Politics News & Articles
Luxon and Albanese Forge Strong Trans-Tasman Partnership in Queenstown
23 hours ago | 79 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met in Queenstown to discuss shared challenges and opportunities between New Zealand and Australia. They focused on economic cooperation, particularly aligning New Zealand's Going for Growth agenda with Australia's productivity agenda. The leaders announced a new partnership to harmonize national standards, aiming to facilitate trade, reduce costs, and support economic growth across both countries.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Anthony Albanese Queenstown New Zealand Australia economic plans partnership trade cooperation opportunitiesSuccessful Military-Style Academy Pilot Transforms Young Lives, Reducing Youth Offending
2 days ago | 109 viewsA 12-month Military-Style Academy pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga in Palmerston North has successfully supported youth offenders and their families, resulting in improved behavior and reduced re-offending rates. Minister for Children Karen Chhour received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the pilot's outcomes, with many participants showing promise and making positive life changes. The government's initiatives, including the pilot program, have contributed to a significant reduction in serious and persistent youth offending, leading to safer communities and increased opportunities for at-risk youth.
Tags: Karen Chhour Minister for Children Youth Justice Social Workers Te Au rere a te Tonga Palmerston North Youth Offenders Support Services Community SafetyAustralian PM Albanese to Meet with NZ PM Luxon for Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Queenstown
3 days ago | 119 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to host Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the annual Australia New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting in Queenstown. Luxon looks forward to discussing the strong Australia-New Zealand relationship, highlighting their economic partnership with $32 billion in two-way trade. Albanese will be welcomed by Ngāi Tahu in Queenstown for bilateral talks, a business roundtable, and to enjoy the beauty of Central Otago during his visit from Saturday to Sunday.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Anthony Albanese Australia New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting Queenstown Jodie Haydon Ngāi Tahu economic partner bilateral talksMinistry for Regulation Launches Sector Review to Streamline Product Labelling Regulations
3 days ago | 184 viewsMinisters Seymour and Simpson have announced a Ministry for Regulation review to address the high costs and complexities of New Zealand's product labelling regulations, which hinder affordability and global competitiveness. The current system, comprising over 30 codes and standards, imposes unnecessary compliance burdens on businesses, leading to increased prices and limited wage growth. The review aims to streamline regulations, reduce compliance costs, and enhance Kiwi goods' competitiveness internationally, with a focus on benefiting both businesses and consumers by simplifying the labelling process.
Tags: David Seymour Scott Simpson Minister for Regulation Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kiwis New Zealand labelling regulations businesses consumers compliance costsPapua New Guinea's Golden Jubilee: New Zealand's Friendship and Future
5 days ago | 165 viewsThe content highlights the visit and address of the Prime Minister of New Zealand to the Papua New Guinea National Parliament in celebration of the upcoming 50th Anniversary of Independence. The speech emphasizes the longstanding friendship between the two countries, shared historical ties, development partnerships, and the importance of regional cooperation in the Pacific. The Prime Minister acknowledges Papua New Guinea's ambitious and courageous spirit, its progress in democracy, and the potential for further collaboration in trade, defense, cultural exchange, and addressing global challenges.
Tags: Job Pomat James Marape Douglas Tomuriesa Matiu Rata Prime Minister Rowling Prime Minister Kirk Sir Michael Somare Grand Chief New Zealand.Restoring Customary Marine Title: Government's Legislation Update
5 days ago | 136 viewsThe Government is moving forward with legislation to restore Parliament's original test for Customary Marine Title, following the Supreme Court's determination that previous rulings were incorrect. The legislation aims to uphold the high test set in 2011 before granting Customary Marine Title, ensuring a balance between Māori customary rights and the interests of all New Zealanders in the marine and coastal area. The Government has allocated additional funding to assist with re-hearing applications, with the intention to pass the legislation by the end of October 2025.
Tags: Government legislation Customary Marine Title Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith Supreme Court Parliament Māori customary rights New Zealanders coastal watersTransforming New Zealand: Progress and Achievements Recap
1 week ago | 371 viewsThe speaker expresses gratitude to various individuals for their contributions to the National Party, highlighting achievements in law and order, education, healthcare, and the economy over the past two years. They emphasize the progress made in reducing violent crime, improving education, and enhancing healthcare services. The speaker also outlines plans to further stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and increase wages by streamlining processes for businesses operating on DOC land and implementing charges for foreign visitors at high volume sites to generate revenue for conservation efforts.
