A $3.5 million Government project is aimed at getting 100 people with progressive conditions including Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy, into high-performance power wheelchairs, exploring the benefits of high tech in the disability sector, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston has announced.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for our Disability Support Services team to work with provider Enable New Zealand on a project funded from Budget 2025,” Louise Upston says.

“In this research project, high-performance power wheelchairs are going to people aged 14 years and older, who would benefit from a power wheelchair to improve independence, participation, and quality of life.

“It’s a two-year programme, and the Government is really excited to fund meaningful research evaluating social and economic benefits for the disability community.

“I’m proud that our Government is thinking differently about how technology can improve the lives of disabled people, families and carers.  That’s why I asked DSS to consider a project like this, where technology could demonstrably improve outcomes.

“International research shows that having the right wheelchair matters for things like increased independence and mental wellbeing, and broader outcomes such as engagement in education, training, or work. This project aims to test these assumptions in the New Zealand context.

“Earlier access to high-performance power wheelchairs can reduce dependence on carers and prevent injuries and hospital admissions. While cheaper options might provide short term cost-savings, they can also drive higher long-term health and support costs, which end up costing disabled people, and New Zealand, more.

“The project will monitor and evaluate the benefits that access to the right wheelchair can provide to people with progressive conditions. Findings will inform the future provision of equipment, and will also inform future policy, funding, and investment decisions.  

“Using disability research innovation ‘activation mapping’, participants will have their experiences tracked over time to understand intervention impacts.

“Assistive technology is essential to the wellbeing and social participation of many disabled New Zealanders, and I’m committed to improving access and outcomes for disabled people,” Louise Upston says.   

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/13/power-wheelchairs-open-new-horizons-for-disabled-kiwis/

Headline: Findings explore victimisation and youth harm in New Zealand

New Ministry of Justice research shines a spotlight on the victimisation and harm faced by young people in New Zealand.

The Youth Victimisation and Harm Report further explores data from the findings of the Youth Health and Wellbeing Survey 2025.

“These findings are challenging. It’s difficult to think of harm occurring to young people. These findings will be shared with agencies and groups who are working to improve the wellbeing of young people in New Zealand and will be used to inform current and future decision making”, says Rebecca Parish, Ministry of Justice General Manager Sector Insights.

Among the key findings were:

Bullying

One in four young people (26%) experienced bullying in the last year. The most common types of bullying were teasing or verbal abuse (64%) and social exclusion (51%) among those who were bullied.

“Nearly one in three young people (29%) who were bullied skipped school at least once”, Ms Parish says.

Although female and male young people experienced similar rates of bullying (27% and 25% respectively), female young people were more likely to experience exclusion (62%) and online bullying, while male young people were more likely to experience physical bullying.

Yelling and swearing

According to the findings, half of young people were yelled or sworn at by an adult in their home in the last year. A third of young people (33%) witnessed adults yelling at one another, and 29% witnessed adults yelling at another child.

Physical harm

In the last year, just over one in ten young people (11%) were exposed to physical harm by an adult in their home. Direct physical harm by an adult was the most common experience (7%) followed by seeing another child harmed (5%) or witnessing physical violence between adults (3%). Almost half of young people (49%) were hit or physically harmed by someone in the last year, with the most common perpetrator being siblings (41%), followed by another young person (23%).

Sexual harm

Around one in six young people (16%) have experienced sexual harm in their lifetime.

The most common form of sexual harm was being touched in a sexual way or being made to do sexual things they did not want to (13%), followed by harmful sexting experiences (7%). Sexual harm was higher among older age groups (20% of 15–18-year-olds), female young people (22%), rangatahi Māori (23%), young Pacific Peoples (18%), young people identified as Rainbow (29%) and disabled young people (31%). 

Victimisation and screen time

More than half of bullied young people experienced bullying online in the last year. Overall, high digital engagement among young people who had been harmed reflected exposure to unsafe online environments, and attempts to cope or escape problems.

Bullied young people also reported poorer wellbeing, lower feelings of safety, disrupted sleep, and greater disengagement from school.

“These findings support approaches focused on improving online safety”, says Ms Parish.

State care and offending

Young people either currently or previously involved with state care experienced a wide range of adverse experiences. In the last 12 months, young people involved with state care experienced high levels of bullying, physical harm and verbal harm.

Higher Police contact among victims could also suggest that offending is a response to harm, rather than an isolated behavioural issue.

“Research shows that young people who have been involved with state care, and those who have experienced substantial harm, are more likely to have later contact with the justice system. This does not mean offending is inevitable, but it does suggest that earlier experiences of abuse, neglect, and other forms of victimisation can increase risk”, Ms Parish says.

“Despite this, offending is not inevitable for these young people. Protective factors such as stable adult relationships, school engagement, and early professional support can reduce risk. These findings highlight the importance of early, coordinated support across care, education, justice, and health to help disrupt pathways from victimisation to offending and break cycles of harm”.

About the Youth Health and Wellbeing Survey 2025

The Youth Health and Wellbeing Survey 2025 was conducted between March and September 2025 by the Ministry of Social Development.

It covers a wide range of topics including wellbeing, home experiences, mental health, social media use, harmful behaviours, and victimisation.

Around 9,400 young people, aged 13 to 19, completed digital questionnaires on tablets at their education provider (e.g. secondary school, kura) across Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Findings from the Youth Health and Wellbeing Survey 2025 can be found here(external link)

Because this report discusses young people’s experiences with harm, the topics and findings can be distressing. MSD has compiled some helpful resources here(external link)

← Back to the news

This page was last updated: 15th June 2026

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/13/findings-explore-victimisation-and-youth-harm-in-new-zealand/

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have signalled their two countries’ ambition to do more together by elevating their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

“This is a major step in the relationship between New Zealand and India, and signals our shared ambition to do more together,” Mr Luxon says.

“On this historic visit, Prime Minister Modi and I have backed that ambition with action.”

The Prime Ministers agreed a Roadmap to 2030 for the Strategic Partnership and set the direction for the next stage of the partnership, including an ambitious goal to double two-way trade by 2030. 

“This Roadmap reflects the breadth of the relationship – from trade, investment and technology to maritime security, education, tourism, sport, agriculture and community,” Mr Luxon says.

“Implementing our New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement is central to that plan. It is a landmark achievement that will drive long-term growth for both countries.

“It will reduce barriers, give businesses greater certainty, and unlock new opportunities across goods, services, investment, education and tourism – supporting Kiwi businesses to grow, create jobs and lift incomes.

“This FTA will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India once fully implemented. From day one, 57 per cent of our exports will be tariff-free.

“It will unlock new opportunities to grow our goods and services exports into a market of 1.4 billion people and contribute to achieving the Government’s goal of building the future by doubling the value of exports by 2034.”

The Roadmap has a significant focus on maritime security, including a Maritime Cooperation Arrangement between the New Zealand and Indian defence forces.

“New Zealand’s prosperity and security depend on a stable and secure Indo-Pacific,” Mr Luxon says.

“That’s why we are stepping up practical cooperation at sea and deepening how we work together and share perspectives on maritime security.”

The leaders also welcomed new arrangements covering a range of areas, including sport, tourism, farm stock breeding and dairying.

“New Zealand and India are connected by people, ambition and opportunity, and by a shared interest in building a winning partnership that delivers for the decades ahead.”

Mr Modi’s visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/11/nz-india-relationship-elevated-to-strategic-partnership/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/staveley-camp-native-forest-restoration-boosts-biodiversity/

Matariki and Puanga are stars that sit in the night sky together to signal the start of the Māori new year for different iwi.

The pre-dawn rising of Matariki, the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades, marks for many Māori the arrival of the new year.

Puanga is a single star, also known as Rigel. It’s not part of the Matariki cluster but appears in the evening sky shortly before Matariki rises each year. Puanga rises higher in the sky than Matariki so it’s recognised by iwi and hapū that can’t see Matariki from their location. 

Matariki and Puanga are both part of Te Waka o Rangi, the waka that carries the souls of those who passed away during the previous year. Matariki is at the front of the waka, and Puanga is at the stern.

Herenga Waka – For Everyone

The theme for Matariki mā Puanga celebarations in 2026 is: Herenga Waka – it’s all about inclusion and encouraging all people to celebrate Matariki together.

People are encouraged to come together to learn, to share and to celebrate the new year. The theme has strong connections to multi-culturalism and the sharing of cultural practices.

Matariki Manako Nui – Looking to the future

This is a time to slow down and reflect, come together with family and friends, to feast and remember our loved ones who have passed. It is also a time to plan, look forward to the future, and, most importantly, connect with nature.

Traditionally Māori would look to the stars and use Matariki and Puanga as an indicator to predict things such as the upcoming year’s harvest and weather. In days gone by, Māori used the concept of manaaki (care) of the natural resources to survive.

For Māori, sustainability of resources was crucial to survival. They had to adapt to the sometimes harsh and inhospitable conditions that were encountered upon arrival to Aotearoa.

This was the time where they learned how to live, to breathe, to know and to understand how to live with the environment; how to co-exist. They wore the mantle of the land with dignity and respect, hearkened to the ways of nature, appreciated the elements, and speculated the cosmos. 

Therefore, the environment and its care are at the forefront of the celebrations around Matariki.

Mana taiao – Caring for nature

Matariki reminds us of our connection to nature and our responsibilities to look after it.

