MIL OSI

A self-certification scheme allowing skilled plumbers and drainlayers to sign off their own work is being expanded to cover more residential work and some commercial activity, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. 

“Trusted tradespeople want to get on with delivering the homes and infrastructure New Zealanders need, but too often they are slowed down by lengthy inspection delays that hold back productivity, pushing up the cost of building” Mr Penk says. 

“The Government is progressing the Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers Bill to put responsibility into trusted tradies’ hands. It will speed up building by allowing approved plumbers and drainlayers with a proven track record to certify their work is consistent with the building consent. 

“The building sector response to the proposed scheme has been strongly positive, and through the Select Committee process we have heard directly from tradies and businesses about ways to bolster the benefits and acted on that feedback. 

“Where the scheme originally focused on straightforward residential plumbing and drainage, such as installing a basic bathroom, it will now cover the majority of plumbing and drainlaying work in a home, along with some commercial jobs, including installing a kitchenette in a small office staff room. 

“It will also better support rural communities by covering common onsite systems such as septic tanks, as well as stormwater retention tanks in both rural and urban areas. 

“Master Plumbers has advocated for years for plumbers and drainlayers to be able to self-certify, just like electricians and gasfitters, and has welcomed today’s changes as a significant milestone for the industry that will enhance efficiency and productivity. 

“Self-certification is about making the building consent system simpler and more practical, while keeping responsibility firmly with qualified practitioners and ensuring consumers are protected. 

“Only plumbers and drainlayers who are licensed and in good standing with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board will be eligible for an endorsement to self-certify. The Board will oversee standards, compliance, and enforcement to protect public health and safety, while Building Consent Authorities will continue to review more novel and higher-risk work.  

“Public and practitioner education will also be important. While further implementation work is needed to get the settings right, the scheme is expected to be in place before Parliament rises for the General Election.  

“These changes will support strong uptake of the voluntary scheme from the outset, cutting unnecessary delays while maintaining robust protections so homeowners can get essential work done faster and with confidence.” 

Notes to editor:  

• The Building and Construction Sector (Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers) Amendment Bill was reported back from the Transport and Infrastructure Committee on 19 March.
• The expanded scope will be set through regulations and will cover work on buildings up to three storeys, excluding apartments, provided it uses standard building designs and does not affect fire-rated or shared walls.
• Onsite systems must use an approved standard design where one exists. Where no standard design is available, the system can still be self-certified but must still meet the requirements of the Building Code. 

MIL OSI

The Green Party has announced 13 Māori candidates in its final list for the 2026 General Election with 9 in the top 20 and Marama Davidson number 1.

Co-leader Marama Davidson says, “Our skilled and diverse candidate list includes Māori with strong leadership experience, working together to deliver real outcomes for whānau, hapū and iwi.

“The 13 Māori candidates reflect a long standing commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and partnership. We must reflect an Aotearoa that works for everyone. This can be what our Government looks like. 

“Our exceptional Māori candidates bring deep connections to their communities, iwi and kaupapa, grounding the Green Party in lived experience. I am proud to stand alongside these strong Māori candidates on our list. 

“The Greens have consistently held our ground over many decades, for te iwi Māori. We have experience and record on doing this work and building relationships across communities which is why we have grown steadily with increasing Māori membership, candidates and MP’s. 

“Middle of the road politics won’t deliver the change Māori need. The Green party is the only Party that will deliver for Māori, people, and planet. Party Vote Green for whānau, for papatūānuku.

The Māori candidates on the list with their ranking are: 

1. Marama Davidson

3. Teanau Tuiono

4. Tamatha Paul

7. Hūhana Lyndon

11. Kahurangi Carter

13. Tania Waikato

14. Craig Pauling

16. Rohan O’Neill-Stevens

20. Mike Davidson

21. Heather Te Au-Skipworth

24. Zephyr Brown

30. Te Whatanui Kipa Leka Taumalolo Skipwith

31. Awhi Haenga

MIL OSI

The Green Party has released its final candidate list for the 2026 General Election. 

“We are proud to announce an exceptional group of people who are already working tirelessly for our communities,” says Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick. 

“Our candidates reflect the people and values of Aotearoa, and they’re hitting the ground running. They are showing up in their communities across the motu with solutions that will help us all thrive.

“Our returning MPs are joined by candidates with experience in local Government, education, law, green energy, environmental expertise and community organising, to name just a few. This team has the skills, experience, track record, passion and commitment to deliver the practical change New Zealanders need to lower their cost of living, address the climate crisis and ensure we can all be proud of our country again.

