The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi welcomes a new report from the Human Rights Commission detailing the intergenerational impact of PCP use in the timber industry, including on timber workers, their whānau, and their communities.

“The CTU fully supports the report’s findings. Workers in the timber industry deserve a comprehensive redress that includes specialist healthcare, fair compensation, and recognition of the intergenerational harm caused to their whānau,” says NZCTU Vice-President Māori Aubrey Wilkinson

The highly toxic chemical PCP was widely used in the timber industry between 1930 and 1988. Timber workers were exposed through inhalation, skin contact, contaminated clothing, and workplace practices that lacked adequate safeguards

“Kaimahi Māori, their communities, and whenua have faced disproportionate harm from the use of this dangerous chemical. These failures breach international human rights standards and Te Tiriti o Waitangi”, says Wilkinson.

“Despite research linking PCP exposure to a wide range of health effects, many workers still face unacceptable barriers to receiving ACC cover. Without cover, they cannot access the treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation they need for illnesses and injuries caused by work,” says Wilkinson

“The story of PCP use and its impact on workers and their communities shows why strong workplace health and safety protections matter. Work should not make people sick, harm their whānau, or affect their mokopuna. We cannot let what happened to these workers happen to anyone else,” said Wilkinson

The NZCTU acknowledges the mahi of Sawmill Workers Against Poisons (SWAP) and Joe Harawira for their passionate advocacy, ongoing campaigning and pursuit of justice for those exposed to PCP through their work.

The NZCTU is calling on the Government to support the recommendations made by the Human Rights Commission in this report, provide redress to those impacted, and learn from these failures so working people are better protected in the future.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/toxic-timber-chemical-legacy-shows-why-health-and-safety-rights-are-human-rights/

WorkSafe has created a new prequalification template designed to make it easier for construction businesses to be brought on to jobs, which will be especially helpful for smaller contractors, says Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden. 

Prequalification is a process for checking a contractor’s health and safety practices before hiring them. 

“I heard widespread frustration about a lack of consistency and duplication within New Zealand’s prequalification systems. Businesses can be asked to get a new prequalification for every job they tender for, with varying requirements for each. They can also be asked for the same information multiple times, for the same job. 

“Some said they had to walk away from clients because the cost of getting prequalified was not worth the value of the work. One submitter said they had to complete 76 prequalifications in a year,” says Ms van Velden. 

In response to a direction by Minister van Velden, WorkSafe New Zealand has released a position statement and template to clarify expectations around the use of prequalifications and support a more consistent approach across the industry.  

“These resources support a more consistent, risk-based approach to contractor assessment, which should help avoid unnecessary cost, and reinforce that effective contractor management is about capability and practice, not paperwork alone.  

“These simple changes will save time and money, especially helping small businesses, and the Kiwis who hire them.” 

The prequalification template can be used by small businesses and sole traders to gather and present information about their health and safety practices. It should be used alongside WorkSafe’s position statement. 

My officials will work with relevant government agencies, including those responsible for infrastructure, construction, and procurement. I expect the new template will be useful for government procurement processes so businesses do not need to complete multiple forms to ‘prequalify’ for working with different agencies. This would help those contracting with government by making bids for work more consistent and cost-effective. 

Note to editors:  

The position statement and template are available on the WorkSafe website:

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/new-template-to-simplify-prequalification-process/

20 August 2026

This safety alert is a reminder to consider whether asbestos-containing materials (ACM) may be present before carrying out high-pressure water spraying or using compressed air. Disturbing ACM can release asbestos fibres and contaminate surrounding areas, posing risks to workers, occupants, and others nearby.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/check-for-asbestos-before-undertaking-high-pressure-spraying-on-roofs/

Rural families, communities and businesses will be better represented by a new work programme to strengthen rural data in New Zealand’s official statistics, Statistics Minister Scott Simpson and Rural Community Minister Mark Patterson say.  

“Rural communities have vastly different needs. A refreshed focus on statistics for rural areas is key to understanding them, and making better policy decisions,” Mr Simpson says.

The joint programme, by Stats NZ and the Office for Rural Communities (Ministry for Primary Industries) was established in March to improve understanding of the challenges they face and the opportunities available for people living rurally. 

“This can help with national and local decisions on infrastructure, including transport, education, and employment, and measure the impacts of those decisions,” Mr Simpson says. 

The work will improve rural analysis methods, making them more accessible to researchers and policy makers. 

New Zealand’s largest research database, the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), absorbs data from across Government agencies, Stats NZ surveys and non-government organisations. 

“Modernising the IDI is a priority for this Government, with $57.7m committed in Budget 2026 to upgrade our access to useful data,” Mr Simpson says. 

“It provides a wealth of information on rural communities that will become easier to access.”

Stats NZ and the Office of Rural Communities will continue to work together to improve rural data and analysis.

Mr Patterson welcomed the work to further strengthen the evidence base that supports rural communities and rural policy development, which will see 400,000 people being reclassified as rural.  

“Rural communities continue to power New Zealand’s economy and prosperity,” Mr Patterson says.

“This joint work programme will provide comprehensive data that will support the ongoing success of these vital communities and highlight their important contribution.”

“Continuing to work collaboratively on this programme will enable a strong and positive result for rural communities,” Mr Patterson says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/building-the-future-of-data-for-rural-communities/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/health-offensive-trades-removal-order-2026/

Achieving competitive urban land markets in new system

The government will establish an independent economic umpire to ensure councils achieve competitive urban land markets through the new planning system, Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and RMA Reform Under-Secretary Simon Court say.

An amendment paper to the Government’s Planning Bill will establish the role of an independent Urban Land Market Officer to determine whether urban land markets are competitive, to monitor and report on land market performance, and to advise central government and councils on actions to increase competitiveness.

“For too long, the Resource Management Act (RMA) has acted as a handbrake on growth and opportunity. It is directly responsible for New Zealand’s housing crisis by limiting the supply of urban land and housing – driving up costs for New Zealanders,” Mr Bishop says.

“Our new planning system will deliver the most significant pro-housing reforms in a generation. It will give homeowners more freedom and give prospective homeowners and renters more choice. It will also speed up consenting and create clear and consistent rules across the country. Additionally, private plan change requests will be made much easier.

“A specific goal of the new Planning Bill is for the system to enable competitive urban land markets by making land available to create abundant development opportunities for residential and business use.

“This creates a statutory obligation on councils to ensure that the supply of urban land is responsive to demand such that land prices do not materially or persistently reflect scarcity premiums. In other words, councils will need to be conscious that their planning rules do not create an artificial scarcity of developable land which in turn pushes up land prices. 

“This is fundamental to improving housing affordability, supporting economic growth, and accelerating productivity.

“To ensure councils fulfil this obligation, Cabinet has agreed to establish a new Urban Land Market Officer. They will provide independent assurance to government that planning decisions made locally support competitive urban land markets – getting these critical decisions out of the hands of central government politicians and into the hands of experts.

This new officer will focus on monitoring and advising on urban land market competitiveness. It will have functions to:

• develop a framework which would include any thresholds for determining competitiveness set in line with national instruments
• monitor and report on the competitiveness of urban land markets 
• require information from local authorities to enable an assessment as to the competitiveness of their urban land markets
• assess the extent land use regulation is impacting the competitiveness of urban land markets
• make formal determinations on whether a land market is competitive or not.
• advise the government on actions to increase competitiveness in land markets

If the Officer makes a determination that a local authority’s actions under the Planning Act have contributed to a non-competitive urban land market, then the local authority will need to take action to address this, such as by progressing a plan change to enable more capacity for housing. 

“Monitoring in other markets that have monopolistic characteristics drives better outcomes for New Zealanders – like the Commerce Commission and regulated utilities. Urban land markets are similar as a council effectively controls the supply of urban land and development capacity in an urban market.

“What happens in our land markets matters a great deal to growth, productivity and prosperity and deserves appropriate independent scrutiny.

“This is one of the final pieces in the puzzle of Pillar One of our Going for Housing Growth agenda. The independent officer will help ensure that every council is zoning enough land for housing.

Mr Bishop says that the overriding statutory obligation on councils to ensure competitive urban land markets is on top of agreed government policy to make it easier for cities to expand up and outward through:

• the abolition of rural-urban boundaries, 
• Housing Growth Targets which will set a requirement for councils to enable 30 years of feasible development capacity, 
• new standardised zones which will provide for a mix of uses across urban areas and not allow for minimum floor areas or balcony requirements, and
• a requirement to upzone around transport corridors. 

These policies will be developed through National Policy Direction and National Standards in the new system.

“The government is throwing the kitchen sink at sorting out the fundamentals of housing supply.”

Mr Court says the Officer adds another important accountability mechanism to make sure councils turn the corner from the RMA and start making the decisions needed to deliver the step change these reforms are designed to achieve.

“Regulatory relief and the Planning Tribunal are already key safeguards against the over-regulation that became synonymous with the RMA.

“The Urban Land Market Officer is another lever for driving culture shift, with a clear focus on whether councils are actually enabling enough land for growth.

“For too long councils have been able to weaponise an ever-growing list of ‘effects’, or game theoretical capacity targets, while constraining real development and driving land and house prices to eye-watering levels.

“The Urban Land Market Officer will bring independent expertise, scrutiny, and transparency to that problem. If a council is choking off land supply, there will now be an independent umpire to call it out and require action — without putting those decisions back into politicians’ laps.”

“This is a significant shift that will help ensure the planning system supports rather than hinders the delivery of homes,” Mr Bishop says.

“We’ve also removed all barriers to private plan change applications, allowing developers to request these at any time. In addition, we expect the National Policy Direction to require that where land markets have been found to be uncompetitive by the Independent Officer, the assessment for residential private plan changes will put the ‘finger on the scale’ towards development.

