Articles tagged with Ara
Showing 15 of 206 articles
Government Invests $10M to Upgrade National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty
23 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1175 viewsThe Government is investing over $10 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty, enhancing infrastructure resilience and creating 71 jobs, particularly for Māori youth. The new complex will serve as a cultural, educational, and civil defence hub, preserving the heritage of the Ringatū faith founded by Te Kooti and supporting the broader Māori community. This initiative follows similar investments in other significant marae and aims to strengthen rural marae as vital community assets.
Tags: Shane Jones Tama Potaka Te Kooti Ringatū Rātana Bay of Plenty Wainui Marae Māori Development Regional Infrastructure Fund Ringatū Church IncorporatedNew Cataract and Retinal Surgery Services Boost Eye Care Access in Wellington Region
21 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1129 viewsNew cataract services have launched at Hutt Hospital, providing 20 to 25 surgery sessions monthly to improve local access and reduce waiting times across the Wellington region. Additionally, Kenepuru Hospital is expanding vitreoretinal surgery capacity with two to three extra weekly sessions to address urgent retinal conditions and prevent vision loss. These initiatives aim to treat 300 to 500 more patients annually, enhancing timely care and preserving patients’ independence and quality of life.
Tags: Simeon Brown Hutt Hospital Kenepuru Hospital Wellington Hospitals cataract surgery vitreoretinal surgery Regional Retinal Network Plan retinal detachments elective treatmentNew Zealand and Kiribati Strengthen Pacific Partnership with New Health and Security Initiatives
18 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1245 viewsNew Zealand and Kiribati have strengthened their Pacific partnership by signing a Statement of Partnership that formalizes cooperation in health, labour mobility, and security. During a meeting in Tarawa, they also announced New Zealand’s increased commitments to prevent non-communicable diseases, support maternal and child health, enhance labour mobility programs, and improve water security in Kiribati. This visit highlights New Zealand’s ongoing dedication to addressing Kiribati’s challenges and fostering regional cooperation within the Pacific Islands Forum.
Tags: Winston Peters Teuea Toatu Taneti Maamau New Zealand Kiribati Pacific Islands Forum Tarawa Pacific partnership Labour MobilityKiribati and New Zealand Strengthen Partnership for Sustainable Pacific Future 2026-2030
18 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1358 viewsOn 19 January 2026, Kiribati and New Zealand signed the Te Mauri Dialogue Statement of Partnership, outlining a five-year cooperative framework based on mutual respect, shared Pacific identity, and common goals such as sustainable development, climate change action, and regional security. The partnership focuses on four priority areas: strengthening democracy and values, improving health and wellbeing, enhancing peace and security, and promoting economic prosperity through collaboration and regional integration. Both countries commit to mutual accountability through regular high-level consultations, annual progress talks, and coordinated development assistance aligned with Kiribati’s national plans and regional strategies.
Tags: Winston Peters Teuea Toatu Kiribati New Zealand Te Mauri Dialogue Blue Pacific Continent United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Kiribati 20 Year Vision PACER Plus Biketawa Declaration$450K Boost for Waikato Tourism: New International Autumn Travel Campaign
14 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1159 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced over $450,000 funding for the One Flight campaign to boost international tourism in the Waikato region during autumn, targeting visitors from Australia via direct flights to Hamilton Airport. The campaign, led by Hamilton & Waikato Tourism in collaboration with regional partners, offers new seasonal travel deals and themed itineraries highlighting attractions like the Waikato River Trails, Hobbiton Movie Set, and Waitomo glowworm caves. This initiative is part of a larger $3.69 million Regional Tourism Boost aiming to support local businesses, create jobs, and attract visitors to central North Island destinations in autumn and early winter 2026.
