Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and Citizens’ Observer Group (COG)

18 September 2026, 11:00 AM

Suva Business Centre, 217 Victoria Parade

Seven civil society organisations in Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding today establishing the Citizens’ Observer Group (COG), a national coalition that will support credible, professional and non-partisan domestic election observation in Fiji. The initiative seeks to strengthen electoral transparency, citizen participation and public confidence.

The founding members of COG are:

• Caritas Fiji
• Centre for Democracy and Dialogue (CDD), formerly Dialogue Fiji
• femLINKpacific (femLINK)
• Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM)
• Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding (PCP)
• Social Economic Empowerment Programme (SEEP)
• Transparency International Fiji

The establishment of COG marks a significant step towards a coordinated, nationally owned and non-partisan framework for domestic election observation, bringing together organisations with diverse expertise, constituencies and community networks to support citizen participation and electoral transparency throughout the electoral cycle.

The initiative responds to a formal request from the Government of Fiji to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for support in organising and preparing local election observers for Fiji’s future General Elections. International IDEA welcomes the request as a reflection of the strong partnership between Fiji and International IDEA under the Host Country Agreement, and of Fiji’s commitment to democratic governance, electoral integrity and citizen participation.

Domestic election observation enables trained citizens and civil society organisations to assess electoral processes independently, impartially and on the basis of evidence, promoting transparency and citizen engagement while respecting the legal mandates of electoral institutions.

As an intergovernmental organisation, International IDEA does not undertake election observation. Instead, its role is to provide technical assistance, capacity building and comparative international experience, while COG will independently determine its governance, activities, findings and public reporting.

Following the signing of the MoU, COG members will begin developing governance arrangements, observer standards, training programmes, observation methodologies and operational procedures for future domestic election observation activities. International IDEA will support this process through technical assistance, capacity building and comparative international experience, drawing on lessons from other regions, including Mozambique, where it supported civil society partners with observer training, methodology development and coordination support. The coalition will promote professionalism, impartiality, integrity and inclusion across its work.

The establishment of COG is an important step towards a sustainable domestic election observation mechanism for Fiji. Engagement with development partners and other stakeholders will be key to building capacity, supporting observer training and strengthening confidence in Fiji’s electoral processes.

Quote from International IDEA

Leena Rikkilä Tamang, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, International IDEA, said:

“The signing of this MoU marks an important milestone in a longer-term process of building credible and sustainable domestic election observation capacity in Fiji. This effort will require collaboration among civil society organisations, government institutions and development partners, and International IDEA looks forward to contributing its technical expertise.”

Quote from the Citizens’ Observer Group

Florence Swamy, Executive Director, Pacific Center for Peacebuilding, speaking on behalf of the Citizens’ Observer Group (COG), said:

“COG brings together organisations with different expertise and community connections but a common commitment to credible, peaceful and inclusive electoral processes. Through collaboration, training and shared standards, we aim to contribute positively to public confidence in Fiji’s democracy.”

About the Citizens’ Observer Group (COG)

The Citizens’ Observer Group (COG) is a coalition of seven civil society organisations promoting credible, inclusive and non-partisan domestic election observation through professional observation, evidence-based reporting and constructive engagement.

About International IDEA

International IDEA is an intergovernmental organisation that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. In the Pacific, International IDEA works with governments, electoral management bodies, parliaments, political parties and civil society organisations to strengthen democratic institutions, improve electoral processes and promote inclusive political participation.

Event Details

Event: Signing of the Citizens’ Observer Group (COG) Memorandum of Understanding

Hosted by: International IDEA and the Citizens’ Observer Group (COG)

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ supports strong accountability for workplace safety and recognises the profound impact workplace deaths have on families, workers and communities.

However, Labour’s proposal to introduce a corporate homicide law raises serious questions about proportionality and the role of governance in New Zealand, said BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich.

Under Labour’s proposed law change, a company and individuals associated with them could be found guilty, if they had a legal duty of care, and exposed anyone to a risk of death or serious injury, and if someone then died.