Co-leader Marama Davidson adds, “from the very beginning, the people who built our movement understood something that the rest of politics is only now catching up to. They understood that you cannot separate the health of the planet from the wellbeing of people. Our candidates know this and will be prioritising our people and our planet.

“We have the plan to ensure everyone has what they need to thrive and to protect our taiao now, and for future generations to come. With this phenomenal cohort of candidates we can put that plan into place for whānau, for papatūānuku. 

“Our skilled and diverse candidate list includes strong Māori leadership, working together to deliver real outcomes for whānau, hapū and iwi.

“This year you can count on the Green Party to be clear. You can count on the Green Party to be courageous. You can count on the Green Party to care.”

The Green Party’s Final list for the 2026 General Election is: 

1. Marama Davidson

2. Chlöe Swarbrick

3. Teanau Tuiono

4. Tamatha Paul

5. Julie Anne Genter

6. Lan Pham

7. Hūhana Melanie Lyndon 

8. Lawrence Xu-Nan

9. Ricardo Menéndez March

10. Francisco Hernandez

11. Kahurangi Carter

12. Steve Abel

13. Tania Waikato

14. Craig Aaron Pauling

15. Scott Willis

16. Rohan O’Neill-Stevens

17. Bhen Goodsir

18. Yasmine Serhan

19. Louise Hutt

20. Mike Davidson

21. Heather Hinemoa Te Au-Skipworth

22. Shreejan Pandey

23. Lauren Craig

24. Zephyr Brown

25. Josh Jacobsen

26. Angela Dalton

27. Alika Wells

28. Carl Morgan

29. Courtney White

30. Te Whatanui Kipa Leka Taumalolo Skipwith 

31. Awhi Haenga

32. Melody Willis

33. Pamela Grealey

34. Alma de Anda

35. Chris Norton

MIL OSI

Property values in more than half of New Zealand suburbs have stabilised or risen in the past three months, suggesting the country’s housing market is gradually finding its footing after several subdued years.

The latest update of Cotality’s Mapping the Market interactive tool, which provides suburb-level property insights across the country, shows 56% of suburbs recorded either stable or rising standalone house values over the three months to March. That is up from 44% three months earlier, indicating a modest strengthening in market conditions.

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the figures show the national market may appear subdued on the surface, noting results were more nuanced as more suburbs stabilised or recorded modest gains.

“At a high level, the NZ property market has been trending sideways in recent months,” he said.

“Sales activity has been lifting for some time now, but elevated listings are still keeping pricing power largely with buyers, which is why overall value growth has remained fairly subdued.”

“But suburb-level figures show that the cautious attitude does not apply everywhere.”

Rural regions showing resilience

Some of the strongest value gains have emerged in regional areas with 30 suburbs recording house value growth of at least 3%, with many located in Southland, Otago and the West Coast.

Among the strongest performers were Karitane in Dunedin and Blackball in Grey District, which each saw house values rise by more than 6%, while Mataura in Gore recorded growth of more than 4%.

Mr Davidson said relatively better affordability and the strength of the farming sector at a regional level had likely supported housing demand in those regions.

“Some of the more affordable regional markets linked to strong rural economies have been holding up well,” he said.

“That combination of lower price points and stable local economic conditions can provide a bit more resilience when the broader market is subdued.”

Patchy results across cities
While some regional areas have shown resilience, conditions in some other markets remain mixed.

Suburbs such as Crofton Downs and Kelburn in Wellington recorded house value growth of 3 – 4% in the March quarter, while Stillwater in Auckland and Aranui in Christchurch both rose by almost 2%.

However, declines were also recorded elsewhere across the country. For example, Little Wanganui in Buller fell by around 6%, while Wellsford in Auckland’s Rodney district dropped by almost 3.5%.

Mr Davidson said the suburb-level data highlights the uneven nature of the housing market at present.

“When you drill down to suburb-level data, conditions become much more varied. Some areas are already seeing values stabilise or edge higher, while others remain softer depending on local economic conditions, supply levels and affordability,” he said.

Townhouse markets remain softer

For townhouses and flats, 53% of suburbs recorded stable or rising values over the three months to March, indicating slightly weaker conditions than the standalone housing market.

A total of 45 suburbs recorded townhouse value increases of at least 3%, with 10 suburbs rising by 5% or more, including Tauranga South, Belleknowes in Dunedin, and Oamaru.

However, several areas also recorded declines, including Wesley and Goodwood Heights in Auckland, which both saw values fall by more than 3%.

Mr Davidson said the pipeline of new housing supply is still putting some downward pressure on prices in certain areas, such as Auckland, where there’s been a significant pipeline of fresh townhouses completed.