Tags: Christchurch Sylvia Wood Nicola Willis Chris Bishop Paul Goldsmith Mark Mitchell Erica Simeon Brown Ryan Hamilton Tama PotakaNew Zealand to Boost Economy and Jobs by Expanding Access to Conservation Areas
1 week ago | 303 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced plans to stimulate economic growth on a third of New Zealand's land, aiming to create jobs and boost wages nationwide. They highlighted issues with the current concessions regime for businesses operating on conservation land, proposing to reform the Conservation Act to streamline processes and introduce charges for foreign visitors at popular sites. The revenue generated from these charges, estimated at up to $62 million annually, will be reinvested in maintaining and enhancing conservation areas, while ensuring free access for New Zealanders.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Tama Potaka New Zealand Conservation Act Department of Conservation National Party Conference tourism agriculture infrastructure concessionsNew Zealand and Solomon Islands Strengthen Ties in Wellington Meeting
1 week ago | 331 viewsPrime Minister Luxon and Foreign Minister Peters met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele in Wellington to reaffirm New Zealand's strong ties with Solomon Islands. Discussions included supporting Solomon Islands' economy and education and fisheries sectors, as well as preparations for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum hosted by PM Manele. New Zealand's ongoing commitment to supporting Solomon Islands' development was highlighted by both Mr. Luxon and Mr. Peters during the visit.
Tags: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Foreign Minister Winston Peters Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele Wellington New Zealand Pacific Islands Forum education fisheries AucklandPublic Service Amendment Bill: Enhancing Efficiency and Accountability for Taxpayers
1 week ago | 367 viewsLegislation for public service overhaul emphasizing value for taxpayers has passed first reading, led by Public Service Minister Judith Collins. The Public Service Amendment Bill aims to enhance public service performance by clarifying its purpose and chief executives' responsibilities. The bill reinforces merit-based appointments, increases chief executives' accountability, and ensures a competitive selection process, maintaining political neutrality and professional standards for better taxpayer outcomes.
Tags: Legislation public service value for money taxpayers Judith Collins performance chief executives accountability political neutralityFive Eyes Partnership Strengthens with FBI's Wellington Office Upgrade
1 week ago | 235 viewsThe FBI's upgraded Wellington office strengthens the Five Eyes partnership, enhancing safety and security for New Zealanders, as stated by Ministers Judith Collins and Mark Mitchell. The Ministers met with FBI Director Kash Patel, who opened the new office and discussed various key areas such as organized crime, counter-terrorism, and cyber-security. The visit emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement efforts to combat crime and protect citizens, with Director Patel being the highest-ranking US official to visit New Zealand in recent times.
Tags: Judith Collins Mark Mitchell FBI Director Kash Patel GCSB NZSIS FBI New Zealand PoliceUnderstanding Council Spending: Impact on Rates & Communities | Local Government Minister Simon Watts
1 week ago | 280 viewsLocal Government Minister Simon Watts emphasizes the importance of councils' spending transparency and its impact on ratepayers. The government aims to empower ratepayers by providing clear data on council performance and spending, allowing for better engagement and accountability. Additionally, there is a focus on councils delivering essential services efficiently and supporting communities through a potential rates capping system to ensure responsible spending.
Tags: Key metrics councils spending rates Local Government Minister Simon Watts ratepayers infrastructure fiscal management local governmentDr. Ang Jury Appointed Chair of Independent Children’s Monitor Board: Enhancing Oversight for Vulnerable Kiwi Kids
1 week ago | 261 viewsDr Ang Jury, ONZM has been appointed as the Chair of the new Board for the Independent Children’s Monitor, a key oversight body for the Oranga Tamariki system. This appointment is a significant step towards fulfilling commitments to vulnerable children, as highlighted by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. Dr Jury's expertise in the social and Oranga Tamariki sectors will be instrumental in establishing the new Board, with her five-year term beginning on August 1, 2025.
Tags: Dr Ang Jury ONZM Louise Upston Women's Refuge Arran Jones Oranga Tamariki Independent Children’s Monitor Children’s Commissioner Ombudsman vulnerable childrenGovernment to Revamp Electoral Laws for Efficiency and Transparency
2 weeks ago | 275 viewsThe Government is updating electoral laws to address issues with same-day enrolment, aiming to streamline the voting process and reduce post-election timeframes. Key changes include closing enrolment 13 days before election day, implementing 12 days of advance voting, and introducing automatic enrolment updates. Other adjustments involve stricter rules on treating near voting places, adjusting the donation reporting threshold, and various procedural changes to enhance the electoral system.
Tags: Government electoral laws enrolment advance voting Electoral Commission Paul Goldsmith Justice Minister donation threshold party donors Constitution Act 1986Dr. Shane Reti Affirms New Zealand's Commitment to Pacific Priorities at Forum Meeting in Fiji
2 weeks ago | 365 viewsDr Shane Reti, Pacific Peoples Minister, attended the Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in Suva, Fiji, reaffirming New Zealand's commitment to Pacific-led priorities and announcing new support for climate resilience and public health initiatives. The Forum focused on strengthening regional ties, addressing economic development, banking access, and labor mobility challenges. Dr Reti launched Fiji's NZ$3.2 million participation in the Pacific Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Land Management Partnership to develop climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming practices, and announced NZ$4 million in support of Fiji's response to its national HIV outbreak to reduce transmission and fight stigma.
Tags: Shane Reti Pacific Peoples Minister Suva Fiji New Zealand Pacific Islands Forum Climate resilience Public health Economic development Labour mobility