Politics News & Articles
Trade Minister Todd McClay's Global Tour to Boost NZ Trade Relations
1 day ago | 43 viewsMinister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay embarked on a trip to China, the UAE, India, Singapore, and Australia to enhance trade relations and advocate for New Zealand's interests globally. In China, he led a trade mission at the China International Import Expo and emphasized New Zealand's 'Grass-Fed' standard, highlighting the significance of the trade relationship with China as the largest trading partner. The Minister engaged in various meetings and trade negotiations in the UAE, India, Singapore, and Australia, aiming to strengthen economic ties and achieve the government's goal of doubling export value over a decade to boost job opportunities and incomes in New Zealand.
Tags: Todd McClay China UAE India Singapore Australia trade New Zealand Minister Piyush GoyalNew Appointments to Charities Registration Board Strengthen Governance and Decision-Making
2 days ago | 65 viewsJulie Hardaker and Leighton Evans have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board by Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston, bringing legal, regulatory, and governance expertise to the Board. Jane Wrightson has been promoted to Chair of the Board, replacing outgoing chair Gwendoline Keel. The appointments aim to strengthen the Board's decision-making capacity and ensure effective operation in complex situations, with the Board overseeing decisions about the registration and deregistration of over 28,000 charities in New Zealand.
Tags: Julie Hardaker Leighton Evans Louise Upston Jane Wrightson Gwendoline Keel Roger Miller Charities Registration Board Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Rata Foundation Traffic CourtParliament Bill: A Milestone in Constitutional Reform
2 days ago | 55 viewsThe Leader of the House, Chris Bishop, highlights the significance of the unanimous passing of the Parliament Bill as a crucial constitutional moment. The Bill consolidates and modernizes various legislative acts governing Parliament's operations, including establishing a new funding model, providing statutory powers to Parliamentary Security Officers, and updating the functions of key parliamentary roles. The development and passage of the Bill showcase effective parliamentary collaboration and dedication, with special recognition given to the select committee chaired by Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe and appreciation expressed for all those contributing to New Zealand's democracy through their work in or for Parliament.
Tags: Parliament Bill constitutional moment Chris Bishop Clerk of the House Parliamentary Service Members of Parliament Parliamentary Privilege Act funding model Speaker Deputy SpeakerRev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew Appointed to Independent Children’s Monitor Board
3 days ago | 50 viewsRev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew have been appointed to join Dr Ang Jury on the Independent Children’s Monitor Board, which oversees the Oranga Tamariki system along with the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman. The appointments bring a wealth of expertise to ensure strong governance for monitoring child safety independently, as stated by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. These appointments reflect legislative changes aimed at creating an independent oversight agency for Oranga Tamariki, marking a significant step in the government's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children.
Tags: Rev. Murray Edridge Hon Jo Goodhew Dr Ang Jury Louise Upston Oranga Tamariki system Children’s Commissioner Ombudsman Wellington City Missioner Presbyterian Support South CanterburyNgāti Paoa Treaty Settlement: Historic Resolution After 14-Year Negotiation
4 days ago | 53 viewsThe Crown has settled 14 years of negotiations with Ngāti Paoa, acknowledging historical breaches including raupatu and land laws impacting the iwi's development. The settlement includes a financial redress of $23.5 million, cultural redress with 12 significant sites, and agreements with Crown agencies. Ngāti Paoa's engagement in the legislative process and hope for a thriving future were highlighted during the final reading in Parliament.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Ngāti Paoa Treaty of Waitangi Crown Raupatu Te Tiriti o Waitangi Pūkorokoro Ngāti Pāoa Waikato Ngāti PaoaEden Park Planning Restrictions Costing Millions: Public Feedback Invited for Proposed Changes
4 days ago | 89 viewsThe Government released an investigative report revealing that Eden Park's planning restrictions may be causing significant economic losses and job reductions, prompting calls for public feedback on proposed changes. The report highlights how current rules are hindering Eden Park's ability to contribute to Auckland's economic growth by imposing strict limits on events and activities. Recommendations include expanding event uses, increasing concert allowances, and implementing noise standards, with a public consultation process underway until November 19, 2025 to gather feedback for potential rule changes aimed at boosting local jobs and economic growth.
Tags: Eden Park planning restrictions lost revenue RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop economic growth local planning rules public feedback events tourism sectors consultation.Indian Minister Piyush Goyal Strengthens New Zealand-India Trade Ties
5 days ago | 82 viewsIndian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will visit New Zealand to strengthen trade ties, reflecting the deepening relationship between the two countries over the past two years. The visit underscores the commitment of both governments to building a strategic and enduring partnership, with a focus on expanding trade and investment opportunities. Minister Goyal's agenda includes attending a business summit, engaging with the New Zealand-Indian community, visiting businesses in Rotorua, and discussing Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay.
Tags: Piyush Goyal Todd McClay Droupadi Murmu Christopher Luxon Winston Peters India New Zealand Trade Economy BusinessFast-track Approvals Amendment Bill Boosts Grocery Competition for Kiwi Shoppers
5 days ago | 86 viewsThe Government has introduced the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill to create a fast-track consent option for new supermarkets, aiming to improve grocery competition and provide better prices and choices for consumers. The Bill streamlines the approval process by allowing new supermarket developments to bypass standard resource consent processes and be referred to a fast-track expert panel for quicker decisions. The amendments aim to enhance the efficiency of the Fast-track Approvals Act, with technical changes to cut project application processing times and reduce processing and consideration times by an estimated six weeks or more.
