Latest News & Articles
Showing 15 of 2372 articles
New Zealand's Aged Care Reform: Expert Report Guides Future Policy and Funding
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 310 viewsThe Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) has released an independent report with 40 recommendations to reform New Zealand’s aged care system, aiming for an integrated, sustainable, and fair model that better meets future needs. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello emphasized the outdated funding model and the government’s commitment to carefully consider the report’s advice to improve policy and funding decisions. The government has already invested $446 million over the past three years to support the sector’s sustainability and operational improvements while further reforms are developed.
Tags: Ministerial Advisory Group aged care Casey Costello New Zealand Government Ministry of Health aged care reform funding model health services population agingNZ Government Reviews Ministerial Advisory Group Report to Reform Aged Care System
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 279 viewsThe Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) has released an independent report with 40 recommendations to reform New Zealand's aged care system, addressing outdated funding models and aiming for an integrated, sustainable, and accessible system. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello emphasized the government's commitment to carefully consider these recommendations to improve care quality, funding sustainability, and system navigation as the population ages. The government has already increased sector funding by $446 million over three years and directed the Ministry of Health to develop advice supporting future policy and funding decisions.
Tags: Ministerial Advisory Group Casey Costello aged care New Zealand Government Ministry of Health funding model aged care reform health services population agingForestry Minister Appoints Facilitator to Support Tairāwhiti Forestry Sector Progress
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 262 viewsForestry Minister Todd McClay has appointed Doug Leeder as a Facilitator to advise the Government on addressing forestry challenges in Tairāwhiti, focusing on consenting complexities and land use changes. The government aims to reset the relationship between Gisborne District Council and stakeholders to support sustainable forestry management, jobs, and local businesses while ensuring compliance measures are workable and proportionate. Building on the progress of the Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group, the Facilitator will help accelerate clean-up efforts, improve collaboration, and guide decisions to benefit forestry, the environment, and the community.
Tags: Todd McClay Doug Leeder Gisborne District Council Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group TFAG Forestry Minister Bay of Plenty Regional Council Local Government New Zealand forestry sector land use changeGovernment Launches Detailed Business Case for New Waitematā Harbour Crossing
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 258 viewsThe New Zealand Government will lead a Detailed Business Case (DBC) for an additional Waitematā Harbour Crossing, focusing on funding, financing, delivery, and integrating innovative proposals, with oversight by a Senior Responsible Owner reporting directly to Ministers. Cabinet has agreed to commission a further study on the Meola Reef option, involving Auckland Council, and will consider a market-led proposal for upgrading the existing bridge as part of the DBC process. The project aims to address significant traffic and economic constraints of the current Auckland Harbour Bridge, ensuring thorough analysis, stakeholder consultation, and sound governance to deliver a successful, large-scale infrastructure solution by 2027.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Watts Auckland Harbour Bridge Waitematā Harbour Crossing New Zealand Transport Agency Meola Reef Auckland Council Senior Responsible Officer Market Led Proposal Auckland Mayor BrownGovernment Launches Detailed Business Case for Waitematā Harbour Crossing Project
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 261 viewsThe New Zealand Government will lead a Detailed Business Case (DBC) for an additional Waitematā Harbour Crossing, evaluating funding, delivery, and options including a tunnel preferred by NZTA, with oversight by a Senior Responsible Owner reporting directly to Ministers. Cabinet has agreed to further study the Meola Reef option if Auckland Council is interested and will also consider a Market-led Proposal for innovative bridge upgrades as part of the DBC. The government emphasizes careful planning, broad consultation, and strong governance to ensure the project's success, aiming to address capacity constraints and economic impacts while avoiding past megaproject pitfalls.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Watts Auckland Harbour Bridge Waitematā Harbour Crossing New Zealand Transport Agency Meola Reef Auckland Council Senior Responsible Officer Auckland Mayor BrownThailand Prime Minister Anutin Visits New Zealand to Boost Trade and Partnership
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 309 viewsThailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit New Zealand from August 20-22, accompanied by key Thai business leaders, to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations and launch the New Zealand-Thailand Strategic Partnership. The partnership aims to strengthen trade and business ties, with a goal of tripling two-way trade by 2045, building on nearly NZ$4.8 billion in trade as of March 2026. During his visit, Anutin will engage in bilateral talks and business meetings to enhance cooperation on prosperity, regional stability, and combating transnational crime.
Tags: Anutin Charnvirakul Christopher Luxon Winston Peters Todd McClay Thailand New Zealand ASEAN trade diplomacyNew Zealand to Simplify Residential Solar Installation with Faster, Cheaper Approvals
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 288 viewsThe New Zealand Government has committed to implementing recommendations from the Ministry for Regulation’s Sector Review Report to simplify and accelerate approvals for residential and small to medium scale solar panel installations, reducing costs and wait times significantly. Key changes include legalizing plug-in solar systems for renters, streamlining inspection and approval processes, exempting certain installations from resource consent, and cutting red tape to encourage wider solar adoption. These reforms are expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, increase solar uptake, and empower Kiwis to better manage their energy use and costs.
Tags: David Seymour Simeon Brown Ministry for Regulation New Zealand solar panel installation residential solar small to medium scale solar energy policy Regulation MinisterNew Zealand to Simplify and Speed Up Residential Solar Panel Approvals
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 275 viewsThe New Zealand Government has committed to implementing recommendations from the Ministry for Regulation’s Sector Review Report to simplify and reduce the cost and time of residential and small to medium scale solar panel installations, including legalizing plug-in solar systems for renters and apartment dwellers. These changes aim to cut approval times drastically, lower compliance costs, and remove barriers such as resource consent requirements, potentially saving consumers thousands of dollars and accelerating solar adoption. Energy Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that these reforms will empower Kiwis to harness solar energy more easily, reduce power bills, and support the growing uptake of rooftop solar technology nationwide.
