Articles tagged with Advisory Group

Showing 15 of 27 articles

Southland Counsellor Kathryn Wright Joins Minister’s Arms Advisory Group

03 Sep 2026 | 5 days ago | 135 views

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee welcomed Kathryn Wright, a Southland-based registered counsellor and rural mental health practitioner, to the Minister’s Arms Advisory Group (MAAG), highlighting her valuable experience with Mental Hunts, a charity supporting firearms users in rural communities. Wright’s expertise in mental health and understanding of the firearms community will aid in developing a firearms system that balances safety with fair treatment of licensed owners. Appointed for a three-year term starting August 2026, Wright replaces two non-firearm-owning members and brings a strong background in counselling and community engagement to the advisory group.

Tags: Nicole McKee Kathryn Wright Paul Goldsmith Catherine Stephenson Mental Hunts University of Otago Minister’s Arms Advisory Group New Zealand Association of Counsellors Justice Minister

New Zealand Launches Chief Executive Board to Tackle Organised Crime and Trafficking

02 Sep 2026 | 6 days ago | 163 views

The New Zealand Government is establishing a multi-agency Chief Executive Board (CEB) on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) to enhance coordination and oversight in combating organised crime, with Minister Casey Costello designated as the lead. Alongside this, a standalone Trafficking in Persons Action Plan has been introduced to strengthen prevention, victim support, and enforcement against various forms of trafficking occurring within the country. These initiatives aim to protect vulnerable people, improve inter-agency collaboration, and make New Zealand a more difficult environment for organised crime and human trafficking networks.

Tags: Casey Costello Transnational Serious Organised Crime TSOC Methamphetamine Action Plan Chief Executive Board Trafficking in Persons New Zealand Ministerial Advisory Group Comptroller of Customs Commissioner of Police

New Zealand's Aged Care Reform: Expert Report Guides Future Policy and Funding

17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 310 views

The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) has released an independent report with 40 recommendations to reform New Zealand’s aged care system, aiming for an integrated, sustainable, and fair model that better meets future needs. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello emphasized the outdated funding model and the government’s commitment to carefully consider the report’s advice to improve policy and funding decisions. The government has already invested $446 million over the past three years to support the sector’s sustainability and operational improvements while further reforms are developed.

Tags: Ministerial Advisory Group aged care Casey Costello New Zealand Government Ministry of Health aged care reform funding model health services population aging

NZ Government Reviews Ministerial Advisory Group Report to Reform Aged Care System

17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 279 views

The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) has released an independent report with 40 recommendations to reform New Zealand's aged care system, addressing outdated funding models and aiming for an integrated, sustainable, and accessible system. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello emphasized the government's commitment to carefully consider these recommendations to improve care quality, funding sustainability, and system navigation as the population ages. The government has already increased sector funding by $446 million over three years and directed the Ministry of Health to develop advice supporting future policy and funding decisions.

Tags: Ministerial Advisory Group Casey Costello aged care New Zealand Government Ministry of Health funding model aged care reform health services population aging

New Zealand Manufacturing Leads Economic Growth with 1.9% Rise in Q1 2026

18 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 604 views

New Zealand's manufacturing sector led economic growth in the March 2026 quarter, expanding 1.9 percent and significantly contributing to the country's 0.8 percent GDP growth. This growth was driven by innovative firms like Dawn Aerospace, Rocket Lab, and Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, reflecting strong productivity and forward orders. The government supports this sector through initiatives like the Investment Boost, aiming to enhance productivity and sustain manufacturing's role in New Zealand's economic recovery.

Tags: Cameron Brewer Dawn Aerospace Rocket Lab Fisher and Paykel Healthcare New Zealand Manufacturing GDP Small Business Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Manufacturing Productivity Advisory Group

New Zealand Manufacturing Leads Economic Growth with 1.9% Rise in Q1 2026

18 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 592 views

New Zealand's manufacturing sector led economic growth in the March 2026 quarter, expanding 1.9 percent and driving a 0.8 percent overall GDP increase, with strong performance in transport equipment and machinery manufacturing. Key firms like Dawn Aerospace, Rocket Lab, and Fisher and Paykel Healthcare are spearheading innovation and productivity, supported by government initiatives such as the Investment Boost to encourage capital investment. Manufacturing, contributing around 8 percent of GDP and employing over 220,000 people, is central to New Zealand's economic recovery and future growth strategy.

Tags: Cameron Brewer Dawn Aerospace Rocket Lab Fisher and Paykel Healthcare New Zealand Manufacturing Small Business Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Manufacturing Productivity Advisory Group Investment Boost

New Zealand’s Science Investment Plan 2026-2036 to Boost Innovation and Growth

09 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 1004 views

The New Zealand Government’s Science Investment Plan outlines a decade-long strategy to leverage public science funding for economic growth, resilience, and global competitiveness by focusing on four priority areas: primary industries and bioeconomy, technology for prosperity, environmental sustainability, and healthy people and society. The plan emphasizes shifting $122 million toward advanced technologies to boost productivity, innovation, and sustainability without reducing overall science funding, ensuring continuity for existing research contracts. Research Funding New Zealand will develop detailed Pillar Investment Plans by September 2026, guided by expert advisory groups, to implement these priorities effectively.

Tags: Penny Simmonds Prime Minister’s Science Innovation and Technology Advisory Council Research Funding New Zealand New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology Science Investment Plan Science Innovation and Technology Minister PMSTIAC New Zealand Government Research Funding New Zealand Pillar Advisory Groups

Government Invests $260K to Boost Rural NZ Resilience and Preparedness

09 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 547 views

The Government has launched three initiatives totaling $260,000 to enhance the preparedness and resilience of rural communities through strengthening Rural Advisory Groups, supporting Taskforce Kiwi volunteers, and developing rural leadership skills. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson emphasized the importance of proactive investment in capacity-building to help rural areas effectively respond to and recover from adverse events. These efforts aim to support farmers, protect food supplies, and foster stronger, well-prepared rural communities before crises occur.

Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Regional community resilience Rural Advisory Groups Taskforce Kiwi Agriculture Minister Rural Communities Minister Federated Farmers Beef + Lamb New Zealand DairyNZ

New Tertiary Research Excellence Fund Boosts Innovation and Cuts Red Tape

02 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 610 views

The new Tertiary Research Excellence Fund (TREF) will replace the Performance-Based Research Fund, investing $315 million annually to enhance research capability in New Zealand's tertiary education system with a focus on economic growth and reduced compliance costs. TREF emphasizes impact through metrics like external research income, citations, commercialisation, and policy outcomes, aiming to reward research excellence in a more efficient and responsive manner. Developed with expert advice and sector engagement, the fund’s operational design begins immediately, with phased implementation from 2027 and full alignment by 2029.

Tags: Penny Simmonds Sir Peter Gluckman Tertiary Research Excellence Fund TREF PBRF Tertiary Education Commission New Zealand Cabinet University Advisory Group

Boosting Accessibility: NZ Funds Six Innovative Tech Projects for Disabled People

21 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 635 views

The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha, in collaboration with Creative HQ, has selected six projects for the Access Activator pilot programme to improve accessibility for disabled New Zealanders through technology. These projects, which address needs in street navigation, reading, housing, and sports education, received a total of $405,000 in funding and will be supported with mentoring to maximize their impact. The initiative aims to help disabled people thrive and participate fully in society, reflecting the growing population with disabilities and their valuable contributions.

Tags: Louise Upston Ministry of Disabled People Whaikaha Creative HQ Access Activator Accessibility Advisory Group Access Quest Intermentis Veera People First

New Advisory Group Formed to Guide Government on Family and Sexual Violence Prevention

21 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 709 views

A new Family Violence and Sexual Violence Ministerial Advisory Group has been established to provide expert, lived experience, and community-informed guidance to the government on preventing family and sexual violence. Chaired by Debra Murray, the group includes respected leaders with diverse backgrounds in advocacy, trauma-informed services, and community engagement, focusing on legislative, policy, and strategic improvements. Minister Karen Chhour emphasizes the importance of honest, collaborative advice to address these complex social issues through coordinated, long-term government and community action.

Tags: Karen Chhour Debra Murray Matthew Brown Peter Chamberlain Caroline Herewini Patricia McMurtrie Chrystal Walker family violence sexual violence advisory group

Kelvin Davis Joins Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group to Boost Equity

19 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 673 views

Education Minister Erica Stanford has appointed Kelvin Davis, a respected Māori leader and former senior Minister, to the Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG), which aims to raise achievement for Māori learners and support the Māori Education Action Plan. The MAG, composed of experienced leaders like Chair Will Workman and others with strong backgrounds in Māori education, will contribute specialist knowledge toward the Government’s six education priorities and report directly to the Minister over a two-year term. Ms Stanford emphasizes collaboration with Kaupapa Māori education leaders to identify shared priorities and improve equitable outcomes in the education system.

Tags: Erica Stanford Kelvin Davis Will Workman Olivia Hall Georgina Kingi Turi Ngatai Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group Te Matakahuki Dame Georgina Kingi

Government to Amend 19 Laws for Clear, Consistent Treaty of Waitangi References

14 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 737 views

The Government has agreed to amend 19 pieces of legislation to ensure clear and consistent references to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, replacing vague terms with specific language or repealing some references. Following a comprehensive review, the Government decided to standardize references to “take into account” as the highest requirement and prefers using both the Treaty of Waitangi and te Tiriti o Waitangi in relevant provisions. This initial step includes ongoing consultations with Iwi and a full select committee process to allow public input.

Tags: Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith Government Justice Minister Advisory Group Conservation Act Iwi legislation review te Tiriti o Waitangi

New Zealand’s Science and Innovation Reforms Driving Agritech and Bioeconomy Growth

01 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 899 views

The speech highlights New Zealand’s critical economic transition and the government’s commitment to modernizing the science, innovation, and technology system to better connect research with commercial success, particularly in agrifood, agritech, and deep-tech sectors. Key reforms include prioritizing mission-led research aligned with national goals, increasing investment in advanced technologies like AI and synthetic biology, simplifying funding structures, and fostering stronger collaboration between science, industry, and capital. These efforts aim to boost economic resilience, global competitiveness, and sustainable growth by leveraging New Zealand’s natural strengths and emerging technology opportunities.

Tags: Craig Piggott John Roche Halter AgResearch Prime Minister PMSITAC New Zealand Science Advisory Group MPI NZTE

Pharmac's Deal with Medtronic to Save $1.2M Annually on Drug-Eluting Stents

26 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 950 views

Pharmac has proposed a provisional agreement with Medtronic New Zealand to supply 65% of drug-eluting stents to public hospitals, potentially saving $1.2 million annually while ensuring access to high-quality stents. The proposal, developed with input from the Interventional Cardiology Advisory Group, aims to improve procurement efficiency and collaboration between Pharmac and Health New Zealand. Public consultation is open until April 28 to gather feedback from healthcare professionals and stakeholders before finalizing the deal for implementation starting June 2026.

Tags: David Seymour Pharmac Medtronic New Zealand Health New Zealand Interventional Cardiology Advisory Group Associate Health Minister public hospitals Principal Supply Status Pharmaceutical Schedule