Tags: Government Nicola Willis Economic Growth Minister Chris Bishop RMA Reform Shane Jones Regional Development Minister supermarket grocery competitionPrime Minister Christopher Luxon Wraps Up Official Visit to Malaysia & Korea, Strengthens Trade Partnerships
1 week ago | 102 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon completed his official visits to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea, focusing on advancing New Zealand's trade and economic interests. During his trip, he attended the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, held bilateral discussions with key partners like the United States and Indonesia, and emphasized the importance of New Zealand's participation in regional forums for economic growth. The visits resulted in the launch of strategic partnerships with Korea and ASEAN, aiming to boost New Zealand's trade opportunities and profile in these regions.
Tags: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Malaysia Republic of Korea APEC Leaders’ Meeting United States Indonesia New Zealand East Asia SummitPrime Minister Luxon Strengthens Economic Ties in Malaysia and Korea
1 week ago | 100 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon completed his official visits to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea, focusing on advancing New Zealand’s trade and economic interests. During the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, the regional economic situation was a key discussion point, highlighting the importance of engaging with APEC's 21 economies. Luxon emphasized the significance of participating in international forums like APEC and the East Asia Summit to advocate for New Zealand’s interests, culminating in the launch of strategic partnerships with Korea and ASEAN to enhance trade opportunities for New Zealand.
Tags: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Malaysia Republic of Korea APEC Leaders’ Meeting United States Indonesia New Zealand East Asia SummitNew Zealand, Singapore, and Chile Launch Green Economy Partnership Agreement in Korea
1 week ago | 113 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay, along with their Singaporean and Chilean counterparts, launched negotiations for the Green Economy Partnership Agreement (GEPA) in the Republic of Korea. The agreement aims to boost trade and investment opportunities in the global green economy, estimated to reach US$11 trillion by 2040, by focusing on areas such as sustainable finance, green goods and services, and low emissions fuel alternatives. The negotiations, set to continue until 2026, follow the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Singapore and underline New Zealand's commitment to meeting climate targets and fostering a greener economy through international collaboration.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Todd McClay New Zealand Singapore Chile Green Economy Partnership Agreement GEPA Republic of Korea trade agreements climate targetsNew Zealand and Nordic Countries Strengthen Cooperation for Mutual Benefit
1 week ago | 98 viewsNew Zealand and the Nordic countries are strengthening their cooperation based on shared strategic assessments, values, and development goals, as stated by Foreign Minister Winston Peters. During his visit to the Nordic region, Peters emphasized the commonality in worldviews, values, and the desire for economic cooperation between New Zealand and the Nordic countries. The visit included bilateral meetings with all five Nordic countries, discussions on supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, and exploring opportunities for economic development collaboration, highlighting the potential for mutual benefit.
Tags: New Zealand Nordic countries cooperation strategic assessments values national development aspirations Winston Peters Ukraine Russia economic developmentDefence Minister Judith Collins Heads to ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Kuala Lumpur
1 week ago | 103 viewsDefence Minister Judith Collins is traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus to discuss defense and security issues, marking the 50th anniversary of New Zealand's dialogue relations with ASEAN and the 15th anniversary of the ADMM-Plus. The forum aims to enhance Indo-Pacific defense cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity, with Ms. Collins emphasizing the importance of international rules-based order and New Zealand's contributions. In addition to the meeting, she will engage in bilateral discussions with defense counterparts before returning to New Zealand on 3 November.
Tags: Defence Minister Judith Collins Kuala Lumpur Malaysia ASEAN New Zealand Hanoi Vietnam national securityNordic Countries and New Zealand Align for Global Stability and Cooperation
1 week ago | 177 viewsThe Nordic countries and New Zealand emphasize their shared values, commitment to international law, sustainable development, and partnership. They support the rules-based international order, including international courts, and advocate for an effective and inclusive multilateral system centered around the United Nations. The joint statement also addresses concerns about armed conflicts globally, condemns Russia's actions in Ukraine, calls for peace in Gaza, highlights cooperation within NATO, emphasizes the importance of international trade, science, and innovation collaboration, and expresses commitment to supporting the Pacific region.
Tags: Foreign Ministers Nordic Countries New Zealand International Law Geopolitical Issues Sustainable Development International Order United Nations Russia UkraineNew Zealand Imposes Sanctions on Russian Oil Trade
1 week ago | 95 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters announced new sanctions targeting Russia's oil trade during a meeting with Nordic 5 Foreign Ministers in Stockholm. New Zealand has sanctioned 65 shadow fleet vessels involved in shipping Russian oil, as well as actors from Belarus, Iran, and North Korea involved in the oil supply chain. These actions support international efforts to bring Russia to the negotiating table and mark New Zealand's 33rd round of Russia sanctions since the Russia Sanctions Act came into force in March 2022.
Tags: Winston Peters Russia sanctions New Zealand Ukraine Belarus Iran North Korea Vladimir Putin Ministry of Foreign Affairs