31 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1259 views
Prime 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.
31 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1250 views
New 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.
30 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1108 views
Defence 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.
30 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1347 views
The 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.
30 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1427 views
Foreign 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.
29 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1468 views
The Government has confirmed the Streamlined Planning Process for Auckland Council's new housing plan, Plan Change 120 (PC120), as requested by the Council. This process allows for the withdrawal of the controversial Plan Change 78 (PC78) and aims to deliver the same housing capacity while enabling greater building heights and density around key stations. The 20-month PC120 process includes public submissions, hearings overseen by a panel, and a focus on ensuring local voices are central to decisions on Auckland's growth.
29 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1336 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and tourism during his visit to Malaysia. Yinson Renewables plans to invest in New Zealand's renewable energy projects totaling around 1GW, with support from Invest New Zealand. Additionally, YTL Corporation Berhad acquired Hotel Indigo in Auckland for $160m, signaling confidence in New Zealand's tourism sector and receiving approvals from the Overseas Investment Office. Luxon also engaged in high-level talks on Indo-Pacific issues, established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, and signed a halal arrangement with Malaysia to boost exports before heading to the Republic of Korea for APEC.
29 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1331 views
Minister Brooke van Velden introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill to address community feedback for local benefit, with a focus on problem gambling prevention. The Bill proposes an increase in the Offshore Gambling Duty to 16%, with 4% earmarked for community returns. A two-year review post-implementation will assess impacts on existing gambling forms and inform future policy adjustments.
29 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1428 views
The speech delivered to the Swedish Institute for International Affairs on October 28, 2025, highlighted the historical and current ties between New Zealand and the Nordic countries, emphasizing shared values and experiences dating back to the 18th century. The discussion focused on the strength of partnerships, shared challenges in a complex world, and the need for collaboration on international law, resilience-building, and innovation to address global issues. The importance of unity, cooperation, and principled values-based partnerships in shaping a positive global order was underscored, emphasizing the potential for small and medium nations to influence world affairs through collective action.
28 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1577 views
The Government is providing an additional $100,000 to Mayoral Relief Funds for Kaikōura and Hurunui communities affected by severe weather, in addition to a $150,000 contribution to Southland and Clutha funds. Each of the Kaikōura and Hurunui districts will receive $25,000 to aid in response and recovery efforts. The Ministry for Primary Industries is also contributing $25,000 to each district to support rural sector recovery efforts.
28 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1098 views
Minister Scott Simpson is traveling to Canberra and Sydney to enhance New Zealand's partnerships with Australia, focusing on regulatory approaches, financial competition, and consumer protection. In Canberra, he will meet with Australian government officials to deepen cooperation and explore ways to promote fairer markets and economic growth. The Minister's agenda also includes engagements with the National Anti-Scam Centre, the Australian Banking Association, and Google to advance anti-scam initiatives and strengthen consumer protections in digital environments.
27 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1554 views
The Government is providing $150,000 in total to assist Clutha and Southland communities affected by severe weather, with $75,000 allocated to Southland and $25,000 to the Clutha District Council Mayoral Relief Fund for immediate needs. The Ministry for Primary Industries is contributing an additional $50,000 through the Mayoral Relief Fund to aid the rural sector in recovery efforts. The medium scale adverse event classification allows for further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief, Rural Assistance Payments, and activation of Enhanced Taskforce Green, with affected individuals encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust for assistance.
26 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1212 views
European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and New Zealand's Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay adopted a joint declaration to enhance bilateral trade and reduce costs during the NZ-EU Trade Committee meeting in Queenstown. They emphasized the importance of deepening the trade relationship, addressing non-tariff barriers, and showcasing Kiwi exporters at the NZ-EU Business Summit. The discussions also touched on the EU's Deforestation Regulation, with plans to collaborate on reducing costs and ensuring fair access for exporters under the trade agreement.
24 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1294 views
The Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, has lifted the state of local emergency for most areas in the Canterbury Region, except for Kaikōura District. This decision was made based on advice from the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller. The state of local emergency remains in place for Kaikōura due to ongoing welfare needs and the risk of fires reoccurring, while similar states of emergency continue in the Southland Region and Clutha District.
24 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1287 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.