09 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1326 views
Resources Minister Shane Jones welcomes the sale of Matahio Energy’s New Zealand assets to Sunda Energy as a positive sign of growing international interest and investment in the country’s petroleum sector. The transaction includes established onshore oil and gas operations in Taranaki and supports economic resilience, energy security, and regional development. Sunda Energy will now seek regulatory approvals, with the deal reflecting confidence in New Zealand’s oil and gas future and the importance of revitalizing proven assets.
09 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1174 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced that replacement of the aging SH36 Hauraki Stream Culvert between Tauranga and Rotorua will begin this month, with completion expected by early 2027. The $10-12 million project, led by Isaac Construction Ltd, uses prefabricated components to deliver a wider, stronger bridge as part of the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), which prioritizes upgrading nine bridges and culverts, with five more recently added. This initiative reflects the government's focus on maintaining critical state highway infrastructure to support freight, tourism, and community connectivity across New Zealand.
08 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1166 views
The New Zealand Government is enhancing access to eating disorder support by introducing peer support workers across regional services and increasing funding by $4 million annually to reduce wait times and improve early intervention. Peer support workers, who have lived experience with eating disorders, are being implemented to aid recovery, alongside expanded support for families and carers through organizations like Eating Disorders Carer Support and the Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand. This initiative aims to strengthen community support networks and ensure timely, comprehensive care for individuals and their families affected by eating disorders.
08 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1129 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomes recent announcements by the United States and Iran as positive steps toward ending the conflict. He acknowledges the ongoing efforts of Pakistan, Turkiye, and Egypt in seeking a resolution and highlights the broad impacts of the conflict, including on New Zealand and the Pacific region. New Zealand commits to supporting all initiatives aimed at achieving a lasting and durable ceasefire in the coming days and weeks.
07 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1294 views
The Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawkes Bay will begin pre-construction work supported by an $18.13 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to enhance water storage and security. The project aims to enable irrigation of up to 22,000 hectares, create 300 construction jobs, and boost the region’s annual GDP by up to $693 million by supporting horticulture, seed production, and pastoral farming. By storing 104 million cubic meters of water, the facility will address water scarcity in one of New Zealand’s driest regions, promoting long-term economic growth and resilience.
06 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1051 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will visit Washington D.C. this week to engage in face-to-face meetings amid what he describes as New Zealand's most challenging global context in 80 years. During his visit, he will meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others to discuss cooperation in the Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions, as well as significant international issues like the Middle East conflict. These discussions aim to advance New Zealand’s diplomatic, security, and economic interests while fostering mutual understanding of priorities.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1141 views
The New Zealand Government will introduce a Bill to amend the Crown Pastoral Land Act and Land Act, allowing high country farmers more flexibility to diversify activities on Crown pastoral land, including horticulture, hospitality, and renewable energy projects. These changes aim to boost economic productivity, create jobs, and increase returns for taxpayers while maintaining strong environmental protections and pastoral farming as the primary land use. The Bill also reduces administrative burdens, clarifies permitted activities, and provides a pathway for exceptional land use changes, supporting modern, productive farming businesses in the South Island.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1199 views
The New Zealand Government will introduce a Bill to amend the Crown Pastoral Land Act and Land Act, allowing high country farmers greater flexibility to diversify activities on Crown pastoral land, including horticulture, hospitality, and renewable energy projects. These changes aim to boost economic productivity, increase returns for taxpayers, support job creation, and strengthen regional economies while maintaining environmental protections and pastoral farming as the primary land use. The Bill also reduces administrative burdens, clarifies permitted activities, and establishes a process for exceptional land use changes, encouraging modern, productive farming businesses in the South Island.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1213 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford emphasizes the Government’s priority to keep schools open and students learning amid fuel supply challenges, aiming to avoid the damaging effects of past lockdowns. The Ministry of Education is actively assessing individual school needs, monitoring fuel impacts, and collaborating with sector groups to provide targeted support and maintain critical services like transport and heating. Schools, families, and communities are working together, with many schools already planning responses and improving fuel efficiency, while the Ministry continues to develop practical solutions based on ongoing consultations.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1137 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Heather Simpson as Deputy Chair of Antarctica New Zealand, recognizing her extensive governance experience and strategic understanding of Antarctica's importance to New Zealand. Ms. Simpson, a board member since 2024, has contributed to supporting research, environmental stewardship, and oversight of the Scott Base Redevelopment Project. Her new role will involve assisting the Chair and Board in navigating a strategically and operationally challenging period, effective from April 1, 2026.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1216 views
Racing Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the passing of legislation to end greyhound racing in New Zealand, citing serious animal welfare concerns and overwhelming parliamentary support for the bill. The government will establish a transition agency to oversee the wind-down of the industry, support dog rehoming, and assist affected workers with retraining and wellbeing services. The ban will take effect from August 1, 2026, ensuring a responsible and compassionate phase-out aligned with global trends away from the sport.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1557 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the successful renewal of the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement, ratified by NZEI members, which includes cumulative pay increases of around 4.6-4.7% by January 2027 for primary teachers. The agreement also resolves a longstanding inequity by raising the value of primary teaching units from $4,500 to $5,500 by October 2028, achieving parity with secondary teachers. Stanford emphasized the importance of primary teachers’ dedication to education and committed to providing ongoing support and resources to enhance student achievement.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1055 views
The latest Annual Report on the Child and Youth Strategy highlights a significant reduction in youth offending, with serious and persistent offenders decreasing by 25 percent since June 2023, surpassing the original 2030 goal. Communities feel safer as young people make better choices, and there has also been a noted reduction in substantiated child abuse and neglect cases. Minister Karen Chhour praises the progress, thanks Oranga Tamariki staff, and emphasizes ongoing efforts to address generational issues and encourage reporting concerns to protect children.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1215 views
Six months after increased government support, over 500 households have been housed through the Housing First programme and more than 280 rough sleepers have moved into transitional housing across major New Zealand cities. Outreach services and housing assistance centres are helping around 45 households monthly transition from rough sleeping to temporary or permanent housing. The government is investing in additional social homes and frontline services to provide stable housing and support, aiming to reduce rough sleeping and create lasting pathways for individuals and whānau.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1400 views
New Zealand’s largest wind farm, the Southland Windfarm developed by Contact Energy, has received fast-track approval, enabling it to generate up to 380 MW and power 150,000 households while creating significant local jobs and economic benefits. The project, spanning 58 km² in eastern Southland, overcomes previous consent challenges through a streamlined Fast-track process designed to expedite critical infrastructure development and support national energy goals. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision for reliable, affordable energy, helping to reduce prices, enhance supply security, and stimulate regional investment and growth.