It can be as simple as organising a beach clean, cleaning your local waterway or planting a tree to give back to our environment.

Discover small ways you can reconnect with nature and make a big difference this Matariki

Show us how you’re caring for te taiao/nature this Matariki by tagging @docgovtnz on social media and using #AlwaysBeNaturing.

Manawatia a Matariki

To get in on the action and celebrate this time of new beginnings, bring friends and family along to one of the many events around the country. 

Eventfinda has a good list of upcoming events and activities that you can enjoy with whānau and friends.

There is more information and some great resources on the Mānawatia Matariki website.

Te Papa Tongarewa – Museum of New Zealand also have some great educational resources on their website.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/matariki-and-puanga-the-maori-new-year/

Education Minister Hon Erica Stanford has announced appointments to the Governing Council of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The Teaching Council has faced significant challenges, including an independent review into its practices that found it had lost focus on its core role of ensuring child safety,” Ms Stanford says.

“It is important that we have frontline educators on the Governing Council, as they understand the needs of the sector.

“The depth and diversity of the members’ experience mean they will provide a balanced perspective on regulatory systems, and have critical governance skills and insights, including around financial management, organisational performance, audit and risk management.”

Minister Stanford said she is confident the Governing Council will have the collective skills and experience needed to provide strong governance, aligned with the Teaching Council’s enhanced regulatory focus.

The new appointees are:

• Dr Sarah Brown, Principal at Kerikeri Primary School;
• Patrick Drumm, Headmaster at Mount Albert Grammar School;
• Heath Chittenden, Principal at Ashhurst School;
• Dame Susan Hassall, former Headmaster of Hamilton Boys’ High School and Chancellor of the University of Waikato;
• Patrick Walsh, Headmaster at Sacred Heart College in Auckland;
• Andrée Atkinson, a qualified accountant with strong financial advisory skills. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a director and has significant experience chairing risk and audit committees. She also serves on the boards of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and Te Kura (formerly The Correspondence School);
• Debbie Francis, who has led change programmes across both the public and private sectors. She was lead partner for the PwC People and Change practice and head of the PwC central government practice;
• Tom Gott, who will commence a new term on the Governing Council following the conclusion of his role as Interim Chief Executive. He is an associate with MartinJenkins, with expertise in governance, strategy and development, organisational performance and regulatory practice.

The following current ministerial appointees will be reappointed for three-year terms:

• Andrée Atkinson
• Dr Sarah Brown
• Heath Chittenden
• Patrick Drumm
• Debbie Francis
• Dame Susan Hassall DNZM JP

A further appointment will be made to fill a current vacancy and strengthen early childhood education representation on the Council.

Members’ terms are expected to begin in July, aligning with commencement of the Education (System Reform) Amendment Bill.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/08/teaching-council-appointments-to-new-governing-council/

New Zealand First has today introduced the Accessibility Standards Bill, a Member’s Bill which creates an opportunity to establish practical standards to address avoidable barriers that limit participation, opportunity, and independence. 

“New Zealand First believes that all New Zealanders deserve to participate and contribute to society in a meaningful way. The Accessibility Standards Bill will identify, prevent, and remove barriers in a practical and sustainable way,” says New Zealand First Health and Disabilities spokesperson Jenny Marcroft.

The 2023 Census identified that 17 percent of New Zealanders are disabled with prevalence rising significantly with age. This is a large number of New Zealanders including seniors, carers, families, workers recovering from injury, returned servicemen and women, and communities across regional New Zealand.

“We want fewer New Zealanders to encounter avoidable barriers so that more people can participate in their communities, education, employment, public services, and the economy. Better accessibility is not only a social good but good for the economy.”

New Zealand is playing catch up. In 1990 President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law, in 1992 Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating’s passed the Disability Discrimination Act.

“When a school, hospital, transport hub, public building, social housing development, civic space, footpath, park, community facility or digital public service is being designed from scratch, accessibility can be built in from the beginning. This is when standards do the most good and cost the least,” says Ms Marcroft.

Better accessibility supports workforce participation, productivity, customer access, independent living and stronger communities. Its benefits extend to older people, families, carers, businesses and the wider public. Closing the disability employment gap alone could add $578 million to GDP. 

“New Zealand First has a history of standing up for our seniors and veterans, and there is more work to be done so that we can maximise the potential of our citizenry. This Bill will strengthen existing institutions, focus public money on practical outcomes, and ensure there are clear standards.”

We applaud the advocacy of Access Matters Aotearoa and their work to remove barriers so that New Zealanders can participate in their communities. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/08/establishing-an-accessible-new-zealand-for-everyone/

A new Women’s Health Hub designed to make it easier for women across New Zealand to find trusted health information has been launched today by Minister for Women Nicola Grigg and Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello. 

“The online hub brings together reliable information, practical tools and guidance in one place, helping women find what they need more quickly,” Ms Grigg says.

“Women have told us they’re often overwhelmed by health information and can’t find what they need. This hub provides a clear starting point, with practical, reliable information and resources that support women to make informed decisions and take an active role in their health and wellbeing. It’s also designed to navigate commonly-occurring health needs at different life stages.”

Developed by the Ministry for Women in partnership with Health New Zealand, the Women’s Health Hub brings comprehensive information about common health issues into one place.

“The hub makes it easier for women to find information relevant to their life stage. Women’s health needs change over time, and it is important they are supported to look after their health, act early when something does not feel right, and know where to find reliable information and support,” Ms Costello says.

It also provides guidance to help women prepare for appointments and make the most of their time with a healthcare provider, and educational videos with healthcare providers sharing practical advice on life stage health considerations.

Women, on average, live longer but spend more of their lives in poor health, and many have fed back they need clearer, more accessible information at key life stages.

“The hub is a practical step toward helping women feel more informed and supported around their health, with information that helps them prepare, ask questions, and make decisions that are right for them,” Ms Costello says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/08/womens-health-hub-provides-life-stages-health-information/

New data on New Zealand’s tertiary education system shows growth in qualification completions across the sector, says Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education 

The latest Ministry of Education data, published on Education Counts, indicates the number of students completing a provider-based tertiary qualification increased by 8% in 2025, compared with 2024. Overall, domestic student completions rose by 5.9% (to 123,200), while international student completions increased by 22% (to 21,230).

“These results show more students are finishing their study to gain the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in work and life, while helping build the skilled workforce New Zealand needs. It also shows that international students value our tertiary education,” says Minister Simmonds.

Student retention rates show 72% of domestic students who started a bachelor’s degree completed a qualification or progressed to a higher-level qualification within eight years.

Women and full-time students, in university study, continued to achieve higher completion rates than part-time students. Māori and Pacific students recorded improved bachelor’s degree completion rates, while Asian students continued to achieve the highest completion rates at bachelor’s degree level.

“Not only are more students completing qualifications, but they are also progressing to higher levels of learning. It is particularly encouraging to see improved performance across both vocational and degree-level study.”

Private training establishments recorded the largest increase in domestic completions of any subsector, up 12%. Overall, domestic completions increased by 14% for Level 1 certificates and by 13% for both Level 4 certificates and graduate certificates and diplomas. Completions among learners aged under 20 increased by 10%.

“These results demonstrate that more New Zealanders are engaged in higher learning and the tertiary education system is supporting them to succeed, helping deliver the skills New Zealand needs for economic growth and prosperity,” says the Minister.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/07/qualification-completions-increase-across-the-tertiary-sector/

Growing seasonal produce

Supported by teachers and whānau, students have revitalised a greenhouse and now grow seasonal produce for cooking classes.

Surplus produce is donated to the school’s sharing shed, a community pantry where people can contribute or take what they need.

Native planting

The school grounds tell the same story of practical action. Students have created an area of native planting to attract birdlife, alongside a thriving chicken coop.

Eggs are sold through the school office to help cover feed costs, while chicken waste is used to fertilise the gardens – a simple circular system in action.

Recycling waste

Enviroleader Luella explained how the school’s waste and recycling systems are led and monitored by students.

Their work has reduced waste volumes and disposal costs by thousands of dollars each year – a significant achievement for a small school. 

To keep momentum going, the winning class from regular waste audits receives the coveted Spade Trophy, handmade by a student and their father from recycled spade heads.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/07/selwyn-students-share-ideas-for-a-more-sustainable-future/

Introduction

Good afternoon and thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to be here today.

New Zealand First started our campaign for the 2026 election the day after the 2023 election.  

We knew that winning in 2023 was just the first stepping stone for not only our party, but our country, in turning the fortunes and direction of New Zealand around.

We have worked hard over the past three years to fight for the changes we promised, and that our country needed, to keep the left out, build a new foundation for the future, and prepare for 2026.

It is vital that we as a country realise that if we don’t win in 2026 the opportunity will be lost to make the real changes we need in this country, and the values of our enemies will destroy the chance we have to make this country great again.

This year New Zealand First began our election meetings in March, first with a packed hall in Tauranga with over 1000 people attending, and we have been travelling around the country filing halls every week and will be continuing to do so through until the election.

Public meetings are the lifeblood and essence of democracy. It is where you go and connect, talk, and listen to the people.  

It is where people come to hear what our party stands for and what our vision and plans are for the future that affects them.

It is to the detriment of democracy that other parties just are not holding any real public meetings. 

The so-called ‘public meetings’ they sporadically have are either organised and ticketed events attached to other organisations, or just organic small halls layered with party members.

New Zealand First is the only party that not only has open door public meetings, but we are getting the numbers packing the halls like no other party can.

