07 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1112 views
Julie Hardaker and Leighton Evans have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board by Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston, bringing legal, regulatory, and governance expertise to the Board. Jane Wrightson has been promoted to Chair of the Board, replacing outgoing chair Gwendoline Keel. The appointments aim to strengthen the Board's decision-making capacity and ensure effective operation in complex situations, with the Board overseeing decisions about the registration and deregistration of over 28,000 charities in New Zealand.
07 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1285 views
The Government of New Zealand is updating the International Screen Production Rebate to enhance the country's competitiveness in the global film and television industry, responding to industry feedback and increasing incentives to attract screen investment. Changes include lowering the minimum qualifying spend for feature films, reducing thresholds for incentives, expanding eligibility for post-production projects, and removing caps on certain costs. These updates aim to diversify the screen economy, strengthen partnerships in growing markets, and support the local industry while attracting new investment and technology.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1069 views
The Leader of the House, Chris Bishop, highlights the significance of the unanimous passing of the Parliament Bill as a crucial constitutional moment. The Bill consolidates and modernizes various legislative acts governing Parliament's operations, including establishing a new funding model, providing statutory powers to Parliamentary Security Officers, and updating the functions of key parliamentary roles. The development and passage of the Bill showcase effective parliamentary collaboration and dedication, with special recognition given to the select committee chaired by Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe and appreciation expressed for all those contributing to New Zealand's democracy through their work in or for Parliament.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1196 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac's progress report against his 2024/25 Letter of Expectations, emphasizing the importance of patient input and transparency in decision-making processes. Pharmac has made strides in meeting expectations, such as enhancing consumer engagement, collaborating with health sector partners, and improving organizational culture and stakeholder sentiment tracking. The report highlights achievements, including increased funding and efforts to deliver better healthcare services for New Zealanders, signaling a positive shift in Pharmac's direction under the current government.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1160 views
The Government is investing $75 million to enhance New Zealand's resilience to infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness through the Infectious Diseases Research Platform hosted by PHF Science. This initiative aims to deepen pandemic preparedness, reduce exposure to future pandemics, and build an agile research and response system. The investment reflects the Government's commitment to long-term, impactful research in collaboration with key health sector stakeholders.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1252 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed funding for critical overdue upgrade programs in Auckland and Wellington's metro rail networks to improve reliability for commuters. The $143.6 million investment from Budget 2025 includes $94.2 million for Wellington and $49.4 million for Auckland, addressing crucial renewals like track and infrastructure replacements, bridge refurbishments, and drainage improvements. The upgrades aim to enhance service levels by preparing for the City Rail Link in Auckland and improving network resilience for more frequent trains, with work already underway and set to intensify in the coming months.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1266 views
The Coalition Government has expanded the Gas Security Fund to attract investments that will increase New Zealand's gas supply in the short-, medium-, and long-term to address energy security challenges. The fund will support various projects, including drilling in existing fields, exploration, and storage initiatives, aiming to stabilize supply and manage seasonal demand. The initiative aims to mitigate perceptions of risk in the petroleum sector and promote regional procurement, with investment decisions made jointly by the Ministers for Resources and Finance.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1121 views
Rev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew have been appointed to join Dr Ang Jury on the Independent Children’s Monitor Board, which oversees the Oranga Tamariki system along with the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman. The appointments bring a wealth of expertise to ensure strong governance for monitoring child safety independently, as stated by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. These appointments reflect legislative changes aimed at creating an independent oversight agency for Oranga Tamariki, marking a significant step in the government's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1175 views
New Zealand is excited to welcome the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing the country's food and wine to an international audience and expecting an increase in visitor numbers and economic growth, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Michelin Guide inspectors are already dining anonymously in top New Zealand restaurants, with the first selections and potential star ratings expected next year. The arrival of Michelin is seen as a prestigious accolade that will boost tourism, with an estimated 36,000 more international visitors expected and a focus on promoting New Zealand's culinary excellence on a global stage.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1266 views
The House has approved the appointment of High Court Judge Hon Justice Timothy Brewer as the next Inspector-General of Defence and barrister Natalie Pierce as the Deputy. Justice Brewer, a former Brigadier in the NZ Army, will retire on November 15 and assume the IGD role on December 1. Ms. Pierce, with expertise in criminal law and human rights, will start her role on November 10. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith also acknowledged the contributions of Brendan Horsley, who held the IGD role concurrently with his role as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, in establishing the office and providing oversight.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1164 views
Labour market statistics released today show a slight increase in unemployment to 5.3% in the September quarter, aligning with forecasts. The Finance Minister emphasizes the government's commitment to rebuilding the economy and creating more job opportunities for New Zealanders. Efforts include reducing taxes, boosting investments, and supporting businesses to drive economic recovery and job growth.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1198 views
New Zealand's Resources Minister Shane Jones highlights the country's potential gains from the global interest in gold and minerals, emphasizing the economic opportunities presented by a significant gold discovery in Central Otago. The mining permit granted to Matakanui Gold Limited for the Rise and Shine prospect is expected to create jobs, boost local economies, and generate substantial revenues for the government through royalties and taxes. The government's commitment to utilizing mineral resources for regional development, job creation, and economic prosperity is underscored by the fast-track approval process for mining projects like Bendigo-Ophir and the financing of the Snowy River Gold Mine development by Endura Mining.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1203 views
The Government will invest over $80 million in transformative research projects for New Zealand's economy, health, and environment, led by Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti. The funding includes 107 Marsden Fund projects over three years to support established and emerging scientists in innovative research for lasting benefits. The diverse portfolio of funded projects ranges from cancer treatment advancements to geothermal energy utilization, reflecting the commitment to fostering breakthrough discoveries and driving transformative knowledge for New Zealand's future.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1130 views
The Crown has settled 14 years of negotiations with Ngāti Paoa, acknowledging historical breaches including raupatu and land laws impacting the iwi's development. The settlement includes a financial redress of $23.5 million, cultural redress with 12 significant sites, and agreements with Crown agencies. Ngāti Paoa's engagement in the legislative process and hope for a thriving future were highlighted during the final reading in Parliament.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1241 views
Increased funding under the government has enabled Oranga Tamariki to provide more services to high support needs young people and their families, with an additional 59 placements across 11 community care providers. These services encompass everyday support, access to education, community inclusion, extracurricular activities, and family contact, benefiting the youth immensely. The funding of $99.784 million over four years has allowed for trauma-informed care, specialist disability support, and tools like visual timetables to help these individuals manage and avoid triggers, demonstrating the government's commitment to addressing the needs of these young people and their families.