’s funding builds on investment into metropolitan rail renewals in Budgets 2024 and 2025. It will help continue to address the backlog of overdue renewals, including replacing and upgrading core rail assets like track, sleepers and ballast, as well as slope remediation and formation works.

“These basic, essential projects are not glamorous but they are exactly what is needed to improve the performance of the network and give passengers a better service.

“Reliable metro rail matters. When trains run well, more people have a real choice about how they travel, pressure comes off busy urban roads, and transport networks work more efficiently.

“With the need for fiscal responsibility, the Government is focused on getting better value from every transport dollar. That means maintaining transport assets properly and ensuring we have efficient transport networks on which New Zealanders can rely.”

Notes to editors: 

Rail Network Investment Programme

• The Rail Network Investment Programme is a statutory three-year investment programme that sets out how rail infrastructure will be funded, maintained, renewed, managed and improved. It is prepared by KiwiRail and approved by the Minister of Transport in consultation with the Minister for Rail and Minister of Finance.

Metropolitan rail investment

• This investment continues to address the backlog of overdue renewals on the Auckland and Wellington metropolitan rail networks. This long-term programme (which has been running for two years so far) will improve service reliability, and network performance. 
• The types of works and resources it will fund include purchase and installation of rail products (such as rail, sleepers and ballast), slope remediation, and formation works.

Hillside

Budget 2026 returns $7 million in unspent funds from the Hillside Workshop programme, reflecting improved wagon assembly efficiency. The funding was part of a wider redevelopment of the old Hillside Workshops to rebuild the precinct and build up to 1,500 wagons. The final assembly will see 1,350 wagons assembled, reflecting demand modelling and following 1,304 wagons procured prior to the assembly programme.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/rail-infrastructure-fully-funded/

Budget 2026 introduces tax changes to strengthen New Zealand’s tax system, encourage investment and make it easier to comply with, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says.

“The Government is committed to driving the economic growth needed to create jobs, lift incomes and fund public services New Zealanders rely on,” Simon Watts says.

Research and Development

Changes to the Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) will ensure it remains well-targeted, supports innovation and operates as intended.

“Instead of making businesses wait until the end of the tax year, the RDTI is being changed to introduce in-year payments so businesses can get the tax credit sooner. This will support ongoing research activities by removing a key cash flow barrier.” 

The rules for claiming internal software expenditure are also being changed to ensure the tax credit is rewarding software development that generates wider benefits.

“We are reducing the cap on non-administrative internal software for R&D from $25 million to $3 million. This balances the trade-offs between encouraging R&D activities and ensuring the tax credit is well targeted.”

Other changes include increasing flexibility of RDTI return deadlines by giving the Commissioner of Inland Revenue the discretion to accept and amend late RDTI filings.  

The Government is also expanding the range of R&D expenditure mining businesses can claim under the RDTI.

Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) rules 

“The Government is building on progress made last year to encourage investment and make New Zealand a place where skilled people want to live and work.

“Budget 2025 introduced a new method to calculate a recent migrant’s Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) tax on unlisted shares. Budget 2026 extends this method to all New Zealand taxpayers, ensuring tax is paid only on realised gains and actual dividends.

“Budget 2026 also raises the FIF de minimis threshold for overseas investments from $50,000 to $100,000, reducing the number of small investors who are required to apply the FIF rules. 

“These changes will make it simpler and fairer for Kiwis to invest offshore, reduce surprise tax bills and decrease compliance costs.”

Fringe benefit tax

Budget 2026 simplifies fringe benefit tax (FBT) rules for private motor vehicle use by removing the requirement for detailed logbooks.

“Changes in this area will simplify the rules by taking a ‘close enough is good enough’ approach. This will significantly reduce compliance costs for businesses.

Integrity of the tax system

Budget 2026 makes several changes to maintain the integrity of the tax system.

“Six months after a company has been liquidated, or otherwise removed from the Companies Register, any outstanding loans it previously made to its shareholders will be taxed as income.

“It is unlikely such a loan will ever be repaid, so is effectively income to the former shareholder. Not taxing it is unfair to all the other New Zealanders who pay income tax and contribute to the costs of public services.

“The Government is also updating thin capitalisation settings for foreign-owned New Zealand banking groups to align with prudential requirements,” Simon Watts says.

“These changes help ensure the tax system works as intended. They protect the tax base and support a stable and predictable tax system.”