That is simply because New Zealand First is resonating with ordinary, hard-working kiwis, who want a voice in parliament that represents them.

They are sick of the status quo, sick of the swing between Pepsi and Coke, and sick of politicians who can’t call a spade a spade.

New Zealand First is resonating because we are party that represents nationalism, patriotism, social conservatism, and most of all just plain common sense.

No other party can claim that, because those values that seemed so foundational in leadership not so long ago, are now viewed as some sort of disease to the other parties.

New Zealand First is nationalist, patriotic, and conservative – words which have now become viewed upon as being some sort of evil, and other politicians avoid like the plague.

We stand proud to not only stand for those values, but to fight for them.  And to fight on your behalf to create a country that is proud of who we are in the world, proud of our country and what we stand for, proud our history and our traditional kiwi values.

There is only one party that does that and you are looking at it.

All of the other parties are either self-confessed globalists, socialists, Marxists, separatists – or all of the above.

The problem for all of those other parties is that there is a sea-change in politics that is happening around the world – and it is happening here in New Zealand.

The last time we stood here in Warkworth, just four years ago, New Zealand First was out of parliament, ignored, marginalised by the media, and polling at 1%. Well, we aren’t any more.

Here we are today and those same people in the media are not ignoring us any longer. They aren’t asking if we will get back in, they are all asking how many more seats we will have in November, and just how strong we will be in the next government.

We have the policy, the team, and the party machine to turn this election on its head.

And they are all deathly afraid. Just look at the article today from our best mate ‘News of the World’ fame Andrea Vance.

Vance has written another pathetic butthurt ‘opinion piece’ attacking New Zealand First. 

No one cares what Vance thinks. She might think they do in her little Wellington Bluesky bubble full of lanyard-wearing woke lefty losers, but there’s a reason New Zealand First support is growing out in the real world. 

We are travelling around the country every week packing the halls with ordinary kiwis. We run out of seats and people are flowing out the door – we’re winning and her and her mates can’t stand it. 

We are the enemy of what she stands for and the enemy of the woke mind virus that has infected so much of our mainstream media that they can’t even figure out why no one trusts their industry anymore. 

Her loser ‘News of the World’ opinions do nothing but confirm we are directly over the target. 

It’s Vance, and people like her, that is the reason we are doing so well and why we will win in November – the poetic part is that she doesn’t even know it.

This sort of mudslinging behaviour from the media will continue until the election – it is a well-worn path for them and for us during elections. 

For voters across the country, to actively take part in this election they desperately need to be given the facts, be given ‘both sides of the story’ as Phil Collins once sang, and not editorialising opinions from reporters, not of what politicians have said, but their view of what has been said, all the time denying voters the truth of what was said so that they can be the judge.

That is the essence of democracy, Abraham Lincoln’s definition, ‘Government of the people, by the people, for the people’.  To paraphrase what American Ambassador to the United Nations, Daniel Moynihan once said, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts”. For democracy to exist voters are entitled to hear and establish for themselves what they believe the facts are – not be victims like school children from ‘a media on high’ serving up only the ‘media’s facts’.

This is critical, because in other parts of the world people are only told what governments want them to hear and are the victims of propaganda and spin which they know, when looking offshore in an IT world at true democracies, cannot be true.

Never has this country needed more a high-quality media acting responsibly, giving you the facts, undiluted political policy and views, and leaving it up to you to decide. 

That is your right, and without it, democracy becomes but a shallow pretence. 

Bold Policies

New Zealand First has already announced a number of election policies that we believe are needed to affect real change in the direction of the country and for the prosperity of kiwis.

We have announced policies to break up the power companies so we stop power companies owning the market and ripping consumers off.

We have announced that we will split up the supermarket duopoly which has a stranglehold on sky-high food prices. ,

We have announced that we will re-establish a competitive state-owned bank so we can stop this continued siphoning of billions of dollars of kiwis money offshore to a foreign country.  

We have announced that we will return mining royalties created in the regions back to the regions. Our regions economic future is New Zealand’s economic future. When the regions do well our country does well. Mining is essential to New Zealand’s future, it creates jobs, exports, and an extraction industry that is essential to a prosperous country.

New Zealand is abundant with resources and we need to stop the green luddites dictating to us that our future should be held back because of some out of touch ideology.

We also announced our KiwiSaver policy of making it compulsory with automatic sign-up at birth $1000 kickstart.

By the way this was a full month before National decided to steal our KiwiSaver policy and claim it as their own.   

We have announced that we will abandon the Paris Accord agreement so we can get back to some common sense.

It is a pointless charade being shoved down our throats by a bunch of globalists.

We are nationalists and we need to look after our own country first – not hand over anywhere up to $22 billion overseas when we create just 0.17% of the entire world’s CO2 emissions.

Think about it, four countries, US, China, Russian, and India, combined are responsible for just under 60% of the world’s CO2 emissions. We are responsible for just 0.17%.

If New Zealand sunk into the South Pacific tomorrow, taking all of our emissions with it, we would have zero effect on the world’s climate.

And yet, if the Green Party ever gets into power, they want us to create a rod for our own backs and beat ourselves senseless with it.  They will sooner see our country go broke in the name of their globalist wacky ideology, than look after kiwis and our country first.

Here’s the idiocy of it all. China built more than 50 large coal powered power plants just last year – that’s one a week. And what did the Labour Party do? Ban coal. Close down Marsden Point. What are the Greens doing? Screaming blue-murder that the world is going to end because New Zealand isn’t cutting our emissions enough.  These MPs are taking us for suckers.

Just two weeks ago, the former longest serving Labour Party PM in the UK, Tony Blair, made a similar statement to New Zealand First’s about what the world needs to do on the Paris Accord. The world is catching on and we are going to get left behind in crippling debt and a swamp of regulations on our productive sector if we remain signed up to the Paris Agreement.

We need to stop this nonsense.

We also announced that New Zealand First will disestablish Auckland Council’s ‘Independent Māori Statutory Board’.

We will disestablish this unelected body that has exercised significant influence over council decision making since the creation of the Auckland Super City in 2010.

The amalgamation of Auckland’s multiple councils was intended to deliver stronger representation, lower costs, and more efficient governance. Instead, as incoming Mayor Wayne Brown found, it has produced a large and increasingly remote bureaucracy in which key decisions are shaped by unelected officials, parallel governance structures, and statutory bodies that are not accountable to ratepayers. 

Although originally established to provide advice, its statutory documents and appointments have become embedded across council planning, funding, procurement, and performance systems.

Aucklanders were never asked whether they agreed to fund or empower a parallel governance system within their council. 

Ratepayers now pay millions of dollars annually to support IMSB operations, including $3.5 million last year alone, despite having no ability to elect or remove its members. This has contributed to a growing democratic deficit at a time when Aucklanders face rising rates, increasing debt, and reductions in core services.

The removal of the IMSB will ensure that those who influence public spending and public decision making are directly accountable to the public. It does not prevent Auckland Council from engaging with Māori or recognising their interests, rather it ensures that such engagement occurs within democratically accountable structures.

It will ensure continuity of council operations while restoring transparency, accountability, and public trust.

We have bold policies. But bold policies are needed to create a fair playing field in the power, food, and banking systems so we can make real change to kiwis lives, drive down the cost of living, give kiwis a fair go, and take back control of our country.

Bold polices are needed to create real change in the future direction of our country.

Citizens only voting

And we have another campaign policy announcement.

We are announcing today that New Zealand First will change the law that only citizens can vote in local and general elections.

In 1975 the law changed in New Zealand.

Prior to then, the right to vote in New Zealand local and national elections was granted only to British subject adults who had been resident in New Zealand for at least a year. Canada and Australia had similar voting laws.  

When Canada and Australia changed to citizens-only, New Zealand made a different choice.

We removed the “British subject” requirement and replaced it with any permanent resident who had been resident here for a year or more. 

The big problem is the Electoral Act definition of “permanent resident” is different to the “permanent resident” definition in immigration terms.

To become a permanent resident under the immigration system, you need to have been on a resident visa first for two years. But in the Electoral Act, anyone on a visa without an expiry date counts as a permanent resident.

That means, in certain circumstances, someone can be eligible to vote in our country’s general election if they are living in our country on an indefinite visa after just one year.

The problem is any permanent resident who has gone through the normal application process, after just two years living in New Zealand, can vote.

They can vote on who the government is, they can vote on who the local council is, they can even vote in referendums that would fundamentally change the social fabric of our society.

Is this what we really mean by democracy in our country?

Is this what we really want in our democracy in our country?

Voting in our country should be a privilege of those who have sworn allegiance to New Zealand and who have made the commitment to make New Zealand their home and their future.  

If you haven’t made that commitment or sworn that allegiance, we are happy to let you live here permanently, but why should you get a say in how this country is run or governed?

New Zealand First will restore the basic democratic principle that the right to decide New Zealand’s future belongs to New Zealand citizens.

Voting in general elections should be reserved for those who have made the full legal and civic commitment to this country. 

Permanent residence gives people the right to live, work, study, and build a life in New Zealand. Citizenship is different. 

Citizenship is the formal bond of allegiance, belonging, responsibility, and democratic authority.

New Zealand First believes that distinction should matter again.

War on Woke, War for Democracy

During the last election campaign, and right here in this hall, New Zealand First declared a war on woke, and a war to save our democracy.

