AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 8, 2026

'By showcasing our regional food, wine, hospitality and visitor experiences, these campaigns will help spread the benefits of tourism growth to more communities around New Zealand, inspiring visitors to travel throughout the country and experience all that our regions have to offer.' Notes to editors: More information is available on the MBIE website here. Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/more-visitors-set-to-discover-regional-new-zealand/ Back to index · Read original article September 7, 2026 Source: New Zealand Government The Government is introducing a new nationwide rural recycling scheme that will significantly increase the recovery of farm plastics from March next year, Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced today. 'The new, regulated Rural Recycling Scheme will expand recycling and recovery of agrichemical containers, bale wrap and silage sheet, with a new nationwide take-back system, replacing the current voluntary recycling schemes. Full Coverage Source: New Zealand Government The Government is introducing a new nationwide rural recycling scheme that will significantly increase the recovery of farm plastics from March next year, Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced today. 'The new, regulated Rural Recycling Scheme will expand recycling and recovery of agrichemical containers, bale wrap and silage sheet, with a new nationwide take-back system, replacing the current voluntary recycling schemes. 'The scheme has been designed by industry and – with the support of farmers – will significantly increase the recovery and recycling of farm plastics. It will be managed by the not-for-profit Agrecovery Foundation. 'We've listened to feedback from farmers and growers who wanted a simple take-back system that is easy to use and can take all the usual plastic farm products into one recycling. 'The voluntary schemes, operated by Agrecovery and Plasback, currently collect under half of the in-scope plastics that farmers and growers use. The new national system will significantly increase recycling and recovery, and reduce the quantity of farm plastics going to landfills, being buried or burnt on farms.' The scheme will require producers to contribute a small fee for products sold to support a free, nationwide network of take-back sites and collection services. The existing regional network of around 240 take-back sites will be expanded to allow for the increased volume of rural plastics for recycling markets. 'Recycling services will operate in tandem with collection services for agrichemicals, making it easier to safely manage unused end-of-life products,' Ms Grigg says. 'Take-back services will also be available to other users of agrichemicals and farm plastics including the forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism and sport sectors, and local authorities and contractors. Households will also have a bespoke national service for their pest and weed control products.' Existing voluntary schemes will continue to operate until the Rural Recycling Scheme starts on 1 March 2027. Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/new-nationwide-rural-recycling-scheme-for-farm-plastics/ Back to index · Read original article September 7, 2026 Source: New Zealand Government Strong progress has been made on the ambitious Aviation Action Plan, with more than half of its 25 priorities achieved in just one year of implementation, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says. Mr Meager says it is a real success story for New Zealand aviation, reflecting the commitment of both Government and industry to work together on a clear roadmap to fix the basics and build the sector's future. Full Coverage Source: New Zealand Government Strong progress has been made on the ambitious Aviation Action Plan, with more than half of its 25 priorities achieved in just one year of implementation, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says. Mr Meager says it is a real success story for New Zealand aviation, reflecting the commitment of both Government and industry to work together on a clear roadmap to fix the basics and build the sector's future. The 15 completed actions include: Funding to make RNZAF Base Ohakea available as a 24/7 alternative airport for wide body aircraft from mid-2027. Implementation is now underway, including the recruitment and training of additional staff. Securing vulnerable regional routes by supporting small airlines with concessionary loans and providing investment for interlining arrangements. Outlining a set of coordinated industry-led recommendations to address long-standing workforce challenges, taken forward by the Aviation Council. Assisting flight schools to update pilot training programmes to better align with the needs of airlines. Assessing future infrastructure requirements including support for fleet expansion, jet fuel demand and electricity needs for next generation aircraft. Commencing an accelerated programme to modernise New Zealand's civil aviation rules, enabling 20 years of changes to be made over a two-years. 'The 24-project civil aviation rule update programme delivers one of the Action Plan's largest items. Four projects, including reforms to slash red tape for regional airports, are now in place, with seven more well advanced,' Mr Meager says. 'There is more to do, and the Action Plan's momentum is not slowing. Substantial progress has been made on the 10 remaining actions. 'This includes work to improve aviation passenger rights. I have considered advice and directed officials to develop a voluntary charter in consultation with airlines, to provide greater clarity and consistency for travellers. 'I believe a voluntary approach is preferable to regulation at this stage. lt provides the aviation sector with an opportunity to respond to issues in a timely manner, without saddling them with potentially costly regulation. 'A charter also allows improvements to be made in a quicker and more flexible fashion, while preserving the option for outright regulation if necessary. 'I thank the Aviation Council for its leadership of these initiatives. This progress has only been possible because of the shared commitment to work together to grow and future-proof our aviation sector.' Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/progress-flies-on-ambitious-aviation-action-plan/ Back to index · Read original article September 7, 2026 Source: New Zealand Government Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today officially opened Ngā Moana e Rua, a new acute mental health facility at Te Nīkau Hospital & Health Centre in Greymouth. 