An individual could be sentenced to life in prison and companies could be fined up to $10 million.

“Under Labour’s proposal, company directors could face life imprisonment. That places directors in the same category as sentences for crimes like murder and terrorism. We do not believe it is reasonable or proportionate to equate a governance role with the most serious criminal offending in New Zealand,” Ms Rich said.

“Directors are responsible for governance, oversight, strategic direction and ensuring appropriate systems are in place. They are not involved in every decision made every day across an organisation. No director has complete visibility of every action taken by every employee, contractor, or manager.

“Good governance is about oversight, accountability and risk management.This proposal assumes a level of control and visibility that simply does not exist in the real world of governance.”

Ms Rich said the proposal comes at a time when the Law Commission’s Directors’ Duties and Liabilities Review is examining whether directors’ obligations have developed across New Zealand law in a piecemeal manner and whether a more consistent and principled framework is needed for assigning personal liability to directors. BusinessNZ intends to participate in that review.

“There is already growing concern among governance leaders that directors are being exposed to liabilities for matters that extend beyond what they can reasonably know, control or prevent. This proposal would dramatically accelerate that trend.

“What it will do is make experienced and capable people think twice about serving on boards, particularly in sectors where strong governance is needed most.

“New Zealand needs directors who are willing to accept responsibility, exercise judgement and lead organisations through complex challenges. Continually escalating personal liability risks creating a governance environment driven by fear rather than sound decision-making.”

A coherent review of directors’ duties and liabilities was already underway through the Law Commission’s Directors’ Duties and Liabilities Review. Parliament should allow that work to be completed and consider director liability as part of a consistent and principled framework rather than through another stand-alone addition to the statute book.

“There is already deep unease about the growing disconnect between what directors can realistically control and the liabilities they are expected to carry.A proposal that exposes directors to life imprisonment will cause many experienced governance leaders to ask whether serving on a board is worth risking their home, their reputation and potentially their freedom.”

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.

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace Aotearoa has welcomed Opportunity’s new climate policy, pointing to its promise to cut agricultural methane as a vital step toward tackling New Zealand’s biggest source of pollution.

Opportunity pledges to align methane targets with the independent scientific advice of the Climate Change Commission, reversing controversial rollbacks on agribusiness emissions.

Greenpeace spokesperson Rhiannon Mackie says cutting methane is the fastest way to slow down climate disruption, calling it our emergency brake as the world is on track to blow past the 1.5 degree safe threshold.

“Opportunity is on the right track by promising to tackle the outsized climate pollution from New Zealand’s biggest emitter: the agricultural sector.”

“Right now, New Zealand is scraping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to climate action. This Government has refused to take action to reduce emissions from the agricultural industry, and at their request, has weakened our methane targets in line with the unscientific principle of No Additional Warming.”

“This policy from Opportunity is a step in the right direction, and it’s needed. Methane acts like a super-heating blanket over the planet, but cutting methane emissions now has the power to bring down global heating within our lifetimes.”

“It is the emergency brake that offers a lifeline for future generations.”

However, Mackie warns the party to avoid the traps that derailed past attempts to regulate dairy and intensive farming.

“Good intentions aren’t enough when you’re dealing with agribusiness lobbyists. The last government tried to work in partnership with the industry through He Waka Eke Noa, trusting them to help design a solution. The industry simply dragged its feet until it could see a government change on the horizon – and then walked away completely.

“It’s been more than 20 years since Helen Clark first tried to introduce a price on agribusiness emissions. Yet New Zealand’s biggest polluters still pay nothing for their greenhouse gases.”

The policy package released today outlined Opportunity’s entire climate action policy, and Greenpeace says it is concerned about a proposed billion dollar transition fund for industry users of coal and gas, as well as plans to establish a new methane pricing model.