We stood here and asked for your vote so that we could fight in government to deliver what we promised.

And we have.

We have won many battles, but ladies and gentlemen, the war is not yet over.

New Zealand First has introduced a bill to parliament that will define what a woman and man is in law.

For us to have to legislate this basic biological reality shows how much the ‘woke mind virus’ has infected our society.

It is astounding that legislation like this is even needed – but that is how woke our country, and most of the western world has become.

This bill is about ensuring we as a country focus on the facts of biology and protect the term ‘woman’ in law.

What is stunning, is that the representatives of “Rural Women NZ” have actually decided to come out against this bill.

They submitted to the select committee without even consulting their membership.

It is typical of so many elitist groups.  They state what their ideological position is, and if you disagree, you are wrong and have no ability to have a say, you get cancelled, and you are out.

You would think that understanding biology was pretty important in farming.

It would be amazing to see farmers trying to milk a bull. 

They are now trying to say that biological reality doesn’t matter on the farm.

But it seems now, when the representatives of Rural Women NZ leave the farm, the suffer from the same wokeness that is afflicting Wellington bureaucrats and the purple-haired Green Party weirdos.

What the mainstream media are refusing to report is that views like the leaders of Rural Women NZ are the minority.

There was a Curia poll conducted not so long ago which showed 51% of kiwis supported the bill, and just 29% were against it.

Did the media show that poll? No. This is the same polling company that the media regularly rely on and report for their political polls.

But no, they won’t report this poll because it doesn’t suit their left-wing narrative.

And that sort of behaviour from the mainstream media is just outright cheating.

New Zealand First is the only party that campaigned on keeping men out of women’s sports, keeping men out of women’s and girl’s changing rooms, and we have received two petitions to protect the term ‘woman’ in legislation.

We were told at the time, by politicians and many in the mainstream media, that we were going down a ‘rabbit hole’ and ‘on another planet’. 

Well, the pendulum is swinging back towards common sense and is proving us right, which begs the question, which planet are the rest of them on?

We are fighting back the cancerous social engineering being pushed in society by a woke minority.

But this issue is just one in a heap of concerning elements and the underlying creep of woke social engineering.

This leftist group-think, condoned by too many on the right, has been mostly hidden from society in the way it has implanted itself in New Zealand, in education, health, government departments, and universities.

Ladies and gentlemen, we need common sense brought back to our country.

We cannot underestimate the nature and importance of the war on woke.

It is not only things like DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in our public sector, but also in our education system.

New Zealand First set out in the election to get rid of the ‘Relationship, and Sexual Education’ guidelines in our schools – we have done that. 

We campaigned on ensuring the pathway of separatism and cultural Marxism was stopped with the likes of He Puapua and co-governance – we are doing that.

We campaigned on ensuring English is an official language, that our country’s name remains New Zealand, that English names are used as a primary name on all departments – we have done that.

We campaigned on ensuring we have fairness in women’s sports – that men cannot compete against women and girls – we have done that.

We campaigned to stop the use of Puberty Blockers for children – we have done that.

We will continue to be the voice of common sense and at the forefront of the war on woke on behalf of you and every other concerned New Zealander.

Our message to the bureaucracy and any other political party pursuing such policies is simple. Do you want to be part of the solution or do you want to remain part of the problem?

If their choice is the latter – to be part of the problem – then our response is – “get out of the way”.

Conclusion

On August 21 2025, we stood here on this stage, and asked you to give your support to New Zealand First so that we could get the chance to represent you in parliament.

We are asking you again to act, right here, right now, in your busy lives, to join our movement to save our New Zealand, to stand up to defend what New Zealand was, is, and could be.

In the coming campaign there will be many imitations. The ‘me too’s’ trying to climb aboard our vehicle of protest, construction, and eventual victory.

Ask yourselves, when they belatedly try and echo New Zealand First’s message, are any of these other voices authentic?

Ask, what is their track record on these matters?

As the Good Book says “By their deeds you will know them”

Strident idealistic promises you have heard before.  They are worthless without commitment, resolve and determination to make such dreams a reality.

In New Zealand’s history there have been politicians of different persuasions who deserve our respect. For the improvements they delivered to ordinary people.  Richard Seddon, Peter Fraser, Holyoake and others.

They did what is most difficult in politics – they did what is right.

The next few months to election 2026 will go by swiftly.

Let us together make one outcome happen.

Don’t let the next election be about “It’s our turn now”, or worse still, “Let’s change, they can’t be any worse than the last lot”.

In the words of that famous old Māori saying – “Not like the seagull, tossing and turning its head at every wave, but like the rock, steadfast against the surging sea”.

Please join us.

We have right on our side. 

And we, are going to win. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/07/winston-peters-continuing-to-be-the-voice-of-common-sense/

New Zealand First is announcing today that Michael Laws will stand for New Zealand First in the Waitaki Electorate at the general election.

Laws has spent more than four decades serving New Zealand through Parliament, local government, broadcasting and public advocacy. Born in Wairoa and raised in Whanganui, he graduated with First Class Honours in History from the University of Otago before completing a Master of Arts in Creative Writing at Victoria University. He was awarded a University Grants Committee Postgraduate Scholarship and was also a New Zealand Universities debating champion.

Laws entered Parliament in 1990, serving as a Member of Parliament for National and then New Zealand First until 1996. Following Parliament, he served as New Zealand First’s campaign director for the country’s first MMP general election in 1996.

He then established a successful career in broadcasting, publishing and journalism, becoming one of New Zealand’s best-known talkback hosts and the author of three bestselling books, including Gladiator: The Norm Hewitt Story. His work has spanned television, radio and print, earning a reputation as an independent and outspoken commentator.

Laws was elected Mayor of Whanganui in 2004 and re-elected in 2007, while also serving three terms on the district health board. As mayor, he championed innovative local initiatives, including pioneering anti-gang insignia bylaws that were later adopted nationally.

Since relocating to Central Otago in 2013, Laws has remained active in public service. He has represented the Dunstan constituency on the Otago Regional Council since 2016 and was comfortably returned as the leading vote-getter in the 2025 local body elections. He also helped establish Vision Otago, which secured significant representation on the council and now plays a leading role in its governance.

Laws has lived in the Waitaki electorate for more than a decade. His family has longstanding ties to the district: his father was Rector of Waitaki Boys’ High School, his youngest son attends St Kevin’s College in Oamaru, and Laws worked at Oamaru’s Brydone Hotel while studying at the University of Otago. He and his wife Cheryl live in Cromwell.

Laws will be an asset to the New Zealand First team bringing a wealth of experience, skills, and leadership to parliament.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/07/michael-laws-to-stand-for-nz-first/

Introduction

Good afternoon and thank you for being here today.

First, thank you to Stuart Nash New Zealand First candidate for Napier, and Taine Randell New Zealand First candidate for Tukituki, for hosting us here in the Hawkes Bay today.

Stu and Taine are standing in Hawkes Bay electorates representing New Zealand First to bring hope for a different direction for the Bay.

Afterall, what have the current MPs don’t for this area over the past three years?

This election is going to be one like no other. There is a sea change happening around the world and it is happening here in New Zealand too – people are sick of the pendulum swing between Pepsi and Coke – they are voting for people who are not afraid to tell it like it is, for people who are offering hope for a change from the old party status quo of the past forty years that has failed to focus on ordinary hardworking kiwi battlers. 

Stu and Taine have a real chance here in the Bay to turn things around, but we need you to give us the tools to get the job done.

New Zealand First in Hawkes Bay

The government is investing in a racecourse transformation in the Hawkes Bay to help free up prime land for homes in Hastings. The project represents just over $77 million in the region, with a $20 million loan from the RIF and $57 million in co-funding from Hawkes Bay Racing, and NZ Thoroughbred Racing.

This will enable the development of homes where they are needed, create jobs for locals, and retain a valuable racing industry asset which has contributed to the local economy for over 150 years. 

We are going to relocate the racecourse and the new venue will be a state of the art hub for racing, equestrian sport, and community events.

Its modern racetrack will accommodate double the race meetings held previously.

The project will create more than 400 fulltime construction jobs during its construction phase, and once completed, the racecourse will sustain around 270 jobs across the local racing industry. 

It’s not just about bricks and mortar, it’s a boost to the Hawkes Bay economy.

An Election Like No Other

The election is a little over four months away, and we will start to see the other parties reverting to type, as they always do at election time, with no direction, plan, or policy that will give New Zealand the real change that we need to lead us out of the political swamp we find ourselves in.

There is a difference in this election that we haven’t seen in a long time. Kiwis are looking at what parties are offering as their values and principles in these uncertain times.

There will be the inevitable policies and promises made, and they are important, but kiwis are looking to a party that stands with them in their core values – that will change the current pathway we are on as a country. 

Labour

In the last few weeks, the Labour Party did something they haven’t done for the last the three years – they decided to announce some grand election policies, if you can call them policies, and the only thing that was ‘grand’ about them was how shallow they were.

They have announced three policies of “free stuff”.

They want to give “free” public transport above $20, “free” doctor visits, and now “free” pre-natal scans.

It took a bonfire of useless old policy, then two and half years, a lame excuse to wait for the budget, and all Labour could come up with was more “free” stuff.

Here’s a newsflash for the Labour Party: “Free” actually means taxpayers pay for it – because whether Labour understands it or not, money doesn’t grow on trees. And guess what. People who get the free stuff are the same taxpayers and workers who are going to pay for it. 

