Politics News & Articles

Showing 15 of 2394 articles

State of Local Emergency Declared in Southland Region by Minister Mark Mitchell

23 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1083 views

Minister Mark Mitchell declared a state of local emergency in Southland due to potential impacts from power outages following a significant weather event, as the Southland Mayors have not been sworn in after local elections. This declaration grants local Civil Defence emergency powers to respond and support services, urging residents to prioritize safety, follow instructions, and stay informed about weather updates. The state of local emergency in Canterbury continues, with the Minister empowered to declare such emergencies when local representatives are unavailable due to election procedures.

Tags: Mark Mitchell Minister Emergency Management Recovery Southland Region local emergency Civil Defence MetService weather information Canterbury

EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič Visits NZ for Business Summit and Trade Committee Meeting

23 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1175 views

European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will visit New Zealand for the European Union-New Zealand Business Summit and first NZ-EU Trade Committee meeting, marking the first visit by an EU Trade Commissioner since 2018. The summit in Auckland will involve over 400 businesses and representatives from various sectors, aiming to boost trade and investment opportunities. The meeting will focus on maximizing the benefits of the Free Trade Agreement to enhance trade, investment, and partnership between New Zealand and the European Union.

Tags: Maroš Šefčovič Todd McClay European Union New Zealand Trade Commissioner Trade Committee Business Summit Free Trade Agreement Trade Investment

Canterbury Region Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Weather

22 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1198 views

Minister Mark Mitchell has declared a state of local emergency for Canterbury due to severe weather, as the mayors have not been sworn in after recent elections. The declaration grants local Civil Defence emergency powers to respond effectively. Mitchell urges residents to heed advice from local authorities, prioritize safety, and stay informed through official channels like MetService.

Tags: Minister Mark Mitchell Emergency Management Recovery Canterbury Region State of Emergency Civil Defence Weather Event National Emergency Management Agency MetService Local Government

New Zealand Minister for Children Achieves Historic Reduction of Harm in State Care Residences

22 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1180 views

Minister for Children Karen Chhour announced a historic 14% reduction in harm within Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences in New Zealand, attributing the achievement to investments and practice changes. The focus on safety and well-being, including enhanced training, recruitment, and facility improvements, has been a priority for Oranga Tamariki under her leadership. These efforts align with the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, reflecting a commitment to preventing harm and prioritizing the safety of children and young people in state care.

Tags: Minister for Children Karen Chhour harm reduction state care residences Youth Justice Care and Protection Oranga Tamariki safety improvements training initiatives Royal Commission of Inquiry children's system.

Airways Corporation of New Zealand Announces New Leadership Appointments

21 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1115 views

State-Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown announced leadership changes at the Airways Corporation of New Zealand. Darin Cusack will become Chair effective October 31, 2025, succeeding Denise Church, with Danny Tuato’o appointed as Deputy Chair. Both Cusack and Tuato’o have been reappointed for extended terms, bringing valuable experience in aviation systems and safety, financial acumen, and risk management to help Airways navigate industry challenges.

Tags: Simeon Brown Darin Cusack Denise Church Danny Tuato'o Airways Corporation of New Zealand aviation sector leadership appointments air navigation services safety systems

NZ-UK Foreign Ministers Strengthen Partnership in London Dialogue

21 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1080 views

Foreign Minister Winston Peters and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met in London for the second annual NZ-UK Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, highlighting the importance of their longstanding partnership. They discussed enhancing cooperation in bilateral security, economics, and addressing global challenges, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Peters emphasized the shared values and commitment to upholding the international rules-based order, inviting Cooper to the next dialogue in New Zealand in 2026, as part of his broader European trip to countries like Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

Tags: Winston Peters Yvette Cooper New Zealand UK Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue Russia Ukraine Pacific

Government Regrets Planned Strike Impact on Patients, Students, and Families: Uncovering Unions' Political Motives

18 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1009 views

The Government expresses regret over the impact of the planned strike by unions on patients, students, and families, noting the strike's apparent political motivation and disruption to education and healthcare services. The Government emphasizes its efforts to negotiate fair pay increases for teachers, doctors, and nurses, highlighting specific salary offers and benefits provided. Despite financial constraints and increased public debt, the Government seeks to resolve disputes through dialogue and urges unions to prioritize settlements over strikes to ensure the continuity of essential services.

