29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
640 views
The Government has surpassed its 2023 election commitment by delivering over 3,000 additional social homes in Auckland ahead of schedule, with a focus on meeting the needs of those requiring one- and two-bedroom properties, particularly in South and West Auckland. Kāinga Ora and Community Housing Providers contributed significantly to this achievement, which forms part of more than 8,400 new social homes delivered nationwide since November 2023. Ongoing investments through Budgets 2024 to 2026 aim to sustain a long-term pipeline of quality, fit-for-purpose social housing across New Zealand.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
632 views
The Government has accepted all 63 recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19, aiming to provide timely, targeted support and release key pandemic advice within five working days in future crises. It acknowledges past mistakes, including prolonged restrictions and misallocated funds, and commits to restoring fiscal discipline while reviewing the Health Act to balance public health, the economy, and individual rights. Emphasizing transparency and trust, the Government has proactively released all COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group advice and pledges to strengthen New Zealand’s resilience to future shocks.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
725 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey launched Auckland's third mental health co-response team to provide timely, appropriate support for people in mental distress, reducing reliance on criminal justice responses. These teams, comprising police and mental health workers, operate during peak demand times and have already shown positive outcomes, including fewer emergency department referrals and increased wraparound support. Funded by a $28 million Budget 2025 investment, the initiative aims to roll out 10 such teams nationwide to improve crisis response for 111 mental health calls.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
743 views
New Zealand has granted its first new offshore petroleum exploration permit since reversing the ban, awarding Australian company EnZed Energy a 12-year permit for a 546 sq km area east of the Kupe gas field in the Taranaki Basin. This move signals renewed investor confidence and aims to address declining natural gas reserves, which have dropped 23% to the lowest level in over two decades, emphasizing the importance of exploration for future energy security. The government highlights that natural gas remains crucial for electricity generation and industry, and exploration is essential to assess New Zealand’s remaining resource potential.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
621 views
The speech emphasizes New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Pacific parliamentary cooperation, democratic governance, and regional collaboration through face-to-face dialogue and shared values. It highlights the critical and challenging role of elected representatives, particularly women, in addressing regional issues like security and development, while encouraging increased female participation in politics. Finally, it underscores the significance of the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and New Zealand’s role in chairing it, calling for inclusive input to advance shared Pacific priorities.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
676 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $800,000 to upgrade Tourism New Zealand’s systems, making local tourism services more accessible and visible through AI search tools. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy and personalization of holiday planning by making tourism data AI-ready and expanding the AI travel assistant with detailed regional information. The investment supports goals to boost tourism exports by 2034, increase international visitors to pre-pandemic levels by 2026, and grow tourism-related jobs and economic growth.
28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
764 views
The Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill passed today enhances the existing Act by simplifying processes, broadening eligible projects, and allowing operational costs to be funded through levies, addressing previous barriers that limited its use. This legislation enables private investment to fund essential infrastructure, such as roads and water services, with repayments made via levies on benefiting properties, thereby supporting housing growth and economic development. The changes aim to accelerate infrastructure delivery, provide greater certainty for developers, and ensure that growth is sustainably funded, aligning with the Government’s broader Going for Housing Growth programme.
28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
702 views
The Government is modernising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to simplify its use, enhance worker protections, and maintain opportunities for New Zealanders and Pacific workers. Key reforms include a graduated accreditation system for employers, clearer rules on recoverable costs, improved flexibility for worker movement between employers, and updated accommodation and pastoral care standards. These staged changes, starting in 2027, aim to sustain the scheme’s success in supporting New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors while strengthening partnerships with Pacific communities.
28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
803 views
The Government is introducing mandatory biosecurity regulations for poultry farms with over 100 birds to manage H5 bird flu, requiring farm-specific plans, record-keeping, and audits to protect livelihoods and food supply. These regulations, approved by Cabinet and developed with industry cooperation, aim to enhance on-farm readiness and provide flexibility in managing infection risks while ensuring humane practices. The new rules, supported by industry feedback, will be implemented by the end of 2026 to safeguard poultry, trade, wildlife, and public health.
28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
859 views
The Government is introducing mandatory biosecurity regulations for poultry operators with over 100 birds to manage H5 bird flu, requiring farm biosecurity plans, record-keeping, audits, and clear response strategies. These regulations aim to enhance on-farm readiness, protect farmers' livelihoods, secure the domestic food supply, and mitigate risks from widespread infection in wild birds. Developed in collaboration with industry and supported by MPI, the regulations will be finalized and implemented by the end of 2026.
28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
617 views
Auckland barrister Paul Collins has been confirmed as the new Judicial Conduct Commissioner, succeeding retiring Alan Ritchie. With nearly 40 years of legal experience, Collins has specialised in legal profession regulation and professional disciplinary matters, practicing at Shortland Chambers since 2011. He will begin his role in the coming weeks after receiving a warrant from the Governor-General.
28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
545 views
Auckland barrister Paul Collins has been confirmed as the new Judicial Conduct Commissioner, succeeding retiring Alan Ritchie. Collins brings nearly 40 years of legal experience, specializing in legal profession regulation and professional disciplinary matters, with a background including senior roles at Glaister Ennor and Shortland Chambers. He will begin his appointment soon after receiving a warrant from the Governor-General.
28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
633 views
The Attorney-General has extended the deadline for the Public Inquiry into the disappearance of the Phillips children by one month to clarify a specific matter, without changing other terms of reference. The Inquiry, praised for its thorough report and careful consideration of the children’s welfare, submitted its initial findings on 21 July. The Attorney-General will review the final report for potential redactions before presenting it to the House of Representatives.
28 Jul 2026
3 months ago
705 views
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the appointments of Nick Wells and Rick Witana to the Waitangi Tribunal, replacing Dr Paul Hamer and Basil Morrison, who are stepping down after long service. Wells and Witana bring extensive expertise in governance, law, Iwi leadership, and Crown–Māori relationships, enhancing the Tribunal's work. Both new members will serve three-year terms, with Wells succeeding Hamer and Witana succeeding Morrison.
28 Jul 2026
3 months ago
677 views
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has confirmed the reappointments of Dr Charlotte Severne as Māori Trustee, Hinerangi Edwards to the Poutama Trust Board, and Brian Morris to the Te Māngai Pāho Board, ensuring continuity in governance across Māori land, economic development, and broadcasting. Each appointee brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to advancing Māori land management, enterprise growth, and the promotion of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. Their leadership is expected to sustain the organisations' efforts in supporting Māori landowners, economic initiatives, and cultural broadcasting.