16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
137 views
Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced the appointment of 12 new King’s Counsel, recognizing their exceptional skill and diverse expertise across areas such as criminal, commercial, environmental, Māori legal issues, and international law. These appointments, selected from over 100 applications, highlight the strength and specialist knowledge within New Zealand’s legal profession. The new King’s Counsel come from varied backgrounds and chambers, reflecting extensive experience in litigation, advocacy, and advisory roles both domestically and internationally.
06 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
265 views
The Government is investing in 12 new permanent classrooms at Wakatipu High School to address Queenstown’s rapidly growing secondary education demand, with construction starting in early 2027 and completion by mid-2028. The expansion includes specialist and general teaching spaces and supports future growth alongside plans for a second secondary school, reflecting a broader commitment to upgrading school infrastructure across New Zealand. Additionally, funding is allocated for a pilot project converting open plan classrooms into enclosed learning spaces at Wakatipu and five other schools to enhance learning environments.
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.
30 Sep 2026
3 weeks ago
272 views
The new Hawke’s Bay Crisis Recovery Café, Te Wāhi Poutoko Hūmārie, will offer a calm, peer-led community space for people needing mental health and addiction support, complementing upcoming peer support services in the Emergency Department. Led by Connect Community Trust and local providers, the café aims to provide faster, more compassionate access to support outside clinical settings, operating initially on weekend evenings. These initiatives build on broader government investments to enhance mental health crisis response, increase frontline workers, and expand support services in Hawke’s Bay.
29 Sep 2026
3 weeks ago
334 views
The New Zealand government has announced $1.7 million in funding for three projects aimed at reducing food waste across households, food production, hospitality, and other businesses over the next three years. These initiatives, including programs led by WasteMINZ, NZ Food Waste Champions 12.3 Trust, and the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, focus on measuring, managing, and minimizing food waste to support emissions reduction and landfill diversion. This investment aligns with national priorities to tackle the estimated 1.2 million tonnes of food wasted annually, helping to expand the impact of successful waste reduction campaigns and practices.
09 Sep 2026
1 month ago
478 views
The New Zealand Defence Force and Ngāti Rangi have signed an agreement to build 50 new homes at Waiouru Military Camp, honoring commitments from the Ngāti Rangi Treaty settlement. This deal includes the sale and long-term leaseback of land and buildings, strengthening the partnership between NZDF and Ngāti Rangi. The homes, aimed at improving soldiers' wellbeing and retention, are expected to be completed by mid-2028 as part of the broader Homes for Families programme.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
473 views
The 2028 PSA Squash World Championships will be held in Auckland, supported by a $1 million investment from New Zealand's Major Events Fund, showcasing top international players at the New Zealand International Convention Centre. This prestigious event, occurring just before squash's Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, aims to boost the sport's profile, inspire local athletes, and enhance New Zealand's reputation as a host for major international sporting events. The championships are expected to attract visitors, stimulate economic activity, and create a lasting legacy for squash in New Zealand.
03 Sep 2026
1 month ago
451 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.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
576 views
The government is intensifying efforts to enforce payment of overdue court fines by conducting a nationwide operation where bailiffs will scan parked cars to identify defaulters, with vehicles subject to clamping or seizure if payments are not arranged. Since trialling this technology in July last year, over 268,000 number plates have been scanned, resulting in more than $4.2 million recovered, numerous payments made on the spot, and hundreds of vehicles clamped, seized, or sold. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to law and order by ensuring fines and reparations are taken seriously.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
547 views
A previously unnamed 1,436-metre mountain near Lake Manapouri in Fiordland National Park has been officially named Mount Kirk in honor of former Prime Minister Norman Kirk. The naming recognizes Kirk's significant political legacy, particularly his commitment to preserving the natural levels of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau and establishing the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau. This decision, confirmed by the New Zealand Geographic Board and Minister Mike Butterick, commemorates Kirk’s lasting impact on New Zealand’s environmental conservation and leadership.
06 Aug 2026
2 months ago
607 views
The Attorney-General emphasizes the fundamental principle of parliamentary sovereignty, asserting that Parliament, as the democratically elected body with institutional expertise, is best suited to make significant public policy decisions rather than the judiciary. She highlights the historical roots of this principle, the distinct roles and expertise of the legislature, executive, and judiciary, and the importance of clear legislative intent to uphold democracy and the rule of law. Using examples like Fitzgerald v Muldoon and climate change litigation, she argues for deliberate, transparent lawmaking and swift legislative responses to judicial developments to maintain parliamentary supremacy.
15 Jul 2026
3 months ago
687 views
The government is investing $35 million in Budget 2026 to expand forensic mental health services, including adding inpatient beds, step-down beds, and increasing prison in-reach and court liaison staff to improve access and support. This funding builds on the previous year’s $51 million investment, collectively adding 14 new forensic inpatient and step-down beds and boosting frontline workers to enhance rehabilitation and community reintegration. The expanded services aim to reduce delays, improve patient outcomes, and increase safety for staff and communities, with new facilities expected to open in early 2027.
03 Jul 2026
3 months ago
803 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced that all WorkSafe New Zealand inspectors have completed updated machine safety training to improve risk assessment and management. This training was developed in response to feedback from manufacturing businesses about unclear and impractical safety assessments, aiming to provide clearer, more practical guidance focused on real risks. The enhanced training, including workshops like the one at Burnham Military Camp, strengthens inspectors' technical expertise, enabling them to issue specific, effective safety actions that better protect workers and increase confidence in the system.
25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
790 views
Customs Minister Casey Costello warned that young New Zealanders are being exploited by criminal groups to courier drugs, facing severe legal consequences including lengthy prison sentences. Recent arrests highlight ongoing drug smuggling operations, with significant quantities of methamphetamine involved and both locals and foreign nationals apprehended at airports. The Minister urged young people and their families to resist such offers, emphasizing the risks of imprisonment at home and harsher penalties, including the death penalty, in some Southeast Asian countries.
24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
1103 views
Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced that Justice Neil Ross Campbell will become a Judge of the Supreme Court and Justice David Gary Johnstone a Judge of the Court of Appeal, both starting on 16 July 2026. Justice Campbell has a distinguished academic and legal career, including roles as a law professor, Queen’s Counsel, and previous judicial appointments, while Justice Johnstone has extensive experience in criminal law, commercial litigation, and prosecution, with recent appointments as a High Court Judge. Both bring significant expertise from academia and practice, reflecting their progression through New Zealand’s legal system.