Instead of allowing more years of delay by designing a new trade system for farming emissions, Greenpeace is urging Opportunity to stick to the tool we already have: bringing agriculture directly into the existing Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

“We are seeing the consequences of an unstable climate play out in real time with extreme heatwaves causing death and failed harvests, alongside deadly floods,” says Mackie.

“Opportunity has shown the courage to name the problem. It remains to be seen whether this crop of candidates from outside Parliament have the political grit to stand up to lobbyists, and hold the most powerful polluters in the country accountable for their role in the climate crisis.”

Source: World Vision

New Zealand humanitarian organisations and others have joined forces to sign an open letter calling on Parliament to pass the Modern Slavery Bill before the November election.

The agencies, including World Vision, Tearfund, the Council for International Development, ECPAT, Hagar NZ, the Oceania Freedom Network, and the Council for Trade Unions, are calling for the Bill to be passed before Parliament rises for the final time on September 24.

World Vision’s Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong, says the Bill was not prioritised on Parliament’s final Members’ Day and now risks lapsing.

“The Modern Slavery Bill needs to be prioritised if it is going to pass before the election. We’re calling on the government to carve out time to pass the Bill which will help to curb the exploitation and slavery of more than 50 million men, women, and children around the world, including 8,000 right here in New Zealand.

“Passing this Bill is unquestionably the right thing to do, and that is demonstrated by the fact it has strong cross-party support in Parliament. The only thing holding this Bill back is Parliamentary time, and the government can easily address this.” she says.

Armstrong warns that if the Bill is not passed in this term of government, it could lapse and while it could be reinstated in the next Parliament, that isn’t guaranteed.

Tearfund New Zealand’s Head of Advocacy, Claire Gray, says the urgency is about people.

“Behind the products we buy are people whose freedom and dignity matter. Every delay in tackling modern slavery carries a human cost.

“Businesses, communities and politicians across party lines have come together to support this Bill. That progress deserves to be matched by action. We urge the Government to make time to pass the Bill before the election. We cannot let the clock run out on years of work and an opportunity to make a real difference.”

The Bill represents five years of collective advocacy across the humanitarian, civil society and business sectors and has strong public support. Armstrong says it has been an extraordinary example of cross-party collaboration with the Bill being jointly sponsored by National MP Greg Fleming and Labour MP Camilla Belich. It was historically the first bill introduced using the joint-sponsorship mechanism under Standing Order 288.

“We’re asking the government to show that it truly understands the collaborative nature of Parliament and that it recognises that New Zealanders want their MPs to work together on issues of importance like modern slavery. The government needs to prioritise passing this Bill.”

The open letter is being released on social media so that organisations and businesses can endorse and share through their own social channels. World Vision and Tearfund are calling on New Zealanders to show their support by sharing the open letter on social media and adding their voice to the call for Parliament to prioritise passing the Modern Slavery Bill before the election.

