23 Oct 2026
1 day ago
60 views
A major upgrade of State Highway 76 Brougham Street in Christchurch is set to move into its second stage of key roading improvements, as a new pedestrian and cycle bridge prepares to open, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. “Downer has been appointed to carry out work on Stage Two of the SH76 Brougham Street Upgrade,” Mr Bishop says. “SH76 Brougham Street is one of Christchurch’s busiest streets and serves as the main freight route to the South Island’s largest port at Lyttelton.
20 Oct 2026
4 days ago
110 views
A Chief Freshwater Commissioner and five freshwater commissioners have been appointed to complete planning work under the Resource Management Act 1991 during the transition to the new planning system. “The appointments ensure the Freshwater Planning Process remains supported with appropriately qualified decision-makers during the transition,” Environment Minister Nicola Grigg says. Retired Environment Court Judge Brian Dwyer has been appointed as Chief Freshwater Commissioner.
20 Oct 2026
4 days ago
117 views
The Government has approved the deployment of New Zealand Army officer Brigadier Grant Motley to the role of Force Commander of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As MFO Force Commander, Brigadier Grant Motley, upon promotion to Major General, will lead nearly 2000 military and civilian personnel from 33 countries. The mission’s role is to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the 1979 Treaty of Peace between Israel and Egypt,” Mr Goldsmith says.
01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
287 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden launched two new Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) to guide the agriculture sector in meeting health and safety responsibilities ahead of amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, effective 1 April 2027. The ACOPs, focusing on roles and responsibilities in agriculture and safe farm vehicle operation, provide practical, sector-specific guidance to clarify duties, manage risks, and support better safety outcomes without creating new legal obligations. Following their introduction, these ACOPs may gain safe-harbour status, offering businesses a recognized standard for compliance, with WorkSafe supporting their implementation across New Zealand farms.
11 Sep 2026
1 month ago
361 views
The completion of Auckland's City Rail Link marks a historic turning point after 150 years of planning and attempts to establish a central railway through the city, reflecting the enduring belief that transport unites urban communities. This achievement honors the thousands of workers, apprentices, and businesses involved, and joins a legacy of ambitious New Zealand infrastructure projects that fuel growth and connectivity. Looking ahead, the focus shifts from whether to build to what to build next, as future generations will continue expanding Auckland’s rapid transit network and the country's development.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
416 views
Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has appointed Christopher Morris as a District Court Judge, with his swearing-in scheduled for 22 October 2026 in Auckland. Mr Morris is an experienced sole practitioner in Auckland, formerly a partner at Cook Morris Quinn, and has worked extensively in criminal, regulatory, and civil law. His career includes roles at Bell Gully Buddle Weir, Meredith Connell, and the Crown Law Office, with appearances in high-profile trials and courts up to the Privy Council.
28 Aug 2026
1 month ago
485 views
The New Zealand Government is funding a $4.6 million research project, led by agritech company Hectre, to develop hyperspectral imaging technology that non-destructively assesses the internal quality of apples in packhouses. This innovation aims to improve detection of defects and fruit maturity in real-time, enhancing storage, packing, and export decisions to reduce waste and boost fruit quality. The project targets at least 80% detection accuracy by 2027 and seeks to strengthen the apple industry's productivity, export performance, and global competitiveness.
25 Aug 2026
2 months ago
497 views
The Government will cap council rates increases at 4 percent to keep rates affordable and ease cost-of-living pressures, requiring councils to limit annual increases within a 2-4 percent target range starting from July 2027 and fully effective by July 2029. Exemptions to the cap will be allowed only in exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters or justified financial management needs, with councils required to consult their communities before setting rates. An independent regulator will oversee compliance, assess exemptions, advise on target ranges, and support councils during implementation, while water services remain regulated separately.
20 Aug 2026
2 months ago
506 views
The New Zealand government announced reforms to drone regulations aimed at boosting agricultural productivity by reducing red tape and simplifying certification for routine drone spraying operations. These changes will allow farmers to use drones for pesticide and fertiliser application with only prior notification to the Civil Aviation Authority, cutting costs and delays while maintaining safety and environmental protections. The reforms, effective mid-2027, aim to enhance competitiveness with international farmers by enabling more efficient, cost-effective drone use in agriculture.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
593 views
The Government has approved a reset of the Kāinga Ora Arlington development to deliver 104 new social homes in central Wellington, with construction expected between 2027 and 2029, and will provide up to $6 million to Wellington City Council to support housing services for vulnerable people. The redesigned project replaces a previously paused, costly plan of 301 apartments, aiming for a more cost-effective approach with a mix of one-, two-, and four-bedroom homes, funded through Kāinga Ora’s renewals programme. Additionally, part of the Arlington site may be returned to the Council for further housing development, maximizing the use of the site and supporting community housing initiatives.
06 Aug 2026
2 months ago
760 views
New Zealand is launching industry-led, future-focused secondary school subjects from 2029 to better align education with emerging job markets in sectors like manufacturing, energy, health, and tourism. These subjects, developed with industry input and valued equally to traditional subjects, aim to equip students with practical skills and clear pathways into trades, university, or employment, supported by a $15 million investment. The initiative fosters student engagement by connecting learning to real-world careers, benefiting both employers seeking skilled workers and students preparing for rewarding futures.
31 Jul 2026
2 months ago
592 views
Hon Paul Davison KC KSO has been appointed as the Independent Redress Officer for a five-year term starting 1 August 2026, tasked with determining financial redress applications from survivors of abuse in State care who are serious offenders, as well as exemption applications from terminally ill survivors. Hon Davison, a former High Court judge with extensive legal experience, has previously served in significant inquiry roles and developed a compassionate redress framework for survivors of abuse at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the importance of this independent role and thanked Hon Davison for accepting the position.
30 Jul 2026
2 months ago
721 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced new hazardous substances regulations effective today that provide tailored safety requirements for laboratories, reducing unnecessary compliance costs while maintaining strong safety standards. The 2017 regulations had imposed industrial-level requirements on laboratories, leading to impractical and costly renovations estimated between $1.5 billion and $3 billion, with some rules potentially compromising safety. The updated regulations introduce a dedicated compliance pathway with risk management plans and an Approved Code of Practice developed with industry, supporting science and innovation while ensuring health and safety protections.
21 Jul 2026
3 months ago
710 views
The Ministry for Women’s BoardConnector database, which links women with governance opportunities, has more than doubled its growth target with over 349 new registrations, now totaling more than 1,140 members. The database supports women at various stages in their governance journey by providing access to information, development opportunities, and board vacancies, contributing to the government’s goal of 50 percent female representation in Crown appointments. Recent successful appointments from the database demonstrate its impact in promoting women’s leadership across public and private sector boards in New Zealand.
06 Jul 2026
3 months ago
775 views
New Zealand exporters are experiencing significant growth in India ahead of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) coming into force, with export volumes rising due to increased demand for high-quality products like apples and kiwifruit. The FTA will immediately eliminate tariffs on 57% of exports, providing substantial financial benefits to growers and expanding opportunities in forestry, wool, wine, services, and tourism sectors. Trade Minister Todd McClay emphasizes that early exporter engagement and timely ratification of the FTA will enhance access and boost New Zealand’s trade success with India.