Source: SFS Private Wealth

Billions of dollars attracted to New Zealand through the Active Investor Plus programme could be repatriated offshore from 2028 unless the country develops private banking infrastructure capable of competing with global wealth centres, with proposed tax changes alone unlikely to retain the capital, an international finance expert warns.

Dr Sharad Nair says New Zealand has successfully attracted a new generation of high-net-worth migrants through its golden visa programme, but risks losing a much larger opportunity to manage their wider global wealth as the first Growth-category investors begin reaching the end of their mandatory three-year investment periods.

His warning comes as Inland Revenue consults on how New Zealand’s tax-residency rules apply to AIP visa holders, with submissions set to close on October 13, and as proposed changes to the foreign investment fund regime progress through Parliament.

Dr Nair says greater tax certainty and more competitive tax settings are important, but will not be enough if New Zealand cannot provide wealthy migrants with private banking services comparable with those available internationally.

He says the challenge now is to turn the initial AIP investment into a much broader financial relationship with New Zealand.

“The fact is when due diligence is being done on these individuals, Immigration New Zealand knows what their wealth looks like and knows that only a small piece of it is coming in,” he says.

“From there on, you need to build platforms for them to interact with the opportunity.”

Dr Nair says the success of the revised visa has accelerated the arrival of globally mobile wealth faster than New Zealand’s private banking infrastructure might otherwise have developed, leaving the sector playing catch-up while the first investors move closer to the end of their compulsory investment periods.

Dr Nair, founder and board member of SFS Private Wealth and himself an AIP visa holder who has spent more than two decades in international private banking and was part of Dubai’s early development as a global wealth centre, says New Zealand’s strategy now needs to shift from attraction to retention.

Almost $5 billion has been committed or is progressing through the investment pipeline under the revised programme. Immigration New Zealand figures show $2.72 billion in capital had been committed and transferred by September 2, with a further $2.215 billion in the pipeline.

Growth-category applicants must invest at least $5 million for three years, while Balanced applicants must invest at least $10 million for five years. The revised settings came into effect in April 2025, meaning the first Growth-category investment periods can begin expiring from 2028.

SFS Wealth co-founder Sunny Nair says retaining the migrants and retaining their wealth are two different challenges.

“I think retaining people and retaining money are two different things,” he says.

“New Zealand sells itself really well… The question is, are we in a place to retain them as well as their money?”

Nair says many AIP investors see the mandatory investment as the cost of securing residency rather than the start of a wider financial relationship with New Zealand.

“Most people who come in on AIP don’t think of the $5 million or $10 million as an investment. They think of it as an expense,” he says.

“They’re saying, ‘I want to move to New Zealand. Where does the money need to go?’ Once that’s done, the box is ticked and they’ve moved.”

The larger economic opportunity, he says, lies in what happens to the remainder of their wealth.

“They have 50, they have 100, they have 500 million, whatever they have. How do I engage them into New Zealand Inc and have that money circulating in the NZ economy?

“Investor migrants typically have wealth well above the minimum visa thresholds, although there is limited public New Zealand data showing exactly how much additional capital they bring with them.

“What we do know is that the average investor migrant brings around 2.5 times the required investment into New Zealand,” he says.

Nair says capturing even a relatively small proportion of that additional wealth could materially increase the economic value of the programme without requiring New Zealand to attract another migrant.

He says New Zealand has already proved it can compete for wealthy migrants despite investors having access to golden visa programmes in jurisdictions such as Malta and Portugal, but the competitive landscape changes once they arrive.

When New Zealand seeks to attract more than the mandatory visa investment, it is competing with established wealth centres including Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, London and Switzerland, as well as some of the world’s largest private banks.

“Competition isn’t other wealth managers in New Zealand, it’s JP Morgan Private Banking, it’s UBS, it’s Julius Baer, it’s all these international institutions who are banking these clients on their home turf,” Nair says.

“Because the five million is a minimum requirement, to win any more money than that, you suddenly have to be competitive against some really big names and some really established competition.”

Dr Nair says New Zealand’s private wealth sector today reminds him of Dubai when he arrived there in 1996, before the emirate developed into a major international financial centre.

“When I moved into Dubai, the wealth management business in Dubai was pretty much what wealth management business today is in New Zealand,” he says.

At the time, wealthy Middle Eastern clients were commonly serviced by “briefcase bankers” flying in from London, Geneva and Zurich, before Dubai developed the institutions, specialist expertise and infrastructure needed to manage international wealth locally.

Dr Nair says New Zealand already has many of the ingredients needed to follow a similar path, including rule of law, low corruption, institutional stability and an international reputation for trust and safety.

“We could be known for our banks. We could be known for banking. We could be known as the world’s global hub for safety,” he says.

Nair says those attributes are the foundations on which financial centres such as Switzerland and Singapore have been built.

“The business of banking or the business of wealth management is the business of trust. So we’ve already got all the secret ingredients. We just need to put it together.”

Nair says New Zealand needs a broader private wealth sector capable of connecting international capital with investment opportunities here.

“We don’t just want to build a business, we want to build an industry,” he says.

“AIP is slightly more complicated because what it requires is a globally competitive ecosystem. New Zealand has it. It’s just fractured.”

Private banking provides wealthy individuals and families with highly tailored advice across areas such as global investment portfolios, lending, wealth structuring and succession planning, but the underlying assets do not all need to be invested in New Zealand.

An investor could hold assets across the US, Europe and Asia while their advice, portfolio management and wider banking relationship are based here, allowing New Zealand to participate in managing international wealth without requiring that capital to be invested solely in domestic assets.

SFS Private Wealth grew out of the Nair family’s own experience of relocating to New Zealand through investor migration and identifying a gap for the bespoke private wealth services available in established international financial centres.

“We’re missing the infrastructure and platforms needed to support this market. That’s really the gap we built SFS to help address,” Nair says.

Operating in the wealth management space since September 2025, the firm has grown to more than 20 staff, is working with dozens of AIP investors and says it has ‘significant assets’ under management.

SFS is also establishing an office in Dubai to take New Zealand investment opportunities directly to international investors, including those who have no intention of migrating here.

“We’re taking New Zealand opportunities right to their doorstep. Let’s sell it to them in their living room,” Nair says.

He says the longer-term opportunity is to attract global capital into and through New Zealand rather than limiting the market to investors seeking residency.

Dr Nair says competing for ultra-high-net-worth families also requires infrastructure beyond financial services, citing a recent conversation with a billionaire who had moved from London to Dubai and told him he had not considered New Zealand because he would be unable to bring the staff who manage his household and affairs.