Compliance

Budget 2026 also invests a further $15 million per annum for Inland Revenue debt compliance activities. 

“The Government’s initial investment in compliance has contributed to approximately $3 billion in overdue tax being collected in the year to date. We are committed to building on that momentum because every dollar left uncollected is a dollar that cannot support our schools, hospitals, and keeping our communities safe,” Simon Watts says. 

Notes for editors:

The fiscal impacts of these initiatives are totalled below over the period 2025/26 to 2029/30. Some are funded through the Tax Policy Scorecard which is a memorandum account that allows the fiscal impacts of minor tax policy changes to be offset against one another, rather than being managed through Budget allowances.

RDTI changes (net savings of $84.6 million).
FIF rule changes (new spending of $72.5 million).
Taxing outstanding loans to shareholders (revenue of $146 million). 
Investment in Inland Revenue’s compliance activities (net revenue of $120 million).
Changes to motor vehicle fringe benefit tax rules (a cost of $0.6 million) and thin capitalisation rules for foreign-owned New Zealand banking groups (revenue of $45.2 million) are charged against the Tax Policy Scorecard.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/tax-system-being-strengthened/

New Zealand’s seniors will soon be able to use their SuperGold cards as an official form of identification, making it easier for them to access essential services.

“Budget 2026 is funding the modernisation of the SuperGold Card to give users the free option to upgrade to a version which they can use as an accepted form of primary identification,” Seniors Minister Casey Costello announced today. 

“More than 900,000 New Zealanders are aged 65 and over and many do not have legal ID such as a driver licence or passport, which can limit their ability to access things like banking and legal services.”

The upgraded card will include a photograph and enhanced security features, and meet standards required by banks and other service providers. It will be available in both physical and digital versions.

Having the photographic ID will be optional and the SuperGold Card will remain free of charge to anyone over 65.  

“This will be free, because older New Zealanders should not have to pay just to prove who they are,” Casey Costello says.

The Government will invest $36.4 million in operating funding and $6.5 million in capital funding over four years to deliver the new identification-enabled SuperGold Card and supporting systems. 

Work will now begin on detailed design and implementation, with rollout of the upgraded card expected from October 2028. Until then, SuperGold card holders who want a form of photographic ID can continue to arrange to have a photo added to their card by visiting their nearest AA office. 

“The SuperGold Card is already a trusted and valued tool for older New Zealanders,” Casey Costello says. 

“This change modernises the card and builds on what it already offers by making it easier for people to access the services they need.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/supergold-card-being-upgraded/

Communities vulnerable to severe weather and natural hazards will benefit from major new investments in Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Infrastructure and Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“The Budget invests in stronger infrastructure, better hazard information, smarter emergency management systems, and improved financial preparedness,” Nicola Willis says.

“We can’t stop severe weather events from happening, but we can be much better prepared for them.

“Budget 2026 backs practical measures to keep communities connected, protect important roads and infrastructure, improve our understanding of natural hazards, and reduce long-term costs to taxpayers.”

Chris Bishop says funding of $400 million has been set aside for state highway resilience projects to help keep critical routes open during and after severe weather events.

“We know where many of the weak points on the network are. This investment allows us to strengthen them before roads fail, rather than repeatedly paying to rebuild them afterwards.

“Projects funded through the package include resilience improvements on SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge, SH3 through the Awakino Gorge, SH25 around the Coromandel, SH60 over Tākaka Hill, SH6 between Cromwell and Kingston and between Haast and Hāwea, and SH94 between Milford and Te Anau, among others.

“These are roads that communities, freight operators and tourists rely on every day. When they close, the impacts are felt far beyond the immediate area.

“The Government is also investing in better hazard information across the country, including the development of the first New Zealand Flood Map.

“Over time, this will provide property-level flood risk information to help councils, communities, infrastructure providers and property owners better understand flood risk and make smarter long-term decisions.”

Nicola Willis says new funding will also modernise emergency management systems so emergency responders and decision-makers can access the same real-time information during emergencies, helping them respond faster and coordinate more effectively.

“That includes live information such as hazard maps, evacuation information, infrastructure outages and available emergency resources.

“The package also includes funding to investigate smarter and more cost-effective ways for the Crown to insure infrastructure risks and reduce long-term costs to taxpayers.