A timeline of advocacy for a Modern Slavery Act

• March 2021: 100 businesses sign an open letter calling for modern slavery legislation.
• June 2021: World Vision and Trade Aid delivered a 37,000-strong petition to the Government.
• July 2021: The Labour Government establishes the Modern Slavery Leadership Advisory Group (MSLAG) to support and inform the development of an effective regulatory regime in New Zealand.
• April 2022: The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment solicits public submissions on a proposal for modern slavery legislation. More than 5,000 submissions were made with 90% in support.
• September 2022: The Labour Government releases the feedback which showed widespread support from New Zealand businesses and individuals to introduce law to address modern slavery.
• June 2022: When interviewed as leader of the opposition, Christopher Luxon says that an issue he would march in the streets for is modern slavery legislation.
• March 2023: An independent poll finds that 81% of New Zealanders support legislation to verify the absence of modern slavery in supply chains.
• July 2023: The Labour Government announces that modern slavery legislation will be drafted requiring businesses to publicly report on modern slavery risks.
• May 2024: The National Coalition Government disestablished the Modern Slavery Leadership Advisory Group (MSLAG).
• April 2024: When questioned about modern slavery legislation, Minister van Velden and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said this was not a current priority for the Government.
• June 2024: Camilla Belich, Labour spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety questioned Minister van Velden on modern slavery at Parliament question time. Minister van Velden reiterated that modern slavery legislation is currently not a priority for the Government.
• December 2024: World Vision NZ’s Rebekah Armstrong, barrister Jacob Parry, and ANZ’s ESG Lead Rebecca Kingi co-drafted the Modern Slavery and Trafficking Expert Practitioners (MSTEP) Modern Slavery Bill.
• December 2024: The Labour Party issued a media release expressing its support for modern slavery legislation and calling on National to back it as well.
• April 2025: National MP Greg Fleming lodged the Modern Slavery Reporting Bill as a Private Member’s Bill, focused on business reporting obligations. This complemented his Increasing Penalties for Slavery Offences Bill, currently before Select Committee.
• June 2025, Labour MP Camilla Belich lodged a Modern Slavery Bill. This bill introduces similar business reporting requirements but is more comprehensive including updates to the Crimes Act stronger provisions for victim protection and support and the establishment of an Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
• August 2025: The Minister of Justice announced plans to amend the Crimes Act to strengthen laws against trafficking, including many provisions recommended in the MSTEP Bill. World Vision launched its campaign urging politicians to work together utilising the rule of 61.
• September 2025: 28 signatories, representing institutional investors and New Zealand businesses accounting for more than NZD 215 billion, released an open letter calling for urgent action on modern slavery legislation.
• September 2025: The Government introduced the Adoption Amendment Bill to prevent trafficking and unsafe adoptions, signalling willingness to strengthen New Zealand’s response to modern slavery and trafficking.
• December 2025- both member bills were removed from the ballot.
• January 2026 joint modern slavery bill introduced.
• April 2026: Modern Slavery Bill passes its first reading in Parliament with the support of 112 MPs.
• May 2026: The Education and Workforce Select Committee calls for public submissions on the Modern Slavery Bill
• August 2026: The Education and Workforce Select Committee recommends the Modern Slavery Bill be passed at its second readin.

Source: Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa and the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa

18 September, 2026

Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa (TCA) and the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (NZSA) are proud to announce five young writers who have received the inaugural TCA | NZSA Secondary School Leavers Scholarship.

The selection panel of award-winning authors Michelle Elvy and Shelley Burne-Field said they were astonished at the variety in form and content of the entries submitted on behalf of students by their schools.

“From speculative fiction to creative nonfiction, from historical scenarios to present-day commentaries on common pressures, ethics and morality. There was beautiful poetic writing and sharp dialogue. Often there were mysteries embedded in the story; always, there was something important about humanity and connection. In each one, there was plenty of imagination, too,” they said.

Designed to nurture the next generation of New Zealand writers, the scholarship offers five grants of $2,000 each, split between the successful student and their school.

Congratulations to the Recipients

(in alphabetical order by last name of the student).

Elisa Cordner from Heretaunga College

The judges said Cordner’s story It could not have weighed much was an example of poetic writing with rhythmic sentences.

“This is a writer who understands pacing and flow very well…this story is aimed straight at the heart and head: it hits its mark. The narrative, told with gentle language, lingers long after reading,” they said.

Cordner said winning the scholarship was a huge personal achievement.

“I’m so thankful for [Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa] for providing this opportunity. It excites me beyond words to have taken this first step into the literature world!” Cordner said.

Ankit Kafle from Shirley Boys’ High School

The judges said Kafle’s story Fitting the Mold was about coming to terms with one’s true self, and the idiosyncrasies that make us human, real, and authentic.

“The writer negotiates uncomfortable spaces, both physical and metaphorical. There is tension and anxiety in this story, also inner examination and resolution. A quiet strength emerges as we read towards the end,” they said.

His teacher, Chris Humphreys said the school’s English teachers valued originality and creativity.