“He said, ‘I have an entourage of people that look after me. I wouldn’t get work visas for them,’” Dr Nair says, adding that the investor has since bought a US$50 million villa in Dubai.

“We have visas for your pilot, your crew, your everyone, so they can continue. Singapore is also possible,” he says.

Dr Nair says the billionaire’s experience highlights the wider challenge facing New Zealand as it moves from attracting wealthy migrants to building long-term relationships with them.

Having successfully brought a new generation of international investors into the country, Dr Nair says the next test is whether New Zealand can retain their initial capital, capture a greater share of their global wealth and develop the infrastructure needed to compete with established international financial centres.

Nair says his own experience provides one example of the wider economic potential, with his required AIP investment followed by other investments in New Zealand and the establishment of SFS Wealth in Auckland.

The risk is that New Zealand fails to build those relationships before the first Growth-category investors reach the end of their mandatory investment periods, with Dr Nair saying Government can help create the right settings while the private sector develops the platforms and expertise needed to compete for that capital.

Having successfully attracted a new generation of wealthy international investors, Dr Nair says New Zealand’s next test will be whether it can retain their capital, capture a greater share of their global wealth and develop into an international centre for managing it.

Dr Sharad Nair

Dr Sharad Nair is founder and board member of SFS Private Wealth and has more than 20 years’ experience in international private banking. He has worked with institutions including Julius Baer, Barclays and Citibank across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe, advising sovereign funds, global corporates, multi-generational families and entrepreneurs. He is also involved with a number of international investment, philanthropic and entrepreneurial ventures and remains active in venture capital.

Sunny Nair

Sunny Nair is Associate Director, Offshore Wealth Management at SFS Private Wealth and was part of the firm’s foundation team. He has an international background spanning Singapore, Dubai and London and combines legal expertise with experience in cross-border investment and wealth management. He holds an LLB (Hons) from King’s College London and a Master of Laws in Corporate and Commercial Law from the University of Auckland. At SFS, he focuses on helping international clients and external asset managers use New Zealand as a base for global investment.

About SFS Wealth

SFS Private Wealth is a boutique New Zealand wealth management firm offering independent advice, global reach, and personalised strategies for high-net-worth individuals, offshore clients, and those relocating via investor visa programmes. The firm pairs world-class investment insight with agile, client-centric service. For more information, visit sfspw.co.nz

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Source: Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN)

October 9, 2026

(Washington, D.C., October 9, 2026) – In response to the Trump administration’s imposition of new institutional sanctions against the entire the International Criminal Court, DAWN issues the following statement:

“By sanctioning the entire International Criminal Court, the Trump administration has taken a sledgehammer to the most important development in international justice in half a century,” said Omar Shakir, DAWN’s Executive Director. “U.S. sanctions threaten to shut the last viable road to justice for millions of victims of serious crimes, from Gaza and Sudan to Afghanistan and Ukraine – all to shield Israeli officials who have perpetrated a genocide from justice.”

“In applying tools reserved for the most serious criminals to the world’s only permanent international court, the U.S. is claiming the power to jail for 20 years Americans who represent a victim, submit evidence, or handle payroll for the Court,” said Raed Jarrar, DAWN’s Advocacy Director. “We have taken the Trump administration to court, because such brazen declarations trample the fundamental constitutional rights of millions of Americans. No president has that power.”

“The EU has a tool built exactly for when rogue states use sanctions to further political aims: a blocking statute that can shield the Court and Europeans from U.S. sanctions. If states won’t act now to protect the Court as they have repeatedly vowed to do, then when? Every day they wait, European banks move closer to abandoning the court out of fear of Washington,” said Isabelle Hayslip, DAWN’s Advocacy Associate. “ICC prosecutors also have tools when a state intimidates or retaliates to stop Court officials from doing their jobs: the Rome Statute makes this a crime. They should investigate and prosecute Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, and other senior administration officials for obstructing justice.”

Background

The Trump administration imposition of sanctions on the International Criminal Court as an entity today marks a major escalation in its campaign against the Court. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control added the International Criminal Court itself to its Specially Designated Nationals list on October 9, 2026, placing the court in the same category as violent criminals and drug cartels. The designation blocks any court property within US jurisdiction and bars US citizens, companies, and banks from any transaction with the court, its staff, or its operations, absent a Treasury license, on penalty of up to twenty years in prison. OFAC simultaneously issued four general licenses carving out narrow exceptions for telecommunications and enterprise software, pension payments, certain transactions related to ICC detainees, and an unspecified set of “certain transactions” involving the court. The issuance of these narrow licenses indicates that the Trump administration is prohibiting all other engagement with the Court, including banking, insurance, procurement, and the processing of salaries to its employees.

The administration acted pursuant to Executive Order 14203, issued in February 2025. The executive order grants administration officials the power to impose sanctions on foreigners for supporting the ICC’s investigations into U.S. and Israeli nationals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide and makes it a federal offense to provide a “service” to—or receive one from—a sanctioned individual or entity. It does so by declaring that such investigations constitute a “national emergency,” based on false claims that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over crimes committed by U.S. and Israeli nationals and that those countries “strictly adhere to the laws of war.”

Under Executive Order 14203, the Trump administration has sanctioned ICC prosecutors, judges, and other officials, as well as leading Palestinian human rights groups al-Haq, al-Mezan and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) and the UN Special Rapporteur for the Human Rights Situation on the Occupied Palestinian Territory Francesca Albanese. US persons who violate the order face up to twenty years in prison and a one million dollar fine.

DAWN and the Taxpayer Alliance Against Genocide sued the Trump administration on July 15, 2026, in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, charging that Executive Order 14203 violates Americans’ First Amendment rights to speak, associate, and engage in Palestine-related human rights advocacy. Both organizations had sought assurance that from the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control that their proposed work was permissible and received no response. The suit seeks a court order barring the administration from using the executive order to prevent from supporting investigations into U.S. and Israeli abuses, and from sanctioned human rights defenders. Courts have already in several other cases ruled against the government’s interpretation of the sanctions. Separate legal challenges have also been brought by three sitting sanctioned ICC judges and several other human rights organizations.

The European Union’s Blocking Statute, Council Regulation 2271/96, prohibit EU persons from complying with listed foreign sanctions, nullifies their effect in European courts, and allows Europeans to recover damages they cause. Its annex currently covers only US measures on Cuba and Iran. The Commission can add Executive Order 14203 by delegated regulation, as it did for US Iran sanctions in 2018. It has not done so. Slovenia raised the need for an EU response at the Foreign Affairs Council in June 2025. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for activating the statute on May 6, 2026. UN human rights experts demanded on August 28, 2026, that Washington withdraw its sanctions and expressly called on the EU to activate the statute. The Commission has still not acted.