“It is about making sure New Zealand has enough land for homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Being more transparent on planning rules which are holding us back from growth, will help create the conditions for more housing, lower costs, and ultimately better opportunities for New Zealanders.”

Notes to editor:

• An Amendment Paper will shortly be released to create the role and set out its functions and powers in the Planning Bill that will replace the RMA.
• The Officer will be an independent statutory officer within the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport.
• The Officer will develop and publish a framework for assessing urban land market competitiveness. Using the framework, the Officer will make formal determinations on whether a land market is competitive and publish the reasons for those determinations. Councils will be required to respond to any determinations that find that the council has contributed to a lack of competitiveness.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/achieving-competitive-urban-land-markets-in-new-system/

Women and girls with endometriosis will be able to receive a diagnosis and start treatment sooner under new clinical guidelines, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg say.

“Endometriosis affects around one in 10 women and girls in New Zealand, and can have a significant impact on their quality of life, education, employment, and wellbeing. Yet research shows it can take eight to 12 years to receive a diagnosis in New Zealand. That is far too long to wait for answers,” Mr Brown says.

“Part of the problem is that laparoscopic surgery is usually used to confirm endometriosis, meaning women can spend years waiting for both diagnosis and treatment.

“The new guidelines will change that by supporting GPs to make a clinical diagnosis based on a woman’s symptoms, family history, and examination, rather than requiring surgery to confirm it. Once a clinical diagnosis is made, GPs will then be able to prescribe treatment immediately.”

For up to 60 per cent of women, low-impact hormonal medication is an effective option.

“Surgery will remain available for those who need it, but it will no longer be the only route to a diagnosis. Instead, women will be able to access non-invasive first-line treatment in primary care.”

Ms Grigg says the guidelines will be supported by training and education for primary care providers.

“Earlier diagnosis depends on symptoms being recognised in the first place, and we hear all too often that they have not been,” Ms Grigg says.

“Too many women have spent years saying something is wrong, only to be told their pain is normal and something they simply have to put up with. It is not.

“Guidelines alone will not fix that, which is why Health New Zealand is developing training and resources so GPs can recognise endometriosis in order to make a diagnosis and start treatment.

“Earlier diagnosis means treatment can begin sooner, while also giving women an explanation for symptoms they may have lived with for years, along with the support they need to manage them. Health New Zealand is also exploring additional pain management support, including pain education and allied health services.

“Endometriosis is an issue raised with me often, and I am so pleased women and girls will now be able to get answers and treatment sooner.”

Mr Brown says the change will also have benefits across the wider health system.

“By enabling more women to be diagnosed and treated in primary care, we can reduce hospital referrals made simply to confirm what symptoms already indicate.

“That means specialists can focus on women who need specialist assessment or surgery – making better use of our hospital resources and reducing pressure on gynaecology services.

“It is also about backing primary care. GPs are the cornerstone of our health system, and these guidelines give them the tools to do more for women closer to home.

“We are focused on fixing the basics and building the future. These new guidelines will support earlier recognition, diagnosis, and treatment, helping thousands of New Zealand women get the care they need sooner.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/ending-the-decade-long-wait-for-an-endometriosis-diagnosis/

Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes the summary report on Pharmac’s progress against his 2025/26 Letter of Expectations.

“What we are doing is working. We’ve transformed the culture at Pharmac,” Mr Seymour says. 

“The patient community used to picket outside Pharmac. Now, patients have a stronger voice at the table when Pharmac makes its decisions, because that’s important to them. 

“Pharmac has gone from focussing solely on managing their fixed budget, to an agency that seeks collaboration for better outcomes, and advocates for further funding. 

“I want to acknowledge Pharmac for the work they have done to respond to my Letters of Expectations.  

“We will continue to improve how Pharmac operates, because Kiwis deserve it. 

“For example, my expectation is that Pharmac continues to improve access to medicines and medical technology. In this work patients, consumers and their families will have a strong voice in decisions. 

“I also made clear my expectation that Pharmac continues to improve the timeliness of its assessment and decision-making processes. Transparency and strong partnerships are maintained across the health sector.”

The summary report outlines Pharmac’s progress across 13 expectations in the 2025/26 expectations letter. As of June 2026, key achievements include:

• Prioritising improvements in the timeliness of assessment and decision-making, including trialling a streamlined assessment pathway and introducing new performance measures to reduce application backlogs. 
• Strengthening patient and consumer involvement in decision-making through the Consumer and Patient Working Group and a dedicated consumer engagement team.
• Updating policy settings for rare disorders to align with the Rare Disorders Strategy.
• Begun a review of its Exceptional Circumstances Framework, including the NPPA process  
• Developed a refreshed vision and strategy that sets a clear, ambitious direction for the future that fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation. 
• Progressing significant data and digital investments, including upgrading tools and processes.

“For the first time, Pharmac has a clear multi-year programme of organisational improvement underway. While still a work in progress, it is encouraging to see progress on consumer engagement, timeliness and sector collaboration,” Mr Seymour says.

“Pharmac is also more transparent than ever. Progress is published to hold Pharmac to account, and to keep the patient community up to date so that when they have their say, it’s based on the best information. 

“The progress so far has been impressive, but there is more work to be done. Listening to the voices of patients and consumers will continue to be at the heart of Pharmac’s work as it launches the next phase of its long-term improvement programme.”

The full report can be found at on Pharmac’s website: 2025/26 Pharmac Letter of Expectations progress update

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/pharmac-culture-continues-to-improve-and-get-more-transparent/

The Government is backing a project to transform the blackcurrant sector into a global leader in premium, science-backed and high-value health ingredients, says Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.

“New Zealand blackcurrants are internationally recognised as quality ingredients in premium health and nutritional products, but most processing is done overseas, meaning much of their value is captured offshore. This project will help local growers earn more from what they produce by creating higher-value export opportunities here at home.” 

The Government is investing $300,000 through the Primary Sector Growth Fund alongside $450,000 in industry funding from the New Zealand Blackcurrant Co-operative in the three-year ‘Blackcurrant Value Extraction Project’. It will refine juice extraction to produce high anthocyanin extract powder from the fruit, while maintaining premium juice concentrate. 

New Zealand blackcurrants have high levels of anthocyanins, naturally occurring compounds that are prized by manufacturers of health and nutrition products. Around 2,000 tonnes – 50 percent of the annual harvest – are exported each year for anthocyanin extraction. 

The project will also support research and market development to boost New Zealand’s position in global markets. This includes gaining recognition for the health benefits of blackcurrants, promoting their New Zealand origin, improving traceability, and building demand in export markets such as Japan. 

“This is an example of innovation helping farmers and growers move further up the value chain,” Mr McClay says. “The blackcurrant sector has significant potential to grow its contribution to New Zealand’s economy.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/more-juice-into-blackcurrant-exports/

People in need of a better crisis response will have faster access to support with new peer-led beds being opened in Auckland and the lower South Island, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“People in crisis need more options for where they can get help, and for some people, hospital is not the right place. Peer-led acute alternative beds give people a safe, supportive place in the community where they can get support from people with their own lived experience,” Mr Doocey says.

“We know places like this can make a big difference for people. They can get support in a home-like environment, stay connected to their families, friends and community, and focus on their recovery. 

“The importance of these new beds is simple. People in crisis shouldn’t be waiting too long for an inpatient bed. Peer-led acute alternative services provide more choice for people experiencing mental health issues, and get people seen quicker.

“That is why we are almost doubling the number of peer-led acute alternative beds in New Zealand, going from 25 to 45.” 

The additional 20 beds are part of the Government’s $61.6 million investment to deliver a better mental health crisis response, which also includes 40 additional frontline staff for Crisis Assessment and Treatment Teams, more peer support workers in emergency departments and new Crisis Recovery Cafés. 

The Northern Region service will be delivered by Pathways and provide 12 new beds in Central Auckland. It is expected to be open in December this year. 

“Pathways is a well-trusted community organisation with more than 35 years’ experience delivering community mental health and addiction services throughout New Zealand, including peer support. 

“Their experience means they are well placed to deliver these new beds and have longstanding existing relationships to work alongside local mental health teams.” 

The eight South Island beds will be delivered through a collaboration between Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust, providing six beds in Invercargill, and Uruuruwhenua Hauora, providing two beds in Alexandra. Services are expected to open in November.

“Both organisations have deep roots in their communities, with Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu serving Southern communities for more than 25 years and Uruuruwhenua Hauora supporting Central Otago for more than 20 years. Their collaboration is a great example of community organisations working together to make a difference for people experiencing mental health and addiction challenges.

“We have seen higher demand in Auckland, so we are putting more beds into the Northern Region than originally planned. At the same time, we are delivering the number of beds needed in the South Island, ensuring they have greater access to the peer-led support they need.

“We are building the future and fixing the basics by creating a better crisis response so New Zealanders get the support they need and deserve, no matter where they are.” 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/18/new-peer-led-beds-for-a-better-crisis-response/

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Penny Simmonds has announced the appointment of Steve O’Connor as permanent Chair of the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology (NZIAT).

“Steve has served as Establishment Chair of NZIAT since January 2026 and has provided strong leadership and governance during the critical foundation phase,” Ms Simmonds says.

“NZIAT’s initial work includes investment in advanced materials and magnetic technologies, alongside work to formally assess opportunities in artificial intelligence and explore quantum technology opportunities.

“Steve has extensive experience across innovation, venture incubation, capital markets, and commercialisation. As Deputy Chair of New Zealand Growth Capital Partners and a successful founder and business leader, he has a strong record of supporting technology companies and fostering innovation.

“His leadership and expertise will be invaluable as NZIAT continues to build momentum and plays an increasingly important role in strengthening New Zealand’s advanced technology sector and translating research excellence into economic opportunity.”