The fact is Labour Party no longer represents the workers.

The spiritual home of the Labour Party is the West Coast – the site of the miners’ strike in 1908 which gave rise to the party that once represented workers of New Zealand – the gold miners, the coal miners, the labourers, the foresters, the fishers, the hard working blue-collar battlers of our country. 

They represented those workers in the very industries which have now become the anathema of who and what the Labour Party represents today. Today Labour hates those industries.

The problem for Labour is they are now just the party of the ‘Professional Managerial Class’.

Look at their front bench, or their party list, and they can’t put half a Cabinet together. 

What’s worse, is those Labour MPs who somehow have made their way to the front bench have no real-life experience, no business experience, and no work experience.

Here is something about the Labour Party that voters will never forget.

The last three years of the Labour government oversaw a deteriorating economy, deteriorating education and health systems, worsening law and order on our streets, ramraids everywhere, massively increased debt, record immigration, crumbling infrastructure, a cost-of-living crisis, and a hugely divided society.

It shows just how far the Labour Party has descended away from its origins, and just how clearly they have abandoned the very people and industries who formed their party over a hundred and ten years ago.

Their focus now is on issues such as race and drumming up social justice rhetoric that only serves to divide our country and ignores the vast majority of New Zealanders who just want a functioning health system, a top-class education for their kids, first world wages, and an affordable home. 

They are now a party of lanyard wearing socialists who walk around in comfortable shoes.

For all those old school, egalitarian, common sense Labour voters out there who feel abandoned, you’ve only got one place to come, there is only one real party for the hard working, blue collar conservative kiwis, and you’re looking at it.

Why? Because New Zealand First has a working-class background.

Greens

As for the Greens – they are nuttier than squirrel scat and have the political IQ of mung beans.

They have proven themselves to be the most hypocritical, shallow, vacuous bunch of Marxists.

They have gone through more MPs than they have protests.

The biggest problem that the Greens have is their name. They are not a Green Party anymore.  They are no comparison to Rod Donald or Jannette Fitzsimons – who, despite all of their flaws, stood up, had a purpose, and had principles.

They have mostly forgotten the environment, they are more worried about pronouns and protests.

The Greens neither care nor understand the reality of our economic and social future as a country. 

They decided to foolishly wade into economics last week. 

They sent out a press release and confused $500 million, with $500 billion. Even the newest intern would know how ridiculous that number is, yet they put it out without hesitation.

Then they decided in their wisdom to put out their own budget. Then had to recall it and issue a correction because their calculations were out by $400 million. Then, not long after that, they had to recall that as well, and issue another correction because they found out they were actually out by $800 million. 

But here is arrogance for you.  They then virtue signalled “Well, at least we are transparent about our mistakes”.

They are economic morons. The Greens trying to come up with economic policy is like a bunch of kids trying to start a fire with gasoline and a blowtorch because they saw it work in a movie once. 

The truth is they care more about wokeness, unicorns, and a geopolitical war happening on the other side of the world that they know nothing about.  Just look at how few questions they ask about climate or the environment. 

The Green Party of just twenty years ago has morphed from an environmentally focussed party, with at least some values to back that up, to a Red-Party, valueless, rudderless, who think that anyone that disagrees with them is evil and should be shouted down.

The Māori Party

The Māori Party has to be a massive disappointed for Maoridom. 

They are a bunch of radical racists who wear cowboy hats and half the South Island’s pounamu around their necks. 

They think representing Māori means doing a haka in parliament and turning up twice a month. 

What have they done for Māori in the past three years? Zero.

They are currently polling at 1.5%. They claim that 17% of New Zealand population are Māori, so that means that not even ten percent of Māori even vote for them. Who do they represent exactly?

But get this, now they are actively telling Māori on the Māori roll to not party vote for them, but to party vote Labour or Greens. 

They keep up this pretence of the Māori roll, Māori seats, and Māori vote as being essential to the representation of Māori as some sort of principled position, yet they are wanting now to use Māori voters as a pawn to flippantly undermine democracy.

It just highlights what a disgrace they are to democracy and to Maoridom.

They will be lucky to win one seat this election if any at all. But we still see all these moronic mainstream media polls still counting the Māori Party as having six seats. 

They don’t even have six seats now. A third of their MPs have had enough and left the party already.

The point of this, is that no matter how much we point out how utterly disastrous the Greens and Māori Party would be for our country, the Labour Party would happily work with the mung beans and cowboy hats to get into power.

Think about that for a second.

And just quietly, for the umpteenth time.  New Zealand First will not be going with Labour. So the media can stop asking me “gripper” questions.

You know what a “gripper” is don’t you? It’s a wanker that won’t let go.

New Zealand First

Reflecting back, at this time before the last election, no one gave our party any chance of getting back to parliament.  Today, we are here, and the question for the media is no longer – if we will get back, its ‘how many seats will we get?’

Well, we’ve got news for everyone, and this time it’s all good.  We will turn these current media polls into confetti.

We have been working hard over the past two and a half years to build our machine for this campaign.

We are on a pathway to a major shift in the political landscape.

We have the team.  We have the candidates. We have the party, and we have the growing support of kiwis.

This year have been packing the halls around the country with ordinary hardworking kiwi battlers who see the only party talking common sense.

They all see what makes New Zealand First different from every other party.

We are the only socially conservative party.

We are the only nationalist party. That’s nationalist with a capital “N”.

We are the only patriotic party – a word that is now so often criticised.  We stand proud to be patriots of New Zealand. 

What’s most important, is that we are the only party that can counter-balance the present spectrum of extremists in parliament.

New Zealand First is not just running in another election this year, we intend to turn this election on its head.

Bold policies

New Zealand First started travelling around the country, packing the halls, and talking to the people earlier this year, because we knew this was going to be a long campaign.

We have already announced a number of election policies that we believe are needed to affect real change in the direction of the country and for the prosperity of kiwis.

We have announced policies to break up the power companies, split the supermarket duopoly, re-establish a competitive state owned bank, return mining royalties created in the regions back to the regions, we announced our KiwiSaver policy of making it compulsory with automatic sign-up at birth $1000 kickstart.

By the way this was a full month before National decided to steal our KiwiSaver policy and claim it as their own.  

We have bold policies. But bold policies are needed to create a fair playing field in the power, food, and banking systems so we can make real change to kiwis lives, drive down the cost of living, give kiwis a fair go, and take back control of our country.

Paris Accord

A few weeks ago the Prime Minister said that National will be doing its best to honour the Paris obligations. If that’s true, up to $22 billion of our hard-earned taxpayers’ money is going offshore.

It’s just common sense that instead of draining our money offshore, into foreign economies, we invest it looking after our own environment. 

And New Zealand First is the only party that believes that.

We need to look at the illogical state of what the Paris Accord actually means. Around sixty percent of the worlds CO2 emissions come from four countries – China, United States, Russia, and India. New Zealand’s emissions amount to only around 0.17%.

Why are we making a rod for our own backs, punishing our farmers and our taxpayers and our economy, when China or the US could sneeze and produce more CO2 overnight than we do in a year? 

Here is what a lot of people don’t know.  China built more than 50 large coal powered power plants just last year – that’s one a week. And what did the Labour Party do? Ban coal. Close down Marsden Point. What are the Greens doing? Screaming blue-murder that the world is going to end because New Zealand isn’t cutting our emissions enough.  These MPs are taking us for suckers.

Just two weeks ago, the former longest serving Labour Party PM in the UK, Tony Blair, made a similar statement to New Zealand First’s about what the world needs to do on the Paris Accord. The world is catching on and we are going to get left behind in crippling debt and a swamp of regulations on our productive sector if we remain signed up to the Paris Agreement.

We need to stop this nonsense.

New Zealand First is saying we need to get out of the Paris Accord altogether – and we will campaign on this issue in this election.

India Free Trade Agreement

New Zealand First is against the Indian Free Trade Agreement, for good reason. It is not the ‘great deal’ that has been portrayed by political parties and the media.

Here are four of the reasons why we are against this deal and the disastrous impact it will have on our country. 

1. The FTA that you have been told about, has unprecedented immigration settings including uncapped student numbers with working rights and 5000 visa holders entering New Zealand able to bring in families with them – which increases that number to 20,000+ at any one time. This is in addition to other uncapped immigration work visa pathways within the agreement. 

The Indian Government has described the FTA as providing mobility opportunities for Indian professionals, students and has noted that the temporary employment opportunities offered to Indian citizens are unprecedented. They have said our offer to India on temporary employment visas is more generous than we’ve made to any other FTA partner. We are simply asking: Why have we been more generous on migration with India than in any other FTA? Why has migration been made one of centrepieces of what is meant to be a free trade deal, not a free migration deal?

2. The UN co-governance framework UNDRIP, the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People, is in the agreement. This is the provision that created He Puapua and co-governance being embedded in our country. And special rights based on race.

3. The Paris Agreement is in the FTA – with possibly up to $22 billion being sent overseas. 

4. New Zealand must promote $33 billion of investment into India over just the next 15 years, otherwise India may claw back the agreement. Billions of our dollars into a foreign country when we are desperate for investment here in New Zealand. 

National, Act, and Labour have agreed to this Indian FTA for short term headline gains with basic and substantial long-term flaws and losses.

They are even now just realising New Zealand First was right about the immigration numbers and they are now trying to change the default immigration rules – but why just for India? Why not now put immigration restrictions in across all FTA partners and immigration.