Article 70 of the Rome Statute criminalizes offences against the administration of justice, including impeding, intimidating, or corruptly influencing an official of the court to force that official not to perform their duties, and retaliating against an official on account of duties performed. The article contains no nationality requirement, and it carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. The court has used it before. In 2016, Trial Chamber VII convicted former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba and four associates under Article 70 for corruptly influencing witnesses, the court’s first convictions for obstructing its own proceedings. The ICC President has previously described sanctions as an attack on its independence. The prosecutor has the authority to open an Article 70 investigation into the US officials responsible for these sanctions.

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Tatauranga umanga Māori – Statistics on Māori businesses: June 2026 quarter – information release

9 October 2026

Tatauranga umanga Māori – Statistics on Māori businesses: June 2026 quarter presents information on one subset of Māori businesses that contribute to our country’s economy. This release
includes data on Māori authorities and related businesses. It does not cover all Māori businesses in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Māori authorities are defined as businesses that receive, manage, and/or administer assets held in common ownership by iwi and Māori. Māori authorities are largely identified through their tax codes as registered with Inland Revenue. Any
business within a Māori authority ownership group is also included for the purposes of Tatauranga umanga Māori.

Key facts

In the June 2026 quarter, around 1,450 Māori authorities and related businesses were in the Tatauranga umanga Māori population.

All figures are actual values and are not adjusted for seasonal effects.

In the June 2026 quarter, compared with the June 2025 quarter:

• • the total value of sales by Māori authorities was $1,013 million, down $70 million (6.5 percent)

• • the total value of purchases by Māori authorities was $690 million, down $56 million (7.5 percent)

• • the total number of filled jobs for Māori authorities was 10,960, down 990 jobs (8.3 percent)

• • the total value of earnings by employees of Māori authorities was $217 million, down $10 million (4.5 percent)

• • Māori authorities exported $185 million worth of goods, down $35 million (16 percent).

Visit Stats NZ website to read the full information release and to download CSV files:

• • Tatauranga umanga Māori –
    Statistics on Māori businesses: June 2026 quarter

• • CSV files
    for download

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Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi

As petrol prices hit an all-time high this week, 23,000 home support workers are struggling to make ends meet while the Government is silent on a review of their mileage rate.

“These workers travel between clients all day caring for elderly and disabled New Zealanders in their own homes and they have to fund and maintain their own car to do it, on wages at or near the minimum wage,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“Workers campaigned hard earlier this year to win a mileage rate increase. That was a real win. But the new rate of 82.5 cents per kilometre is still falls below what the IRD says it actually costs to run a car for work, and it is temporary.

“The Government promised a review of the rate by 1 July. It is now October and these workers have heard nothing.

“On top of having their pay equity claim ripped away, this is a kick in the teeth for these workers.

“This low-paid predominantly female workforce hold our health system together. “

Becks, a home support worker in rural Waimate was shocked to see the petrol price reach $3.88 this week. She said, “I have clients who are only 15-minute visits but by the time I factor in the distances between them and what it costs to run my car, I’m effectively paying to do those jobs.”

Sonia, a home support worker in Greymouth said, “I’m on a low wage and I live alone. I can’t afford this. I do this work because I love it but it’s just getting so hard to get by. It’s not OK.”

Fitzsimons said, “With petrol prices hitting $3.88 per litre in areas like Waimate, home support workers urgently need a mileage rate increase that covers their actual costs, and they deserve a response from the Minister.”

The PSA has written to Health Minister Simeon Brown this week calling for a rate increase and asking for the outcome of the 2026 review of rates, which was due on 1 July. The letter is attached.

The PSA and Etū have an ongoing Employment Relations Authority claim against Health New Zealand arguing that requiring workers to fund and maintain their own vehicles as a condition of employment breaches the Employment Relations Act.

Home support workers are available for interview.

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi (https://www.psa.org.nz/) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

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Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa

7 October 2026

Tax reform group Tax Justice Aotearoa is extremely concerned about the announcement that Inland Revenue (IRD) will “need to operate within a 20% reduction” to their baseline budget in 2028/29, resulting in cuts to jobs.

“You can’t reduce staffing by up to 20% over three years and expect that it won’t impact on the revenue available for our public services.,” says Glenn Barclay, Chair of Tax Justice Aotearoa.

“We are really worried that this will undermine the ability of the IRD to gather the revenue we need and administer the tax system fairly.”

“Inland Revenue is the main revenue gathering agency in government and its role is critical to the effective funding of public services. We have seen the damage done in previous job cuts, with a ballooning of tax debt and fall in audit activity.”

“That position was just beginning to reverse in recent years, when in order to achieve an upturn in audit activity and start managing and collecting tax debt, staffing increased by about 16% from 2022 to 2025. So a cut of 20% will see IRD’s capacity to do its job go backwards”, says Barclay.

“If we end up with no new taxes, as proposed by National, then we will need IRD to be properly resourced to ensure compliance with existing taxes.”

“With these cuts IRD will struggle to do the bare minimum at a time, when we actually need to be investing in more expertise to be able to crack down on tax avoidance by large multinationals.”

Tax Justice Aotearoa also expressed its concern about the impact on staff at the IRD.

“They have already been through a digital transformation process and now the staff there face even more uncertainty about their future,” says Barclay.

“This will impact on staff morale, which will also have an impact on service delivery.”

“IRD is one of many government agencies tasked with reducing its baseline budget by 2% this year, and 5% in 2027/28 and 2028/29. These decisions are being made largely as a consequence of the tax cuts made in 2024 and it is a sad irony that the effectiveness of our revenue gathering will be further undermined by these cuts,” says Barclay.

MIL OSI

Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi

Government mandated funding cuts that will see Inland Revenue’s budget slashed by 20% over three years leaves an axe hovering over the jobs of hundreds of workers, the PSA says.

An intranet message to Inland Revenue staff from Commissioner Peter Mersi said that the cumulative savings required by the Government from 2026/27 to 2028/29 and rising costs means, “we will need to operate within a 20% reduction to our baseline budget in 2028/29”.

“This means that to deliver the level of savings required, we will need to consider reductions in both workforce numbers, alongside other costs,” the message says.

These savings cannot be made without reducing the workforce, the message says.

The Government is requiring Inland Revenue to cut its baseline budget by 2% this year, an additional 5% in 2027/28 and another 5% in 2028/29. Inland Revenue leadership will be putting proposals for cutting its budget to its Minister by the end of the year.

Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary, Duane Leo, says sending workers a signal that their jobs may be cut in the future without providing any details puts a massive strain on them.