Wide price differences across NZ suburbs

Among standalone houses, Herne Bay in Auckland remains the country’s most expensive suburb, with a median house value of around $2.99 million, followed by Saint Marys Bay at $2.86 million.

At the other end of the spectrum, several suburbs have median house values below $300,000, including Patea in South Taranaki, Blackball in Grey District, and Clinton in Clutha.

Mr Davidson said Mapping the Market helps reveal the diversity of housing markets across the country.

“The suburb-level data highlights just how different local housing markets can be,” he said.

“Even within the same region, property values and trends can vary quite significantly depending on local supply, demand and economic conditions.”

Outlook points to modest growth

Mr Davidson said NZ’s housing market is positioned for modest value growth through 2026, adding that the General Election, debt-to-income lending restrictions and global economic risks would remain important factors to watch.

“Affordability has improved compared with the peak of the market, mortgage rates have stabilised and listings appear to be easing slightly,” he said.

“Those factors should support some gradual value growth this year, but buyers and sellers remain cautious, so the prospect of a boom looks unlikely.”

MIL OSI

The Green Party has released its Delegate List of candidates for the 2026 General Election, which will now inform the final membership voting process.

“This is a strong electable list of people who represent diverse communities across Aotearoa and are ready for government,” says Green Co-leader Marama Davidson.

“Aotearoa has enough for everyone to thrive and we can build a society that works for people and planet. Only the Greens have a plan to ensure everyone’s needs are met and nature is healthy. With more Green MPs we will see this vision in place across the motu.

“Our diverse Māori candidates are supported by whānau, hapū and iwi, further strengthening Māori voice in the Green Party and across the motu. We are proud that our list reflects the importance of Māori candidates to the Party.

“By voting for the Green Party, we can build a society where power and wealth are in the hands of our communities and our precious nature is valued,” says Marama Davidson.

Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick added:

“2026 will be an historic election. With such a talented mix of returning Green MPs and new Green talent, the government New Zealanders deserve is ready to get on with the work of lowering bills and climate changing emissions.

“Politics belongs to those who turn up. That is why the Greens are organising in communities across this country for people to take back their power – to build an economy that works for everyone and the environment, instead of exploiting and exhausting both.

“Our candidates reflect the people and values of this country, and they’re hitting the ground running. Returning MPs are joined by candidates with experience spanning local government, education, law, green energy and community organising – to name just a few,” says Chlöe Swarbrick

The Green Party’s Delegate List for the 2026 election is:

1. Marama Davidson

2. Chlöe Swarbrick

3. Teanau Tuiono

4. Tamatha Paul

5. Julie Anne Genter

6. Hūhana Melanie Lyndon

7. Lawrence Xu-Nan

8. Lan Pham

9. Ricardo Menéndez March

10. Francisco Hernandez

11. Kahurangi Carter

12. Craig Aaron Pauling

13. Bhen Goodsir

14. Steve Abel

15. Tania Waikato

16. Scott Willis

17. Rohan O’Neill-Stevens

18. Yasmine Serhan

19. Heather Hinemoa Te Au-Skipworth

20. Louise Hutt

21. Shreejan Pandey

22. Mike Davidson

23. Asher Wilson-Goldman

24. Zephyr Brown

25. Angela Dalton

26. Josh Jacobsen

27. Lauren Craig

28. Carl Morgan

29. Nathan Hoturoa Gray

30. Te Whatanui Kipa Leka Taumalolo Skipwith

31. Alika Wells

32. Courtney White

33. Awhi Haenga

34. Pamela Grealey

35. Alma de Anda

36. Chris Norton

37. Melody Willis

This initial List will now be put to a vote of all members of the Green Party, who will be given the opportunity to choose this ranking, or rank candidates in their preferred order.

MIL OSI

The Green Party announces 14 Māori candidates in the Delegate List for the 2026 General Election, which will now inform the membership voting process.

Co-Leader Marama Davidson says, “our diverse Māori candidates are supported by whānau, hapū and iwi, further strengthening Māori voice in the Green Party and across the motu. I am proud that our list reflects the importance of our staunch Māori candidates to our Party.”

The Māori candidates on the list with their ranking number are:

1. Marama Davidson

3. Teanau Tuiono

4. Tamatha Paul

6. Hūhana Melanie Lyndon

11. Kahurangi Carter

12. Craig Aaron Pauling

15. Tania Waikato

17. Rohan O’Neill-Stevens

19. Heather Hinemoa Te Au-Skipworth

22. Mike Davidson

24. Zephyr Brown

29. Nathan Hoturoa Gray

30. Te Whatanui Kipa Leka Taumalolo Skipwith

33. Awhi Haenga

This list includes three wāhine māori running in three Māori Electorates. Hūhana Lyndon in Te Tai Tokerau, Heather Te Au Skipworth in Ikaroa – Rawhiti, and Tania Waikato in Waiariki.

