12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1216 views
Starting from February 1, 2026, New Zealanders will have the option to receive 12-month prescriptions for their medications, aiming to save costs and enhance convenience for those on long-term treatments. This change, introduced in Budget 2025, allows stable patients to obtain longer prescriptions, reducing the need for frequent doctor visits and potentially saving up to $105 annually in GP fees. Additionally, the government is removing ownership restrictions for pharmacists to become prescribers, enabling more accessible care and innovation in the healthcare system.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1148 views
The Medicines Amendment Bill in New Zealand has lifted the prohibition on advertising medicines at medical conferences and trade shows, signaling the country's readiness for business, according to Regulation Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown. This change is expected to inject cash into local economies through the Red Tape Tipline and provide Kiwis with increased access to needed medicines. The move is projected to generate $90 million in revenue over the next few years, attracting major medical conferences to New Zealand and fostering economic activity.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1145 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes the passing of the Medicines Amendment Bill, which introduces the 'Rule of Two' for faster approval of medicines with recognition from two overseas jurisdictions. The streamlined verification pathway aims to increase access to medicines for New Zealanders, starting with countries like Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The government prioritizes improving patient outcomes by enhancing access to medicines through initiatives like increased Pharmac funding, patient input in funding decisions, and efficient regulatory processes.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1237 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
1242 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.
03 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1193 views
The Government is addressing issues in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) to improve teacher quality and restore trust. Recent reports have highlighted deficiencies in teacher training, with many new teachers lacking confidence in subject content and teaching approaches. Legislative changes will transfer professional standard setting functions from the Teaching Council to the Ministry of Education to ensure stronger oversight and clearer policy direction in ITE.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1304 views
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announces changes to support business growth and capital markets in New Zealand. The Government is adjusting climate reporting regulations to reduce costs and encourage listings on the NZX. Changes include raising the reporting threshold, adjusting liability settings, and excluding managed investment schemes. These adjustments aim to ensure robust reporting, maintain market competitiveness, and provide clearer information on investments for KiwiSaver and managed funds.
17 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1404 views
The Government, led by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson, is expanding the surcharge ban to include foreign-issued cards and commercial cards, aiming to simplify transactions for businesses and consumers. The Retail Payment System (Ban on Merchant Surcharges) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading, prohibiting surcharges on in-store EFTPOS, Visa, and Mastercard payments. The ban, set to be implemented within a month of passing the Bill, aims to save businesses up to $90 million annually and prevent surprise costs for Kiwi shoppers at payment terminals.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1304 views
The Government, led by Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee, is urgently suspending recognition of unsafe international adoptions to protect children and young people. The Adoption Amendment Bill has been introduced to immediately suspend New Zealand's recognition of risky overseas adoptions, citing inadequate safeguards in current laws. The temporary suspension, effective until a specified date or July 1, 2027, aims to prevent harm to children adopted into unsafe situations, with plans for a long-term solution and exemptions for countries with safe adoption practices.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1367 views
The Government's Local Water Done Well legislation aims to provide safe, reliable, and financially sustainable water services to local communities across the country. The legislation focuses on ensuring financial sustainability, oversight, and accountability in water service delivery, with the Commerce Commission overseeing economic regulation to ensure fair pricing and quality infrastructure. Councils are encouraged to submit water services delivery plans that meet the requirements and provide flexibility to make arrangements best-suited for their communities, ultimately benefiting Kiwis with improved water services.
26 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1522 views
The Government is implementing new regulations to ban prolonged tethering of dogs, citing concerns about the negative impact on dog health and behavior. The rules target owners who do not provide sufficient exercise for their dogs, with exceptions for certain situations like working dogs. The changes, effective from 25 September 2025, aim to improve animal welfare and have received strong public support.
22 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1540 views
The passing of the Public Works Act Amendment Bill will expedite critical infrastructure projects, aiming to address New Zealand's infrastructure deficit by streamlining land acquisition processes. The new accelerated process offers incentives and recognition payments to landowners, while also introducing a faster objections resolution mechanism. The Government plans to further modernize the Public Works Act to improve landowner engagement, disaster recovery support, and overall efficiency in delivering public infrastructure projects.
21 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1735 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has appointed four new members to the Employment Relations Authority [ERA] and reappointed two Members to ensure a better balance of public and private sector experience among ERA members. The new members, Simon Greening, William Fussey, Alyn Higgins, and Robert Davis, bring valuable legal expertise and experience to the ERA. These appointments aim to shift the mix of experience towards 60% private and 52% public, reflecting the employment landscape in New Zealand. Additionally, policy changes in the Employment Relations Amendment Bill are underway to address issues such as poor employee behavior and clarify employment arrangements.
19 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1650 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour highlights that Medsafe has been improving its efficiency in approving new medicines, with significant reductions in evaluation timeframes for both innovative and generic medicines. The implementation of initiatives like the Rule of Two and leveraging AI technology are expected to further expedite the approval processes. The focus is on ensuring faster access to vital medications for New Zealanders, with a commitment to a regulatory system that prioritizes timely approval without compromising safety.
14 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1614 views
The Government's second RMA Amendment Bill has passed into law, aiming to drive economic growth and job creation by removing roadblocks and cutting red tape in various sectors, such as infrastructure, housing, farming, and emergency management. The Bill introduces changes to streamline consent processes for renewable energy, boost housing supply, and reduce red tape for the primary sector. It is part of a broader three-phase RMA reform program, with the full replacement for the RMA expected to be in effect by 2027.