Ms Simmonds also announced the appointment of Marko Bogoievski to the NZIAT Board.

“Marko is the co-founder and director of Runway – Intelligent Capital and Maker Partners, and a partner of MQB Partners. He brings deep expertise in advanced technology investment and commercialisation, capital markets, funding strategies, and the governance of complex multi-stakeholder organisations.

“His strong understanding of best practice across the public and private sectors combined with his knowledge of New Zealand and international venture systems and markets will be a valuable addition to the NZIAT Board.”

Note to editors:

The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology was announced as New Zealand’s fourth Public Research Organisation, as part of the Government’s science system reforms. It has been established to accelerate the development and commercialisation of advanced technologies.
Steve O’Connor has been appointed permanent Chair of NZIAT, commencing 6 August 2026 to 11 January 2029.
Marko Bogoievski has been appointed a Director of NZIAT, commencing 6 August 2026 to 5 February 2029.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/18/permanent-chair-appointed-to-new-zealand-institute-of-advanced-technology/

New Zealand and Viet Nam have strengthened their commitment to education cooperation and deepening connections between tertiary education institutions, says Minister for Tertiary Education Penny Simmonds.

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to announce the renewed bilateral Education Cooperation Arrangement with my Vietnamese counterpart Minister of Education and Training, Mr Hoàng Minh Sơn, and reaffirm our shared commitment to deepening education ties in the presence of Prime Minister Luxon and General Secretary and President Tô Lâm.

Education remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship and is a priority commitment in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” says Minister Simmonds.

“I was deeply honoured to give remarks at the Viet Nam-New Zealand Higher Education and Skills Forum, in the presence of the His Excellency Tô Lâm, Minister Sơn and leaders of education agencies and tertiary education institutions from both of our countries.”

“Our mutual interest in ensuring learners gain the skills they need for successful careers, strengthening links between education and employment, supporting innovation and research, and deepening collaboration between education providers, employers and communities was evident throughout the forum. There is much we can learn from each other.”

“Institutional engagement is a critical pillar in our bilateral education relationship. It strengthens opportunities for student and academic mobility and exchange, and there is strong potential for growth. During the forum it was very encouraging to witness a number of new Memorandums of Understanding signed between New Zealand institutions and their counterparts in Viet Nam”, says Minister Simmonds.

These engagements support the Government’s Tertiary Education Strategy priorities for International Education – boosting numbers of international students, supporting the sector to grow and increasing New Zealand’s international connectivity, as set out in the International Education Going for Growth Plan.

In the 2025 calendar year, there were 2,200 enrolled students from Viet Nam in New Zealand. This was an increase of 14% from 2024. In the year ended March 2026, New Zealand’s education-related travel exports to Viet Nam reached $110.95 million, up from $106.78 million in the previous year. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/18/new-zealand-and-viet-nam-deepen-education-connections/

The so-called experts on chemicalising and confusing children in the false attempt to make a boy a girl and a girl a boy (WPATH) made a stunning admission last week. So stunning that our NZ media ignored it. You’ll soon know why. It goes against all the narrative around so-called “gender affirmation”.

As stated in a report by Daily Signal

The transgender movement has been notorious for demonising its opposition. Groups… have suggested that disagreement with transgender ideology contributes to suicide, and social media companies have silenced critics for similar reasons.

Now, the transgender movement’s sainted authority on medical issues is effectively admitting that there is more than one position on the issue—and telling a court that preserving open debate on transgender “health care” is a public good.

Oh – good to know!

The radical activist group pushing the transing of children – WPATH – now says –

“WPATH is on one side of that debate and provides guidelines on how to best provide transgender health care. Others, such as Dr. Hilary Cass, fall on the other side of the debate and disagree with how to, or if one should, provide transgender health care to adolescents.”

Here’s the problem.

Democrats, activist groups, and medical associations have long cited WPATH – the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s – Standards of Care as the ultimate authority on a scientific “consensus” for sex-rejecting procedures,

So does the NZ Ministry of Health!

….but WPATH just made an admission in court that threatens to undermine that exalted authority.

And WPATH and their affiliate in New Zealand – PATHA (Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa) are the driving force for transing kids in NZ also.

In its case against WPATH, the Federal Trade Commission presented “core deceptive statements” based on the eighth edition of WPATH’s Standards of Care, claiming that these statements mislead consumers into self-harm. The association claims that those statements “are non-actionable opinions about subjects on which there is ‘medical and scientific uncertainty.’”

Of course, these are claims also made by Sue Bagshaw and other activists in NZ wanting to persuade children and their parents that their children can change their sex with chemicals and castrations (which I’ll come back to).

WPATH even begrudgingly admits the validity of the Department of Health and Human Services’ 400-page peer-reviewed report finding “extremely weak evidence” of any benefit for “gender-affirming care” for minors. “The federal government has thus already alerted doctors and the public to what it views as the problems with WPATH’s speech,” the association wrote. “That is the exact remedy the First Amendment envisions: ‘the free marketplace of ideas as the best means for discovering truth.’”

Oh – you mean the Department of Health and Human Services’ 400-page peer-reviewed report that our media deliberately ignored. And it’s just about “free speech” now – rather than ramming down an ideology and ‘cancelling’ anyone who disagrees with transing children.

The Australian reported this significant development over the weekend (yes, we have to travel across the Tasman to find a media outlet honest enough to report this significant development….)

Medical professionals and parents are urgently calling on federal and state governments and health authorities to review their policies on gender medicine, after the World Professional Association for Transgender Health sensationally conceded its standards of care are merely “opinions” in an area of “significant medical debate”.

Standards of care for Australian patients, including children, are currently based on guidelines generated by trans health lobby group the Australian Professional Association for Transgender Health, which are closely modelled on those of WPATH.

PATHA – in NZ’s case.

…WPATH further described transgender healthcare as an area of “significant medical debate”, acknowledged there were parties on both sides of that debate, and stated WPATH is “on one side of that debate”.

…The concession has prompted the Australian branch of evidence-based health charity Genspect to demand an urgent review of all medical pathways built on WPATH guidance, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgery, as well as anger from parents, with one mother of a gender-distressed child writing to Health Minister Mark Butler saying her child “has been permanently altered within a healthcare environment shaped by this model of care”.

But that wasn’t the only bombshell from last week that the NZ media didn’t want to tell you about.

According to this report in Christian Post

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a report Thursday alleging that hospitals and doctors used incorrect medical billing codes to obtain insurance payments for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and irreversible sex-change surgeries performed on minors.

The 64-page report, titled “Wolves in White Coats: How Doctors and Hospitals Pushed and Profited from the Fraud of ‘Gender Medicine,’” reviewed nationwide insurance claims from 2015 to 2025. It found that nearly $50 million was billed to public and private insurers for puberty-blocking drugs administered to patients ages 9 to 17 using the code E34.9, “Endocrine Disorder, Unspecified” — a diagnosis code that doesn’t reference gender dysphoria.

…”For years now, some hospitals and healthcare providers have been subjecting children to horrific, experimental treatments in service of radical gender ideologies,” Vance wrote on X. “Today, thanks to the Wolves in White Coats report released by @HHSGov, we know why: profit.”

It’s all about the money. Is that the case in NZ? Or is our government funding this stuff?

But remember that it was the Biden Administration that was pushing a lot of this. Remember Rachel Levine – the biological male who thought he was a woman – so did Biden of course – and was the United States assistant secretary for health.

Here’s what he was saying

So WPATH – and by implication PATHA – have admitted their position is debatable.

Debatable – while we pump children with puberty blockers, wrong sex hormones and lead them to mastectomies and removal of health body parts in the false belief that a child can change their sex.

But the NZ media and the Ministry of Health have told us that WPATH and PATHA are the gold standard. Trust them. They know the science.

Except they don’t.

So where does New Zealand fit into all of this. Well, New Zealand extremists have their paw print all over WPATH and their so-called “standards”.

But before we do that, let me remind you that at the end of 2022, WPATH released its so-called “Standards of Care” 8th Edition. One aspect noticeably different from previous editions was that the explicitly stated minimal age recommendations for minors to obtain puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries had been removed. The new guidance also suggested that if parents did not affirm their child’s newly chosen identity, the state may be enabled to intervene in order to assist with the child’s transition.

Here’s the key bit. WPATH has significant influence in NZ.

Transgender research based on “Counting Ourselves survey” and policy comes out of the University of Waikato’s Trans Health Research Lab. Unfortunately, the unit is driven by activists and an agenda, rather than science and independent research. In fact, it’s now in conflict with the science.

We’ve written in detail on the weakness and flaws of the Counting Ourselves survey that the unit does
https://freetolive.nz/2021/10/22/counting-ourselves-advocacy-research-should-be-treated-with-caution/

But Guidelines for Gender Affirming Healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand comes out of the group called PATHA which is the NZ equivalent or affiliate to WPATH.

And in their Guidelines document they specifically say

WPATH is the international body responsible for producing standards of care…  This guideline is not intended to replace the WPATH SOC but to present additional guidance for the provision of gender affirming healthcare in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Puberty blockers, cross sex hormones. WPATH is basically the go-to for guidelines around treatment of gender confused children in NZ.

Here’s an article from 2022 when the alarm was being sounded about the exploding number of children being prescribed puberty blockers

The number of children prescribed puberty blockers because they do not identify with their assigned gender has increased exponentially in the last decade, according to Pharmac data.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recently updated its information on puberty blockers on its website to remove the words “safe and reversible” – but still endorses the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA) guidelines, which states they are “considered to be fully reversible”.

The Ministry of Health has been backing WPATH and PATHA.