“It means Inland Revenue’s more than 4000 staff are now all working under threat of losing their jobs and facing the prospect of struggling to keep up with the mortgage and put food on the table in the near future.

“The workers that remain will face increased stress of having to pick up even more work, while Inland Revenue has signalled that it will also reduce overtime, which it is currently using to manage its workloads,” Leo says.

“Inland Revenue staff already work incredibly hard to deliver on Government priorities. Whether it’s implementing tax and social policy changes, delivering new Government initiatives, or meeting increasing expectations around compliance and revenue collection, there is constant pressure to do more,” Leo says.

“Against that backdrop, the prospect of further budget reductions and potential job losses is creating significant concern for members. Many are questioning how Inland Revenue can continue to meet increasing expectations while reducing both funding and staffing levels, Leo said.

“The workers at Inland Revenue aren’t just numbers to be managed on a spreadsheet. They are real people. They deserve better than this Government’s reckless, slash and burn approach to cuts regardless of the consequences.

“Stopping this brutal approach that creates stress and uncertainty for hundreds of workers is why the PSA is calling for a mandatory public good test before government agencies can embark on major restructures and cut jobs,” Leo says.

“The email to staff said that to manage workload amongst a reduced number of staff, some activities would be stopped and others would be managed with more efficient ways of working.

The message’s reference to efficiencies will be read in the current climate by staff as incorporating artificial intelligence technology, Leo says.

“As we’ve said before, we don’t support using AI as an excuse for getting rid of workers rather than making them more productive.

“No country in the world has evidence that AI can replace public sector workers at the scale this Government is betting on. Countries like Singapore, which the Government often cites as a role model, use AI to improve public services not to reduce headcount,” Leo says.

“The PSA completely opposes any new cuts at Inland Revenue. New Zealanders deserve a public service that is funded enough to fulfil basic functions like tax collections.”

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, Health NZ and community groups.

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FRANKFURT, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 October 2026 – allnex is evolving its leadership team and business structure to acceleratethe next phase of growth, bringing technology, commercial and organizational leadership closer together.

Effective January 1, 2027, the new structure will strengthen allnex’s focus on three priorities: turning customer needs into innovation, creating one integrated global commercial organization, and building the capabilities needed to execute for the long term.

“allnex has a strong foundation, exceptional talent, and significant opportunities ahead. The new leadership team we are building brings together deep expertise in technology, commercial excellence, and organizational transformation. Together, we will strengthen our customer partnerships, accelerate innovation, and create sustainable growth for allnex in the years to come”, says Anish K. Taneja, Chief Executive Officer of allnex.

Driving the Future Through Innovation: Ruben Mannien Appointed Chief Technology Officer

To further strengthen the connection between technology leadership, market opportunities, and long-term business strategy, allnex is establishing the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as a core position within its Management Team.

Effective January 1, 2027, Ruben Mannien will assume the role of CTO, leading Corporate Strategy, Sustainability and Innovation, including key growth areas focused on opportunities that create future value for allnex.

“Ruben’s ability to connect customer needs, business strategy, and innovation makes him uniquely qualified for this role,” said Anish K. Taneja. “His leadership will help accelerate the commercialization of innovation and ensure that allnex remains at the forefront of technologies shaping the future of our industry.”

Creating One Global Commercial Organization: Mark Perbaums Appointed Chief Commercial Officer

Effective October 1, 2026, Mark Perbaums will join allnex as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

Mark joins allnex from Johnson Matthey, where he most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer for Clean Air.

As CCO, Mark will bring together all global commercial activities under a single leadership structure, including Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Technical Service, Product Management, Regional Commercial Organizations, and Global Key Account Management. The Coating Resins, Additives, and Composites businesses will be aligned within this organization, creating a more connected and customer-centric commercial model.

His mission will be to strengthen customer intimacy, create a consistent customer experience across regions and businesses, accelerate decision-making, and unlock growth opportunities through closer collaboration across the global commercial organization.

“Mark brings extensive international experience in commercial leadership,” says Anish K. Taneja. “His leadership will help us further strengthen customer relationships, unlock new business opportunities, and deliver the consistent customer experience around the globe. Mark will help allnex to unleash its full growth potential and bring the voice of the customer to everyone in our company.”

Building the Organization of Tomorrow: Maria Roettger Appointed Chief Administrative Officer

Effective January 1, 2027, Maria Roettger will join allnex as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

In this newly created role, Maria will lead Human Resources, Communications, Legal & Compliance, Information Technology, GBS, the Transformation Office and the Process Center of Excellence, bringing together the critical functions that enable organizational effectiveness and long-term performance.

Maria joins allnex from Michelin, where she currently serves as President & CEO of Michelin Europe North.

Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership positions across both business and human resources disciplines, leading large-scale organizations through growth, change, and transformation.

“Maria will play a key role in shaping the culture, talent, and capabilities required to support allnex’s long-term growth ambitions, ensuring the organization remains agile, customer-focused, and ready for future opportunities“, said Anish K. Taneja.

Experienced Leadership Continues to Provide Stability and Execution Excellence

The following Management Team responsibilities will remain unchanged:

Duncan Taylor, Chief Financial Officer

Duncan Taylor will continue to lead Finance, Treasury, Tax, Controlling, Accounting & General Ledger, M&A activities and Internal Audit.

Lauri Wogschin, Chief Procurement Officer

Lauri Wogschin will continue to lead Procurement and Supply Chain.

Herman Vos, Chief Operating Officer

Herman Vos will continue to lead Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Safety, Health & Environment (SHE).

Positioned to Lead the Next Chapter of Growth

Anish K. Taneja, Chief Executive Officer of allnex concludes, “The future of allnex will be defined by how effectively we serve our customers, innovate ahead of market needs, and execute with excellence. This team gives us the leadership, experience, and ambition to do exactly that. Together we will drive profitable growth, customer satisfaction and employee engagement to the next level while writing the next chapter of allnex success story.”

The new Management Team structure will become fully effective on January 1, 2027.

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

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

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

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

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

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 October 2026 – Far East Organization (远东机构) announces the unveiling of The Serra Residences, a new 28-storey freehold development. Tucked into the natural slopes of Bassein Road, the 133-unit development in District 11 is set within a quiet residential enclave minutes from Novena’s lifestyle and healthcare precinct.

Guide price starts from $3,120 psf, with a 710 sqft 2-bedroom with study unit commencing from $2.22 million.

