Politics News & Articles
Finance Minister Thanks Departing Reserve Bank Chair for Service
1 day ago | 70 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis thanked departing Reserve Bank Chair Neil Quigley for his long service, acknowledging his contributions over 15 years as a board member and nine as Chair. Quigley resigned immediately, citing the completion of key tasks and the timing being right for a transition to a new Chair. Deputy Chair Rodger Finlay will temporarily assume the Chair's duties until a permanent appointment is made, and the vacancy on the board left by Quigley will be filled in the future.
Tags: Finance Minister Nicola Willis Reserve Bank Chair Neil Quigley board member Chair resignation funding agreement capital settings new GovernorHave Your Say: Kiwis Invited to Shape Telecommunications Regulatory Changes
2 days ago | 128 viewsKiwis are encouraged to provide input on proposed regulatory changes in the telecommunications sector, as their feedback is crucial to the review process, according to Ministers David Seymour and Paul Goldsmith. The review focuses on key regulatory issues such as the Telecommunications Development Levy (TDL), shareholder caps, and service quality regulations. Proposed draft changes include implementing a consumer code, updating infrastructure obligations, eliminating outdated rules, and enhancing investor appeal for telecom companies to boost growth in the sector.
Tags: David Seymour Paul Goldsmith Telecommunications sector Regulatory change Telecommunications Development Levy Retail Service Quality Fibre Fixed Line Access Telecommunications service obligations Telecommunication services Commerce CommissionNew Legislation Enhances Defence Force Workforce Management for National Security
2 days ago | 95 viewsNew legislation introduced by Defence Minister Judith Collins allows the Chief of Defence Force to redeploy uniformed personnel to fill roles of striking civilian staff, ensuring national security during industrial action. The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill expands the Minister's authority to include instances where national security and core defence functions are at risk, such as security at military bases and aircraft maintenance. The bill aims to address challenges faced during previous industrial actions and will be open for public submissions when referred to a select committee in September 2025.
Tags: Chief of Defence Force CDF workforce national security industrial action Defence Minister Judith Collins Defence Act New Zealand Defence Force civilian staffEmpowering Intelligence Professionals for National Security
2 days ago | 67 viewsThe content emphasizes gratitude for the opportunity to address intelligence professionals, highlighting the importance of their work in providing crucial insights for decision-makers. It discusses the evolving landscape of intelligence work, including the need to expand the reach of intelligence services to support a wider range of stakeholders and adapt to technological advancements. Additionally, it touches on the importance of early action, collaboration domestically and internationally, and adopting an integrated approach to national security to ensure New Zealand's safety and prosperity.
Tags: Dan Wildy New Zealand Police intelligence professionals New Zealanders national security GCSB NZSIS Five Eyes artificial intelligence security provisionsChallenging the Status Quo: The Impact of Regulatory Growth on Society
3 days ago | 127 viewsThe speaker expresses skepticism towards the theme of the conference, "Regulation 2025 to 2050: Disruption, Change, and Continuity," highlighting the negative impact of regulatory growth on resources, project viability, and culture. They discuss the need for regulatory reform in New Zealand, emphasizing the importance of addressing housing affordability and productivity challenges. The speaker advocates for greater public scrutiny of regulatory initiatives to ensure cost-effective benefits and urges a shift towards more efficient and transparent regulatory practices.
Tags: Regulation Change Continuity Public Choice Economics Housing Democracy Regulatory Failure Productivity Paradox Public Choice OriginsIntroducing The Centre for Family Violence Prevention | Minister Confirms New Name
3 days ago | 116 viewsThe Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence announced that the multi-agency organization will now be known as 'The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention'. The Centre aligns government strategies and policies to improve the family violence and sexual violence system through the National Strategy and its Action Plan. It supports government agencies in delivering community-led solutions to prevent and respond to violence, with a focus on evidence-based responses.
Tags: Minister Karen Chhour Prevention Family Violence Sexual Violence Centre Government Strategy PolicyNew Zealand Government Initiates Breakthrough Measures to Boost Supermarket Competition
3 days ago | 128 viewsThe Government plans urgent legislative and policy changes to remove barriers for competitor supermarkets in New Zealand, aiming to boost competition and offer better deals for consumers. These changes include fast-track approvals for new supermarkets, streamlining building consent processes, and amending regulations to combat predatory pricing. The initiative aims to encourage new domestic competitors and potential international retailers like Costco to expand in New Zealand, with further considerations on potentially restructuring major supermarket players Foodstuffs and Woolworths to enhance market competition.
Tags: Government supermarkets New Zealand legislative changes Nicola Willis competition Kiwi shoppers zoning regulations grocery sectorInfrastructure Minister Chris Bishop Heads to Sydney and Canberra for Engagements with Industry Leaders and Australian Politicians
5 days ago | 61 viewsMinister Chris Bishop will travel to Sydney and Canberra for engagements with the infrastructure industry and Australian political leaders, emphasizing New Zealand's openness for business and the importance of attracting investment for economic growth and job creation. In Sydney, he will address the IPWEA International Public Works Conference about New Zealand's infrastructure priorities and the National Infrastructure Plan. Additionally, he will discuss housing reforms with New South Wales officials and meet with federal counterparts in Canberra, including key ministers such as Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King and Housing Minister Clare O'Neil.