Here’s their response to an OIA back in 2020 with reference to reliance on WPATH guidelines

Readiness assessments are as per the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards of care version .7

And more recently in 2024, their website showed this…

For referral acceptance to be considered patients need to: meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People, published by The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) version seven.

So WPATH is the international body. PATHA is NZ’s version which is basically a lapdog for WPATH – and are influencing the blind and flawed gender affirmation model being rammed down in NZ.

Fortunately the current coalition Government and especially the Minister of Health Simeon Brown and also lobbying from NZ First leader Winston Peters has started to turn this around.

Who is PATHA?

It was formed in 2018 and is a group of transactivists – some of whom have found their way into the medical professional setting.

Here’s just some of the executive committee (although interestingly this information is now hidden on their website. Hmm – wonder why that is. Perhaps the blowtorch of reality and accountability?? So some of these may have actually changed. They don’t want to seem to tell us.

Dr Jaimie Veale (she/her) – a transgender woman. He is an Associate Editor of International Journal of Transgenderism, a member of the Global Board of Directors of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), and he is one of the authors of the latest revision of the WPATH Standards of Care.

So a NZ activist is on the global board of directors for WPATH.

Dr Rachel Johnson (she/her) – a general paediatrician and Adolescent Health physician now working at CMDHB Centre For Youth Health. She has been involved in trans health care for over 10 years and in that time have been a member of WPATH

And she was actually featured on an atrociously bias piece of trans advocacy by the Sunday programme a couple of years ago – pushing the normality of puberty blockers – just based on what the child wants

There’s also Jennifer Shields – a trans advocate and non-binary trans woman

Dion Reid who’s a trans man and registered nurse

And Phoebe Horton Andrews – a transgender activist from RainbowYouth – who’s studying towards… an accounting degree.

And there’s also Jack Byrne (he/him), a trans man who oversees the flawed Counting Ourselves research

Taine Polkinghorne (he/him) who is the New Zealand Human Rights Commission’s advisor on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics

Yes – now you know why the Human Rights Commission is so keen to chemicalise and confuse children.

And Moira Clunie (they/them)

Yep – all radical activists for transing your children.

And the media have been their greatest cheerleaders

Back in April 2024, FIVE independent mainstream media outlets (Radio NZ, Newshub, 1News, NZ Herald & Newstalk ZB) who all apparently add to democracy, reprinted the same exact story. “Criticism of puberty blockers misguided, trans girl’s mother says”. All five mainstream media outlets. Exactly same article. Same narrative.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has commissioned the Professional Association for Transgender Healthcare Aotearoa (PATHA) to update its guidelines for gender-affirming care for healthcare professionals, including the use puberty blockers.

But here’s what one of the lead NZ doctors in this radical experiment says. This is from Patrick Gower’s Paddy Gower Has Issues when they talked about the issues of puberty blockers. This is from the middle of last year – and it was after the Ministry of Health quietly removed the statement about puberty blockers being safe and reversible – but we were watching and called them out on it.

Have a watch – and note that the doctor is a member of none other than the radical activist group PATHA which is associated with WPATH!

Just refuses to acknowledge the science. Deep in the ideology. They’ll have a lot to answer for.

PATHA were part of a group wanting to keep the radical RSE curriculum.

According to 1News in April 2024, …

An open letter is calling on the Government to keep the current relationship and sexuality education guidelines in schools and kura, despite coalition promises to do otherwise. Twenty-six mental health and rainbow organisations have written an open letter to the Government this week, asking it to retain the current RSE guidelines. The letter said the guidelines were beneficial for schools and students.

Who are the organisations

Of course, Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA), are part of this radical list of signatories.

This is a report from The Centrist news service in 2024 – one of the many new news services to pop up as trust in the mainstream media plummets. Here’s what their report said

Oranga Tamariki has just signalled it’s ready to knock on family doors if they refuse to let their children change gender.

…While OT says that parental resistance to a young person’s transitioning “would not normally be a concern in and of itself in the absence of any other risk factors”, they elaborate:

“There may be times where a situation involving a rangatahi [young person] who is actively considering or is in the process of transitioning is facing resistance from whānau that may be having an impact on their safety and wellbeing.”

So the resistance to protect a child from confusion, chemicalisation and castration is a problem.

I went to the Practice Centre of Oranga Tamariki and there was this page

Affirming gender-diverse Tamariki and rangatahi

Link to Rainbow Youth

Guidelines for gender affirming healthcare for gender diverse tamariki and rangatahi – none other than WPATH (the radical international group which has been discredited) and PATHA & Waikato Trans Unit which is a radical group of activists that we’ve discussed previously – with their deeply flawed guidelines

In fact, on their latest resource on their website they continue to list PATHA

But remember – here in NZ at the end of last year just before Christmas, a decision by Justice Wilkinson-Smith in the Wellington High Court to grant an injunction on the government’s ban on puberty blockers until a judicial review takes place repeated all the talking points of the discredited ‘Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA)’ (aligned with WPATH*), and the Judge based her decision on statements which are in direct conflict with the United Kingdom’s CASS Review and the Ministry of Health’s Evidence Brief.

Here’s the NZ Herald campaigning for PATHA back in March, reporting on the judicial review of the ban on puberty blockers.

PATHA is an interdisciplinary professional organisation that works to promote the health, wellbeing and rights of transgender people.

And also in the NZ Herald in July

The Government’s attempt to ban puberty blockers for gender-diverse young people would be both unethical and harmful, a group of concerned doctors says. Their views have been published in the paper A clinical ethics approach to the use of puberty blockers in gender incongruence in today’s New Zealand Medical Journal.

…It comes as a group of health professionals working in this area, the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA), has taken a judicial review to challenge the Ministry of Health’s decision to ban new prescriptions for puberty blockers in November last year.

… The authors of the paper are Associate Professor Cindy Towns, Dr Rona Carroll, Dr Jemima Bullock, Professor Paul Hofman, Dr Richard Carroll and Dr Andrew Linton. Some work directly with gender-diverse young people, and Rona Carroll is a member of the PATHA executive committee.

Campaigners for chemicalisation and castratrion of confused young people and telling boys they can be girls, and girls they can be boys.

Associate Professor Cindy Towns said puberty blockers are and should continue to be prescribed only by experienced doctors working within multi-disciplinary teams.

The medications are safe and reversible and have been used since the 1980s for a variety of conditions, not just gender incongruence, Towns said.

Sorry Cindy – that kind of argument belongs back in the early 2020’s. It’s been well and truly debunked now – thankfully.

And by the way, just to really make your day, Tourism NZ is helping sponsor and bring the 2028 WPATH conference to New Zealand.

Unbelievable!!!!!!

Hopefully they’ll have been sued into oblivion by then.

So just a reminder – the so-called “experts” have conceded its standards of ‘care’ relating to flawed attempts to change the sex of children are merely “opinions”.

We already knew that. It’s time the Government acted swiftly to instruct the Ministry of Health to take what PATHA says as merely an opinion of activists – and to ignore them.

They have no credibility. The game is up.

It’s time to protect children from gender ideology.

Once and for all.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/17/wpath-admit-their-position-is-debatable/

• Government will undertake a Detailed Business Case (DBC) on options for an additional Waitemata Harbour Crossing (WHC), including looking at funding and financing and delivery
• Project will now be Crown-led with a Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) reporting directly to Ministers
• Cabinet has agreed to commission a further study into Meola Reef, if the Council is interested. The Council will be invited to contribute.
• Government will also consider a Market-led proposal for an innovative construction methodology to upgrade the existing bridge.

The Coalition Government has made decisions on next steps for the Waitematā Harbour Crossing project, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simon Watts have announced. 

“The existing Auckland Harbour Bridge was completed in 1959 and forms part of the busiest corridor of the State Highway network in New Zealand, carrying 170,000 vehicles daily. It underpins almost $1 billion in annual economic activity, with this activity projected to increase to $3.9 billion by 2051,” Mr Bishop says.

“But the corridor is currently limited by the performance of the bridge. Weight restrictions already constrain freight and buses, and the lack of dedicated public transport (PT) lanes prevents us making the best use of the Northern Busway, which today carries 40% of all people crossing the bridge. 

“These limitations are only going to become more acute. Major renewals are needed in the coming decades, with extended lane closures. Without an additional crossing in place, the total economic cost of that disruption is estimated at around $4.8 billion. 

“That is not an acceptable outcome. We need Auckland – New Zealand’s economic engine room – connected, productive, and set up for growth and prosperity. The case for a new crossing is strong, and we are committed to delivering it.

“The WHC project will likely be the largest and most expensive infrastructure project ever undertaken in New Zealand. It is imperative that we get it right because New Zealand’s fiscal position, economic performance, and reputation as a modern, functional, first-world country depends on it. 

“Getting this project right means figuring out what we are going to build based on what we’ve found in the ground and under the harbour, not just what works on paper. It means being up front about what we can afford, how we will pay for it, how we will deliver it, and how it will fit into the wider Auckland network. It also means talking to Aucklanders and the Opposition before the Government endorses a preferred option – not after. 

“In October 2024, we set out the Government’s expectations for the project and requested the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) undertake detailed analysis of the highest performing bridge and tunnel options for the WHC project. 

“Since then, NZTA has significantly advanced the WHC project, including value engineering to reduce costs and due diligence on construction requirements for the first time such as geotechnical investigations. It was fantastic to see a barge in the harbour performing seabed and ground condition testing – up until then, only desktop studies have been done. 

“In May 2026, NZTA completed an Investment Case, and on 15 May 2026 the NZTA Board endorsed a preferred option – a tunnel.

“Despite the great progress that has been made, more information and work is required before Cabinet can select a preferred option.