“It’s really exciting to see and celebrate candidates stepping forward who reflect the diversity and richness of communities across Aotearoa.

“Bold Māori voices will ensure that we can build a government that upholds te Tiriti o Waitangi and honours the Crown’s responsibility to guarantee tino rangatiratanga of tangata whenua over their whenua, kāinga and taonga katoa.

“Māori leadership strengthens the Green Party and the work we do for people and planet. Protecting our whenua, supporting whānau into warm homes and healthy kai, and drawing on mātauranga Māori to help lead solutions to the climate crisis” says Marama Davidson.

MIL OSI

A new report published today by Dental For All explores eight overseas approaches to oral healthcare and shows another way is possible for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Adult dental care currently sits outside of the public health system, leaving nearly half of the population unable to afford it.[1] The report, titled ‘There Are Alternatives: Analysis of Overseas Models of Expanding Access to Oral Healthcare within Public Health Systems’, is the third released by Dental for All, a group calling for free, universal, Te Tiriti o Waitangi-consistent oral healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“This research draws together examples of how other countries provide oral healthcare and shows how we can transform our approach to ensure everyone has access to the care they need,” says Dental for All campaigner and report coordinator, Kayli Taylor.

The countries included in the report (Niue, Japan, Colombia, Canada, Cuba, Finland, the United Kingdom, and Brazil) all take a more comprehensive approach to oral healthcare and provide publicly-funded care to a wider population. The report explores the benefits of each example and lessons for Aotearoa New Zealand. Research work was done by a researcher and a dentist with the support of the Dental for All team. It included desk research and conversations with oral health professionals working in these countries, or familiar with their contexts.

“In Aotearoa, children can access funded oral healthcare until their 18th birthday, however adult oral healthcare is fully privatised, making it inaccessible to many. This report shows that there are alternatives; a better approach to oral healthcare is possible,” says oral health researcher and co-author Anne Campbell.

“Rather than being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, the approaches researched for this report show that investing in good, regular oral healthcare provides long-term benefits for individuals, communities and the country as a whole,” continues Campbell.

In 2024, Dental for All released a report by FrankAdvice which found that the social, economic and fiscal costs of people not being able to afford dental care exceed the cost of funding free dental care for everyone.[2] Following this, a 2025 report focused on lived experience and shared ten stories from people who have struggled to access necessary dental care – highlighting the stress, shame and stigma that results from our current approach to oral healthcare.

“There is a strong public mandate to change how we approach oral health in Aotearoa, and we have the economic case and human stories to back this up,” says Dental for All campaigner Hana Pilkinton-Ching.

“People often ask the question, ‘What do other countries do?’. This research provides an answer. We can learn from these overseas examples, as well as local case studies and Māori leadership in the oral health space, to move towards a system which provides everyone the care that they need and upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” says Pilkinton-Ching.

Dental for All will release a fourth report in the coming months which outlines a policy model for free, universal and Te Tiriti o Waitangi-consistent oral healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand, and aims to secure policy commitments from political parties ahead of the 2026 General Election.

The report is publicly viewable here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G29aZ-OFKbYiDDxSFFeX0e6jAt0rLYx2/view?usp=drive_link
and linked on the Dental for All website: https://www.dentalforall.nz/research

[1] In the latest NZ Health Survey, 43% of adults reported unmet need for dental care due to cost, with higher rates of unmet need for Māori, Pacific and disabled communities.

[2] This research finds more than $6 billion in social costs, $5 billion in economic costs, and further fiscal costs (including impacts on the health system) as a result of unmet dental need in NZ adults. The cost of funding free, universal dental care is estimated to be less than $2 billion per year (based on costings published by ASMS, Stuff and the Green Party).

MIL OSI

Queenstown, New Zealand (19 January 2026) Award-winning summit Electrify Queenstown will return in May 2026 with a power-packed programme combining political debate, high-profile speakers, immersive electric experiences and practical advice for businesses and households ready to electrify.

Delivered by Destination Queenstown, with principal sponsor Aurora Energy, Electrify Queenstown 2026 will be held across three days at the Queenstown Events Centre, from Sunday 17 May to Tuesday 19 May 2026.

The centrepiece will be The Future of New Zealand’s Energy System: Political Debate, bringing together representatives from National, Labour, the Green Party, and The Opportunity Party for a rare on-stage energy discussion, moderated by leading journalist Paddy Gower.

Electrify Queenstown 2026 also features a strong line-up of national and international speakers shaping the future of electrification, energy and transport, along with panel discussions on everything from electrification myth-busting to finance.

