Politics News & Articles
Minister of Internal Affairs Achieves Shortest Citizenship Wait Times in Five Years
4 days ago | 72 viewsMinister Brooke van Velden highlights significant improvements in citizenship application processing, with wait times reduced from 180 to 69 days, the shortest in five years. The Department of Internal Affairs prioritized clearing the backlog, resulting in a 70% decrease in the number of people waiting for a decision. Van Velden emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of those applying for citizenship, acknowledging the efforts and sacrifices made by new Kiwis.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Minister of Internal Affairs citizenship government services efficiency Labour Department of Internal Affairs New Zealand economy cultureForeign Minister Winston Peters Heads to UN General Assembly for Key Discussions
5 days ago | 98 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters is attending the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to reflect on the international rules-based system and advocate for reforms to address global challenges. He will participate in the Two State Solution conference, hold bilateral meetings, and deliver New Zealand’s national statement to the UN General Assembly. Peters will also gather information on conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, South Sudan, and Myanmar, including finalizing New Zealand’s position on the recognition of Palestine during his visit from September 21 to September 30.
Tags: Winston Peters New Zealand United Nations Foreign Minister New York Two State Solution conference France Saudi Arabia Ukraine Gaza132nd Suffrage Day: Celebrating Progress for Women in New Zealand
5 days ago | 153 viewsMinister for Women Nicola Grigg commemorates the 132nd anniversary of Suffrage Day, celebrating New Zealand's progress for women's rights. The government has made strides in reducing the gender pay gap, promoting women's representation in leadership roles, and improving health outcomes for women and girls. Grigg emphasizes the importance of continuing efforts towards achieving true equality and expresses gratitude to all women and girls for their contributions to New Zealand's advancement.
Tags: Suffrage Day New Zealand Minister for Women Nicola Grigg gender pay gap women's representation public sector boards Free to Lead toolkit health outcomes ChristchurchAndrew Szusterman Appointed to RNZ Board of Governors
6 days ago | 86 viewsAndrew Szusterman has been appointed to the Radio New Zealand Board of Governors by Minister for Media and Communications Paul Goldsmith. Szusterman, an experienced media executive, has worked in television, commercial radio, and digital platforms in New Zealand and abroad. His expertise in audience engagement and understanding of the evolving media landscape will be valuable as RNZ faces challenges in public broadcasting and adjusts to changing audience behaviors. Szusterman will officially join the Board on October 1st.
Tags: Andrew Szusterman Radio New Zealand Board of Governors Paul Goldsmith media communications television commercial radio digital platforms audience engagement public broadcastingMinister Karen Chhour Reports Success in Youth Offending Reduction Efforts
1 week ago | 75 viewsMinister Karen Chhour notes a significant decrease in serious and persistent youth offending since June 2024, attributing the improvement to a tough yet fair approach and increased unity within communities and government. The reduction in youth offenders has led to safer communities, with lower rates of ram raids and repeat offending, as well as improved collaboration between Oranga Tamariki and Police. Investments from Budget 2025 aim to further reduce re-offending and enhance support for young serious offenders, prioritizing community safety and victim well-being.
Tags: Karen Chhour Minister for Children young people offenders community leaders New Zealanders Oranga Tamariki Police youth offending initiativesCommerce Minister Scott Simpson Strengthens NZ Partnerships in London
1 week ago | 74 viewsCommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson is traveling to London to enhance New Zealand's partnerships in insurance, emergency preparedness, and business competition. He aims to showcase New Zealand's leadership in resilience and disaster recovery and strengthen ties with global partners facing similar challenges. The Minister's itinerary includes meetings with key industry players, a briefing at the New Zealand High Commission, and participation in events highlighting the New Zealand-UK relationship, such as the Battle of Britain Service and the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final.
Tags: Scott Simpson London New Zealand Insurance Emergency preparedness Business competition Resilience Disaster recovery Aon Lloyd's of LondonNew FIT Partnership Boosts Trade and Investment Opportunities
1 week ago | 101 viewsNew Zealand, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland have formed the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership to enhance trade and investment opportunities and support economic growth. The partnership includes several other countries like Brunei, Costa Rica, and Iceland, among others. Discussions on establishing the FIT Partnership began a year ago, with a focus on practical initiatives to open markets, attract investment, and remove barriers to benefit businesses and strengthen supply chains.
Tags: New Zealand Singapore United Arab Emirates Switzerland Todd McClay Brunei Costa Rica Iceland Liechtenstein MoroccoEmpowering Aucklanders: Future Growth Decisions in Hands of Locals
1 week ago | 90 viewsThe Government, through RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, supports Auckland Council's request to withdraw controversial Plan Change 78 to allow for more local decision-making on growth and housing. This move will give Aucklanders greater choice and input on future development, particularly around key stations benefiting from the City Rail Link project. The process includes a submission period from November to December, followed by hearings before an Independent Hearings Panel, aiming for an 18-month timeframe to provide certainty and address delays in decision-making for Auckland's growth and housing options.