“Given the scale and complexity of this project, Cabinet has agreed that an independently led DBC is needed. This will allow us to do further work required on funding and financing, and delivery model options. It will also allow us to consider the Auckland transport network more broadly including NZTA’s Auckland Motorway Plan, any time-of-use charging scheme, and the 30-year Auckland Integrated Transport Plan to be developed as part of the Auckland Transport governance reforms.

“The WHC DBC will be independently led by a Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) who will answer directly to the Ministers of Finance, Transport, and Auckland, and Cabinet. 

“We will look globally to find the right person for this critical role – someone with the expertise and experience to deliver who we will hold to account. 

“Every country that has built a megaproject this size has learned the same lesson: they cost more and take longer than the first estimates suggest. Not necessarily because of the engineering, but because of scale, duration, and the number of approvals and decision-makers involved along the way. That’s a governance problem, and it has a governance solution. 

“The Crown is the decisionmaker, it holds the funding levers, and it carries the risk, so we need to be able to direct the project. NZTA has done good work to get us to this point and will remain central to delivery, but it’s Cabinet’s view that the project should directly report to Ministers.

“The SRO will be supported by a Steering Group comprised of senior representatives from Treasury; NZTA; National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Ltd; the Ministry of Cities, Environment; Regions, and Transport; independent members; as well as the Board Chair of the Auckland Regional Transport Committee. 

“It’s important that we work meaningfully with Auckland and Aucklanders,” says Mr Watts. 

“The Mayor of Auckland has expressed a strong view that a corridor solution at Meola Reef is a better idea than NZTA’s proposals. The Meola Reef option has been looked at many times in the past before and discounted as unachievable, but in the spirit of good faith, and recognising the Government’s responsibilities under the Auckland City Deal, Cabinet has agreed to commission a further study into the option, if the Council is interested.

“This study would be commissioned by the WHC project SRO, independent from NZTA. Auckland Council will be invited to contribute to the study’s scoping and procurement, and to fund 50 percent of the cost of the study.” 

“In addition, the Government has also received a Market Led Proposal (MLP) from a reputable international consortium for an innovative construction methodology to upgrade the existing bridge. Officials have recommended that this proposal advance and be integrated as part of the detailed business case phase of work on the WHC project,” Mr Bishop says. 

“This is exactly what the MLP process is for. If the private sector has innovative ideas and solutions, we want to consider those. The Government certainly doesn’t have a monopoly on good ideas.

“Previous governments have gone out and announced what they are going to build before they have done the work required around how much it will cost, how they are going to pay for it, and whether the project is deliverable. This Government does not intend to make the same mistake. 

“It is also our intention to consult meaningfully with the Opposition and Aucklanders before endorsing an option. This project will span multiple Parliaments and multiple governments – it is important that all serious political parties buy-in to the process.

“We expect this next phase of work to be completed in 2027. The Government will then consider the DBC, which will include the Meola Reef study and the market-led proposal, before making decisions on a preferred crossing option.”

“The actions we’ve announced today are to ensure that the project starts on the best possible footing. As Mayor Brown has said, projects don’t go wrong – they start wrong. I couldn’t agree more, that’s why we are making sure we set this project and, by extension, Auckland up for success.” 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/17/next-steps-on-waitemata-harbour-crossing/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/16/proposed-local-rock-lobster-management-measures-at-aotea-great-barrier-island/

New Zealand and Viet Nam are strengthening bilateral trade and cooperation, says Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay.

“Viet Nam and New Zealand have reaffirmed the strength of their bilateral relationship through new market access that will create opportunities for a range of agricultural products,” Mr McClay says. “This reflects the strong partnership between our countries and will deliver benefits for producers, exporters and consumers on both sides.

“Consumers in Viet Nam will soon be able to enjoy premium New Zealand honey, deer velvet, and venison, while New Zealanders can look forward to high-quality Vietnamese flowers and foliage, including carnations, daisies, orchids and lilies.”

Viet Nam and New Zealand also signed a new Memorandum of Arrangement, aimed at boosting cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

“The new arrangement recognises the significant experience and expertise of Vietnamese and New Zealand producers,” Mr McClay says. “It reflects the high level of trust between our countries and supports our shared ambition to deepen cooperation and deliver benefits for both sides.”

Areas of cooperation include research, technology, sustainable agriculture, and capability development. Todd McClay says the Viet Nam and New Zealand relationship continues to go from strength to strength.

“Last year Viet Nam and New Zealand elevated the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations. The Government remains fully committed to our important relationship with Viet Nam, growing bilateral trade, and creating mutual opportunities for producers.”
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/new-zealand-and-viet-nam-boost-agricultural-trade-and-cooperation/

Farmers, growers and rural businesses are getting faster access to the products they need to protect crops, manage pests and remain competitive, Environment Minister Nicola Grigg says. 

The latest Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) performance report shows good progress in reducing wait times for hazardous substances assessments, with the number of applications awaiting assessment halving since July 2024.

“For years, farmers and growers have told us they were frustrated by lengthy approval processes that delayed access to new products and innovations. We listened, and we’re seeing real progress. 

“Since the start of the term, the EPA has made substantial improvements in processing applications, reducing the assessment backlog and getting decisions made faster while maintaining New Zealand’s robust environmental and health protections.”

The EPA completed 66 hazardous substances assessments in 2025/26, its highest annual total since 2018/19, and reduced the number of applications awaiting assessment by more than a third over the past year. 

“This is a good example of the Government’s focus on fixing the basics. New Zealanders expect regulatory agencies to process applications efficiently and provide timely decisions, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing.

“These products play an important role in helping farmers, growers and other industries manage weeds, pests and invasive species, protect productivity, and continue producing high-quality goods for New Zealand and overseas markets.

The Government is also progressing reforms to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act to create a more efficient and responsive regulatory system.

“The proposed changes will streamline application processes and ensure farmers and growers can access the innovations they need to remain globally competitive, while maintaining the strong environmental safeguards New Zealanders expect,” Ms Grigg says.

The Primary Production Select Committee is expected to report back on the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Amendment Bill in September.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/faster-access-to-innovation-for-farmers-and-growers/

A new petroleum mining permit will bring additional natural gas to the domestic market over the next decade and generate valuable export earnings from new oil production, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. 

Regulator New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) has today granted Matahio NZ Onshore Limited a 10-year petroleum mining permit in the onshore Taranaki region covering approximately 19 sq km for the Puka field, a small oil and gas field discovered in 2012. Included in the permit area is the promising Oru prospect. 

“As only the second petroleum mining permit to be granted in the past eight years but one of two granted in the last year or so, this is yet another signal that momentum in New Zealand’s petroleum sector is growing,” Mr Jones says.

Matahio has estimated that the recoverable reserves from the existing Puka discovery are approximately 170,000 barrels of oil and 1.3 billion cubic feet of gas. An independent assessment of the Oru prospect estimates prospective resources of 1.8 million barrels of oil and 1.2 billion cubic feet of gas.

All gas produced in New Zealand is used domestically by industrial users and as a fuel to generate electricity when renewable energy sources can’t meet demand. The light, high-quality oil produced in Taranaki is sold into international markets and typically refined into petroleum products.

“At a time when New Zealand faces ongoing energy security challenges due to our declining gas reserves, every new source helps,” Mr Jones says.

“Gas will continue to remain critical to our energy mix in the decades to come. It supports electricity generation during periods of low hydro inflows and renewable generation, and it provides energy and feedstock for many businesses that are important to our economy. 

“The additional oil produced from the Puka Field will generate export revenue, boost royalty revenue and contribute to regional economic activity. All New Zealanders benefit when we responsibly develop our natural resources and convert them into jobs, income and economic growth.”

Mr Jones says today’s decision demonstrates opportunities still exist within the Taranaki basin and that responsible development can continue to play an important role alongside investment in renewable and emerging energy technologies.

“This permit alone will not solve New Zealand’s energy challenges but it is a positive step in the right direction. Together with the growing pipeline of proposed new exploration activity, I’m confident we are moving in the right direction,” Mr Jones says. 

“A resilient energy system requires diversity. That means continuing to invest in renewable energy, supporting emerging technologies, and making sensible use of the natural resources we have. New Zealand needs all of these components working together to deliver affordable, secure and reliable energy for households and businesses.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/puka-field-mining-permit-application-approved/

Today’s roll return data tells us what we already knew; families want schooling options that reflect the needs of their children, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. 

Data released today shows that as of July 1, 2026, there were 1,732 students enrolled in 17 charter schools.

“These numbers show that diversity and choice in New Zealand’s schooling system is important to parents,” Mr Seymour says. 

“On 1 July last year we had just seven schools. One year later we’ve more than doubled that to 17 and more than six times the number of students are enrolled.

“We knew there was demand for charter schools. In some cases, demand is even higher than we expected. Some sponsors are telling us that the demand is even greater than they can physically accommodate.

“Some are moving into bigger spaces. For example, Northwest College in Auckland has had to move into a bigger building to accommodate its growth, and it continues to receive regular inquiries about enrolment. Newer schools are in huge demand too. Twin Oaks School only opened in Term 3 last year and has already had to move into a bigger space. 

“Charter school rolls continue to grow, and more young New Zealanders are unlocking their potential. Students who were not attending are at school, and those who were behind are ahead. Five of the first seven schools to open in early 2025 are exceeding their targets for attendance, and five are exceeding their achievement targets. 

“For example, TIPENE took initial assessment data in February 2025. It showed more than half their students were below the expected levels in mathematics, reading, and writing. By the end of the year, 81 per cent of students were achieving at or above the expected level in mathematics, 79 per cent in reading, and 80 per cent in writing. 

“Charter schools show that education can be different if we let communities bring their ideas to the table.

“These schools have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results.

“The charter school equation is: the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success.