Ms SHAW Lay See (苏丽茜), Chief Operating Officer (首席运营官) of Far East Organization’s Sales & Leasing Group (房地产销售租赁部), shared, “When we brought the former Pastoral View and its neighbouring plot together, we saw an opportunity to create something seldom found in the city – an intimate community of 133 homes with the facilities of a much larger development. We raised every residence up above the street level, starting from Level 4 to maximise privacy and set aside generous space for a 50m lap pool, a full-sized tennis court and gardens woven through the tower. It is a home designed for families to grow into, and in a neighbourhood they value.”

[Refer below for quotes from Joint Marketing Agents]

A Rare Freehold Address in District 11

Situated on a 51,396 sqft (4,774.80 sqm) freehold site, one of the more sizeable in the Bassein enclave, The Serra Residences arrives at a time of limited new freehold supply nearby. No other upcoming freehold launch has been identified in the vicinity nor are Government Land Sales sites in the area offered on 99-year leasehold tenure. It is also Novena’s first Gross Floor Area (GFA)-harmonised freehold development, so buyers pay only for usable living space.

Mountain-Inspired Biophilic Architecture & Climate-Responsive Design

The Serra Residences’ tower draws on the contours and rock strata of mountain terrain, expressed through vertical façade lines, stepped forms and earthy stone timber materials. It is oriented to reduce east-west sun and frame city skyline views to the south and greenery to the north.

Said Mr Kingsley NG (黄啟明), Architect and Director at P&T Consultants (巴马丹拿顾问), “We set out to explore how biophilic design can elevate modern central living. Inspired by the timeless character of mountain terrain, the tower is conceived as a sculpted urban landmark. Its vertical forms and distinctive silhouette expressing permanence and quiet elegance, while opening towards unblocked greenery and responding thoughtfully to the east–west sun. Like natural formations shaped over time, the tower is sculpted into layered voids that reveal elevated green terraces and communal spaces for residents to gather, retreat and connect with nature. The result is an architecture where form, landscape, community and climate come together in a quieter, more enduring expression of city living.”

Thoughtfully Curated Homes for Every Stage of Family Life

The 133 homes span two tiers: Two-bedroom with study to four-bedroom units (Levels 4 to 16), and The Summit on levels 18 to 28, comprising larger four- and five-bedroom residences and two penthouses, with 22 units served by private lifts. For multi-generational households, children’s facilities and family deck sit alongside a gym, spa pool, function room and BBQ pavilion, while the signature 50m lap pool on level 3 appears to float above the arrival courtyard.

An Established Neighbourhood in a Transforming Lifestyle & Healthcare Precinct

The Serra Residences is situated within a mature, well-served neighbourhood that is entering a new phase of growth:

• Everyday Convenience: Food lovers are spoilt for choice, with Michelin Bib Gourmand favourites across Whampoa, Balestier and Newton Food Centre, while Orchard Road is an eight-minute drive away. Established malls and office cluster at Square 2, Novena Square, Revenue House, Goldhill Plaza and United Square are close by.
• 2 Moulmein Road Lifestyle Destination, just minutes’ walk away, is an expansive 985,350 sqft historic site comprising 44 conservation buildings is now being transformed into a park-like lifestyle destination with dining, sports, wellness, arts and pet-friendly spaces, targeted to open in Q1 2027.
• HealthCity Novena is a 17-hectare wellness precinct with integrated healthcare, medical education, and research. Its next phase will also introduce healing spaces, green corridors and walking trails. When completed, more than 30,000 people are expected to circulate through the precinct daily.
• Connectivity: Novena MRT station is an eight-minute walk away. The upcoming 21.5km North-South Corridor (NSC) will improve links between northern Singapore and the city centre, adding dedicated bus lanes, cycling trunk routes and green pedestrian paths.
• Schools: The Serra Residences sits within 1 to 2 km of premier institutions, including St. Joseph’s Institution Junior, Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road and Junior) and Hong Wen School.

Preview & Official Launch

The Serra Residences sales gallery at 11 Bassein Road, opens for previews from 2 October, Friday, with official sales launch slated for Friday, 16 October 2026. Appointments can be made with Far East Organization at 6534 8000.

The development is expected to obtain its Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) in Q4 2030.

For more information on The Serra Residences, visit https://www.theserra.com.sg

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

Source: Better Taxes for a Better Future

2 October 2026, 4:05pm

Show us the money: Auckland event on Monday 5 October puts tax policy on the record ahead of the General Election.

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland: Representatives from parties seeking to form the next government will take the stage at Auckland Unitarian Church in Grey Lynn on Monday 5 October to explain how they plan to raise revenue and who will carry the cost.

Chlöe Swarbrick (Green Party), Qiulae Wong (Opportunity Party), David Wilson (New Zealand First), Oriini Kaipara (Te Pāti Māori) and Deborah Russell (Labour) will take part in the Better Taxes Election Forum, hosted by journalist Guyon Espiner.

Invitations have been extended to all parties, with ACT and National yet to confirm their participation.

Tax has dominated headlines in the lead-up to the 2026 General Election, but the debate has largely overlooked what tax pays for and how parties propose to fund better futures for Aotearoa.

“Monday’s event is an opportunity to ask candidates vying to run the country to be upfront about how they will address the challenges we face now and into the future.

Ordinary people are already bearing the cost of underfunding in our health system and infrastructure. And we know we’re facing rising costs of an aging population and responding to climate change and its effects.

The bickering about how many new taxes are on the table simply doesn’t cut it. The people of New Zealand deserve some real talk in the lead up to the election.” Kate Stone, Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign Manager.

The event is organised by the Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign and its coalition organisations. It asks the parties seeking to form the next government to set out how they will fund hospitals, schools, transport and water infrastructure, and how they will gather that revenue in a more balanced way.

The pressures on those services include an ageing population, climate change, intergenerational inequity and the growing concentration of economic and political power.

Event details

• What: Better Taxes Election Forum: Show us the money!
• When: Monday 5 October 2026. Doors open 5.30pm, start 6pm
• Where: Auckland Unitarian Church, 1A Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
• Host: Guyon Espiner
• Panellists: Chlöe Swarbrick (Green Party), Qiulae Wong (Opportunity Party), David Wilson (New Zealand First), Oriini Kaipara (Te Pāti Māori), Deborah Russell (Labour). ACT and National yet to confirm their participation.

In person registration: bettertaxes.nz/better-taxes-election-forum

Live stream registration: bettertaxes.nz/livestreambetter-taxes-election-forum

About Better Taxes for a Better Future

Better Taxes for a Better Future is a campaign of coalition organisations. More information: bettertaxes.nz

Regional events: bettertaxes.nz/events

MIL OSI

Opensignal

Annual Global 5G Awards Name Worldwide Winners, Leaders, And Rising Stars from Billions of Real-World User Experiences

BOSTON – Opensignal, a global independent consumer connectivity analytics and insights company, today announced its annual Opensignal 5G Global Mobile Network Experience Awards, recognizing the providers delivering the best real-world 5G experiences across their national mobile networks. The awards assess billions of real-world user experiences across Download Speed, Video, Games, Voice App, Reliability, Coverage Experience, and — new for 2026 — Time on 5G, collected between Jan. 1 and June 29, 2026.