Tags: Louise Upston Waikato Hamilton Airport Hobbiton Movie Set Waitomo Len Lye Centre Hamilton & Waikato Tourism Destination Great Lake Taupō Visit Ruapehu Venture TaranakiGovernment Strengthens Electricity Authority to Ensure Fair Power Prices in NZ
12 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1165 viewsThe New Zealand Government is strengthening the Electricity Authority by amending the Electricity Industry Act to increase penalties for rule-breaking, introduce instant fines for minor breaches, and enhance market monitoring to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. These changes, alongside new appointments to the Authority’s board, aim to address high power bills, improve energy security, and foster a reliable, affordable electricity system. Concurrently, the Government is advancing energy projects and regulatory reforms to support abundant supply and manage risks like dry-year shortages.
Tags: Simon Watts Erik Westergaard Anthony Baldwin Benjamin Bolot Murray Parrish Anna Kominik Lana Stockman Cristiano Marantes Electricity Authority Energy MinisterNew Era for NZ Vocational Education: Regional Polytechnics and Industry Skills Boards Launch
31 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1195 viewsNew Zealand has launched a reformed vocational education system with ten regionally governed polytechnics regaining control over local training decisions and eight new Industry Skills Boards overseeing work-based learning across key sectors. This shift aims to create a more responsive, agile, and accountable system aligned with community needs and industry demands, replacing the previous centralized model. The changes focus on delivering practical skills and qualifications that meet real employment opportunities, marking a significant new beginning for learners, employers, and regional development.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Ara EIT NMIT SIT Toi Ohomai Wintec Unitec MIT Otago PolytechnicHonouring Māori Leaders 2026: Celebrating Excellence in Education, Business & Community
30 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1336 viewsThe New Year 2026 Honours list recognizes Māori leaders for their significant contributions to Māori advancement, education, language revitalization, business, governance, conservation, and community wellbeing across Aotearoa New Zealand. Notable honorees include Rod Drury for services to technology and philanthropy, Leith Comer and Professor Thomas Roa for Māori leadership and language education, and others who have strengthened Māori identity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka emphasizes that these awards reflect the vital role of Māori leadership in fostering a strong, inclusive, and resilient New Zealand.
Tags: Rod Drury Leith Pirika Comer Thomas Charles Roa Rachel Emere Taulelei Christina Cowan Te Warihi Kokowai Hetaraka Waihoroi Paraone Hoterene Roger Bruce Douglas Drummond Lorraine Shirley Eade Hori Te Moanaroa ParataNew Inflight Biosecurity Video Urges Travelers to Protect New Zealand's Environment
29 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1181 viewsBiosecurity New Zealand has released an updated inflight video to inform international passengers about their responsibility to declare or dispose of risk items to protect New Zealand’s primary industries and environment from threats like foot and mouth disease. The video, featuring biosecurity officers and ambassadors, provides clear instructions on completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration and helps airlines comply with the 2023 legal requirement to provide biosecurity information before arrival. Additionally, Biosecurity New Zealand is enhancing border measures by increasing staff and improving airport processing to manage higher passenger volumes during the summer.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Hugh Jackson Grace Rehu Ashton Reiser Biosecurity New Zealand New Zealand Traveller Declaration foot and mouth disease brown marmorated stink bug Biosecurity (Information for Incoming Passengers) Regulations 2023 Auckland AirportSummer Fishery Officer Patrols to Combat Illegal Pāua Poaching and Trade in NZ
27 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1243 viewsFishery Officer patrols will increase over summer to combat the growing problem of illegal pāua poaching and black-market trade, particularly in Wellington and Wairarapa where compliance rates have dropped. Minister Shane Jones urges the public to report illegal activity via the 0800 4 POACHER line and warns against suspiciously cheap pāua sales, especially on social media during peak months. The initiative aims to protect legitimate fishers and pāua stocks by encouraging community cooperation and adherence to fishing rules.