“There are more ideas in the communities of New Zealand than there are in the Government. That’s why we open ideas to the wider community and apply strict performance standards to the best ones.

“With another two schools having just opened this term, and another two schools opening early next year, I expect to see this strong growth continue.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/charter-school-rolls-grow-again-by-almost-18/

The Social Services and Community Select Committee’s report back on the Disability Support Services Bill includes a number of amendments responding to feedback from the disability community.

“It was important this Bill went through a Select Committee process so submitters could have their say,” Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says. 

“More than 3,000 people made submissions, and I thank the Select Committee for its considered approach in ensuring those voices could help inform the Bill. As a result of its recommendations, we can confirm a number of changes.

“These include:

• Making the overall intent of the Bill in representing the current state of Disability Support Services clearer. This includes providing clarity about the role of families, and better recognising the importance of choice, safety and dignity.
• The Bill now explicitly makes it clear that the Government, through DSS, will continue to support families by contributing to care for disabled people.  No additional expectations will be placed on families.
• The revised Bill makes it clear that disabled people will have a stronger voice in future decisions. The Bill explicitly requires formal consultation through disabled people’s representative organisations on future Support Programmes.
• Addressing concerns around the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Enabling Good Lives, changes to the Bill will now reflect the language of the UNCRPD and the EGL principles. This includes choice, safety, dignity and a requirement for consultation ahead of decision-making.

“As Minister, I acknowledge the intent of the Bill was not as clear as it should have been. The Select Committee has heard this, and I agree with their recommended changes.

“This Bill remains very important because until now, there has been no legal framework around Disability Support Services. Feedback on the Bill was clear that people understood the need for clear foundations and a framework for how DSS operates.

“This Bill brings DSS into line with other areas of Government policy where there are existing legislative frameworks and the ability to review these already in place.

“The Bill reflects the way DSS already works. It does not change current eligibility, entitlements or support, or introduce income or asset testing where it is not currently used.

“It will improve consistency, fairness, transparency and sustainability, building on our work after the 2024 Independent Review.

“Over the past two years our Government has taken urgent action to introduce a nationally consistent assessment process, stabilise its services, improve its financial sustainability, and give people more choice and control over flexible funding.

“We have also committed to $2.1 billion in additional funding through successive budgets which means DSS now has more ongoing funding to support disabled people than ever before. There are more improvements needed and we will soon be consulting on a carers’ package,” Louise Upston says.

Notes to editors

• Passage of this Bill will not affect two successful claims determined by the Supreme Court in December, which found two people being paid to provide care to a family member were employees of the state.
• DSS currently supports around 55,000 disabled people in the community and residential care, and around 100,000 people who access environmental support services products to live safely and independently.
• It also funds Child Development Services for around 26,000 disabled children each year to support them in reaching developmental milestones.

Relevant links

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/disability-community-informs-improvements-to-dss-bill/

8

Progress is made on implementing recommendations from the Board commissioned external reviews into workplace culture and consumer engagement. This should include initiatives such as a consumer reference group.

Accelerated and ongoing

We initiated the 12-month Reset Programme with the aim of supporting Pharmac to be a more outward-focused and transparent organisation that values and actively engages with consumers and stakeholders. We established a Consumer and Patient Working Group to provide consumer insight and advice to the Reset Programme, ensuring the consumer community is actively engaged and diverse views are represented.

The chair of the Consumer and Patient Working Group, Dr Malcolm Mulholland, was nominated and selected by members of the wider consumer and patient community and endorsed by the Pharmac Board.

The working group consisted of up to 10 consumer and patient community members, including the Chair, reflecting the breadth and diversity of communities impacted by Pharmac’s work, including under-represented voices.

To deliver the programme effectively, we used a 90-day plan approach to focus on improvements, actions and change. Progress was reported publicly on our website.

One of the key actions from the Culture Review report was the development of a compelling new organisational vision and establishing measurable strategic objectives. This was completed during the year supported by significant external and internal engagement.

Other activities that were progressed during the year included work on governance, finance and performance; systems, data and digital transformation; workforce, capability and ways of working; and legal, policy and corporate governance.

This expectation is not included in the 2026/27 Letter of Expectations.

Whilst not a specific expectation for 2026/27 many of the recommendations for improvement are captured as part of Pharmac’s planned deliverables in 2026/27.

9

A new vision and strategy is developed that supports the organisation to be more outwardly stakeholder focused including ensuring this is reflected in the annual Statement of Performance Expectations, and a revised Statement of Intent by June 2026.

Completed

A new vision and strategy were developed and agreed by the Pharmac Board in May 2026.

Our annual 2026/27 Statement of Performance Expectations, and a revised 2026/27 – 2029/30 Statement of Intent were completed in June 2026 and published on our website.

This expectation is not included in the 2026/27 Letter of Expectations.

The SPE is an annual statutory document required under the Crown Entities Act 2004. We will develop the 2027/28 SPE over the coming year, with completion scheduled for June 2027.

10

Pharmac is investing in data and digital infrastructure to enhance core functions and improve decision making, collaboration and transparency. 

Accelerated and ongoing

We have used one-off funding provided in Budget 2025 to develop a two-year data and digital programme.

The first and key project underway is the redevelopment of the Pharmaceutical Schedule (the Schedule). The project replaces the legacy Schedule applications and implements a modern, centralised Schedule database and integrates with other systems internally and externally. This represents the most significant change to the Schedule in the last 30 years.

As part of this project, we have agreed a joint project plan with Health NZ to align delivery of the Schedule with the new Special Authority IT system they are delivering. A go-live date for both systems is scheduled for late October 2027.

Discovery and Design Phase underway for a new contract management system; the development of patient & supplier portals; and improved application development tools to improve workflow. We are also exploring opportunities for use of AI across Pharmac’s work.

This expectation continues under the “Continuous improvement of organisational culture and capability” theme.

Our focus will be continued delivery of our Data and Digital programme working in partnership with Health NZ and other sector stakeholders.

11

Pharmac continues to contribute to the Government’s health priorities including:

1. The Government Policy Statement on Health 2024-2027 (GPS).
2. National health targets.
3. New Zealand Health Plan and associated Pae Ora strategies.

Ongoing

We gave effect to relevant actions outlined in the GPS and supported delivery of targets across priority areas where applicable. The three actions specific to Pharmac in the GPS were:

• improve the availability of and access to cancer medicines in New Zealand.
• enable faster access to medicines by improving the timeliness of processes related to accessing new medicines.
• continue to develop Pharmac’s model to ensure patient voice and wide-ranging societal consequences are taken into account.

Government priorities have been incorporated in our 2026/27 – 2029/30 Statement of Intent and 2026/27 Statement of Performance Expectations.

This expectation continues under the “Continuous improvement of organisational culture and capability” theme.

Pharmac will give effect to relevant actions in the GPS and support, where relevant, delivery of targets and actions across priority areas.

The Government is scheduled to complete a new three-year GPS by June 2027, and we will contribute to GPS development.

12

Pharmac’s work gives effect to the Cabinet Circular (24) 5: Needs-based Service Provision, to meet the Government’s expectations for how the targeting, commissioning and design of public services should be based on the needs of all New Zealanders.

Ongoing

We formalised our Access Criteria policy which guides how we set access criteria within the Pharmaceutical Schedule. The new approach ensures that the target patient population are clearly defined from the outset and broad descriptive criteria are set to ensure everyone in the target group will have access to medicines.

The Access Criteria policy fulfils government expectations as set out in the Cabinet Circular (24) 5 on need-based service provision.

We revised other policies and procedures to ensure alignment with Cabinet Circular, including a revised Equity Policy.

This expectation continues under the “Continuous improvement of organisational culture and capability” theme.

We will continue to strengthen implementation and understanding of our Access Criteria Policy.

We are currently reviewing the access criteria for medicines where there are ethnicity-based criteria, with a view to removing or replacing them with clinical criteria where possible.

13

Pharmac is delivering the agreed outcomes from the medical devices review including working collaboratively with the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand, medical devices industry and other stakeholders.

Accelerated and ongoing

In September 2025, the Government announced changes to how hospital medical devices are procured. Under this joint approach, Health NZ and Pharmac share responsibility focusing on the areas that best align with its expertise and capabilities. Ministers issued a joint letter of expectations (LoE) to both agencies outlining 11 expectations for joint work.

At the end of March 2026, the Ministry of Health completed its six-monthly report to Ministers on the progress of the joint partnership between Pharmac and Health NZ, confirming that implementation remains on track and that the collaborative operating model is bedding in well. The report highlights the increasing clarity around roles, improved coordination across workstreams, and the steady progress being made on procurement, category planning, and contract transitions

A cross-agency oversight group oversees implementation, monitors performance, resolves issues, and ensures alignment procurement with system priorities.

This expectation continues under the “Continuous improvement of organisational culture and capability” theme.

Our focus for the year ahead to ensure delivery of the joint LoE, is to progress a coordinated programme of work with Health NZ, focused on operational transition and system readiness. This will include:

• delivering a joint transition plan covering contract ownership changes.
• establishing a shared procurement pipeline, agreed processes and timeframes.
• strengthening the benefits and value measurement framework.
• ensuring consistent and coordinated approaches to supplier engagement, communications and relationship management including establishment of a Supplier Reference Group.
• supporting Device Advice and Assessment Pathway using Health Technology Assessment.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/2025-26-pharmac-letter-of-expectations-progress-update-july-2026/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/summary-of-underpinning-analysis-health-offensive-trades-removal-order-2026/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/consistency-accountability-statement-health-offensive-trades-removal-order-2026/

Police acknowledge and accept the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority released today concerning a fatal unjustified pursuit three years ago.

On 13 July 2023, a road policing checkpoint was being carried out on Lincoln Road in Henderson. 