Tags: Aucklanders RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop Auckland Council Plan Change 78 Medium Density Residential Standards City Rail Link housing growth Independent Hearings Panel Mayor Brown Auckland's growth.New Commerce Act Amendments Boost Public Protection and Business Certainty
1 week ago | 79 viewsThe Government is updating the Commerce Act after nearly 20 years to enhance protection for the public and provide more certainty for businesses, focusing on promoting competition, innovation, and fair markets. Key changes include preventing unfair tactics, clearer merger rules, strengthening the Commerce Commission, and facilitating beneficial collaborations among businesses. The amendments aim to ensure the Commerce Commission is more effective, separate governance and regulatory functions, and give the Commission stronger tools to assess mergers and competition concerns, ultimately promoting fairer markets and consumer choice.
Tags: Government Commerce Act Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson Competition Innovation Commerce Commission Collaboration Mergers ConsumersUnlocking Eden Park: Government Investigates Rule Changes to Boost Major Events Venue
1 week ago | 101 viewsThe Government aims to enhance Eden Park's status as a major events venue by investigating potential changes to local rules that may be limiting its capabilities. Eden Park, New Zealand's largest major events stadium, contributes significantly to Auckland's economy through concerts and sporting events. The investigation will assess current restrictions, such as limits on the number and timing of events, with the possibility of modifying these rules under the Resource Management Act to stimulate economic growth and development.
Tags: Eden Park Government Investigation RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop Tourism Minister Louise Upston Events Auckland Economy Planning Rules Resource Management ActDiverse Experts Appointed to Advise Crown on Abuse in Care Response
1 week ago | 94 viewsThe Government has appointed eight members to a Ministerial Advisory Group to provide advice on the Crown’s response to recommendations from the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry. Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford emphasizes the Group will offer independent advice on the Crown’s response to abuse in care, drawing on diverse perspectives and expertise. The appointed members bring a range of experiences, such as survivor advocacy, governance leadership, and expertise in trauma and mental health, to facilitate constructive discussions and advice on monitoring, oversight, and implementation of the Crown response.
Tags: Alana Ruakere David Crichton Frances Tagaloa Gary Williams Helen Leahy Linda Surtees Paul Gibson Dr Valerie Tan Erica Stanford Andrew LittleNew Zealand Delegation to Celebrate Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Anniversary
1 week ago | 169 viewsNew Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Opposition Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Peeni Henare will attend Papua New Guinea's 50th independence anniversary celebrations in Port Moresby next week, marking a significant milestone in the two countries' relationship. New Zealand has been a longstanding supporter of Papua New Guinea since its independence in 1975, and values the close ties between the two nations. The visit aims to strengthen collaboration and support for Papua New Guinea's priorities, contributing to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Pacific region.
Tags: Winston Peters Peeni Henare New Zealand Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Opposition Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Port Moresby Pacific 50th independence anniversary delegationNew Zealand Tightens Grip on Russian Crude Oil and Enforces Sanctions
1 week ago | 174 viewsNew Zealand has joined Canada, the EU, and the UK in lowering the price cap on Russian crude oil to USD $47.60 per barrel to cut off funding for Putin's war in Ukraine. Additionally, New Zealand has sanctioned Russian actors involved in cyber-attacks, including military intelligence Unit 29155, for using malware against Ukrainian government networks. These sanctions mark New Zealand's 32nd round, targeting individuals, entities, vessels, and shadow fleet vessels involved in chemical weapons, disinformation, and illicit activities in North Korea and Iran.
Tags: Winston Peters New Zealand Russia Ukraine sanctions Putin oil chemical weapons disinformationGovernment Injects $50k for Nelson Tasman Tourism Recovery
1 week ago | 179 viewsThe Government is providing $50k to Nelson Tasman for domestic tourism marketing to support local businesses impacted by severe weather events, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Nearly 70% of tourism and hospitality businesses in the region have suffered revenue losses due to cancellations and a drop in visitors. The funding will be used for a domestic marketing campaign to promote tourism in Nelson Tasman, emphasizing its importance for the local economy and encouraging visitors to explore the region.
Tags: Government Nelson Tasman domestic tourism marketing local businesses severe weather events Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston funding tourism industryNew Zealand and UK Strengthen Defence Cooperation Amid Global Threats
1 week ago | 180 viewsNew Zealand and the United Kingdom have updated their defence cooperation statement to address current global challenges, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. The two countries aim to increase interoperability and support collective security to uphold the international rules-based order. They have agreed to explore new areas of cooperation, including innovation, defense industrial supply chains, and common equipment, to strengthen their partnership in the face of evolving threats.
Tags: New Zealand United Kingdom Defence Minister Judith Collins Russia Ukraine Middle East John Healey Joint Statement