Tags: Shane Jones Fishery Officer pāua poaching illegal trade Fisheries New Zealand Wellington Wairarapa NZ Fishing Rules AppSouth and East Auckland Urgent Care Expands to 24/7 Service by 2026
19 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1511 viewsSouth and East Auckland will soon have extended urgent care services, with Local Doctors Ōtara offering care from 7:30am to midnight starting 17 December and moving to 24/7 from 19 January 2026, while Eastcare will extend hours to 1am from 1 March. These improvements aim to provide timely, accessible, and affordable care close to home, reducing pressure on hospital emergency departments. The changes are part of the Government’s national Urgent Care and After Hours Framework, which seeks to ensure 98% of New Zealanders live within an hour of in-person urgent care and introduces a consistent approach to fees and subsidies.
Tags: Simeon Brown Tāmaki Health Local Doctors Ōtara Eastcare New Zealand Government Whangārei Tauranga Invercargill Lower Hutt DunedinNew Zealand Shortlists Five AI Concepts for $70M National Research Platform
17 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1352 viewsNew Zealand has shortlisted five leading AI concepts to develop a national AI research platform backed by up to $70 million over seven years, aiming to accelerate innovation, strengthen partnerships, and boost high-tech economic growth. The concepts span diverse sectors including healthcare, robotics, creative industries, and primary industries, with each receiving initial funding to develop detailed proposals for final selection in 2026. Additionally, the newly appointed Institute for Advanced Technology Board will guide advanced technology research, supporting long-term economic growth through science reforms and innovation.
Tags: Shane Reti Steve O’Connor Cather Simpson Greg O’Grady Arama Kukutai University of Auckland Wētā FX Victoria University of Wellington University of Waikato University of CanterburyConservation Minister Approves Protection for 80% of West Coast Stewardship Land
11 Dec 2025 | 9 months ago | 857 viewsConservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced that 385 out of 576 stewardship land reclassification proposals on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island will proceed, protecting over 190,000 hectares under the Reserves Act and more than 300,000 hectares under the Conservation Act, with some land added to National Parks or considered for disposal. This significant reclassification, the largest since 1987, aims to provide clarity and certainty for land use, respecting conservation, cultural values, and existing rights such as tourism and mining concessions, while maintaining access for Ngāi Tahu’s pounamu gathering. The process, involving extensive consultation and collaboration with panels and communities, culminates in the creation of new reserves like the 181,000-hectare Tarahanga e Toru Historic Reserve and referrals of key stewardship areas for national park additions to ensure long-term protection.
Tags: Tama Potaka Ngāi Tahu Tarahanga e Toru New Zealand Conservation Authority DOC West Coast South Island Cave Creek Pike River National ParksACC Minister Thanks Outgoing CEO Megan Main for Dedicated Service
10 Dec 2025 | 9 months ago | 924 viewsMinister Scott Simpson thanked outgoing ACC Chief Executive Megan Main for her leadership since 2021, highlighting her extensive public service experience and focus on improving client outcomes. Megan Main chose not to renew her contract after four years, during which she worked to strengthen service delivery amid significant organizational changes. The ACC Board will soon begin recruiting a new Chief Executive to continue restoring the Scheme’s commitment to fast and efficient rehabilitation for injured New Zealanders.
Tags: Scott Simpson Megan Main Accident Compensation Corporation New Zealand Chief Executive Managed Isolation and Quarantine Covid ACC Board public service rehabilitationDuane Kale Appointed Chair of Sport New Zealand to Lead High Performance Sport
10 Dec 2025 | 9 months ago | 884 viewsDuane Kale ONZM has been appointed Chair of Sport and Recreation New Zealand, bringing extensive experience in sports administration and Paralympic leadership. He has served as Deputy Chair of Sport NZ and High Performance Sport New Zealand since 2023, and as Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee since 2017. Kale is a decorated Paralympian and recognized leader, recently awarded the Paralympic Order, and will succeed Raewyn Lovett as Chair.
Tags: Duane Kale Mark Mitchell Raewyn Lovett Sport NZ Paralympics New Zealand International Paralympic Committee High Performance Sport New Zealand New Zealand Paralympian Paralympic Order Chef de Mission