22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1210 views
Courts Minister Nicole McKee praises the 2025 Court User Survey results, with 82% satisfaction, the highest since 2019, attributing it to staff efforts. Recent court improvements include reducing case backlogs, improving case age, and enhancing efficiency across various court jurisdictions. The focus is on enhancing safety, with high percentages feeling safe in courthouses, and upcoming plans include digital systems and expanded magistrate roles for faster justice delivery.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1806 views
An Iwi - Crown partnership in Kaikohe will deliver 100 affordable rental homes, providing stability and pride for whānau while creating local jobs and opportunities. The Bisset Road development, backed by Government and Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi funding, will address housing challenges and improve health outcomes for the community. This project is part of the larger Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga initiative aiming to develop over 400 affordable rentals for Māori by 2027, showcasing successful collaboration between Iwi and Government in creating sustainable housing solutions.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1310 views
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announces changes to support business growth and capital markets in New Zealand. The Government is adjusting climate reporting regulations to reduce costs and encourage listings on the NZX. Changes include raising the reporting threshold, adjusting liability settings, and excluding managed investment schemes. These adjustments aim to ensure robust reporting, maintain market competitiveness, and provide clearer information on investments for KiwiSaver and managed funds.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1215 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.
21 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1202 views
The Government has passed the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill to enhance protection for individuals in state care, aligning with recommendations from the Royal Commission. Changes in the legislation include eliminating strip searches of young people in secure residential care, clarifying time limits for placements, introducing new search powers in youth justice facilities, and preventing individuals with overseas convictions from working with children. The amendments also address record-keeping challenges for survivors and extend monitoring powers to improve practices, with a commitment to further progress in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
21 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1235 views
The Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill passed its first reading, focusing on recognizing abuse in care experiences and providing redress through financial payments, apologies, access to care records, and counseling services. The Bill introduces a framework for independent consideration of financial redress for survivors who have committed serious offenses, aiming to prevent the scheme from being brought into disrepute. The Bill has been referred to the Social Services and Community Select Committee for further review, encouraging input from survivors, advocates, and other stakeholders.
21 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1334 views
A Crown facilitator will assist Waitaki District Council in amending and resubmitting its water service delivery plan under the Local Water Done Well legislation, as requested by the Secretary for Local Government. The focus is on including an assessment of the condition, lifespan, and value of the district's water networks to ensure fair and transparent costs for infrastructure upgrades. The Council must conduct an asset condition assessment and update its plan by June 30, 2026, with the appointment of a Crown facilitator expected by mid-November to provide expertise and tools for this process.
21 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1208 views
The Government is introducing the Expanded New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) to assist 12,000 students with high and complex additional needs starting from Term 1 next year. This resource aims to provide clear guidance and evidence-based practices for teachers in delivering curriculum-aligned teaching, particularly in English and Mathematics. Developed in collaboration with the Specialist Education Principals’ Association of New Zealand, the Expanded NZC ensures that learners' needs are recognized and supported for their progress and achievement.
21 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1265 views
Courts Minister Nicole McKee is pleased with the 20% decrease in the backlog of criminal cases in the District Court since April 2023, equivalent to around 1,700 cases, under the government's efforts to prioritize timely justice for victims. The improvement is attributed to a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies and the judiciary, with initiatives like the District Court Timely Justice Programme enhancing court system efficiency and performance. The focus on reducing delays in court processes aligns with the government's commitment to providing faster access to justice and making a tangible impact on the criminal justice system.
21 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1446 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced the opening of Sisters United Academy in Term 1 2026 as a charter school, focusing on personalized education for Pasifika girls. The school will offer tailored curriculum, including traditional activities and Pasifika languages, with a mix of learning opportunities such as internships and overseas study. Charter schools aim to provide innovative, community-driven educational approaches with a focus on flexibility, accountability, and student success.
20 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1378 views
The Government's Roads of National Significance programme is advancing to the next phase with nearly $1.2 billion in combined funding, aiming to address New Zealand's infrastructure deficit and stimulate job growth. The NZ Transport Agency has endorsed investment cases for various projects, including the Northland Expressway, East West Link, Hamilton Southern Links, Petone to Grenada, and Cross Valley Link, among others. These projects will undergo design, route protection, site investigations, and property acquisition, with a focus on delivering travel time reductions, safety improvements, and economic benefits across different regions.
20 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1204 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford has launched the Curriculum Roadshow for Leaders to support school leaders in leading curriculum change nationwide. The program emphasizes collaboration, leading through changes, and sharing best practices to implement a strengthened national curriculum effectively. The initiative includes expert insights, practical strategies, and resources to aid in implementing curriculum changes, with a staged release plan for different learning areas leading up to 2030's goal of 80% Year 8 students achieving at or above curriculum expectations.
20 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1150 views
The Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research, with Agriculture Minister Todd McClay highlighting the opening of a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in Waikato. Livestock Improvement Corporation's new 'Methane Barn' will facilitate large-scale monitoring of methane produced by dairy cows, allowing farmers to select lower-emitting genetics without compromising productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop up to 11 methane-cutting tools by 2030, emphasizing the commitment to reducing emissions without jeopardizing farm operations or jobs.
20 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1170 views
Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop welcomes latest figures showing inflation within Reserve Bank's target range, with annual CPI inflation rising from 2.7% to 3% in the year to September 2025. Expectations are for inflation to decline towards 2% in the first half of next year, easing pressure on households and businesses. Top contributors to the annual increase were electricity (up 11.3%) and local authority rates and payments (up 8.8%), emphasizing the need for increased electricity supply and competition and the impact of local government rates on New Zealanders' finances.
20 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1631 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced the opening of the New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa (NZPAA) as a charter school for athletes in Term 1 2026. The school aims to support students with serious sporting aspirations by providing both athletic training and academic education. The academy will initially focus on elite football and rugby union training, with plans to expand to other sports based on student needs, and will offer a nationally recognized curriculum alongside world-class athletic development.