Only New Zealand First is fighting against this FTA.

UNDRIP Clause

Who put the Paris Accord in the FTA? Because India certainly didn’t ask for it.

Who demanded the clause stating the recognition of UNDRIP was put in the FTA? India wouldn’t have because they don’t even recognise the concept of “indigenous people” in their country. 

This is the same UNDRIP that started the He Puapua report, remember that? And the He Puapua report was the start of the co-governance cancer that has since pervaded our country.

That clause is directly contrary to the coalition agreement between National and New Zealand First, which specifically disowns any UNDRIP adherence or recognition. So why is it in the FTA with India? And more importantly, why have the two other government parties, National and Act, signed up to it?

When the Act Party leader was asked how he could support such a provision, he said he did not know about it, and further when he raised it with the Minister for Trade, was assured that it did not exist. 

And yet, Gary Judd KC, who has written work for the Act Party, has called this clause a “Constitutional Trojan Horse – advancing change through political stealth.”

So, there you have it, you have the UNDRIP provision in the FTA, which India did not ask for, and two of the three political party leaders claiming no knowledge of it.

So to recap, you have a government that is signed up to not support UNDRIP, and yet one party goes to India and writes support for UNDRIP into a trade deal, and then returns to New Zealand and shrugs off all legitimate inquiry saying “there is nothing to see here”.

The Indian Free Trade Deal is a bad deal for our country. 

The Unbalanced FTA

The Indian FTA lacks balance, or any sense of equal proportion of sharing benefit between two nations.

Why do we say that? Here are some examples.

We remove tariffs on Indian goods on day one. India keeps exclusions, phase outs, quotas, and price thresholds into the distant future.

So we give India a clean concession, and we get back a mixed package.

There is no progress for our dairy products at all.

Apples, kiwifruit, honey, albumins are quota limited – wine remains subject to high residual tariffs. What does that mean, if not huge commercial constraints against success.

Apples, kiwifruit and honey access is linked to “economic cooperation action plans”. What does that mean? It means market access can become dependent on ‘government to government’ delivery, not business or export performance.

SPS and sustainable development are not subject to normal disputes settlement.

It means, New Zealand exporters have no strong remedies if they come up against regulatory barriers.

Are you now seeing why New Zealand First has been against this deal since we were belatedly given the fine details?

Ladies and gentlemen, we stand for export led domestic economic recovery. How will we do that whilst we are providing $33 billion to India over the next 15 years.

What is even more crazy, is that under this deal New Zealand can export apples to India for two months in a year – the two months that this country doesn’t even produce apples. So which horticulture expert thought this was a great idea?

But here is their best expectation, in cold hard facts – this deal of which the Prime Minister has made so much, alongside obsequious business leaders, is expected to lift our GDP by the staggering amount of 0.1%, or a tenth of one percent – by 2050.

Covert Immigration Changes

We now know that officials aware of work on changing immigration settings have warned that bringing in stricter requirements specifically targeting India and not other FTA partners could adversely affect the bilateral relationship with India.

This is evidence that New Zealand First was right about this FTA being an open door for a flood of immigrants.

The question is why are they planning on making these changes that just affect Indian migrants as part of the FTA, and does India know that is happening after they signed the deal?

If National wants to create tighter restrictions on Indian FTA immigrants, then they should be applied to all other of our FTA partners as well.

There are serious questions that need to be answered.

Conclusion

Ladies and Gentlemen, kiwis are amazingly resilient and, though we are affected by the past, we are more concerned with the future and the possibility it holds.

New Zealand was once the greatest country on earth and it can be again – that’s worth fighting for.

Times are tough.  But we are fighting for you. And we will never give up.

New Zealand First has been on a mission.

To fight for the ordinary hardworking kiwis who just want a country they are proud of.

A country that provides opportunity for you and your families.

A country that gives you hope for a better future.

We must not lose sight of how far we have come on this long road to recovery.

We have won many battles, but we are yet to win the war.

But, if you give us the tools, we will finish the job.

It hasn’t been easy, but the things in life worth doing are never easy.

It is what will build the character of our country.

It is what will build a country we are all proud of.

We must never forget that challenge.

We must never give up what our forebears fought and died for.

We must never stop believing in ourselves or our mission.

We must never stop believing in New Zealand.

That is our vision and our mission.

To protect and to save this great country New Zealand.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/07/winston-peters-an-election-like-no-other/

g

Opportunity opposes this Bill because it is pointless, unscientific and unworkable – and because it harms New Zealanders.

The Bill is pointless and conflicts with existing law

We agree with Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Professor Gail Pacheco that “there’s no need to define ‘man’ and ‘woman’ in the law because the law already works well using the usual meaning of those words.” 

Single-sex provisions in workplaces, schools and clubs currently function because legal recognition lines up. The bill creates contradictions every employer, principal and HR department then has to navigate. 

The Attorney General also found the Bill raises significant Bill of Rights concerns, discriminating on the basis of age and sex. The proposed biological definitions limit the right to be free from discrimination, as they conflict with broader legal protections currently provided to transgender and non-binary people under the Human Rights Act.

The Bill is unworkable and unscientific

The proposed definitions (“adult human biological female” and “adult human biological male”) are vague and do not have any scientific meaning. 

• The bill does not define what “biological” means. It might refer to, for instance, chromosomes, gonads, hormones or anatomy. These do not always align. In addition to gender diverse people, there are over 100,000 intersex people in New Zealand whose legal status may be unclear under the proposed law.
• The bill does not define what “adult” means. The law says if the age of maturity is not specified, it means someone under 20. This may mean 16 to 19 year olds are discriminated against in healthcare and other settings.

The Bill harms New Zealanders

The Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 allows people to update their registered sex. This Bill renders that right meaningless, since the proposed definitions in the Legislation Act would override the practical effect of having an updated birth certificate.

It would also harm intersex and non-binary people, many of whom would not feel they are represented in New Zealand legislation were this Bill to pass. 

The Bill appears to be a cynical attempt to drum up a culture war and scapegoat gender diverse people. Transgender and gender diverse people already face discrimination. This debate around this pointless and unworkable Bill will make their lives harder.

Opportunity’s broader position on LGBTQIA+ issues

Opportunity are firmly supportive of LGBTQIA+ rights. We believe everyone should have the right to express themselves and love who they want to love. In addition to this, we believe transgender people should have access to the medical support they need. We are firmly against divisive culture wars that target these communities.

We don’t believe the primary role of government is to define people’s identities. Instead, we’ll focus on the things that really matter to most Kiwis – like building a fair tax system, ensuring access to healthcare and making New Zealand a place we can be proud to hand to the next generation. We are a party that works for all Kiwis, regardless of how they identify – that means focusing on fixing politics, building the next economy and restoring nature. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/07/submission-on-the-definitions-of-woman-and-man-amendment-bill/

12 minutes ago

Muriël Klavers arrived in Hawke’s Bay planning to stay for just three months, but nearly seven years later, the EIT graduate now calls the region home.

Originally from the Netherlands, Muriël graduated from EIT with a Master of Digital Business in 2022 and now works as a People and Capability Business Partner at Napier City Council.

The 29-year-old first completed a Bachelor of Human Resource Management at Avans University in the Netherlands and worked in Human Resources before setting off to travel the world in 2019.

She spent several months travelling through Asia and Australia before arriving in Hawke’s Bay, where she worked as an au pair. When Covid disrupted her onward travel plans, she began thinking about what came next and a local connection introduced her to EIT.

“I always wanted to do a master’s, but it wasn’t originally my idea to do it so soon,” she says.

After hearing about EIT through a local connection, Muriël decided to enrol in the Master of Digital Business programme.

Muriël says studying locally also appealed to her because of the opportunities to connect with people and businesses in the region.

“EIT does a lot of work connecting students with local businesses and communities.”

One of the highlights of her time at EIT was becoming involved as a student ambassador and connecting with people across the institute.

“The international department was always really supportive.

“We worked on different events and projects together and it was a great way to meet people from across EIT.”

Graduation also remains one of her strongest memories from her time studying.

“Getting the green light that you’ve graduated was probably the highlight.”

Since completing her studies, Muriël has worked across several roles before joining Napier City Council.

Muriël says networking and building relationships played a key role in helping establish her career in New Zealand.

“Having those relationships definitely helped me get my foot in the door.”

Now back working in Human Resources, she says the variety of the role is what she enjoys most.

“It’s the diversity of the work and building relationships with people.

“When I start in the morning, I never really know what my day is going to look like.”

Recently returning to EIT to speak with current students at a Lunch and Chat session brought back memories of her own student experience.

“It was nice to see people in a similar position to where I was six or seven years ago.

“We’ve all been in that position before and hopefully sharing my experience helps others as they work out their own pathway.”

Gareth Alison, Head of School, Business, Tourism, Hospitality and English Language, says: “Muriël’s journey is a fantastic example of how our Master of Digital Business programme equips graduates with both the technical capability and the real-world connections needed to build successful careers”.

“Her story highlights the importance of applied learning, industry engagement, and the supportive environment we strive to create for both domestic and international students. We are incredibly proud to see her contributing to the Hawke’s Bay community and inspiring current students to pursue their own career pathways.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/07/masters-graduate-builds-business-career-in-hawkes-bay/

A key highlight of the day was the leadership shown by Year 3 students from Fernside School, who are already advocating for real change in their community.

