16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
193 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden launched a new Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) to guide businesses and workers on health and safety responsibilities in New Zealand's residential construction sector, effective from April 1, 2027. Developed with industry input, the ACOP clarifies roles and coordination among multiple trades on site, aiming to improve safety outcomes without imposing new duties, and may provide safe harbour status after reapproval. WorkSafe will assist industry in implementing the ACOP, which sets a practical, sector-specific standard to manage risks and enhance compliance amid upcoming legislative changes.
14 Oct 2026
1 week ago
190 views
The Government has designated two Aquaculture Settlement Areas in Marlborough to enable iwi participation in the region’s expanding open ocean aquaculture industry while negotiations under the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act continue. These areas, totaling nearly 6,000 hectares, will support future marine farming projects subject to regulatory approval without affecting current fishing activities. The initiative aims to boost the local economy through export income, job creation, and sustainable seafood production, aligning with the broader goal of reaching $3 billion in annual aquaculture revenue by 2035.
09 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
262 views
From 2027, Massey University’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science programme will increase funded domestic places from 125 to 140 annually to help meet future demand for veterinarians, announced Minister Penny Simmonds. To accommodate this, the university will reduce international student intake from 50 to 35, with the government providing a $6 million grant over five years to offset lost international fee revenue. This initiative aims to strengthen New Zealand’s veterinary workforce and is funded through reprioritised existing tertiary education budgets, with final decisions by the Tertiary Education Commission.
09 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
290 views
The Government is proposing updates to New Zealand's Simply Safe & Suitable food control plan to simplify food safety obligations by reducing paperwork, focusing on key risks, and using clearer, business-friendly language. Key changes include less testing and record-keeping, a modular template tailored to operations, and clearer links between hazards and corrective actions, alongside recent measures like free online training and eased rules for certain food businesses. Consultation on these proposals runs until 15 November 2026, with further reforms such as ongoing registration expected by mid-2025.
09 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
278 views
An investigation has been initiated to assess whether Christchurch planning rules hinder new housing, economic growth, and redevelopment of the former Apollo Projects Stadium site. This follows a request from Christchurch City Council Mayor Phil Mauger to amend the District Plan for the 4.93-hectare site now that the new stadium, Te Kaha, is operational. The investigation, using powers under the Resource Management Act, aims to ensure planning rules support city growth by removing provisions that negatively impact development and employment.
08 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
291 views
The Government has completed the largest overhaul of national direction under the Resource Management Act, introducing new National Environmental Standards for Electricity Network Activities (NES-ENA) and Telecommunication Facilities (NES-TF) to streamline and standardize rules, making it faster and more affordable to build and upgrade infrastructure. These reforms replace outdated, inconsistent planning requirements with clearer, nationally consistent rules that facilitate routine maintenance, upgrades, and the rollout of modern technologies like 5G, while reducing unnecessary consenting costs and delays. The changes, informed by extensive consultation, serve as a bridge to the new planning system and aim to support housing, infrastructure, energy, and primary sectors with improved environmental and development outcomes.
06 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
383 views
The Queenstown Cable Car project by Southern Infrastructure Limited has secured an initial $265 million private lending agreement with Private Capital Group, funded partly through the Government’s Active Investor Plus visa program. This cable car aims to connect key areas in Queenstown, providing a rapid public transport solution to alleviate road congestion amid the region’s rapid growth. The project exemplifies the government’s strategy to attract international investment for infrastructure development, leveraging private capital and innovative funding to address New Zealand’s infrastructure challenges.
02 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
380 views
Targeted amendments to New Plymouth’s District Plan will simplify building and development processes by removing unnecessary consenting requirements and planning barriers, thereby supporting economic growth and reducing costs. Following an investigation under the Resource Management Act 1991, which included public consultation and feedback, the government identified provisions negatively impacting development and decided to proceed with practical changes to various planning controls. These changes aim to improve planning system efficiency, maintain environmental safeguards, and foster investment and employment, with regulations currently being drafted for Cabinet approval.
01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
254 views
Enzed Energy has submitted a second application for a petroleum exploration permit targeting the Toutouwai prospect in the offshore Taranaki Basin, signaling growing confidence in New Zealand's energy sector following the repeal of the offshore exploration ban. The government has opened a competitive process for a 2400 sq km permit area, with applications due by January 18, 2027, and will assess candidates based on technical, financial, and compliance criteria. Natural gas remains vital for New Zealand's energy security and economic resilience, and renewed exploration efforts aim to unlock new resources and support growth.
01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
287 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden launched two new Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) to guide the agriculture sector in meeting health and safety responsibilities ahead of amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, effective 1 April 2027. The ACOPs, focusing on roles and responsibilities in agriculture and safe farm vehicle operation, provide practical, sector-specific guidance to clarify duties, manage risks, and support better safety outcomes without creating new legal obligations. Following their introduction, these ACOPs may gain safe-harbour status, offering businesses a recognized standard for compliance, with WorkSafe supporting their implementation across New Zealand farms.
01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
410 views
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced changes to Wellington’s district plan to remove heritage listings from the Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct, and Miramar oil tank, while modifying height limits in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area to enable increased development. These changes aim to support investment, housing, and job creation, potentially allowing 550 additional apartments, generating $200 million, and creating around 1,400 jobs through construction and commercial activities. The former General Headquarters Building’s heritage listing will remain, and the reforms follow extensive investigation, consultation, and consideration of economic and heritage impacts.
30 Sep 2026
3 weeks ago
293 views
New Zealand's Planning Act and Natural Environment Act have received Royal assent, replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 and establishing a new planning system aimed at simplifying development, enhancing environmental management, and providing greater certainty for communities and investors. The new system emphasizes upfront decision-making through national policy direction, consistent standards, and long-term regional spatial planning to guide growth, protection, and infrastructure over the next 30 years. Implementation will involve collaboration with councils, iwi, and stakeholders, supported by digital tools and a dedicated website, with key milestones including finalizing policy direction by 2027 and full system operation by 2030.
30 Sep 2026
3 weeks ago
359 views
Auckland’s new transport governance reforms, effective from tomorrow, restore democratic accountability by shifting most local transport functions from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council, enabling elected members to directly influence and be responsible for transport decisions. The changes also empower local boards with new responsibilities and establish the Auckland Regional Transport Committee to coordinate long-term planning between central and local government. Mayor Wayne Brown emphasizes that these reforms allow practical, accountable decision-making to improve transport efficiency and support the city’s growth, while Auckland Transport will focus on delivering public transport services.
29 Sep 2026
3 weeks ago
269 views
Cabinet has approved tougher penalties and new offences to combat the illicit tobacco trade, addressing issues like unlawful packaging and increasing fines up to $200,000. These changes will support agencies such as Health New Zealand, Customs, and Police in disrupting organized crime linked to illegal tobacco, with prison terms for smuggling raised from six months to seven years. The amendments aim to protect legitimate businesses, safeguard tax revenue, and strengthen enforcement under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990.
11 Sep 2026
1 month ago
387 views
New Zealand's manufacturing sector has expanded for 14 consecutive months, with growth spreading across all main industry groups and regions, as reflected in the BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) reading of 53.1 for August. Increased new orders and solid production indicate positive momentum, supported by government initiatives like the Investment Boost to enhance productivity. Despite global uncertainties, New Zealand manufacturers are outperforming major economies, contributing significantly to employment, GDP, and exports while receiving strong governmental support.