Tags: Infrastructure RMA Reform Housing Transport Minister Chris Bishop Sydney Canberra Australia New Zealand InvestmentAccelerated Land Acquisition Bill Boosts Infrastructure Projects
1 week ago | 196 viewsThe passing of the Public Works Act Amendment Bill will expedite critical infrastructure projects, aiming to address New Zealand's infrastructure deficit by streamlining land acquisition processes. The new accelerated process offers incentives and recognition payments to landowners, while also introducing a faster objections resolution mechanism. The Government plans to further modernize the Public Works Act to improve landowner engagement, disaster recovery support, and overall efficiency in delivering public infrastructure projects.
Tags: Public Works Act Amendment Bill Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop Land Information Minister Chris Penk infrastructure projects critical infrastructure accelerated land acquisition process Public Works Act landowners infrastructure deficit New Zealand.New Zealand Cabinet Agrees to Close Greyhound Racing Industry by 2026: Key Details and Transition Plan
1 week ago | 190 viewsCabinet in New Zealand has officially agreed to close the greyhound racing industry, with a bill being drafted to enact this decision by July 31, 2026, following concerns about animal welfare and safety issues outlined in multiple reviews. The Ministerial Advisory Committee has recommended a clear plan for transitioning away from greyhound racing, including re-homing programs and support for industry participants through a Transition Agency funded by the TAB. Racing Minister Winston Peters emphasizes the importance of public input during the process, highlighting the global trend of phasing out greyhound racing due to ongoing welfare and safety concerns.
Tags: Winston Peters Heather Simpson Murray Johnson Lindsay Burton Cabinet greyhound racing New Zealand animal welfare Transition Agency Ministerial Advisory CommitteeNew Zealand Disability Strategy: Public Consultation Open for Feedback on Draft 2026-2030 Vision
1 week ago | 183 viewsPublic consultation has opened on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy, aiming to improve lives and uphold rights of disabled people in key areas like education, employment, health, housing, and justice. The strategy, developed through targeted engagement with disabled individuals and organizations, seeks feedback from the wider disability community and the public to make a positive impact. Interested parties, including disabled individuals, carers, families, and employers, are encouraged to provide feedback through various formats until September 28, 2025, with the refreshed strategy set to run from 2026 to 2030.
Tags: New Zealand Disability Strategy public consultation Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston disabled people employment education housing community participation WhaikahaForeign Minister Winston Peters Announces New Diplomatic Appointments
1 week ago | 171 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced three new diplomatic appointments: Joanna Kempkers as Ambassador to France, Greg Andrews as High Commissioner to Fiji, and Angela Hassan-Sharp as Ambassador to Ireland. Peters made the appointments to strengthen diplomatic relations with these countries. The new ambassadors will represent New Zealand's interests and foster positive relationships in their respective postings.
Tags: Foreign Minister Winston Peters Joanna Kempkers Greg Andrews Ambassador France High Commissioner Fiji IrelandMinister Todd McClay to Strengthen Trade Relations in Saudi Arabia and US
2 weeks ago | 145 viewsAgriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will travel to Saudi Arabia and the United States to discuss bilateral trade and investment opportunities, particularly in food and agritech cooperation. In Saudi Arabia, he will meet with Minister of Commerce and Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture to advance these opportunities and leverage the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement. In the US, Mr McClay will meet with USTR Jamieson Greer and industry representatives to discuss the impact of recent tariffs and broader bilateral trade, investment, and agricultural priorities.
Tags: Agriculture Trade Investment Todd McClay Saudi Arabia United States Jamieson Greer Brooke RollinsNew Zealand's Commitment to Pacific Regionalism Emphasized at Foreign Ministers' Meeting
2 weeks ago | 272 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters reaffirmed New Zealand's dedication to Pacific regionalism at the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Fiji. He stressed the importance of the region standing united and setting its own agenda amidst external pressures. Peters welcomed the report on Pacific regional architecture and offered New Zealand as a host for the 2027 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting, emphasizing the need for effective regional collaboration to address urgent challenges.
Tags: Winston Peters New Zealand Pacific regionalism Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Pacific Islands Forum dialogue development partners regional architecture Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ MeetingUpdate on Competition Policy Reforms for Economic Growth
2 weeks ago | 163 viewsThe Government is focused on growing the economy by improving competition settings, with updates on the Commerce Act review and Commerce Commission governance. Reforms to the Commerce Act aim to simplify collaboration processes, enhance confidentiality protections, and promote competition. Additionally, initiatives include strengthening banking competition, implementing open banking, regulating retail payments, and introducing a new water services regulatory regime under the Commerce Act to ensure efficiency and transparency.
Tags: Government economy competition settings Commerce Act review Commerce Commission collaboration competition safeguards beneficial collaboration confidential information industry codes