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.”

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

Hashtag: #hongkong #support #investigations #recovery #review #reforms

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

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.

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

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