The students have presented a petition calling for a bylaw to restrict 4WD vehicles and dogs on the river during wrybill’s sensitive nesting periods: an initiative supported by much of their school community.

Their efforts have already gained attention, with the petition submitted to Waimakariri Council and Mayor Dan Gordon visiting the school to acknowledge their mahi.

Students left the day inspired by each other and with a strengthened sense that their actions matter.

“It was cool to meet other enviroleaders and the Year 3s were really brave,” said Jesse from Tihiraki North Loburn School.

The moment highlighted the power of youth voice, showing how even the youngest members of the community can influence decision-making when they stand behind something they care about.

Students left the day inspired by each other and with a strengthened sense that their actions matter.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/06/young-enviroleaders-take-action-for-braided-rivers-and-to-protect-wrybill/

Families across Central Otago are a step closer to welcoming their babies in their own community, with the sod now turned on the new Clyde Primary Maternity Unit, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“We want women and their families to have access to safe, quality maternity care in facilities that are fit for purpose and closer to home. One constructed, this modern maternity facility will serve Central Otago families for generations to come,” Mr Brown says.

Site works will begin on the new purpose-built facility in the coming weeks, which will replace the existing Central Otago Maternity Unit in Alexandra. Construction is expected to take around 14 months, with the unit scheduled to open in mid-2027.

“The new $5 million Clyde Primary Maternity Unit will bring primary maternity services together in one modern facility, making it easier for families to access care locally throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postnatal journey.

“Expectant mothers will be able to receive antenatal care, give birth, recover with their baby, and access urgent pregnancy assessments in one purpose-built facility designed around the needs of mothers, babies, and their families.

“Having these services available closer to home means less travel for families and greater access to the care and support they need during one of the most important and exciting times in their lives.”

Designed with both families and healthcare professionals in mind, the new facility will include a birthing room with a birthing pool, dedicated antenatal and postnatal care rooms, flexible clinical spaces, a family-friendly waiting area with a play space for siblings, a dedicated family room, and space for antenatal classes and education.

Every inpatient room will be a private ensuite room with space for partners or family to stay overnight, providing greater comfort, privacy, and dignity for families. The design incorporates large windows, outdoor access, and views across the surrounding landscape, creating a calm and welcoming environment for recovery and care.

The facility will also be closely connected with existing health services through a safe walking path to Dunstan Hospital and the helipad, alongside on-site parking for patients and staff.

Mr Brown says the investment supports the Government’s commitment to strengthening maternity services across the region.

“Alongside primary maternity units in Queenstown and Wānaka, the new Clyde facility will form an important part of the regional maternity network, ensuring families can access quality maternity care closer to home while maintaining strong links with specialist services when required.”

Clinical Service Planning completed in 2025 identified the need to strengthen maternity services across Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago. While the decision to build the Clyde Primary Maternity Unit predates that work, it strongly supports its direction. 

Health New Zealand is continuing to work with midwives, obstetricians, GPs, and frontline clinicians to develop a sustainable regional maternity model that meets the needs of local families now and into the future.

“Investing in health infrastructure is critical to ensuring New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare now and into the future. This project will support better maternity services for the Central Otago community and help meet growing demand for years to come.

“We are focused on fixing the basics and building the future. There is no more important investment than ensuring mothers and their babies have the best possible start, supported by modern, fit-for-purpose healthcare facilities,” Mr Brown says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/03/sod-turned-on-new-clyde-primary-maternity-unit/

Date:  03 July 2026

The timing is perfect to get the kids started on the annual Garden Birds Survey, with just two days left before it finishes on Sunday 5 July. It’s low effort, high reward – just look and listen for birds in your backyard for one hour.

Wellington’s Dave Allen, DOC Programme Lead Natural Capital, says winter is a busy time for birds.

“I’m sure many Wellington folk hear birds making quite a racket in the morning, and kids may be transfixed listening to and seeing birds in their own gardens,” says Dave. “It’s one of the best times to experience birds in your backyard, as they’re busy sheltering from winter weather and foraging for food.

Dave says Wellington is a great place for bird watching, right on your back doorstep.

“Children in Wellington get to experience native birds like kākā and kererū in their neighbourhoods and while they’re out naturing with friends and family. It’s something that might seem impossible to Gen Xers and Baby Boomers just a few decades ago.

“All over Wellington, you’re likely to see kererū, especially as Matariki is when we see them gorging on berries. They’ll sit on the ground, not moving, but that’s okay – they’re just a bit tipsy.  People are also likely to see grey warblers, and the volume of their song is surprisingly loud for such a tiny bird.

“Tūī are everywhere at this time, and korimako/bellbird are becoming more common. Kākā are noisy and boisterous all year round, but they’re definitely still flying around in winter.

“And for people on the western skyline of Wellington, this time of year can be a real treat; they’ll hopefully see and hear their local kiwi emerging from the bush and into people’s back gardens.”

“The Capital’s huge array of birdlife  can inspire kids to get interested in the amazing nature in our own backyards,and encourage more birds into them.”

Becoming a citizen scientist is a great way for kids to be engaged in naturing and ensure these precious gains in native bird population aren’t lost in the future. DOC is encouraging kids and their families to Share what you see when out in nature.

The easiest way to share a sighting of a bird or indeed any species – plant, animal or fungi – is to join iNaturalist NZ – Mātaki Taiao. Kids will love to know that scientists rely on this information for their work, and it’ll get them out the house.

The annual New Zealand Garden Bird Survey, run by the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, is New Zealand’s longest-running citizen science project, and can give kids a taste for birding. This involves counting birds in your garden or local area to help gather data for science and conservation, and is for everyone around the motu, no matter your age or where you live.

Building a haven for birds can occupy kids for the entire holiday. It’s planting season anyway, so kids can help by planting native trees to provide birds with food and shelter, by setting traps to protect birds from predators, or they could Create a backyard bird sanctuary.

Dave says Wellingtonians have a rare privilege having so many native birds in the city.

“Birds that seemed to be on their way out a few decades ago are now part of the landscape thanks to heroic, collective conservation efforts. Getting kids interested and engaged with native birds will help to ensure they survive and thrive in Wellington.”    

Contact

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/03/become-a-bird-brain-this-school-holiday/

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced.

“Prime Minister Modi’s visit is historic, with this being the first to New Zealand by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years,” Mr Luxon says.

“India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, and a country of enormous importance to New Zealand’s prosperity.

“We are taking the two countries’ relationship to the next level with our New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in April, which will deliver more jobs, higher exports and stronger economic growth for New Zealand.

“It will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India once fully implemented. From day one, 57 per cent of our exports will be tariff-free.

“This will unlock new opportunities to grow our goods and services exports into a market of 1.4 billion people and contribute to achieving the Government’s goal of building the future by doubling the value of exports by 2034.”

The visit reflects the growing momentum in the New Zealand-India relationship.  Discussions between the leaders will include trade and investment, maritime security, education, technology, tourism, sport, and global issues.

“We will also be celebrating the people-to-people connections between our two countries, with Kiwi-Indians comprising around 6 percent of New Zealand’s population and making a significant contribution to our country. They are highly engaged across the workforce, with strong representation in business, technology, health, science and many other important sectors. 

“This visit is about celebrating a winning partnership between New Zealand and India – one that delivers for our people and supports greater prosperity and security for both our countries. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to New Zealand.”

The Indian Prime Minister will arrive in Auckland on Friday 10 July and depart on Saturday 11 July. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/03/new-zealand-to-host-indian-prime-minister/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/03/protecting-aucklands-waterways-with-smarter-technology/

The updated National Curriculum for Years 0–10 will be released by 9 September 2026, following consultation with the education sector and the public, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

Science and Social Sciences will be released first, on 12 August, because schools must begin using them in 2027. This will give schools more time to consider the changes and prepare for implementation.

Pūtaiao and Pūmanawa Tangata, the corresponding wāhanga ako in Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, will be released on 26 August following final quality assurance of the content in te reo Māori.

• More than 3,900 submissions were received across six learning areas and seven wāhanga ako. 
• The Ministry invited the sector and wider New Zealand public to take part in the consultation, and ran in-person workshops, online webinars, surveys, and in class trialling to encourage participation.
• It also engaged with education organisations, subject associations, education experts and sector review groups to seek further advice on the drafts.  

“I want to acknowledge the time, and effort people took to engage with both the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa,” Ms Stanford says.

“The Ministry has committed to reviewing every submission and has adapted the timeline to ensure feedback is considered and appropriately reflected in the final curriculum.

Ms Stanford says it has been almost 20 years since the National Curriculum was last fully updated, and it needs to reflect the changes that have taken place in New Zealand and around the world.

“There has been significant variability and inequity across the system. A strong curriculum is one of the ways we can help address these issues,” Ms Stanford says.

“The purpose of the curriculum refresh is to provide clearer guidance on what students should learn at each year level, in a way that is coherent, age-appropriate and workable for schools across Aotearoa New Zealand.”  

Updating the Years 0–10 content and frameworks is part of the Government’s wider programme of curriculum, assessment and qualifications work to lift achievement for all New Zealand students.

The draft curriculum for Years 11–13 is currently in consultation and will be finalised later this year.

“Changes made through the Education and Training Amendment Bill will help avoid future major curriculum overhauls that cause disruption. We are moving toward a planned approach to curriculum review and updates, and the Ministry is working through what regular review cycles will look like for each learning area and wāhanga ako.

