29 Aug 2026
1 month ago
440 views
Over 53,000 hunting permits have been issued through a new self-service online system, exceeding projections and significantly reducing administrative workload, according to Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager. The digital upgrades streamlined permit regions, extended permit durations, and improved compliance, resulting in a 10% increase in active permits and over $130,000 saved in resources. The system's success reflects efforts to enhance outdoor access for hunters, with plans to expand the online platform to more high-demand areas for fairer allocation next season.
21 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1228 views
The US Supreme Court announcement may impact New Zealand exporters, but significant uncertainty about US tariff policy will likely persist. Despite a 15 percent tariff imposed by the US, New Zealand exports have remained strong, with cost increases often passed on to consumers. New Zealand views the tariff as unjustified given the low average US tariff on their goods and will continue diplomatic efforts to clarify the situation for exporters.
04 Dec 2025
10 months ago
916 views
Minister Brooke van Velden welcomed the Governance and Administration Committee's report on the Online Casino Gambling Bill, highlighting its alignment with government decisions to regulate online gambling and protect New Zealanders from harm. The Committee received over 5,000 submissions, with significant concern about ensuring community returns from gambling revenue continue to support grassroots groups, leading to the recommendation that the Lottery Grants Board manage these funds. The Bill introduces safeguards to reduce gambling harm, addresses concerns about normalization and advertising, and includes a two-year review to monitor the impact on community funding.
21 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2284 views
Regulation Minister David Seymour says that red tape is giving Kiwis serious headaches, and the Red Tape Tipline has received over 750 submissions. “A submitter to the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline has complained that the threshold for probate has not kept up with inflation. This means that more Kiwis have to go through the tedious legal process that is probate, while they are mourning,” Mr Seymour says.