Beyond the stage, the summit is known for its immersive, real-world electric experiences and demonstrations. Attendees will be able to visit smart homes and businesses, get hands-on with the latest e-bikes, e-boats, e-vehicles, solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, and household tech, and also receive practical, direct advice in the How-to-Hub, hosted by Queenstown Electrification Accelerator.

Earlybird tickets are on sale now.

Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown & Lake Wānaka Tourism, says Electrify Queenstown continues to evolve as electrification gathers pace.

“Across the country we’re seeing electrification move from early adoption to the mainstream, and this summit captures that moment – bringing together political leaders, global thinkers and real-world examples to show what’s possible, what’s next, and how communities and businesses can be part of the transition.

“And with the General Election this October, Electrify Queenstown 2026 will provide an opportunity to hear directly from politicians about how they plan to power New Zealand’s future.”

Speakers and panellists include renewable electricity advocate, entrepreneur and inventor Dr Saul Griffith, Rewiring Aotearoa’s Mike Casey, and Queenstown-based Xero founder Sir Rod Drury, all returning for a second year, along with Aotearoa environmentalist and entrepreneur Izzy Fenwick.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover says: “Electrification is vital for the future of the district and as a business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how smart energy choices can strengthen resilience and reduce long-term costs.

“Electrify Queenstown is valuable because it shows what’s already working, locally. It gives people practical confidence that these solutions are achievable, scalable and relevant to our community.”

Electrify Queenstown 2026 is proudly supported by principal sponsor Aurora Energy, along with supporting sponsors Air New Zealand, Westpac, Queenstown Lakes District Council, TomTom Productions, and Queenstown Catering.

Richard Fletcher, Chief Executive of Aurora Energy, says the company is pleased to be principal sponsor for the third consecutive year.

“This event continues to play a vital role in helping businesses and households understand the benefits of electrification, from cost savings and efficiency gains to reducing emissions and building resilience.

“As the owner of the main electricity distribution network in Queenstown, our role is to ensure the network is safe, reliable, and ready to meet growing demand. We are investing in our network across the Wakatipu area, and have a number of projects underway to support growth and enable future energy choices. As demand for electricity continues to rise, we remain committed to ensuring our network is ready.”

For the first time, Electrify Queenstown 2026 will introduce ticketing, including early-bird pricing, to ensure the event remains financially sustainable into the future.

“It allows us to keep bringing in world-class speakers, immersive experiences and practical content, while building a platform that’s sustainable for the long term,” Woods says.

Tickets are now on sale for Electrify Queenstown 2026, with options to attend individual days, events, or the full three-day programme.

Day 1 – Sunday 17 May: Electric Experiences

Community and business-focused electric tours, demonstrations and exhibitions showcasing electrification in action

Day 2 – Monday 18 May: Business Innovation, Investment & Policy

Keynote speakers, political debate, and finance and investment panels, aimed at business leaders, boards,decision-makers and the community

Day 3 – Tuesday 19 May: How to Electrify

Practical, hands-on sessions for business owners, operators and teams focused on implementation, cost savings and real-world solutions

For more information, visit www.electrifyqueenstown.co.nz

MIL OSI

Finance Minister Nicola Willis will not be standing for an electorate seat at the next election.

At the last election, Willis campaigned for the Wellington electorate of Ōhāriu, which was narrowly won by Labour’s Greg O’Connor with 17,565 votes to Willis’ 16,305.

The electorate will next year be split into the new seats of Kenepuru and Kāpiti, which replace Mana and Ōtaki.

In a statement, Willis – who is also National’s deputy leader and has been confirmed as a list-only candidate – said she would campaign across New Zealand to re-elect a National government.

“I am honoured to have the support of the National Party Board to campaign across New Zealand to help re-elect a National Government focused on fixing the basics and building the future,” she said.

Willis said the economy was growing again and inflation had come down as a result of the government’s plan.

“We cannot take our recovery for granted. Labour have been clear – their plan is to tax more, borrow more, and spend more, leaving us worse off and jeopardising what all Kiwis have worked so hard for.

“With the economy recovering, exports at a record high and a new planning system on the way New Zealand is in safe hands under a National Government.

“I’m looking forward to supporting Christopher Luxon and National MPs and candidates around NZ to campaign for and win the Party Vote at next year’s General Election.”

O’Connor has said he intends to continue his political career, but will not challenge Labour colleage Barbara Edmonds.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 December 2025 – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is going all out to support victims and investigate the cause of a massive fire that engulfed seven out of eight high-rise residential blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on November 26.