“Ankit, our recipient of the prize, is of Nepalese heritage. He enjoys connecting with people through friendships. The aspect of writing he enjoys the most is the freedom it offers. Of his winning story, he says, ‘It is important to stand out rather than fit the mold’,” said Humphreys.

Bleys Roberston from Mairehau High School

Roberston’s story Black Marigolds captivated the judges with its references of Othello, a Sanskrit love poem and perhaps a wartime love lost.

“The writer shows care for detail, and paints the scene delicately – faces unknowable, unfamiliar, a new setting, a new world, and a will to see what comes…In this way the story evokes loneliness and aroha, but also a sense of hope that humanity – and even the new kid at school – will prevail,” they said.

The English Learning Team at Mairehau High School said Robertson was a passionate reader and writer since he joined the school in Year 9 and they were so excited to see him receive this scholarship.

Robertson himself said he had been fascinated by writing and storytelling since a young age and had already completed eight manuscripts.

“To receive this scholarship feels like a true recognition of my work and will help me immensely in my further studies; for that I am very grateful,” he said.

Ruby Waetford from Epsom Girls Grammar School

The judges found Gold Dust Angel by Waetford full of beautiful, evocative language that floated and carried the story.

“The sense of control and careful repetition works very well here…With any good story like this, there is human connection and inspiration – and there is also revelation,” they said.

Waetford (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāpuhi, Ngati Hine -Te Tai Tokerau), who was hoping to study a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws conjoint at the University of Auckland, said she was excited and grateful to receive the scholarship.

“As I begin to pursue the next stages of my education, this scholarship will directly support me in achieving my future academic goals. I’ve always had a passion for writing, particularly creative writing, so to have the opportunity to enter my work for this scholarship has been amazing. Having the freedom to write any piece of creative work and have it read by professional judges is already incredible, but to further receive an award in recognition of the work makes it very meaningful. Being able to put my passion towards something significant is something I am grateful to have had the chance to do,” Waetford said.

Christina Wright from Avondale College

The judges said If Tattered Threads Compose Me, Do Wires Uphold Your Spine? by Wright was a wonderful piece of speculative fiction, full of visceral description.

“Beginning with the title as a question, this work takes us into a world both familiar and unfamiliar. We become more curious as we keep reading, and although the tone is casual and even light, it deals with serious topics,” they said.

Wright’s English teacher, Mrs Aleishia Davis, said Wright was an exceptionally thoughtful and gifted writer.

“She approaches storytelling with a maturity and insight beyond her years, creating work that’s as imaginative as it is moving. If Tattered Threads Compose Me, Do Wires Uphold Your Spine? is a compelling and highly original story, and this scholarship is a well-deserved recognition of her talent and hard work,” said Davis.

Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa plays a key role in making creative rights valuable assets for all New Zealanders, be they rightsholders like authors, publishers and artists, or users such as educators, students and businesses. TCA provides licences to help make copying, scanning and sharing printed works easy and legal.

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) was established in 1934 and is the principal organisation representing writers’ interests in NZ. A national office oversees 8 branches and hubs, administers prizes and awards, runs professional development programmes, advocates for the sector and to raise the visibility of NZ writers and NZ writing. It works with Next Page, its developing Youth writer’s network and in partnership with Ngā Kaituhi Māori.

Source: Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council

The Government’s decision to impose a mandatory nine month repayment period to return capital on units vacated by retirement residents is a sensible step forward for the industry.

The Retirement Villages’ Residents Council, an independent body representing the interests of retirement village residents, welcomed the Government’s updated reforms for the industry announced today.

“We believe a nine month maximum period to repay capital to residents and their families strikes the right balance,” said Council Chair Carol Shepherd.

Any longer imposes unnecessary costs on residents and families. Any sooner, would create financial difficulties for many small operators.

There are many different types of operators servicing some 55,000 New Zealanders from large listed profitable companies, through to small, charity and family run villages which do not have the same resources.

The reforms include mandatory payment of capital on unsold or vacated units at nine months, with 10% of capital repaid within four weeks of the unit being vacated. The reforms would not apply to current contracts.

