14 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1220 views
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced that Great South will receive $393,000 to launch a campaign promoting the Southern Way and the region's hospitality to international visitors. The investment aims to showcase the lower South Island's unique experiences, wild beauty, rich flavors, and warm hospitality to new audiences. Led by Great South and regional partners, the campaign will target Australian travelers, particularly those from the Gold Coast, encouraging them to explore iconic destinations like Milford Sound, the Catlins coastline, and Dunedin, while highlighting the region's local events and genuine southern hospitality.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1166 views
Watercare has made a $1 million compensation payment to oyster farmers affected by sewage contamination in Mahurangi Harbour, but more compensation is needed, according to Parliamentary Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft. The payment was a response to a recent sewage overflow incident caused by a power surge, impacting farmers during harvest time. Marcroft urges Watercare to work with Aquaculture NZ to fully compensate farmers for the financial and personal toll of repeated sewage overflows, emphasizing the importance of protecting waterways from pollution.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
2274 views
Tourism Minister Louise Upston is pleased with the growth in New Zealand's overseas visitor numbers, particularly from Australia, which saw a 12% increase in arrivals in September 2025 compared to the previous year. Overall, New Zealand welcomed 248,600 international visitors in September 2025, with significant increases also seen from the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan. The government's efforts to attract more international visitors and boost the tourism industry are reflected in the record-high arrivals in Queenstown and Christchurch, as well as the initiatives such as the Tourism Boost package and the $70 million events and tourism investment package.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1548 views
Construction has commenced on the State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway, a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing resilience and productivity in the region and creating job opportunities. The project includes various upgrades such as four-laning sections, new overpasses, and a bridge, with completion expected by December 2029. The Expressway serves as a vital link connecting Napier and Hastings, facilitating the movement of people and freight, and is crucial for accommodating the region's anticipated growth.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1204 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour expressed disappointment over a drop in attendance rates in the last week of Term 3, attributing it to strike action disrupting learning. The decline in attendance was significant, with almost 20,000 students leaving early, prompting the need for schools to have an attendance management plan in place. Interventions outlined in the plan include escalating responses for declining attendance, with a focus on improving data monitoring and case management to ensure all students have the opportunity for positive educational outcomes.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1162 views
Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has appointed four new members to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Board: Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM, Dr Uluomato'otua Saulaulu Aiono ONZM, Mr Simon Flood, and Mr Michael Chapman. These appointments aim to enhance the TEC Board's capabilities in driving the Government's priorities for the tertiary education system, including regional polytechnic re-establishment and skills-focused investment. The new Board members, appointed for a three-year term, bring diverse expertise to guide the TEC's strategic direction under the continued leadership of Dr Alan Bollard CNZM and Robin Hapi CNZM.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1246 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour is pleased with the passing of the Education Training Amendment Bill (No 2) at third reading, which mandates attendance management plans starting from Term 1 next year. The new STAR system, meaning Stepped Attendance Response, will provide escalating responses for declining attendance, with schools developing their own systems based on a standard framework. The government's focus on improving school attendance is showing positive results, with rising attendance rates and additional funding allocated to enhance attendance services and support students in returning to school.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1254 views
The Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2) has passed its third reading in Parliament, focusing on lifting student achievement, improving education workforce governance, and upholding freedom of expression in universities. Key changes include prioritizing educational achievement for school boards, extending notice period for strike action, implementing attendance management plans, strengthening teacher education requirements, and requiring universities to develop freedom of expression statements. The legislation aims to improve outcomes for young people, enhance academic freedom, and promote critical thinking and diversity in universities.
09 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1203 views
The Government is using seized criminal money to fund a nationwide anti-methamphetamine campaign, aiming to reduce violent crime and support victims. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee emphasizes the destructive impact of meth on families and communities, highlighting the importance of providing help for recovery. The campaign, led by Health New Zealand, is part of a broader effort to combat organized crime, with a focus on cutting off illegal profits and making communities safer.
08 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1185 views
New Zealanders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on managing sika and wapiti deer as the country's first Herds of Special Interest, announced by Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Sika Show in Hamilton. The draft plans propose a new approach to managing wapiti deer in Fiordland National Park and sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks, aiming to allow hunter-led conservation groups to sustainably manage herd numbers and boost economic growth. The plans emphasize the importance of recreational hunting, community stewardship, professional deer control, and conservation values, recognizing hunters as significant conservation assets and inviting public input for achieving better conservation and hunting outcomes.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1246 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed funding for critical overdue upgrade programs in Auckland and Wellington's metro rail networks to improve reliability for commuters. The $143.6 million investment from Budget 2025 includes $94.2 million for Wellington and $49.4 million for Auckland, addressing crucial renewals like track and infrastructure replacements, bridge refurbishments, and drainage improvements. The upgrades aim to enhance service levels by preparing for the City Rail Link in Auckland and improving network resilience for more frequent trains, with work already underway and set to intensify in the coming months.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1127 views
The Crown has settled 14 years of negotiations with Ngāti Paoa, acknowledging historical breaches including raupatu and land laws impacting the iwi's development. The settlement includes a financial redress of $23.5 million, cultural redress with 12 significant sites, and agreements with Crown agencies. Ngāti Paoa's engagement in the legislative process and hope for a thriving future were highlighted during the final reading in Parliament.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1189 views
A new dialysis unit in Blenheim, Marlborough eliminates the need for patients to travel to Nelson for treatment, thanks to collaboration between Marlborough Primary Health and Health New Zealand. The facility, developed with community support and advocacy, will initially operate three days a week with plans for expansion. This initiative aims to provide patient-centered care, bringing services closer to home and reflecting the needs of the community while addressing the challenges of chronic kidney disease in the region.
04 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1286 views
Dr Shane Reti has made new appointments to the Pacific Business Trust Board and the Centre for Pacific Languages Board, with Uluomato’otua Saulaulu Aiono appointed as Chair of the Pacific Business Trust Board. Nora Swann and Lanuola Moe-Penn have also joined the Board. Eli Tagi and Dr Rae Si’ilata were reappointed to the Centre for Pacific Language Board, with Dr Polu Apollo Taito as a new member. Dr Reti emphasizes the importance of these organizations in driving economic growth and preserving cultural identity. The appointed individuals bring diverse expertise and community connections to their respective boards, acknowledging the contributions of outgoing members.
03 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1154 views
Health New Zealand is launching a nationwide Measles Immunisation Week to combat rising measles cases, urging all New Zealanders to check and protect their immunisation status. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the MMR vaccine, promote timely immunisation for all ages, and support health sector efforts to prevent measles spread. Free MMR immunisations are available for individuals aged 12 months and older, with additional clinics running throughout the week to facilitate vaccinations.