“When the full curriculum frameworks and Years 0–10 learning areas and wāhanga ako are released in September, the Ministry will also provide details of the supports available to help schools and kura use the updated National Curriculum successfully,” Ms Stanford says.

“This will include classroom resources, professional learning and development, and engagement opportunities such as webinars and in-person hui.

“I strongly encourage schools and kura that are ready to begin earlier to do so. 

“I am looking forward to all schools and kura seeing the final curriculum for Years 0–10. 

“We all want to deliver a high-quality, inclusive curriculum that supports teachers and kaiako to enable all New Zealand kids to thrive. 

“We want to ensure schools and teachers have the time and resources to deliver the new curriculum. It has been written specifically for Kiwi kids — it is engaging and rigorous, and it celebrates who we are as a nation.

“Finally, I want to acknowledge the New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association and the Auckland Primary Principals’ Association for their advocacy and constructive engagement.”

Editors’ notes

The National Curriculum is made up of the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.

Years 0–10 English, Mathematics and Statistics, Te Reo Rangatira, and Pāngarau are already required to be used, except for some specified kura which have until 2027.

Schools and kura are required to start using the curriculum from the following dates:

• 2027: Years 0-8 — Science, Social Sciences, Pūtaiao, and Pūmanawa Tangata. Years 9-10 — all learning areas and wāhanga ako. 
• 2028: Year 11 — all learning areas and wāhanga ako. 
• 2029: Years 0-8 — all remaining learning areas and wāhanga ako: Health and Physical Education, The Arts, Technology, Learning Languages, Waiora, Toi Ihiihi, Hangarau, Te Reo Pākehā, and Ngā Reo. Year 12 — all learning areas and wāhanga ako. 
• 2030: Year 13 — all learning areas and wāhanga ako. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/03/curriculum-release-dates-confirmed-for-years-0-10/

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the appointment of Andre van der Walt as the next Administrator of Tokelau.

“2026 is significant year in the relationship between our countries, marking the centenary of New Zealand’s administration of Tokelau,” Mr Peters says.

“The Administrator’s role is to support the Government of Tokelau in delivering services to its people, and to manage the relationship between New Zealand and Tokelau.

“Mr van der Walt will also oversee New Zealand’s support for Tokelau’s development which includes strengthening resilience to climate change, improving governance and service delivery, and supporting key sectors such as education, health, transport, and renewable energy.”

Mr van der Walt has previously served as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Kiribati, and as Deputy High Commissioner to Niue. 

Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory within the Realm of New Zealand, and its people are New Zealand citizens.

Mr van der Walt takes up this appointment in June 2026. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/02/new-administrator-of-tokelau-announced/

The Government is funding a major expansion of the New Zealand-developed ENRICH programme to help young children build the language skills they need, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

ENRICH will expand from 65 to 525 early childhood education services, supporting children aged 18 months to 5 to strengthen their language skills before they start school.

Ms Stanford says research shows it is imperative to improve teacher-toddler interactions because increasingly high levels of screen time at home are linked to lower-quality parent-child interactions, language delays, and behavioural problems in young children.

“We have seen five-year-old children arriving at school with the language skills of two-year-olds, and we needed to take action,” Ms Stanford says.

Findings from the trial of ENRICH over the past year have shown:

• Children in ENRICH show more advanced oral language in post-tests.
• Children in ENRICH show more advanced self-regulation.
• Children in ENRICH show reduced negative affect, and increased early literacy and social skills.

“Language skills are critical for later educational success. They also play a key role in developing the social and emotional skills that support positive behaviour.

The programme gives early childhood teachers practical tools and coaching to strengthen children’s language through everyday interactions, play and conversation.

“The earlier children are identified and supported, the better their outcomes are likely to be.

“This is about giving every child the strongest possible start, so they arrive at school ready to learn and ready to thrive.

“Budget 25 invested $12.4 million to ensure children in their early years receive the oral language support they need to build strong foundations for the future.”

Rollout and wider investment

The expansion builds on early delivery of ENRICH and will be rolled out in phases as provider capacity grows.

Overall, Budget 25 invests $297.7 million in the early learning sector, including:

• $216.6 million operating funding to extend the Early Intervention Service (EIS) into Year 1 and expand it to 560 specialist roles and additional Teacher Aide hours. 
• $9.4 million capital funding to grow the EIS specialist workforce. 
• Funding increase for EIS providers that had not had a price increase since 2019. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/02/nationwide-roll-out-of-oral-language-programme-to-eces/

Children will legally be able to ride bikes on footpaths with a grown up alongside them, and e-scooters will be allowed in cycle lanes, under a package of practical transport rule changes agreed by the Government, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Earlier year we asked New Zealanders for their views on a range of changes designed to make our transport rules safer, simpler, and better suited to the way people travel today,” Mr Bishop says.

“More than 6,000 people took the time to have their say. We’ve listened carefully to that feedback and, in some cases, changed our proposals as a result.

“One of the strongest messages we heard was that allowing children to ride on footpaths only solves half the problem if the grown up riding with them still has to use the road.

“That’s why we’ve adapted the proposal to allow parents and caregivers to ride alongside children on the footpath. 

“All children aged 12 and under will be permitted to ride on the footpath, and they can be accompanied by an older rider – such as a parent, caregiver, teacher, or older sibling – for safety purposes.  

“Keeping kids safe while they’re learning to ride is common sense. This change strikes the right balance between protecting young cyclists and ensuring footpaths remain safe for everyone who uses them.”

Following feedback from road users, the Government has also simplified the new mandatory overtaking-gap rule for vehicles passing cyclists, horse riders and other road users.

“Instead of different distances in different circumstances, drivers will be required to leave a minimum gap of 1.5 metres when overtaking. That’s clearer for drivers and safer for everyone.”

Other agreed changes include:

• People will be able to ride e-scooters in cycle lanes.
• Drivers will have to give way to buses leaving bus stops in areas where speed limits are 60km/h or less.
• Minor and technical changes relating to traffic control devices, including road signs, signals and markings.

“We also heard strong views on the proposal relating to parking on berms, which would have given councils greater powers to fine the owners of vehicles parked on berms. After considering the feedback, we’ve decided not to proceed because it became clear the proposal wouldn’t solve the underlying problem.

“This is exactly what consultation should achieve. We’ve taken practical proposals, listened to New Zealanders, and refined them to get a better result.

“These changes are about fixing the basics: safer streets, clearer rules, and less bureaucracy getting in the way of everyday travel.”

The new rules are expected to come into effect before the end of the year following Orders in Council.

Notes to editor

• These changes are part of the Government’s Land Transport Rules Reform programme, which is focused on modernising outdated rules, reducing red tape, and supporting a safer, more productive transport system.
• An Order in Council is a type of secondary legislation made by the executive branch of government without needing to pass a full Act through Parliament.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/02/common-sense-transport-rule-changes-confirmed/

Date:  01 July 2026

The volume of tropical species keepsakes seized over the last three and a half years would fill a standard 6-metre long shipping container. The coral seized in that period weighs 2.2 tonnes, while the clams amount add up to 2.4 tonnes – each lot weighing more than popular models of ute.

The corals and shells are seized as part of DOC’s obligations to the Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), a United Nations Convention that monitors and controls international travel of items containing protected animals and plants.

Many items from CITES-listed species need a CITES permit when they are transported across international borders. Ben Cornelius, DOC Border and Species Trade Manager, says CITES ensures the long-term survival of species is not threatened.

“Many eye-catching coral species are protected by CITES – and they’re often imported by people unaware they need a permit to bring the corals into the country,” says Ben. “CITES officers manually sort and weigh hundreds of these imports each week during the winter holiday season.

“Over the last few years, our corals and clams seizures have totalled more than 4.6 tonnes, and they have been brought into the country by more than 5000 people.”

Holidaymakers heading to tropical locations such as the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa during New Zealand’s winter school holidays regularly return with items made from CITES-protected species, including ever-popular clams and corals.

Much of the coral collected is dead white coral, picked up on beaches or purchased in markets. Many people importing these items don’t realise what they’re bringing in and are unaware of the relevant CITES protections.

“A lot of people think of coral as being alive and in the sea,” says Ben. “They don’t even recognise what they’ve bought or picked up as coral. But it’s still protected, and you can’t import it.”

The corals and clams seized are held and then transferred to a commercial waste facility for deep burial.

“We understand many families want to bring back memories of their holidays, and we urge them to visit the CITES section of the DOC website to find out more about the permit process and how they can ensure their travel trinkets like coral and clam items can be enjoyed into the future,” says Ben.

“Ask yourself ‘are my goods all good?’, and if you’re not sure, check online.”

More information

DOC has an entire section of its website dedicated to CITES, and anyone planning on travelling overseas is urged to familiarise themselves with the CITES rules.

The Department carries out a range of outreach activities and publicity work to support its CITES responsibilities, which include regulating the export of threatened New Zealand species.

Every person, business and community has a role in protecting and restoring nature. The CITES agreement contributes to the protection of nature, especially threatened species.

New Zealand has one of the highest numbers of threatened species in the world – more than 4000 are threatened or at risk of extinction.

It’s not just a few unique species – 72% of Aotearoa’s birds, 84% of our plants, 88% of our fishes and 100% of our reptiles are only found in Aotearoa.

Contact

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/01/corals-and-clams-pile-up-a-cites-reminder-this-school-break/