The tragedy prompted an outpouring of support from the public and urgent actions from the HKSAR Government to provide all-round assistance to the victims while launching a thorough investigation into the cause of the blaze.

Government support across multiple areas

John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, emphasised that the Government attaches high importance to the well-being of affected residents, focusing not only on immediate relief aid but also their various long-term living needs.

As a top priority, the Government immediately started providing support across multiple areas, including financial aid, accommodation, medical assistance, and counselling.

Regarding financial support, the Government has been offering an emergency cash subsidy of HK$10,000 (US$1,282) per affected household, with more than 1,900 households registering for the subsidy.

Moreover, the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has been set up with an initial HK$300 million (US$38 million) injection from the Government. The fund has so far raised a total of HK$2.3 billion (US$294 million), including HK$2 billion (US$256 million) from donations. The fund will be used to assist the residents in rebuilding their homes and providing long-term and sustained support, including families of each deceased victim receiving HK$200,000 (US$25,641) as a token of solidarity as well as HK$50,000 (US$6,410) to cover funeral costs.

As for foreign domestic helpers who lost their life in the incident, the next of kin of each deceased helper will receive roughly HK$800,000 (US$102,564) from the Government, including a one-off financial assistance of HK$250,000 (US$32,051) and the statutory compensation of over HK$500,000 (US$64,102).

The Government will also provide four special subsidies, namely the injury grant (HK$50,000 to HK$100,000, i.e. US$6,410 to US$12,820), the student grant (HK$20,000, i.e. US$2,564), the subsidy for workers (HK$20,000, i.e. US$2,564) and the subsidy for foreign domestic helpers (HK$20,000, i.e. US$2,564).

So far, more than 1,000 residents have been accommodated in youth hostels/camps or hotel rooms and another 1,600 residents have moved into transitional housing units. Furthermore, two shelters remain in operation for residents in need.

Criminal and fire investigations

Initial investigations have raised serious concerns in a number of areas with more than a dozen individuals from various construction and engineering consultancy companies arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the tragedy.

Various building materials, including scaffolding netting, foam boards and canvas, have been seized from the scene for further testing and investigation. The Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption have established a joint task force to conduct a comprehensive criminal investigation.

Independent committee to conduct review

Mr Lee has also announced the establishment of an independent committee, headed by a judge, to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review.

“I call for a thorough investigation and serious reform. We’ll overcome the obstacles of vested interests, pursue accountability, regardless of who he or she is. We must uncover the truth, ensure that justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace and provide comfort to the living.

“While criminal and fire investigations are proceeding continuously, I will establish an independent committee to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review to reform the building works system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. To ensure the committee’s independence and credibility, I will invite a judge to lead its work. I shall liaise with him to define its detailed terms of reference, and at the same time, I will explore ways to assist in supporting the committee’s operational efficiency such that the Government can provide more detailed information or carry out some work on its direction so as to enable it to complete its task efficiently and submit a report early to the Chief Executive with recommendations to assist the Government to make the reform,” Mr Lee said on December 2.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive announced that the upcoming Legislative Council General Election would go ahead as planned on December 7.

“Only by enabling the new Legislative Council members to assume their duties promptly can we advance post-disaster reconstruction, follow-up support, recovery efforts, and the necessary legislative reviews and reforms more swiftly and effectively,” Mr Lee said. “Many initiatives require Legislative Council deliberation, funding approval, and law-making before implementation. This represents the most responsible approach towards Hong Kong’s future.”

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Expelled Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi says an iwi has called for the party’s President, John tamihere, to step down at a Te Tai Tokerau hui at the weekend.

Te Tai Tokerau was calling on Te Pāti Māori to reinstatement their MP Kapa-Kingi, and for improved relations between the ousted MP and her former party.

That came from a hui called for by Te Rūnanga Nui Ā Ngāpuhi where more than 200 people packed into Kohewhata Marae in Kaikohe to speak with Kapa-Kingi face-to-face and decide on their response to her and Tākuta Ferris’ expulsion from the party this month.

Among those in attendance were Ferris, Tāmaki Makaurau MP Oriini Kaipara and whānau from across Te Tai Tokerau and Muriwhenua.

There was broad support for Kapa-Kingi at the hui to remain the MP for Te Tai Tokerau and hopes Te Pāti Māori could mend the current schism in time to contest the 2026 General Election as a unified party.

Many also called for the party’s president John Tamihere to stand down.

Te Pāti Māori’s National Executive declined an invitation to attend the hui citing concerns around potential legal trouble – a move described as “extremely disheartening” and “insulting by hui organisers.

The party has alleged Kapa-Kingi “overspent” her electorate budget and, along with Ferris, plotted to take over the leadership of the party. Kapa-Kingi has denied both claims.

