28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1129 views
The nationwide Top Up campaign, launched in August to promote the Five Ways to Wellbeing, has reached over 3.2 million New Zealanders and attracted 115,000 website visitors in four months, exceeding expectations. The campaign encourages simple, evidence-based daily actions to boost mental health and aims to shift the focus from crisis to prevention, supported by government funding for community initiatives. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey highlights the strong public engagement as a positive step toward reducing stigma and fostering proactive mental wellbeing across all communities.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1324 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced the completion of reforms to Early Childhood Education (ECE) licensing criteria, reducing and simplifying requirements by nearly 20% to lower compliance costs while maintaining child safety. The changes, based on sector feedback, aim to remove unnecessary red tape, improve clarity, and introduce a new Director of Regulation to oversee licensing, enforcement, and support with a collaborative approach. These reforms, effective April 2026, are designed to make it easier to open and operate high-quality ECE centers, increasing parental choice and access.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1171 views
A new action plan led by Auckland’s government and council aims to make the city centre safe, welcoming, and vibrant by supporting vulnerable populations, increasing police presence, and improving public spaces and services. Key initiatives include adding social housing, outreach for rough sleepers, enhanced enforcement against criminal behavior, and regular maintenance of cleanliness and safety in public areas. The plan emphasizes collaboration among multiple agencies to boost confidence, economic activity, and community well-being as major projects and tourism increase in Auckland.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1181 views
Minister for Regulation David Seymour highlights that cutting red tape in New Zealand has generated significant economic benefits, with a return of $11–$17 for every dollar spent, totaling an estimated net public benefit of $223 million to $337 million over 10 years. Examples include lifting bans on medical conferences and revoking unnecessary sector-specific regulations, which have already brought millions in benefits and promise ongoing savings across various industries. The government aims to continue reducing unnecessary regulations to boost productivity, economic growth, and public value through practical reforms and improved regulatory standards.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1109 views
New Zealand and Australia have committed $10 million over five years to support PACER Plus, aiming to enhance export capabilities, diversify trade, attract investment, and boost labor mobility in Pacific countries. This new investment, announced five years after the agreement took effect, underscores ongoing commitment to regional trade growth, economic integration, and prosperity. The PACER Plus Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme facilitates implementation, harmonizes trade infrastructure, and maximizes business opportunities across member nations.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1201 views
The Government and Waiohua-Tāmaki iwi have signed agreements to develop at least 628 homes as part of the Carrington Residential Development in Mt Albert, contributing to a wider 4,000+ home project. This development, on land acquired through the Land for Housing Programme, will include a mix of market, affordable, and social housing alongside amenities such as a supermarket, cafes, and public transport access. Supported by various government initiatives and infrastructure investments, the project aims to address Auckland’s housing needs while promoting sustainable community growth.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1229 views
Health New Zealand will invest $27.1 million over three years to expand stem cell transplant services, addressing critical delays and increasing capacity by 27–38% to save more lives. This funding supports hiring 79 new staff, expanding hospital beds, upgrading infrastructure, and introducing a digital tool for better transplant scheduling nationwide. These efforts build on a prior $6.11 million boost and aim to provide timely, life-saving treatment for patients with blood cancers and related conditions across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
892 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced new appointments to the Hauora Māori Advisory Committee, naming Tā Mark Solomon as permanent Chair and three members for three-year terms starting December 1, 2025. The Committee, established under the Healthy Futures Act, advises the Minister on Māori health matters and plays a key role in improving Māori health outcomes and ensuring equitable healthcare access. Brown acknowledged the outgoing Chair, Parekawhia McLean, who will continue supporting Māori health through the Health New Zealand Board.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1124 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford welcomed Estonian Education Minister Dr. Kristina Kallas to New Zealand to exchange insights on their high-performing education systems and reforms. They discussed Estonia’s success in achieving strong academic results with equity, particularly in reading, math, and science, and explored Estonia’s AI-Leap programme integrating AI literacy into education. The visit also included meetings with New Zealand education officials and emphasized ongoing collaboration in science, research, and education innovation between the two countries.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1170 views
The New Zealand Government is actively reducing non-tariff trade barriers to support approximately $600 million in exports, boost business growth, and create jobs, with recent successes including expanded market access to China, Korea, and Mexico. Key initiatives such as trade agreements with the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council, and ongoing negotiations with India have contributed to exports surpassing $100 billion for the first time, driven by strong growth in food and fibre sectors. Ministers Nicola Willis and Todd McClay emphasize that improving market access and trade certainty is essential for sustaining economic momentum, supporting jobs, and doubling export value within the next decade.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1203 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has presented Health New Zealand’s Annual Report and issued a Letter of Expectations emphasizing the need to devolve decision-making closer to frontline services while maintaining national planning and meeting government health priorities. The letter outlines key focuses such as strengthening primary care, growing the health workforce, improving infrastructure, and ensuring efficient, transparent operations with strong governance and accountability. Brown stresses the importance of reducing bureaucracy, improving recruitment, meeting health targets, and delivering timely, accessible care to achieve better patient outcomes.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1325 views
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has approved a Fast-track residential and retirement development in Riverhead, Auckland, by Rangitoopuni Developments Limited, which includes 208 residential allotments, a 296-unit retirement village, public amenities, and wetland protection. The project is expected to inject $708 million into Auckland’s economy and create over 7,000 jobs during its nine-year development. This marks the sixth housing project approved through the Fast-track system, which has now seen 24 projects referred by the Minister for Infrastructure to address housing and infrastructure needs.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1164 views
A $1.6 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support a new solar project to strengthen electricity supply for the remote Māori community of Horeke in Northland, benefiting around 100 households, five marae, and one school. The upgrade will address frequent power outages, reduce reliance on diesel and gas, and enable economic growth through eco and cultural tourism. The grant, provided to the Utakura 7 Incorporation trust, will fund construction and network improvements to enhance energy security and support essential services, especially during extreme weather events.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1133 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins announced a Public Inquiry into whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the Phillips children during their nearly four-year disappearance. The Inquiry, led by Justice Simon Moore KC, will be conducted privately to protect the children's welfare and will exclude findings on judicial decisions. A final report with recommendations is expected by 21 July 2026.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1189 views
Rodger Finlay has been appointed Chair of the Reserve Bank, continuing his leadership since August 2023, while Rhiannon McKinnon joins the Bank’s Board for a five-year term. These appointments are part of a broader refresh of the Reserve Bank, which includes new leadership, committees, and a focus on increased accountability, transparency, and banking competition. Both appointees bring extensive experience in governance and financial management, supporting the Bank's statutory responsibilities and government expectations.