“The consumer connectivity experience is at the core of everything we do at Opensignal. As the role of 5G in modern life grows, the bar for what great 5G looks like keeps rising,” said Shawn Heidel, President, Network Experience at Opensignal. “The best operators in the world are defined by how well they deliver on that challenge, and this year’s Global 5G Award winners set the standard.”

The highest-scoring provider in each category earns the 5G Global Winner title. Global Leaders make up the next tier, and a separate Rising Star recognition goes to the five operators that improved the most year-over-year, rewarding progress and recognizing the dynamic, changing nature of 5G networks. Providers are split between large and small land areas, recognizing that serving a vast, varied geography with 5G is a fundamentally different challenge from densely populated, compact areas.

Key Findings

• Brazil’s Vivo retains its 5G Download Speed title in large land-area markets, with national rivals Claro and TIM close behind as Global Leaders.
• In small land-area markets, South Korea’s SK Telecom dethrones KT to take the crown at 495.1Mbps.
• T-Mobile US and Singapore’s Singtel repeat last year’s wins for 5G Coverage Experience in large and small land-area markets respectively.
• In the newly introduced Time on 5G category, T-Mobile US leads large land-area and Singapore’s StarHub tops small land-area markets.
• For 5G Reliability, Japan’s au and SoftBank jointly lead large land-area markets, while Denmark’s Norlys and Telenor, alongside Austria’s A1 and Slovenia’s A1, share the top spot in small land-area markets.
• The Netherlands’ Odido wins 5G Video outright in small land-area markets, while 12 operators from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Poland are tied for the large land-area title.
• Germany’s Telekom and Switzerland’s Swisscom lead 5G Games Experience in large and small land-area markets, respectively.
• Japan’s au wins the 5G Voice App title again in large land-area markets, and South Korea’s KT claims the win in small land-area markets.
• Peru’s Bitel stands out as the biggest mover overall, claiming Rising Star recognition across five categories: Download Speed, Video, Games, Voice App, and Reliability.
• South Africa’s Vodacom and Albania’s ONE each earn three Rising Star titles.

5G Global Winners

Large Land-Area (Markets with land-area greater than 200,000 km²)

• 5G Coverage Experience: T-Mobile (USA)
• 5G Download Speed: Vivo (Brazil)
• 5G Games Experience: Telekom (Germany)
• 5G Reliability: au (Japan), SoftBank (Japan)
• 5G Video Experience: Elisa (Finland), DNA (Finland), T-Mobile (Poland), Tele2 (Sweden), 3 (Sweden), Telenor (Sweden), Play (Poland), Telenor (Norway), ice (Norway), Orange (Poland), Telia (Norway), Telia (Finland)
• 5G Voice App Experience: au (Japan)
• Time on 5G: T-Mobile (USA)

Small Land-Area (Markets with land-area less than 200,000 km²)

• 5G Coverage Experience: Singtel (Singapore)
• 5G Download Speed: SK Telecom (South Korea)
• 5G Games Experience: Swisscom (Switzerland)
• 5G Reliability: Telenor (Denmark), Norlys (Denmark), A1 (Austria), A1 (Slovenia)
• 5G Video Experience: Odido (Netherlands)
• 5G Voice App Experience: KT (South Korea)
• Time on 5G: StarHub (Singapore)

The full report, including a complete list of Winners, Leaders, Rising Stars and qualifying operators, as well as markets, methodology, and graphics are available at https://insights.opensignal.com/2026/09/5g-global-awards-2026/dt.

About Opensignal

Opensignal is a global independent consumer connectivity analytics and insights company, delivering an unmatched combination of real-world network data and competitive market intelligence. Its insights are fueled by 50+ billion daily data points from over 100 million devices worldwide on mobile, fixed broadband, and satellite networks, alongside pricing, promotions, and competitive conditions, showing how consumers actually experience connectivity and why they switch. In addition to public network benchmark reports and market insights, Opensignal delivers this intelligence through its portfolio of premium solutions, including Opensignal Network Experience Suite, Opensignal Subscriber Analytics, Frontline Network Experience, and GeoResults. Headquartered in Boston, Opensignal has offices in Canada, the UK, Poland and Singapore. For more information, visit https://opensignal.com.

MIL OSI

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

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

Source: Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign

In an open letter released today, fifteen members of the Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign coalition are calling out both the National and Labour parties for their irresponsible positioning on tax, and for failing to engage honestly with the public about the revenue challenges we face, in the lead up to the 2026 General Election.

“Both of the major parties, one of which will lead the next government, are running campaigns that perpetuate negative attitudes towards tax, at a time when we desperately need to raise more revenue to fund the things we need to live good lives – like safe staffing in our hospitals, building more public housing, and tackling our infrastructure deficit,” said Kate Stone, Better Taxes campaign manager.

“The National Party is campaigning on having “no new taxes”. The Labour Party has committed to a Capital Gains Tax limited to investment property, but is now buying into National’s anti-tax messaging by trying to minimise it in the public conversation and refusing to commit to any other tax changes.”

“This positioning is irresponsible given the fiscal challenges, outlined by the Treasury and IRD, that are posed by an aging population, increasing health expenditure and the need to respond to climate change and associated extreme weather events.”

“And it is out of step with where the public is at. Polling shows people support increased spending on public services and a recent poll indicates that two thirds would be willing to pay more tax for better healthcare,” said Stone.

“We cannot cut, cut, cut our way out of this situation – the organisations that have signed on to this letter already see the impact of the current underinvestment in public services on our communities.”

“We need to grow tax revenue, but that does not mean taxing ordinary, hard working whānau more. Relative to most countries we like to compare ourselves with we’re a low tax country, they collect more revenue and have better public services than we do. But our tax system is unbalanced and not every part of society is contributing its fair share: working whānau pay income tax and GST, but we do not tax wealth and capital gains in any meaningful way. That needs to change if we’re going to gather the revenue we need, and gather it more fairly,” said Stone.

Comment from NZ Nurses Organisation

“Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa The New Zealand Nurses Organisation, supports the open letter challenging the major political parties’ positions on tax during the election campaign. Chronic underfunding of the health system has caused nationwide staffing shortages, ageing facilities, and an inability to meet community need — resulting in avoidable harm and death. Last financial year, hospitals ran a $1 billion deficit just trying to stand still, while the wider health system deficit is estimated at $4-5 billion in immediate unmet need. Meeting current demand and building a health system fit for the future will require all political parties to commit to tax reform so that every New Zealander has access to high-quality public health care.” NZNO President, Anne Daniels.