Speaking to the crowd, Kapa-Kingi addressed the claims of financial mismanagement. She said she had received an email from the Parliamentary Services Office that she was in fact within her Parliamentary budget – by $1.

“I want to share that with you, because there’s so many other mischievous and bad stories that have been told for bad reasons… and I want to be able to correct those things so that people know better what has actually happened from me.”

Kapa-Kingi said there were dynamics of “sexism”, “narcissism” and “misogyny” at play within the party.

“What is getting played out against me, and against my colleagues – and one of my dear colleagues that is no longer here – is all of that horrible, yuckiness, targeted at wāhine Māori.” she said.

She said some Māori might feel like the last 12 months had been “the worst ever”, the worst was still yet to come.

“I love you, and I am here for you and I’m not going anywhere.” she said.

“And how do we end this? We stand JT down. That’s how we end it.”

Looking ahead

The ultimate goal of the hui was for Te Tai Tokerau to discuss strategies on how to respond to Kapa-Kingi’s expulsion and find consensus on how move forward.

All who wanted to speak where invited to do so, while note takers gathered their kōrero to report back on later in the evening.

The hui was both jovial and tense, at times, as kaikōrero took turns sharing their whakāro to the whare. Some spoke about the need for young people to step up into leadership positions while others spoke of how Te Whakaputanga needed to be at the centre of decision making.

Among the speakers Ngātiwai rangatira Aperahama Edwards who said many people were feeling hurt and confused, especially after the unity displayed during Te Hīkoi mō te Tiriti.

“We want it to end,” he said.

“We don’t want our people led into the trenches to have choose sides.”

Edwards said the ructions within the party had taken attention away from other kaupapa, like the recent changes to the Marine and Coastal Areas Act (MACA).

“I ended up going down to Parliament , so I’m probably the last person to give advice to either of them on how to get back in there. I went down and got kicked out of there to try and draw attention to what’s happening in front of our eyes.”

“But the only kōrero that was being consumed in the media and on social media was the inferno raging within Te Pāti Māori.” he said.

Edwards said it would be the taimariki who carried the mauri of the hīkoi to Parliament that would be most affected.

“Where’s the aroha for those taitamariki? Because they’re looking at all their superheroes sitting across both camps, embroiled in this raru, and their hearts break.” he said.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

That came from a hui called for by Te Rūnanga Nui Ā Ngāpuhi where more than 200 people packed into Kohewhata Marae in Kaikohe to speak with Kapa-Kingi face-to-face and decide on their response to her and Tākuta Ferris’ expulsion from the party this month.

Among those in attendance were Ferris, Tāmaki Makaurau MP Oriini Kaipara and whānau from across Te Tai Tokerau and Muriwhenua.

There was broad support for Kapa-Kingi at the hui to remain the MP for Te Tai Tokerau and hopes Te Pāti Māori could mend the current schism in time to contest the 2026 General Election as a unified party.

Many also called for the party’s president John Tamihere to stand down.

Te Pāti Māori’s National Executive declined an invitation to attend the hui citing concerns around potential legal trouble – a move described as “extremely disheartening” and “insulting by hui organisers.

The party has alleged Kapa-Kingi “overspent” her electorate budget and, along with Ferris, plotted to take over the leadership of the party. Kapa-Kingi has denied both claims.

Speaking to the crowd, Kapa-Kingi addressed the claims of financial mismanagement. She said she had received an email from the Parliamentary Services Office that she was in fact within her Parliamentary budget – by $1.

“I want to share that with you, because there’s so many other mischievous and bad stories that have been told for bad reasons… and I want to be able to correct those things so that people know better what has actually happened from me.”

Kapa-Kingi said there were dynamics of “sexism”, “narcissism” and “misogyny” at play within the party.

“What is getting played out against me, and against my colleagues – and one of my dear colleagues that is no longer here – is all of that horrible, yuckiness, targeted at wāhine Māori.” she said.

She said some Māori might feel like the last 12 months had been “the worst ever”, the worst was still yet to come.

“I love you, and I am here for you and I’m not going anywhere.” she said.

“And how do we end this? We stand JT down. That’s how we end it.”

Looking ahead

The ultimate goal of the hui was for Te Tai Tokerau to discuss strategies on how to respond to Kapa-Kingi’s expulsion and find consensus on how move forward.

All who wanted to speak where invited to do so, while note takers gathered their kōrero to report back on later in the evening.

The hui was both jovial and tense, at times, as kaikōrero took turns sharing their whakāro to the whare. Some spoke about the need for young people to step up into leadership positions while others spoke of how Te Whakaputanga needed to be at the centre of decision making.