Tags: strike unions Education Minister Erica Stanford Palestine NCEA exams Health Minister Simeon Brown Health New Zealand Association of Salaried Medical Specialists public sector employees public debt

New Zealand Achieves Safer Communities Through Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Milestones

17 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1108 views

Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence highlights achievements in reducing family and sexual violence in New Zealand, emphasizing the interconnectedness needed for effective responses. The second Te Aorerekura Action Plan has been successfully implemented ahead of schedule, leading to safer communities. Notable accomplishments include improved multi-agency responses in various regions, expanded safety programs for victims, and the successful reduction of family violence homicides in Canterbury through the Integrated Safety Response approach.

Tags: family violence sexual violence Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Te Aorerekura Action Plan Minister Chhour community partnerships safety programmes Integrated Safety Response

New Zealand Reimposes Sanctions on Iran for Nuclear Non-compliance

17 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1083 views

New Zealand is reimposing UN-mandated sanctions on Iran due to concerns over Iran's nuclear non-compliance and uranium enrichment. The sanctions, effective from 18 October, include asset freezes, travel bans, and import/export restrictions on nuclear and military goods. New Zealand is also implementing a compulsory registration scheme for businesses intending to trade with Iran to ensure vigilance in dealings.

Tags: New Zealand Iran Foreign Minister Winston Peters sanctions nuclear uranium enrichment International Atomic Energy Agency United Nations Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

Unlocking Opportunities: New Zealand's Southeast Asia Foreign Policy Reset

16 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1270 views

The speech delivered to the ASEAN – NZ Business Council emphasized the importance of New Zealand's foreign policy reset, focusing on Southeast Asia as a key partner for trade, security, and resilience. The reset aims to deepen relationships through practical diplomacy, increased resources, and tangible outcomes such as strategic partnerships with countries like Viet Nam and Singapore. The plan for the year ahead includes turning upgraded agreements into results, building people-to-people ties, and deepening security cooperation to deliver security and prosperity for New Zealanders.

Tags: Simon Bridges Kathleen Morrison Ambassadors High Commissioners Viet Nam Singapore ASEAN Thailand Philippines Malaysia

Foreign Minister Winston Peters Strengthening Partnerships in the UK and Nordic Region

16 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1094 views

Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to the United Kingdom and the Nordic region for diplomatic engagements. In the UK, he will participate in the UK-NZ Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, meet with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, and discuss enhancing cooperation amidst global challenges. In the Nordic countries, Mr Peters will attend the New Zealand-Nordic 5 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to strengthen relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration in various areas.

Tags: Winston Peters Yvette Cooper United Kingdom Nordic region Foreign Minister New Zealand Denmark Finland Iceland Norway

Remembering Jim Bolger: A Legacy of Family, Leadership, and National Identity

16 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1019 views

Jim Bolger's passing is acknowledged with thoughts and condolences for his family. He was a proud Irish Catholic man who valued family and history. Bolger's political career, marked by serving as Prime Minister and advocating for national identity, is recognized.

Tags: Jim Bolger Joan Bolger family Prime Minister New Zealand Irish ancestry Te Kūiti farmer history democratic discussion MMP government

Remembering the Legacy of Jim Bolger: New Zealand's Former Prime Minister

15 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1058 views

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and reform that shaped the nation. Born in Taranaki to Irish immigrant parents, his values of hard work and determination defined his character and leadership style. Bolger served in Parliament for over three decades, leading the country through economic modernization and electoral reforms during his time as Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997.

Tags: Jim Bolger New Zealand Prime Minister leader legacy politician reformer democracy service passing

Remembering Jim Bolger: A Tribute to a Dedicated New Zealand Leader

15 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1004 views

Jim Bolger's passing is marked with condolences for his family. He was a significant figure in New Zealand politics, serving as Prime Minister during a challenging period of transition. Despite policy differences, he led the country's first MMP Government with integrity and dedication, and continued to contribute to New Zealand's interests on the global stage post-politics. His legacy should be one of a devoted New Zealander who served his country with distinction.

Tags: Jim Bolger Joan Bolger New Zealand Prime Minister politics MMP Government coalition integrity New Zealand Ambassador New Zealander

New Zealand Defence Minister to Strengthen Partnerships in Washington DC

15 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 986 views

Defence Minister Judith Collins is traveling to Washington DC for defense and security meetings, emphasizing the importance of defense diplomacy in the current global environment. She will meet with US counterparts, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary for Homeland Security Kristi Noem, to discuss strengthening defense and security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region and enhancing collaboration for a more combat-capable defense force. Ms. Collins aims to share perspectives on the uncertain geostrategic environment and explore opportunities for closer cooperation with the US as New Zealand focuses on bolstering its defense capabilities.

Tags: Judith Collins Defence GCSB NZSIS Washington DC Pete Hegseth Kristi Noem US counterparts collaboration