A Police motorcycle officer noticed a man weaving his own motorcycle through traffic and he was signalled to stop.

He failed to stop and a pursuit at high speed ensued, ending when the motorcycle crashed near Tauhinu Road, Greenhithe and resulting in the rider’s death.

The IPCA has found the pursuit was unjustified and the officer’s assessments of the risks were fundamentally flawed.

“At the outset we acknowledge the man’s family and express our condolences for their loss,” Acting Superintendent Simon Walker, Relieving Waitematā District Commander, says.

Following the man’s death, Police carried out a critical incident investigation into the events that occurred. 

“After a thorough investigation, the officer was charged with dangerous driving causing death,” Acting Superintendent Walker says.

In April 2025, the officer was convicted of driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous manner and disqualified from driving for six months.

He has since resigned from New Zealand Police. 

“The public rightly expect Police staff to exercise sound judgement and uphold the highest standards of conduct while carrying out their duties,” Acting Superintendent Walker says.

“Incidents such as this have a significant impact on all those involved and serve as a reminder of the importance of sound judgement and effective risk assessment in all aspects of policing.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/police-acknowledge-ipca-findings-in-unjustified-pursuit/

Good morning, everyone.

I’m excited to be here at the Civil Contractors New Zealand conference.

I’d like to acknowledge David Howard, Alan Pollard and their team at Civil Contractors for hosting and for inviting me to speak.

It’s great to see you all here.

Today, I want to talk to you about this Government’s track record on infrastructure.

Then, I’ll announce our first steps on improving the land transport system, including how we plan to respond to Recommendation 2 in the Infrastructure Commission’s National Infrastructure Plan (NIP), which calls on Government to reform land transport funding and investment oversight.

But first, it’s election year – so forgive me, it’s about to get a little bit political.

National is the Party of Infrastructure.

Roads, rapid transit, hospitals, schools, fibre, and energy – the infrastructure services New Zealanders rely on everyday get built when National is in government.

We know that achieving genuine economic prosperity – the great challenge facing this country – depends on infrastructure that meets our needs, is good value for money, and is deliverable.

It’s the foundation everything else is built on.

As all of you here know, good infrastructure isn’t about the physical structures themselves – it’s about what those structures enable us to do.

New rapid transit projects are about unleashing growth – new homes, shops, offices, eateries, and jobs that follow.

Investing in our state highway network is about getting people and goods where they need to go, more quickly and more safely.

The education estate is about providing warm, dry, and safe classrooms so that our kids can focus on learning and thriving.

The Ultra-fast Broadband rollout was about modernising our country, helping to unlock our wildly successful gaming industry.

Renewable energy is an opportunity for our country to take advantage of our extraordinary competitive advantage, which will put downward pressure on power bills, reduce emissions, and secure our energy independence.

And, every $1 billion invested in infrastructure is estimated to support around 4,500 jobs.

For me, getting infrastructure right means people less occupied by the backdrop of an ordinary day, like “when is my train coming?” or “will my street be OK in this rain?”– and freer to focus on the ideas and opportunities that are important to them.

I want kiwis to be ambitious, knowing they are backed by an equally enterprising nation. I want all of us to enjoy better lives.

I truly believe that our country, at the bottom of the world, can choose to be wealthy, and modern, and prosperous.

That’s the vision.

National also has the track record in infrastructure to back it up.

By the end of this year, the Coalition will have started construction on over $20 billion worth of central government infrastructure projects.

We have signed two major Public Private Partnership (PPP) contracts: Stage 1 of the Northland Expressway, and Christchurch Men’s Prison – supporting thousands of jobs between them.

By early 2027, we will have started construction on six Roads of National Significance, which – within the space of justthree years – is a significant achievement. And one that I need to talk about more often.

Behind it all sits a pipeline of funded projects across transport, health, education, and justice.

We are delivering better value for money too.

The average cost of a classroom has dropped from about $1.2m to around $620k. At the same time, we delivered more classrooms in 2024 than Labour did in 2023 – and even more again in 2025.

When it comes to Kāinga Ora (KO), they were building state homes for up to eight, nine, ten thousand per square metre. In late 2023, the average cost per square metre was about $3,400.

In the year to June 2026, the average cost had fallen to around $2,700 per square metre, and KO tells me that they are now contracting for as low as $2,600 per square metre.

This reduction in cost means that Government can provide and renew more social homes for those in need within the same funding envelope.

This is the power of value for money – it gives us the ability to do more with what we have.

Policy reform agenda

On top of this, we have delivered a bold policy reform agenda in infrastructure.

Before we came into Government, in 2023, National campaigned on five infrastructure policies.

We have delivered on all five.

The first policy was a national infrastructure agency.

We established National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited (NIFFCo) on 1 December 2024 to be New Zealand’s shopfront for private capital in public infrastructure as well as the government’s centre of expertise on funding and financing.

To date, NIFFCo has delivered key transactions including:

• Arranging the Te Awa Lakes Infrastructure Funding and Financing (IFF) Act Levy, which will support 1,500 new homes in Hamilton.
• Leading the early monetisation of the Crown’s loans to Chorus, which we provided to accelerate the UFB rollout. This deal delivered $702 million in net proceeds to the Crown and allowed the Government to reinvest funds into more of the infrastructure New Zealand needs – including Cambridge to Piarere, upgrades to hospitals, and hundreds of new classrooms.

The second policy was a National Infrastructure Plan.

We asked the independent Infrastructure Commission to produce a 30-year National Infrastructure Plan (NIP), and the Government responded – supporting all 16 recommendations in full or in part.

I won’t go into all the detail, but there are a few main actions that I think are worth pointing out.

For example, the Government has agreed to legislate the requirement for asset registers, asset management plans, and 10-year long-term capital plans, and reporting and auditing requirements for these in the Public Finance Act.

Regulated utilities and local government are required to have these artifacts by law – but we currently don’t hold central government to the same standard.

That is going to change.

We are also shifting independent assurance for infrastructure projects from Treasury to the Infrastructure Commission.

Ministers want better quality information when making investment decisions, and we want clear, actionable advice from the experts –

Is this a good project? Is it needed now? Is it consistent with the asset management or long-term plan? How could it be improved? Could we strip some cost out? Is the project just bad or undeliverable, and we need to walk away?

We want those answers, because ultimately, we – Ministers – are accountable to the public for spending decisions. And rightly so.

I’ve heard the sector’s concerns around certainty and continuity of pipeline. I understand that.

Right now, there is about $290 billion worth of infrastructure projects in the pipeline – around $190 billion with a confirmed funding source.

Now, all parties probably agree on 90 to 99% of those projects. But there will be disagreements on some.

It’s a handful of big projects that make the headlines, but it is often the small projects that make New Zealand.

When it comes to those big projects, we need to move away from the rhetoric of needing a bipartisan pipeline – we are never going to agree on every single project, and that’s OK. That’s the nature of politics and of people having different views.

Instead, as I’ve often said, we should commit to building bipartisan consensus on the idea that governments of all flavours should use best practice to plan, select, fund and finance, deliver, and look after infrastructure.

And that’s something I have worked incredibly hard on over the past three years, including our response to the NIP.

Fixing the fundamentals of our system is the single best thing we can do to build a pipeline that endures political cycles.

A strong system will make it politically untenable for Ministers to just go out and announce unfunded, inadequately planned projects.

Where these farce projects have been stopped – like in the case of Auckland Light Rail – there are legitimate reasons for that.

Equally, a strong system should make it absolutely punishing for a new government to stop or pause genuinely good, funded projects that make it through the rigours of the system.

That’s the bit we have been missing – a credible and clear evidence-base for the public, the sector, and others to properly hold governments to account for their investment choices.

The third policy was innovative funding and financing tools.

National has progressed several tools to enable a responsive supply of infrastructure to support growth including:

• amending the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act – which was passed into law last month,
• establishing the Incentives for Growth Fund for councils so that they are rewarded for every home consented,
• and progressing the replacement of the failed Development Contributions regime with a more flexible Development Levies system that will match our flexible planning system.

The fourth policy was City and Regional Deals.

The National-led government has signed two deals so far. One with Auckland and the other with Western Bay of Plenty – and a third is not so far away, so watch this space.

The Government already has a range of tools that interact with local government, such as NZTA co-funding for local roads, Urban Growth Partnerships, and Crown funding for significant projects.

So, these Deal aren’t intended to reinvent the wheel and create another layer of bureaucracy.

They are about identifying shared priorities and establishing strong lines of accountability, where sufficiently senior people from central government and council – who have the authority to make decisions – meet regularly. The deals will make it easier to work together, invest together, and get stuff done.

The fifth policy was a fast-track consents process.

31 projects have been consented under our Fast-track legislation representing tens of thousands of jobs and billions in investment – with more in the pipeline.

Legacy of infrastructure

We have made significant progress in the infrastructure space this term, with a core focus on getting the underlying system settings right.

This progress is off the back of a long legacy of infrastructure delivery under National.

Under the Key Government, we rolled out the incredibly successful Ultra-fast Broadband on time, on budget.

National also electrified the Auckland rail network, built Waterview Tunnel, and started the City Rail Link project – which is opening on Sunday 13 September, and will be a game changer for Auckland.

Other parties talk a big game on infrastructure:

• The ironically named “Shovel Ready” programme,
• $30 billion Auckland Light Rail,
• the Auckland cycle bridge across the Harbour,
• the $45 billion mega-monstrosity twin three-lane road tunnels and a separate light rail tunnel under the Waitematā Harbour.

National delivers.

If we are re-elected, our plan is to continue the momentum,

We did all of this in three years. We can and will do more.

Improving the land transport system

Now I’d like to move onto transport.

New Zealand’s economic growth and productivity depend on a high-performing land transport network.

