02 Apr 2026
7 months ago
1191 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Heather Simpson as Deputy Chair of Antarctica New Zealand, recognizing her extensive governance experience and strategic understanding of Antarctica's importance to New Zealand. Ms. Simpson, a board member since 2024, has contributed to supporting research, environmental stewardship, and oversight of the Scott Base Redevelopment Project. Her new role will involve assisting the Chair and Board in navigating a strategically and operationally challenging period, effective from April 1, 2026.
27 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1261 views
New Zealand has announced additional funding for the Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme to strengthen Tuvalu’s fisheries sector and support community resilience amid climate challenges. This funding reflects New Zealand’s long-term commitment to partnership, sustainable development, and economic security for Tuvalu. The support, provided through the International Development Cooperation programme, aims to enhance local capacity and promote Pacific resilience and security.
27 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1533 views
A ban on harvesting spiny rock lobster from the east coast of Northland to Hauraki Gulf, effective April 1, 2026, will create a network of closures to help rebuild the fishery. Recreational daily bag limits for spiny rock lobster and packhorse rock lobster are also reduced to prevent shifting fishing pressure, with strict enforcement and penalties for violations. These measures aim to restore ecological balance, address kina barrens, and ensure the fishery’s long-term sustainability.
26 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1389 views
Catch limits for spiny rock lobster have been reduced in Gisborne (CRA 3) due to ongoing pressure and cyclone impacts, with a 49-tonne reduction in commercial catch and efforts to spread fishing activity for stock recovery. Conversely, the Otago fishery (CRA 7) shows positive signs, prompting a 21.9-tonne increase in commercial catch limits to support the local economy. The review also confirmed current catch settings for Southern blue whiting remain appropriate, with changes effective from April 1, 2026, following consultation with stakeholders.
19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1257 views
The proposal to allow commercial fishers in northern North Island to retain and sell certain reef fish caught as bycatch will not proceed, according to Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. After considering over 22,000 public submissions and sustainability concerns, the historic ban protecting these species since 1993 will remain. The decision is part of a broader consultation on commercial fishing regulations, with further announcements forthcoming.
19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
3295 views
The Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) opening on 19 March 2026 to find experienced operators to restore and manage the historic Chateau Tongariro and its associated buildings. The proposals must balance commercial viability with heritage conservation, respect for tangata whenua aspirations, and the cultural significance of Tongariro National Park. The selection panel will evaluate submissions to ensure the restoration supports tourism, local businesses, and aligns with the park's values, with no guarantee of concession awarded.
12 Mar 2026
8 months ago
1223 views
A ban on gathering marine life from rockpools and coastal waters in the Hauraki Gulf north of Auckland has come into effect to preserve ecological areas and ensure fishery sustainability. Fishery Officers will patrol key locations to enforce the closure, with fines up to $100,000 for violations, and educational efforts are underway in partnership with local iwi and communities. Fisheries New Zealand, working with Ngāti Manuhiri, has implemented this temporary closure alongside educational materials to raise awareness about the cultural and environmental importance of protecting intertidal ecosystems.
12 Mar 2026
8 months ago
1322 views
The Government has established the Crown Review Team, led by Raveen Jaduram and supported by legal and engineering experts, to investigate the catastrophic failure at Moa Point wastewater treatment plant and ensure it does not recur. The team will conduct a coordinated investigation for both Wellington City Council and Wellington Water Ltd, delivering interim and final reports by August 2026, with findings expected before the transfer of water assets to Tiaki Wai Limited. Local Government Minister Simon Watts emphasized transparency, coordination with Greater Wellington Regional Council’s regulatory activities, and the public release of findings while managing legal and enforcement risks.
11 Mar 2026
8 months ago
1231 views
New Zealand and Australia successfully secured a two-year extension of orange roughy catch limits in the South Pacific through the SPRFMO, supporting sustainable fisheries and local jobs. While a proposal to increase bycatch thresholds was rejected, New Zealand’s measures to protect seabirds and progress on binding labor standards for fishing vessel crews were adopted or advanced. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones emphasized ongoing efforts to balance environmental protection with economic benefits and to maintain access to viable fisheries in the region.
03 Mar 2026
8 months ago
1228 views
The Government is providing additional funding to Mayoral Relief Funds across several districts to support communities affected by recent severe weather events, supplementing initial contributions made earlier this year. These funds enable local authorities to address urgent needs such as cleaning, debris removal, and supporting families and community organizations while broader recovery efforts are coordinated nationally. A National Recovery Office has been established to ensure a coordinated government response, with various agencies assisting in areas like agriculture, marae resilience, and emergency waste management.
20 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1344 views
The Government is investing $3.5 million over five years to restore over 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park damaged by major fires, focusing on weed control, pest management, and biodiversity monitoring. This effort, supported by the International Visitor Levy, aims to protect the park’s ecological resilience and sustain the local economy and communities dependent on it. Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and the Department of Conservation are collaborating on the Maunga Ora restoration plan, integrating science and Māori knowledge to revive the sacred landscape.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1408 views
The Government has introduced legislation to create the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), consolidating housing, transport, urban development, and environmental functions into one agency. This involves disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment and transferring its statutory responsibilities to MCERT, which will provide integrated advice to address economic and environmental challenges. MCERT is scheduled to be established by April 2026 and operational by July 2026, with a chief executive appointment forthcoming.
18 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1366 views
Stuart Calman has been appointed as New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador, bringing extensive experience in foreign policy, trade, and climate policy, particularly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. His role will focus on supporting Australia’s chairmanship of the UN Climate COP31 negotiations in 2026 and advancing New Zealand’s economic, trade, and climate objectives. Calman, a senior diplomat with a background in energy and sustainable development, will begin his Wellington-based position on February 16, 2026, succeeding Stuart Horne.
16 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1338 views
An independent Crown Review Team will investigate the failure of Wellington Water’s Moa Point sewage plant to determine its causes and recommend actionable steps to prevent recurrence. The team, comprising experts in engineering, governance, commercial, and legal fields, will be appointed by both Wellington City Council and Wellington Water Ltd to ensure a thorough and transparent review. This investigation is urgent due to the upcoming transfer of water service management to the new council-controlled organization Tiaki Wai Ltd, emphasizing the need for wise investment in water infrastructure.
15 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1363 views
The Government has approved a two-year ban starting March 12, 2026, on harvesting various invertebrates and seaweed from rockpools and coastlines north of Auckland to protect fragile marine ecosystems from over-collection. This temporary closure, supported by the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust’s traditional rāhui, excludes species with existing restrictions and aquaculture activities, while allowing continued kina harvesting to manage their populations. Officials are also developing educational materials and broader proposals for sustainable intertidal fisheries management, with public consultations planned for Auckland and Coromandel.