Research shows around 90% of units are resold within nine months.

Residents rightly want earlier access to their capital and greater certainty around when repayment will occur and this decision, while not pleasing all residents, strikes the right balance in our view.

Residents have consistently indicated that they would prefer earlier repayment wherever possible. However, consultation has also shown that around 60 per cent are not prepared to accept significantly higher costs in order to achieve that outcome. That is the reality of far sooner repayment – many operators would have to borrow capital to fund that and that raises the cost of operating which residents would have to bear.

The 10% payment after four weeks when a unit is vacated will also ease the burden on families who face upfront costs on behalf of their loved one or the residents themselves who move on for whatever reason. It provides funds they may well need for their ongoing care.

A compromise is never going to please everyone, but it is vital that the industry is sustainable.” “As our population grows and ages, it’s even more important that the regulatory framework continues to ensure residents have choice, their assets are protected, and the industry can continue to provide affordable options.”

“Today’s announcement provides the certainty that is needed, benefiting residents, their families and the retirement village sector as a whole.”

Background Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council

The Council aims to act as an independent body representing the interests of retirement village residents.

The Council currently has seven members who were nominated by their villages and / or residents and selected by the independent chair. They reside in various retirement villages, both large and small, throughout the country and bring significant experience to the council, many having served or are serving on the residents committees of villages.

The Council is funded by the Retirement Villages Association (RVA), which represents most of the operators, developers and managers of retirement villages throughout New Zealand. However, the RVA has no say in anything that the Council does, including its views on policies or how it spends its budget. It does not attend meetings, does not receive agendas or minutes and has no influence over how the Council’s budget is applied. This independence is underpinned by the Council’s terms of reference.

Source: Alliance Party

Friday 18 September 2026

The Alliance Party has announced its Small Business, Local Enterprise, and Cooperative Development policy, with a strategy to protect independent operators, raise working standards, and curb the dominance of corporate monopolies.

Alliance Party small business spokesperson and Taieri candidate Anna Knight says New Zealand’s small businesses, family farms, independent contractors, and cooperatives are essential to a democratic, resilient economy.

“Small businesses keep wealth in local circulation and communities sustained but are currently bearing the brunt of an unfair economic system.”

Ms Knight says small businesses suffer from a race to the bottom when it comes to wages, hours, and conditions, both for their workers, and for owner-operators who are under immense pressure.

The policy launch follows a spike in insolvencies, with 2025 company liquidations reaching levels not seen since the aftermath of the 2010 Global Financial Crisis.

About half of New Zealand’s small businesses close within five years, and fewer than thirty percent survive a decade.

“Insolvency doesn’t happen overnight, the so-called ‘failure curve’ creeps up and is the result of many forces. We want to attack these at the root.”

“We want to reset this dynamic and ensure everyone in a small enterprise gets a fair deal.”

Ms Knight says to reverse this trend, the Alliance will restructure the tax base so the burden falls on concentrated, accumulated wealth rather than productive small enterprises.

The Alliance will overhaul competition law to break up corporate market power, with a focus on sectors like the supermarket duopoly, which extracts an estimated $430 million annually in excess profits. Suppliers can’t negotiate easily with just two buyers, and small retailers simply can’t compete.

A publicly owned development bank will be established to deliver low-cost financing for local enterprise, backed by community resource hubs and an Applied Technology Programme to foster domestic tech sovereignty.

The Alliance will create a framework to support employee buy-outs with targeted development in regional economies.

Minimum employment protections will be extended to contractors to stop wage undercutting, alongside mandatory maximum payment terms and public reporting on payment times for large corporate buyers.

Ms Knight says it is important to remember that all wage-earning is essentially a credit given to your employer, and, by the same token, a small business should not be providing an interest-free loan to a company many times its size.

“Our goal is not simply to grow business balance sheets, but to decentralise economic power so it directly serves local communities, workers, and families.”