“That work will look at how the Government better understands risks to public infrastructure, including where insurance, resilience upgrades, or other approaches offer the best long-term value.

“Too often, governments end up paying more after disasters because risks weren’t properly understood or investments weren’t made early enough. Better planning and smarter risk management can reduce those costs over time.

“Building resilience into our infrastructure and planning systems now will help New Zealand recover faster, reduce disruption, and lower costs over the long term. That’s part of fixing the basics and building the future.”

Note to editors:

Transport resilience projects

Final scopes and delivery timelines for individual transport resilience projects will be confirmed following further investigation, design and procurement work. Proposed works may be refined as projects progress.

North Island

SH2 Waioweka Gorge resilience
Likely to include slope stabilisation, rockfall protection, drainage improvements, and targeted works at critical sites through the gorge. 
SH3 Awakino Gorge resilience programme
Expected to include slope stabilisation, improved drainage and culverts, small retaining walls, and works to reduce river erosion alongside the road corridor. 
SH26 Kirikiri Stream bridge replacement
Replacement of the existing bridge with a higher, more resilient structure, alongside raising the highway approaches and upgrading the nearby SH26/SH25A intersection. 
SH25 corridor targeted resilience
Resilience improvements at multiple high-risk sites around the Coromandel, likely including retaining works, drainage upgrades, slope stabilisation and road protection works. 

South Island

SH60 Tākaka Hill resilience
Likely to include retaining wall upgrades, landslide monitoring, and improved stormwater and groundwater management at key risk sites. 
SH6 Cromwell to Frankton resilience
Works across multiple sites including rock scaling and bolting, drainage improvements, retaining wall strengthening, localised widening, and reinforced road shoulders. 
SH6 Frankton to Kingston resilience
Proactive slope stabilisation works including rock bolting, mesh protection, soil nailing, and targeted drainage improvements. 
SH6 Haast to Hāwea resilience
Improvements across high-risk sites vulnerable to landslides, rockfall, river erosion, debris flows and road dropouts. 
SH94 Milford to Te Anau resilience
Likely to include rockfall protection, slope stabilisation, rock armouring, and culvert and drainage improvements at key sites along the corridor.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/preparing-before-disaster-strikes/

A $7 billion capital investment in Budget 2026 will strengthen the resilience of New Zealand’s infrastructure and support thousands of jobs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. 

“Thanks to the Government’s careful management of the country’s finances, new funding is able to be invested in hospitals, schools, roads, rail, defence capability, social housing and local infrastructure,” Nicola Willis says.

The Budget infrastructure package includes funding for:

a new 158-bed tower block at Whangārei Hospital
design and enabling works for redevelopments at Tauranga, Hawke’s Bay and Palmerston North regional hospitals
the redevelopment of up to 10 schools, the acquisition of land for future school sites in high growth areas such as Queenstown, and the construction of up to 232 new classrooms
the next stage of the Waikato expressway
a suite of transport resilience projects
renewing and upgrading the rail network
up to an additional 2250 social homes
new courthouses in Rotorua; and
new police stations in Greymouth and Whanganui
upgraded Defence training facilities and modern homes for defence personnel; and  
critical maintenance to extend the life of the navy’s frigates

“New Zealanders deserve public infrastructure that is safe, modern and fit for purpose. 

“They expect to be able to get to work on reliable roads and rail, send their kids to good schools, access quality healthcare, and know the country is prepared for an uncertain future,” Nicola Willis says. 

Chris Bishop says Budget 2026 invests in the infrastructure New Zealand needs. 

“It will help to build a more resilient New Zealand that is better prepared for global economic shocks, natural disasters, and population growth. 

The $7 billion of new capital spending in the Budget is offset by $1.3 billion of savings, for a net capital impact package of $5.7 billion.

“The Infrastructure Commission estimates that every billion dollars of infrastructure investment a year supports about 4500 jobs. Based on this rule of thumb, the Budget’s investments will support thousands of jobs in trades, construction and more.

“Part of the investment has been funded by making better use of the Crown’s balance sheet.  

“The planned early monetisation of the Crown’s Chorus debt is expected to free up hundreds of millions of dollars of capital which will go right back into schools, hospitals, and roads. This is a practical example of how responsible asset recycling can help us build the future and grow the economy. 

“As a small trading nation at the bottom of the world, New Zealand cannot afford to be complacent about resilience. 