Comment from Child Poverty Action Group

“Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) exists to advocate for policies that reduce and ultimately eliminate child poverty and we wholeheartedly support the Better Taxes Coalition open letter. It is very clear to us that New Zealand needs sufficient and sustainable public revenue to meet our obligations under the Child Poverty Reduction Act – now and in the future.”

“We see every day the consequences of underinvestment for children and their families: rising material hardship, inadequate incomes, housing stress, unequal access to health and educational opportunities. These are imposing significant costs on our kids, our communities and the wider economy. Child poverty alone is estimated to cost New Zealand billions of dollars annually.”

“We, too, are calling on Labour and National to have an honest public conversation about how New Zealand will fund the commitments needed to meet the Child Poverty Reduction Act targets, to reduce child poverty, and address the long-term social and fiscal challenges.”

Lyn Amos, Kaiwhakahaere Mātua – Executive Officer, Child Poverty Action Group.

Read the open letter.

The Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign is a coalition of over 20 organisations led by Tax Justice Aotearoa.

MIL OSI

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

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

Source: Propstore

Guitars from & used by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Radiohead, Elvis Presley, Mötley Crüe and Pink Floyd feature among the highlights of Propstore’s Music Live Auction

Propstore, one of the world’s leading entertainment memorabilia auction houses, has announced a standout collection of guitars set to feature in its upcoming Music Live Auction, taking place in the UK across two live days on October 1 & 2, 2026. The collection brings together rare, stage-played, studio-used and autographed guitars connected to some of the biggest names in music, including Noel Gallagher, Elvis Presley, Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx and Pink Floyd.

The guitars form part of an auction featuring over 800 lots of rare and sought-after music memorabilia, with a combined estimated value of approximately £3 million and bidding available to collectors worldwide.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Leading the guitar highlights is Noel Gallagher’s photo-matched custom Nash Telemaster, owned and stage-played during Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ 2016 summer tour, and estimated at £40,000 – £80,000. Custom-built for Gallagher by Nash Guitars, the instrument was played at shows across Europe before Gallagher donated it to a 2021 charity auction benefiting The Edge’s Music Rising charity. The guitar was subsequently autographed by Gallagher.

Also offered is Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood’s photo-matched 1963 Gretsch Tennessean, used during the band’s 2006 US tour and the recording of In Rainbows, estimated at £15,000 – £30,000. The guitar appears in photographs from the album’s recording sessions and was acquired from Greenwood’s collection via one of Radiohead’s guitar technicians.

An exceptionally rare prototype Gibson Montana Elvis Presley SJ-200 acoustic guitar, one of only two produced, is estimated at £15,000 – £30,000. Developed as a proposed third commemorative Elvis Presley model, the project was abandoned after just two prototypes were made, with the other understood to have remained in Gibson’s possession.

Further highlights include Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx’s photo-matched, stage-used Schecter J-4 bass guitar, played at Wembley Stadium in 2023 and autographed and inscribed by Sixx, estimated at £6,000 – £12,000; and a custom Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon artwork Fender Stratocaster, autographed by David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Richard Wright and Nick Mason, estimated at £5,000 – £10,000.

The auction will take place live over two days on October 1 & 2, 2026, with bidding available online, by telephone, and via absentee bids for collectors worldwide.

Propstore will also be hosting a special public free exhibition at The Cumberland Hotel, London from September 24 – 27, 2026, where fans and collectors will have the chance to see highlight lots up close, before they go under the hammer. Find out more about the event.

Auction registration is open, and the full catalog is available at: Propstore Music Live Auction catalog.

Top items to be sold at the Propstore auction (with pre-sale estimates) include:

1. NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS (2016) Noel Gallagher’s Photo-Matched, Owned and Autographed Custom Nash Telemaster Guitar, Stage-Played During Summer 2016 Tour est. £40,000 – £80,000 ($52,800 – $105,600)
2. ELVIS PRESLEY Prototype “Elvis Presley” Gibson Montana SJ-200 Acoustic Guitar, One of Two Made est. £15,000 – £30,000 ($19,800 – $39,600)
3. RADIOHEAD Jonny Greenwood’s Photo-Matched Gretsch 6119 Atkins Tennessean Guitar, Used During 2006 US Tour Soundcheck and Recording of In Rainbows est. £15,000 – £30,000 ($19,800 – $39,600)
4. MÖTLEY CRÜE Nikki Sixx’s Photo-Matched, Autographed and Inscribed Stage-Used Schecter J-4 Bass Guitar est. £6,000 – £12,000 ($7,920 – $15,840)
5. PINK FLOYD David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Richard Wright and Nick Mason-Autographed Custom Fender Stratocaster The Dark Side of the Moon Artwork Guitar est. £5,000 – £10,000 ($6,600 – $13,200)

Mark Hochman, Propstore’s Music Specialist, commented on the upcoming event: “Guitars have an incredible ability to connect fans directly with the artists and music they love, and this selection brings together some really special examples. From Noel Gallagher’s stage-played Telemaster and Jonny Greenwood’s guitar used during the making of In Rainbows, to the remarkable Elvis prototype and instruments connected to Mötley Crüe and Pink Floyd, each has its own story and significance. It’s a real privilege to bring them to fans around the globe as we offer them at Propstore as part of this October’s Music Live Auction.”

About Propstore

Founded in 1998 by film enthusiast Stephen Lane, Propstore has grown from a collector’s passion project into one of the world’s foremost authorities on entertainment memorabilia. The company bridges the worlds of film, art, and collecting—offering access to authentic screen-used props, costumes, and production artefacts that bring cinematic history to life.

Working in close partnership with many of the world’s leading film studios, production companies, and entertainment brands, Propstore curates exclusive auctions and sales throughout the year, giving fans and collectors unparalleled access to items direct from the source.

Since 2014, Propstore has hosted globally acclaimed live auctions featuring artefacts from the greatest moments in film and television. Alongside its flagship events, Propstore also runs regular online auctions and studio collaborations, with more than 2,000 items available for immediate purchase at www.propstore.com.

MIL OSI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman has released its findings of an investigation into the Official Information Act practices and capabilities of five government agencies.

The agencies reviewed were the Ministry for Regulation, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry for Primary Industries, Inland Revenue and the Civil Aviation Authority.

Assistant Ombudsman Proactive and Preventive Monitoring and Interventions, Zoey Henley, says the investigation looked at two key areas to determine how each agency worked to meet the requirements of the OIA. They were leadership and culture, and performance monitoring and learning.

