09 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1075 views
New Zealand is overhauling its Resource Management Act 1991 with a new planning system designed to simplify consents, speed up infrastructure and housing development, and strengthen property rights while protecting the environment. The reforms include fewer, faster plans, clearer national direction, mandatory regional spatial plans, and a new Planning Tribunal to reduce red tape and improve accountability, aiming to boost GDP by up to $3.1 billion annually by 2050. The government plans to introduce the bills to Parliament soon, with national policy direction and standards to follow, inviting public consultation through the Select Committee process.
08 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1156 views
New rule changes reduce sampling and testing requirements for small-scale meat processors, lowering costs while maintaining high food safety standards. These adjustments, developed after consultation with micro operators, aim to ease barriers for small businesses and support local food supplies without compromising safety. The government is committed to balancing oversight with practicality to foster innovation and help primary industries succeed.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1046 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced new appointments to the Public Health Advisory Committee, including Dr. Caroline McElnay as Chair and Professor Peter Crampton as Deputy Chair, along with new members Professor Paula Lorgelly, Associate Professor Kaaren Mathias, and Professor Matire Harwood. The Committee provides independent advice to the Government on public health issues and strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders. Members will serve two- or three-year terms starting 1 December 2025, supporting the Government's commitment to accessible, quality public health services and prevention-focused care.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1117 views
The nationwide Top Up campaign, launched in August to promote the Five Ways to Wellbeing, has reached over 3.2 million New Zealanders and attracted 115,000 website visitors in four months, exceeding expectations. The campaign encourages simple, evidence-based daily actions to boost mental health and aims to shift the focus from crisis to prevention, supported by government funding for community initiatives. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey highlights the strong public engagement as a positive step toward reducing stigma and fostering proactive mental wellbeing across all communities.
25 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1142 views
Defence Minister Judith Collins inaugurated a $58 million Army maintenance support facility at Burnham Military Camp, enhancing equipment repair capacity and safety, delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. Construction also began on an $82.7 million multi-functional regional supply facility at Burnham, which will serve as a modern logistics hub and provide around 600 jobs during its development. Both facilities are part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s Consolidated Logistics Project, aimed at upgrading logistics infrastructure across Burnham and Linton Military Camps to support operational readiness and personnel.
17 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1165 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is seeking public feedback on proposals to reduce commercial fishing risks to the northern hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) population, following an emergency three-month set-net fishing closure around Otago Peninsula. Proposed measures include extending the closure long-term, banning set-netting between Karitāne and Hampden, and implementing a Fishing-Related Mortality Limit with an escalating response framework to minimize bycatch. The consultation, open until 12 December 2025, aims to balance hoiho conservation with the interests of commercial fishers and other stakeholders.
14 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1208 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
2256 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
1186 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.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1301 views
New Zealand is implementing tougher enforcement against drug-impaired drivers by introducing roadside drug testing for THC, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine using oral-fluid devices. The initiative aims to reduce the 30% of road deaths involving impairing drugs and improve road safety. Police will conduct quick roadside screening tests, followed by laboratory analysis for positive results, leading to driving prohibitions and infringement notices for non-compliance.
09 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1200 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.
09 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1120 views
The New Zealand Government, led by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, has approved a comprehensive action plan to combat the increasing harm caused by methamphetamine in society, with a focus on reducing crime victimization. Key initiatives include a nationwide media campaign, increased funding for community services, and enhanced enforcement measures to disrupt organized crime networks. Additional funding will support offshore liaison positions, money laundering teams, and community-led responses to combat the harms of meth and organized crime.
03 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1139 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.
12 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1251 views
The Government is expanding its trial of clamping or seizing cars of individuals who fail to pay court fines, having already returned over $225,000 and seized 115 vehicles. The initiative aims to enforce payment of court fines effectively, with 982 people identified as having overdue fines or reparations, resulting in 278 immediate payments and 127 setting up payment arrangements. The success of the trial has led to the recovery of funds and the decision to expand the program, with plans to increase the number of number plate scanners in operation nationwide.
09 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1518 views
Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka announces new regulations for managing methamphetamine residue in rental properties to provide clarity and safety for both tenants and landlords. The rules establish contamination thresholds, procedures for testing and decontamination, and guidelines for handling abandoned goods in affected properties. Extensive consultation with experts and stakeholders has informed the development of these regulations, which are set to take effect next year to improve safety and transparency in the rental market.