'The old unit was more than 40 years old and no longer provided the right environment for people to get well. This new facility marks a fundamental shift in how we support people experiencing mental distress, ensuring that when someone needs inpatient support, they are in a safe, supportive environment designed to help them get well,' Mr Doocey says. Full Coverage Source: New Zealand Government Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today officially opened Ngā Moana e Rua, a new acute mental health facility at Te Nīkau Hospital & Health Centre in Greymouth. 'The old unit was more than 40 years old and no longer provided the right environment for people to get well. This new facility marks a fundamental shift in how we support people experiencing mental distress, ensuring that when someone needs inpatient support, they are in a safe, supportive environment designed to help them get well,' Mr Doocey says. 'In 2024, I was in Greymouth to mark the start of construction and said this facility would help ensure people living on the West Coast get the mental health services they deserve. It is fantastic to see that commitment delivered. '$27 million has been invested in this facility as part of the Mental Health Infrastructure Programme, which includes 18 projects to improve mental health facilities around the country. 'The new facility has seven beds, including six single bedrooms and one flexible bedroom, as well as a low-stimulus room, therapy and treatment spaces, family areas and outdoor courtyards. 'These spaces have been designed to provide a more therapeutic environment for people receiving care, while giving our frontline teams the facilities they need to provide the best possible care. 'West Coast mental health services are among the country's best-performing regions, exceeding all three mental health targets in the latest quarter. 'This includes 93.6 per cent of people accessing specialist mental health and addiction services within three weeks, 82.7 per cent accessing primary services within one week, and 100 per cent being admitted or discharged from an emergency department within six hours.' The first patients are expected to move into the new facility from 16 September. 'The facility was developed with input from clinical teams, people with lived experience and the community. It is a good example of what can be achieved when we listen to people with lived experience, staff on the frontline and the community. 'The opening today is part of the Government's mental health plan to deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response. 'We are also continuing to invest in support across the continuum, including better primary mental health support, specialist services and promotion. By investing earlier, we can help prevent more people from reaching the point where they need inpatient care.' Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/new-mental-health-facility-on-the-west-coast/ Back to index · Read original article September 7, 2026 Source: New Zealand Government Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the completion of the Ministry for Regulation's Product Labelling Review, which will make it easier for Kiwi exporters to sell to international markets and for international companies to sell their products in New Zealand. 'New Zealand's labelling regime drives up prices and limits wage growth. We need to unlock New Zealand's economic potential. So we're fixing that,' Mr Seymour says. Full Coverage Source: New Zealand Government Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the completion of the Ministry for Regulation's Product Labelling Review, which will make it easier for Kiwi exporters to sell to international markets and for international companies to sell their products in New Zealand. 'New Zealand's labelling regime drives up prices and limits wage growth. We need to unlock New Zealand's economic potential. So we're fixing that,' Mr Seymour says. 'Currently exporters face extra compliance costs preparing products for overseas markets, while consumers miss out on global goods because importers face differences in labelling requirements.' Recommendations from the review have been accepted by the government which will make changes to digital labelling requirements and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines labelling. Decisions on the rest of the review are yet to be made. 'Kiwi exporters want to be able to use digital labelling to convey product information. It allows labels to updated in real time, reduces costs associated with physical labels which have limited space and are difficult to update, and supports export growth because international markets are moving ahead with digital product information,' Mr Seymour says. 'Currently there is no digital labelling standard in New Zealand. This makes it risky for companies to use digital labels, because they don't know what information can be conveyed digitally or what needs to remain on a physical label. 'We will be developing a national standard to make digital labelling a viable option. This will not replace physical labels, but it will give businesses the option to adopt the current global standard. Too often red tape means Kiwis miss the boat. Not this time. 'The digital labelling recommendations are estimated to generate approximately $111 million in net benefits over 10 years. 'OTC medicines are one example of where New Zealand's product labelling regime leads to Kiwis missing out on goods. Medicines sold at pharmacies in Australia must be specially re-labelled in line with New Zealand labelling requirements so they can be sold at Pharmacies in New Zealand. 'The harsh reality is that international companies don't consider it a privilege to invest in New Zealand. We are a small market. If we force international companies to pay a premium to stock their products on our shelves, they won't bother. Other countries are cheaper, have larger populations and more customers. 'We're fixing that. If over the counter medical products are good enough for people across the ditch, they're good enough for us. We will be aligning product labelling requirements with Australia. This will mean less medicines require a specialised label just for New Zealand. 'This will make us a more attractive destination for international companies selling OTC medicines and will lead to more Kiwis accessing the OTC medicines they need. 'Red tape isn't neutral; it's a tax on productivity and growth. We need to continue cutting red tape if we are going to unlock New Zealand's potential.' The full report can be found here: https://www.regulation.govt.nz/about-us/our-publications/product-labelling-regulatory-review-final-report/ Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/07/product-labelling-requirements-to-align-with-global-standard/ Back to index · Read original article