“We did not identify any conduct that was wrong, unreasonable or contrary to law so there were no formal recommendations. We did find some good practices, as well as opportunities for improvement.

“Staff across most agencies spoke positively about their agencies’ OIA leadership and culture, with many highlighting their senior leaders’ commitment to promoting transparency.

“The agencies were generally responsive to our suggested actions. Some agencies implemented a number of improvements before the investigation was finalised.

“However, we did feel that at one agency, an aversion to risk was emphasised on occasion over the importance of the timely release of information.

“As with all practice investigations, all of the agencies have been encouraged to provide clear, visible, and regular statements to staff about the importance of the OIA and to make sure their OIA team is well-resourced.”

All agencies received action points to strengthen their leaders’ OIA oversight including record-keeping and applying the right grounds for withholding information. They were also asked to consider developing formal agreements with Ministers’ offices on handling departmental OIA requests.

The agencies were selected because they represented a cross section of the public sector and included a new agency and a crown entity.

The latest investigation is part of the Ombudsman’s ongoing programme of investigations into public sector official information practices.

Read the 5 reports:

• Civil Aviation Authority
• Inland Revenue
• Ministry for the Environment
• Ministry for Primary Industries
• Ministry for Regulation

MIL OSI

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ says New Zealand’s economic recovery is gaining real traction – and the country now has a rare opening to put itself on a more competitive international footing for the capital, investment and skilled people every advanced economy is competing for.

Releasing its Election Priorities 2026, Building Tomorrow’s Economy, BusinessNZ has set out the constructive measures it says the next Government should adopt to build on that momentum rather than let it slip away.

They include lower and more competitive tax rates, including corporate taxes, and the indexation of personal income tax thresholds.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said New Zealand has every reason to be optimistic about what comes next.

“We are a small country with an extraordinary record of innovation, entrepreneurship and international success, and the numbers back up our optimism. Export earnings surpassing $100 billion for the first time shows what our businesses can do, even in difficult times. Our task now is to build the settings that turn this momentum into a sustained, internationally competitive economy,” Ms Rich said.

Among the reasons for optimism: New Zealand’s economy grew nearly three times faster than Australia’s in the first three months of 2026 – GDP up 0.8 per cent in the March quarter, against Australia’s 0.3 per cent, according to Stats NZ and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

That gave New Zealand a window to compete with its trans-Tasman neighbour, and the rest of the world, if the next Government was prepared to seize it.

BusinessNZ’s election priorities report is drawn from the expertise of BusinessNZ’s economists, policy specialists and the experience of member businesses across the country.

The settings that will grow the economy

BusinessNZ chief economist John Pask said New Zealand is competing in an international market for capital, investment and skilled people – and the question is not whether recovery happens, but what kind of economy it builds.

“Capital is mobile. Highly skilled workers are mobile. Businesses considering where to establish their next operation, factory, data center or research facility have choices – and New Zealand cannot assume those choices will automatically favour us. But the current environment gives us a genuine opportunity to act, and we should grasp it,” Mr Pask said.

BusinessNZ’s growth agenda centers on three levers:

• A more competitive corporate tax rate – New Zealand’s 28 per cent rate sits well above the OECD average of 24.1 per cent. BusinessNZ is calling for a staged reduction, paired with continued reform of the Overseas Investment Act, to improve New Zealand’s ability to attract and retain internationally mobile capital.
• A more competitive R&D rebate – New Zealand’s R&D Tax Incentive, at 15 per cent, is internationally uncompetitive and business R&D spend (0.98 per cent of GDP) trails the OECD average (2 per cent) so significantly that, at current rates of progress, it would take roughly 75 years to close the gap. BusinessNZ wants the RDTI rate lifted to at least 25 per cent, with a higher rate of up to 50 per cent for firms partnering with local researchers.
• An energy strategy that delivers affordable, reliable and sustainable energy – with renewables already supplying 88.5 per cent of electricity generation in 2025, BusinessNZ wants an enduring National Energy Strategy that treats affordability, security and sustainability as a package, backed by clearer rules on natural gas, emerging fuels and long-term energy contracting.

Mr Pask said tax reform on its own will not transform New Zealand’s prospects. “A low-tax economy can still be a high-cost economy if businesses face unnecessary regulatory barriers. The real question for every policy should be: does this make New Zealand a more attractive place to invest, work and create? Together, these measures send an important signal – New Zealand is open for investment, values enterprise, and rewards work and achievement.”

BusinessNZ also wants personal income tax thresholds indexed to inflation or wage growth to end “fiscal drag,” and a systematic review of outdated thresholds – including the $60,000 GST registration threshold, unchanged since 2009 and now well below Australia’s AU$75,000 equivalent.

Staying the course on reform already under way

BusinessNZ says the single biggest risk to the recovery is not a lack of ideas but a lack of follow-through. The organisation is calling for continuity, not reinvention, across a reform programme already delivering results:

• Resource Management Act reform – the current consenting system costs major infrastructure projects an estimated $1.29 billion a year and now takes nearly twice as long as it did five years ago. BusinessNZ wants the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill enacted before this year’s election, with independent analysis showing the new regime could lift GDP by 0.56 per cent a year by 2050 (worth up to $3.1 billion annually), deliver $13.3 billion in savings over 30 years, and remove roughly 45 per cent of current consent requirements – between 15,000 and 22,000 fewer consents on 2023/24 volumes.
• Education reform – BusinessNZ wants the current curriculum and qualifications overhaul, including the replacement of NCEA with new upper-secondary qualifications and the embedding of structured literacy and numeracy, fully resourced and given time to bed in, rather than restarted.
• The Ministry for Regulation – for the first time, the scale of New Zealand’s regulatory system has been mapped, revealing complexity spread across more than 260 regulators. BusinessNZ wants the Ministry and the Regulatory Standards Act 2025 retained, resourced and reviewed on schedule, not unwound.
• Infrastructure – BusinessNZ is calling for a genuinely bipartisan approach to long-term infrastructure planning, with accountability across government agencies for delivering shared priorities, so investment decisions survive a change of government.
• Health and safety reform – current initiatives modernising health and safety regulation and reducing compliance burdens are backed as “positive steps” that should continue.
• Employment law modernisation – including the Employment Leave Act and related changes to minimum wage and holiday entitlement calculations – should proceed to reduce compliance complexity for salaried, incentive-based and variable-hours roles.

The BusinessNZ Election Priorities 2026 report will be available at BusinessNZ.org.nz once embargo lifts, 4am Thursday 3 September.

The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

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

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