Five Big Things That Happened Today: Wednesday, September 3

A round-up of the day's main developments across New Zealand on Wednesday, 3 September 2025.

Former Prime Ministers Sir John Key and Helen Clark attended a military parade hosted by China in Beijing, an event also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The former political rivals arrived together and were photographed with Chinese President Xi Jinping, drawing predictable commentary at home about the optics.

Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston announced significant changes to the disability support system, including revised purchasing guidelines after months of controversy over what funding could be spent on.

Workplace wellbeing also featured, with new advice circulating on how managers should respond when a colleague becomes upset at work.