“Communities deserve public infrastructure that is safe, modern and fit for purpose. These investments will support frontline services and improve resilience in regional New Zealand. 

“Budget 2026 is focused on practical investments that strengthen New Zealand’s resilience, support economic growth, and improve the everyday lives of New Zealanders,” Chris Bishop says. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/budget-delivers-7-billion-capital-investment-boost/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/28/applications-for-2-mataitai-reserves-at-banks-peninsula-canterbury/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/27/auckland-mayor-and-core-leadership-protect-aucklands-financial-stability/

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has today announced the elevation of Dallas Welch to Chair of the Remuneration Authority [the Authority], the reappointment of current member Vern Walsh for a further three-year term, and the new member appointment of Wynand du Plessis. 

The Authority consists of three members, and is an independent statutory body responsible for setting the rates of pay and allowances for key public office holders including Members of Parliament, the Judiciary and Local Authority members.

Dallas Welch has been a member of the Authority since 2021. She succeeds outgoing Chair Geoffrey Summers, whose term is concluding after serving on the Authority since 2016 and as Chair since 2022.

“Ms Welch brings deep institutional knowledge, strong leadership and judgment. Her background spans chief executive recruitment, performance management, remuneration, and the development and production of official statistics.

“Ms Welch’s technical skills and proven public service leadership make her well positioned to lead the Authority as its new Chair,” says Ms van Velden. 

Vern Walsh has been a member of the Authority since 2022 and has been reappointed for a further three-year term. 

“Mr Walsh has a deep knowledge of local government, governance and financial expertise, and provides valuable input and experience to the Authority. I am pleased he is continuing his role as member for a further term.” 

Wynand du Plessis is commencing a three-year term as a member of the Authority.

“Mr du Plessis brings over a decade of remuneration leadership experience across corporate and consulting environments. He is currently Group General Manager, Remuneration at Fletcher Building, with expertise in remuneration reviews, governance processes, and pay-setting frameworks.

“These appointments will make a significant contribution to the Authority, and I congratulate them,” says Ms van Velden.

“I would also like to thank outgoing Chair Geoffrey Summers for his leadership and commitment,” says Ms van Velden.   

Note to Editors: 

BIOs 

Ms Dallas Welch 

Ms Welch has served as a member of the Authority since 2021. She is completing her third term, which expires on 1 March 2029. 

She has nearly 40 years’ experience in the New Zealand public service. She has held various executive leadership roles within a range of public sector organisations, including the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Public Enquiry into the Earthquake Commission, the Ministry for Women, and Statistics New Zealand.

Ms Welch brings a deep knowledge of the Authority and strong leadership and judgement. Further, she has extensive experience in the public sector, including chief executive recruitment, performance management, remuneration, and in the development and production of official statistics.

Mr Wynand du Plessis

Mr du Plessis has over ten years’ experience in specialist remuneration leadership roles across both corporate and consulting environments. He is currently the Group General Manager Remuneration for Fletcher Building. Mr du Plessis’s background is predominantly in the private sector; although, in his role as Senior Manager for Ernst and Young New Zealand, he has completed substantial work with New Zealand government agencies and State-Owned Enterprises.

His previous roles include Senior Associate for Mercer Consulting, Group Head of Reward for Mr Price Group, and Committee Member of the South African Reward Association. In these roles he supported a range of public-sector organisations with remuneration reviews, governance processes, and pay setting frameworks.

Mr du Plessis brings a depth and breadth of experience in remuneration setting, and his appointment as a member would anchor the executive remuneration setting specialist role on the Authority.

Mr Vern Walsh

Mr Walsh was reappointed as a Member of the Remuneration Authority for a further three-year term commencing on 2 March 2026 and expiring on 1 March 2029. 

Vern Walsh is a former City Councillor, Community Board Chair and Licensing Trust member who has worked in the local government sector for over 30 years.

He is a Justice of the Peace and a registered financial advisor with over 40 years of finance industry experience. He is co-owner and operator of a consultancy company that provides governance training, development, and consultancy services, primarily in the local government and not-for-profit sectors. He was formerly on the board of the Real Estate Authority where he chaired the Audit and Risk committee

Mr Walsh has previously chaired the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board and was on the board of the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), Aotea Centre Board of Management, and a member of the Lottery Environment and Heritage Committee.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/05/27/remuneration-authority-appointments/