It connects people to jobs, education, and amenities; keeps goods and services flowing; and builds resilience by maintaining critical supply chains and community connections.

This Government has accomplished a lot in the transport space.

We are progressing major revenue reforms via the fleetwide transition to RUC, and time-of-use charging. We have reformed transport governance in Auckland. And we have supported productivity by overhauling inefficient land transport rules.

Our changes to warrant of fitness requirements alone are estimated to deliver $2.6 to $4.1 billion in benefits to the economy over the next 30 years.

The Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport 2024 outlined an ambitious programme of transport investment including 17 RoNS and major public transport projects.

NZTA is delivering on the GPS, and good progress has been made.

Ōtaki to north of Levin, the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, Takitimu North Link Stage 1, and SH29 Tauriko West (Omanawa Bridge) are all under construction.

The first stage of the Northland Expressway (Warkworth to Te Hana) is due to start construction by the end of the year, and Cambridge to Piarere is due to start construction in early 2027.

By early next year, six RoNS will be under construction.

Key issues in the land transport system

For the past decade, the land transport network has also been under significant strain and is facing complex and enduring challenges, which are only becoming more acute.

Today, I want to focus on two of these issues.

The first issue is that there is a funding gap between planned investment in land transport and National Land Transport Fund (NTLF) revenue.

Essentially there is a mismatch between what we are spending on land transport and the user revenue the land transport network generates.

New Zealand’s land transport system was set up to operate on a principle of user pays.

This serves two purposes:

• it helps generate enough revenue from users – the main beneficiaries – to maintain and expand the system to meet demand, and
• it encourages efficient use of the network because users face the costs of their choices.

But our system has been moving away from the principle of user pays for some time, with successive governments having to top up the NLTF with Crown grants and loans.

In 2018-21, only 3% of the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) was funded by the Crown.

This grew to 24% in the 2021-24 NLTP, and 39% in the current NLTP (2024-2027). This Crown funding comes at the expense of other Government priorities.

One reason for this imbalance is because Fuel Excise Duty (FED) and Road User Charges (RUC) have not been changed since 2020, resulting in FED falling in real terms by around 21%.

This funding gap is also a long-term issue.

Based on current estimates, delivering the RoNS programme in full over the next 20 years would cost $56 billion. Funding this entirely from petrol tax and road user charges, would require a one-off 70% increase. Equivalent to a 49 cent per litre increase in petrol tax.

To be clear, this 49-cent-per-litre increase, would only allow the RONS to be delivered. It would not provide any funding for other major transport projects such as the Second Waitematā Harbour Crossing, or the Northwest Busway.

That kind of increase is obviously not going to happen.

So, on the ‘revenue’ side of narrowing the funding gap – we will need to utilise a mix of the NLTF (including FED and RUC settings), Crown funding, as well as a broader range of funding tools.

Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act levies, tolls, toll concessions, and time of use charging will be effective tools to accelerate and support specific projects, localised networks, or groups of projects.

However, these project-specific tools will not provide general funding for the land transport system as a whole.

As such, the Government will use them where they make sense, like on corridors with high vehicle movements per day, significant land value uplift potential, or projects with a large, identifiable group of beneficiaries.

This will take pressure off the NLTF and take pressure off the demand for Crown funding.

There is another side to narrowing the funding gap – getting costs down.

Which brings me to the second issue, major transport project costs in this country are too high. Delivering major transport projects in New Zealand – including motorways, expressways, and public transport – is expected to cost more per kilometre in real terms than earlier New Zealand projects, and significantly more than the OECD average.

Benefit to cost ratios in land transport have also fallen from a minimum of 4:1 in the 1990s to 1.2:1 in the 2010s.

These cost comparisons have largely been made against business case estimates. But, in practice, major projects frequently underperform against cost estimates in both the frequency and extent of overruns.

This is not a system that is delivering cost-effectively.

Ministers are deeply frustrated, and we simply cannot continue to accept it.

I was on a Stuff Political Infrastructure Panel last week and my friend and colleague, Matua Shane Jones, said that he thinks the Northland Expressway (Warkworth to Te Hana) will be the last four-lane highway built in New Zealand.

I see where he is coming from.

But I respectfully disagree.

I think we can and should build more four lane highways

Perhaps just not at their current design, scope or specifications – or not under the current institutional or regulatory settings.

We can build more.

We just need to find a way to do it in a more cost-effective way. I challenge and encourage all of you in this room to help with that.

According to research from the Infrastructure Commission, New Zealand’s infrastructure cost premiums are concentrated in complex, large-scale projects such as motorways, road tunnels, and underground rail.

These premiums, relative to other countries, are driven in part by:

• higher input costs for equipment and machinery, land, and some construction materials (especially concrete);
• more difficult geology and terrain; and
• more costly consenting and planning processes.

They may also be driven by factors internal to the land transport system such as weak institutional incentives to prioritise low-cost solutions, over-specification and over-scoping of projects, or system settings that allow cost and delivery commitments to be made too early.

It’s worth noting that construction costs have also increased due to factors largely outside of our control such as global supply chain disruption, – initially from COVID-19 and more recently from conflict in the Middle East.

So those are the two key problems:

• The funding gap, and
• The cost of major transport projects being too high.

First steps to fix land transport system

Fixing the land transport system will take a sustained effort over many years. To start, we should focus on decreasing costs of major transport projects, utilising a broader range of funding tools (which is work we already have underway), and reforming land transport funding and oversight.

So today, I am pleased to announce that Cabinet has agreed to a focused programme of work in the short-term, which includes:

• An independent report on the cost drivers of major land transport projects in New Zealand, led by the Infrastructure Commission; and
• Progressing work on detailed options to reform land transport funding and oversight as a first step to responding to Recommendation 2 of the NIP.

Independent cost driver report

Let’s get into the independent cost driver report.

In my view, the first step to decrease major transport costs is to get an evidence-based and detailed understanding of why current costs are so expensive in New Zealand relative to other OECD countries and relative to earlier projects in our own country.

Every time I ask a different person, I get a different answer

It’s the RMA and consenting, it’s the IPCC’s RCP 8.5 scenario, it’s the Alliance model, it’s gold plating, it’s lack of competition for building materials, it’s poor procurement practices, it’s poor institutional settings and incentives, it’s the excessive risk transfer to contractors, it’s any number of things.

Most likely, it’s a mix. But I want to get to the bottom of it.

As such, I have directed the Commission to prepare a report on the cost drivers of major land transport projects in New Zealand.

This report is due by Q1 2027.

Once we have a better understanding of cost drivers, we can consider actions to reduce premiums where possible, as some may be driven by forces that we can’t control.

As part of this report, I’ve asked the Commission to provide sensible recommendations on how we can get costs down on projects.

Reform land transport funding and oversight

Now I’ll briefly touch on our work to reform land transport funding and oversight.

We are doing this work in response to Recommendation 2 in the NIP:

“Reform the land transport funding and investment oversight system to ensure financial sustainability and enhance economic and social outcomes by aligning investment expectations with available revenue and strengthening efficiency and accountability in delivery.”

As part of the Government response, we supported this in full, and there are many ways to go about it. We could:

• return to a system where investment is confined to user revenues, with investment and borrowing decisions made at arm’s length from Government;
• establish economic regulation or other independent oversight;
• create rules or structures that must prioritise funds for renewals and maintenance;
• put in place independent assurance and clear performance standards; and/or
• review institutional structure, legislation and funding instruments.

Long story short is that I remain open to all of these options – and others.

I have asked the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) to develop more detailed options and a plan for this reform. I will report back to Cabinet on these detailed options in early 2027.

My overall goal is to create a high-performing land transport system where maintenance and renewals are prioritised, the network is mostly funded from users and beneficiaries, investment aligns with demand, and where major projects are sequenced according to value for money.

We are on our way there with the Major Transport Projects Pipeline, and the recent transfer of central government infrastructure assurance to the Commission – but there is more we can do.

Timing of GPS 2027

Given the challenges facing land transport, I am intending to undertake public consultation on a draft GPS 2027 early next year, after the election.

This staging will give us time to consider both:

• the findings of the Infrastructure Commission’s report on cost drivers, and
• the direction of land transport funding and oversight reform.

Waiting a few months to get GPS 2027 right is critical. This document will shape land transport investment for 10-years.

We have big ambitions in land transport. We want to land a GPS that balances our fiscal strategy, economic growth agenda, and resilience and asset management objectives.

I am conscious that Regional Transport Committees are awaiting clarity from the Government on our investment strategy and intentions for the next period.

The current land transport investment cycle means Committees have already started to develop Regional Land Transport Plans.

As such, today I am issuing a statement that outlines the fiscal realities and the priorities for land transport to signal the likely direction of GPS 2027.

The statement signals that the Government is focused on value for money and cost control, maintenance and resilience of the transport network, productivity enhancing investments, ongoing improvements to safety, and maximising the use of the existing network – especially where it creates opportunities to increase housing development.

And I just want to highlight that last point.

That the GPS will likely include a focus on transit-oriented development – or TOD.

This means supporting housing growth through alignment with spatial plans and concentrating development around transit nodes, key corridors, and strategic connections.

It seems completely nuts that TOD has not been featured in a GPS before. The consideration of housing and transport – together – is critical.

Getting it right will allow more people to make the most of our big transport investments like City Rail Link, it supports growth and investment in housing and businesses, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to lift productivity.

I want to ensure that any GPS we deliver recognises the potential of TOD.

Conclusion

To finish, I’d like to thank Alan and the team at Civil Contractors NZ for inviting me to speak.

I’d also like to thank you all for your hard work in the sector and for your commitment to building a better New Zealand.

I look forward to your questions.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/13/speech-civil-contractors-nz-conference/