Among the speakers Ngātiwai rangatira Aperahama Edwards who said many people were feeling hurt and confused, especially after the unity displayed during Te Hīkoi mō te Tiriti.

“We want it to end,” he said.

“We don’t want our people led into the trenches to have choose sides.”

Edwards said the ructions within the party had taken attention away from other kaupapa, like the recent changes to the Marine and Coastal Areas Act (MACA).

“I ended up going down to Parliament , so I’m probably the last person to give advice to either of them on how to get back in there. I went down and got kicked out of there to try and draw attention to what’s happening in front of our eyes.”

“But the only kōrero that was being consumed in the media and on social media was the inferno raging within Te Pāti Māori.” he said.

Edwards said it would be the taimariki who carried the mauri of the hīkoi to Parliament that would be most affected.

“Where’s the aroha for those taitamariki? Because they’re looking at all their superheroes sitting across both camps, embroiled in this raru, and their hearts break.” he said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Federated Farmers

MIL OSI

The Government has agreed to reinstate a total ban on prisoner voting, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“Cabinet’s decision will reverse the changes made by the previous government in 2020, which allowed prisoners serving sentences of less than three years to vote.
“Restoring prisoner voting was typical of the previous government’s soft-on-crime approach; we don’t agree with it.
“Citizenship brings rights and responsibilities. People who breach those responsibilities to the extent that they are sentenced to jail temporarily lose some of their rights, including the right to vote.
“The proposed change will establish a consistent approach to prisoner voting, regardless of the length of sentence.
“The Government is committed to restoring law and order, and part of the response is to place a greater emphasis on personal responsibility and accountability. 
“A total prison voting ban for all sentenced prisoners underlines the importance that New Zealanders afford to the rule of law, and the civic responsibility that goes hand-in-hand with the right to participate in our democracy through voting.
“The voting ban will be progressed as part of an electoral amendment bill announced in April and set for introduction later this year. 
“When prisoners have served their time, they will enjoy the full restoration of electoral rights. The Department of Corrections and the Electoral Commission currently coordinate to support prisoners with re-enrolment upon their release, and this work will continue.”
The ban will not be retrospective, meaning prisoners already serving sentences of less than three years at the time the ban comes into force before the 2026 General Election will retain the ability to vote. 
The voting ban will not apply to people detained on remand or serving sentences of home detention.

MIL OSI

Legislation that will enable a four-year term of Parliament subject to a referendum has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“As stipulated in the National-Act coalition agreement, the Bill is modelled on the ACT Party’s draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill.
“This means a standard term of Parliament will remain at three years, but with the ability to extend the maximum term of Parliament to four years. 
“The main condition is that membership of certain select committees is calculated in a way that is proportionate to the non-Executive parliamentary party membership of the House.
“Given the constitutional significance of the term of Parliament, this change would be subject to the outcome of a binding referendum.
“Both the National-Act and National-New Zealand First coalition agreements include supporting to select committee a bill that would enact a binding referendum on a four-year term of parliament.
“At this stage, no decisions have been made on whether this Bill will proceed beyond this. 
“It is possible a referendum could be held alongside the next General Election in 2026. However, any final decisions on timing for a referendum will depend on what comes out of the select committee process.
“To enable this, a Referendums Framework Bill will also have its first reading this week. This will provide for the conduct of a referendum alongside a General Election and will be modelled on the temporary legislation put in place for the 2020 referendum on the End-of-Life-Choice legislation and on Cannabis regulation.
“Future decisions will also need to be made by the Government as to whether the bill proceeds as introduced, or whether it should be amended.
“We want to hear what New Zealanders think during the select committee process.”

MIL OSI

The Government has agreed to introduce legislation that will enable a four-year term of Parliament subject to a referendum, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“As stipulated in the National-Act coalition agreement, the Bill is modelled on the ACT Party’s draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill.
“This means a standard term of Parliament will remain at three years, but with the ability to extend the maximum term of Parliament to four years. 
“The main condition is that membership of certain select committees is calculated in a way that is proportionate to the non-Executive parliamentary party membership of the House.
“Given the constitutional significance of the term of Parliament, this change would be subject to the outcome of a binding referendum.
“Both the National-Act and National-New Zealand First coalition agreements include supporting a bill to select committee. At this stage, no decisions have been made on whether this Bill will proceed beyond this. 
“It is possible a referendum could be held alongside the next General Election in 2026. However, any final decisions on timing for a referendum will depend on what comes out of the select committee process.
“Future decisions will also need to be made by the Government as to whether the bill proceeds as introduced, or whether it should be amended.
“We want to hear what New Zealanders think during the select committee process.”

MIL OSI