Tags: David Seymour Simeon Brown New Zealand Ministry for Regulation solar panels residential solar small to medium scale solar energy policy solar installation$250,000 Emergency Waste Funding for Councils Affected by Severe Weather
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 236 viewsMinister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced $250,000 in emergency waste funding for five councils affected by severe weather in early 2026, supplementing $130,000 allocated to other councils impacted in October 2025. This funding supports councils in managing waste from flood damage, fallen trees, and repairing waste infrastructure, enabled by recent changes to the Waste Minimisation Act allowing the Waste Disposal Levy to cover emergency waste costs. The recipients include Gisborne, Manawatū, Ōtorohanga, Thames-Coromandel, and Whangarei councils for 2026 events, and Ruapehu, Clutha, and Gore councils for 2025 events.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Gisborne District Council Manawatū District Council Ōtorohanga District Council Whangarei District Council Ruapehu District Council Clutha District Council Gore District Council Minister for the Environment$250,000 Emergency Waste Funding for Councils Affected by Severe Weather
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 245 viewsMinister Nicola Grigg announced $250,000 in emergency waste funding for five councils affected by severe weather in early 2026, supplementing $130,000 allocated in October 2025. The funding supports councils in managing waste from flood damage, fallen trees, and repairing waste infrastructure, enabled by changes to the Waste Minimisation Act allowing the Waste Disposal Levy to cover emergency waste costs. Councils receiving funds include Gisborne, Manawatū, Ōtorohanga, Thames-Coromandel, Whangarei, Ruapehu, Clutha, and Gore districts.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Gisborne District Council Manawatū District Council Ōtorohanga District Council Whangarei District Council Ruapehu District Council Clutha District Council Gore District Council Minister for the EnvironmentConstruction Begins on New Resilient Mangati Bridge Replacement on SH39
16 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 253 viewsConstruction has begun on a permanent two-lane replacement for the Mangati Bridge on State Highway 39, with completion expected in early 2027. The new bridge, built higher and stronger by Oxcon, will improve resilience to flooding and extreme weather while maintaining traffic flow via a temporary bridge during construction. The $12.5 million project, funded by NZTA’s emergency works budget, aims to restore safe and reliable access on this vital route between Taranaki and Auckland.
Tags: Mangati Bridge State Highway 39 SH39 Ōtorohanga Pirongia Chris Bishop Oxcon Waikato Taranaki AucklandNew Zealand Tourism Recovers Strongly with June Visitor Arrivals at 95% of 2019 Levels
14 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 259 viewsNew Zealand's tourism recovery is strong, with international visitor arrivals in June 2026 reaching 95% of June 2019 levels and totaling 201,900 arrivals, an 8.1% increase from June 2025. Key markets like Australia and China showed significant growth, contributing to an annual total of 3,674,600 overseas visitors, up 9% from the previous year. Despite a global decline in air travel, New Zealand remains a popular destination, supporting economic growth and progress toward doubling tourism export value by 2034.
Tags: New Zealand tourism Louise Upston international visitors Statistics New Zealand China Australia Tourism and Hospitality Minister International Air Transport Association visitor arrivalsFast-Track Approval Granted for Foxton 220MW Solar Farm Powering 47,000 Homes
14 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 279 viewsA 220 MWp solar farm near Foxton, Genesis Energy’s eighth renewable project, received Fast-track approval, promising to generate 345 GWh annually—enough to power 47,000 homes—and create around 100 construction jobs. This project will enhance regional economic growth, improve local water quality by reducing nitrogen leaching, and contribute to New Zealand’s goal of doubling renewable energy generation by 2050. Fast-track approvals have accelerated 32 projects, adding over 990 MW of new capacity, supporting the government’s aim for abundant, affordable, and reliable renewable power amid rising electricity demand.
Tags: Genesis Energy Mr Bishop Mr Jones Mr Brown Foxton Solar Farm New Zealand renewable energy 2050 goal expert panelsGovernment and Partners Invest $700K to Empower Auckland Youth Through Polyfest Program
14 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 292 viewsThe Government, alongside Rangitāmiro Limited and One Foundation Limited, is investing $700,000 to support The Polyfest Trust's three-month leadership and mentoring programme for over 350 Auckland youth aged 12 to 24. The initiative, integrated with the ASB Polyfest Māori stage, aims to develop participants' leadership, goal-setting, and decision-making skills while preparing them for future education, training, and employment opportunities. Emphasizing culture and community, the programme fosters confidence, identity, and long-term success through personalised mentorship and engagement plans.
Tags: Polyfest Trust James Meager Youth Development Partnership Rangitāmiro Limited One Foundation Limited ASB Polyfest Youth Minister Kapa Haka Nationals International Youth Day Pacific cultural festivalsNew Zealand Launches Revised National Plan to Protect and Sustain Sharks
14 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 285 viewsThe New Zealand Government has approved a revised National Plan of Action to enhance shark conservation and sustainable management, addressing threats such as fishing, pollution, and climate change while integrating tangata whenua perspectives. The plan emphasizes protecting vulnerable shark species, minimizing bycatch through best-practice handling, and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems where at least 113 shark species reside. Developed collaboratively by multiple agencies and stakeholders, this updated plan builds on previous efforts, including the 2014 shark finning ban, and sets clear goals and measurable objectives for 2026.
Tags: Tama Potaka New Zealand National Plan of Action sharks conservation Department of Conservation Fisheries New Zealand shark finning ban tangata whenua marine ecosystems