Articles tagged with Cer
Showing 15 of 117 articles
Hon Paul Davison Appointed Independent Redress Officer Under Abuse in Care Act
31 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 346 viewsHon 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.
Tags: Paul Davison Erica Stanford Independent Redress Officer Redress System for Abuse in Care Act High Court judge Royal Commission of Inquiry Oakley Hospital Inquiry Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit financial redress applicationsNew Advanced LINAC Machine Enhances Cancer Treatment at Wellington Hospital
26 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 369 viewsWellington Regional Hospital has introduced a new advanced radiation therapy Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine, enhancing precise cancer treatment for patients across the region as part of a $12.6 million investment to modernize oncology services. This latest generation LINAC uses camera-based surface guidance for accurate patient positioning, minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissue, and supports clinical innovation and staff training. The upgrade ensures continued high-quality care during installation, with a second LINAC replacement planned, contributing to a nationwide effort to expand and improve cancer treatment capacity.
Tags: Simeon Brown Wellington Regional Hospital LINAC radiation therapy cancer treatment Capital Coast Hutt Valley New Zealand Hawke's Bay Cancer Centre AucklandNew NZ Guidelines Boost Overseas Investment in Supermarkets for Lower Prices
13 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 444 viewsAssociate Finance Minister David Seymour has welcomed new Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) guidelines designed to simplify the Overseas Investment Act for international investors, particularly in the supermarket and grocery sector, aiming to attract credible investors and increase market competition. The government has also reformed application processing, significantly reducing average assessment times from 71 to 23 working days and meeting targets of five or fewer days for most investments, thereby streamlining approval processes. These changes are intended to boost international investment, which is vital for New Zealand’s economic growth, productivity, and job creation.
Tags: David Seymour Land Information New Zealand LINZ Overseas Investment Act New Zealand international investors supermarket sector grocery retail investment guidelines economic growth$3.5M NZ Government Project Funds High-Tech Power Wheelchairs for Disabled
13 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 435 viewsA $3.5 million government-funded project aims to provide 100 people with progressive conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy access to high-performance power wheelchairs to improve independence, participation, and quality of life. The two-year research program will evaluate the social and economic benefits of advanced wheelchair technology in New Zealand, informing future policy, funding, and equipment provision. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to leveraging assistive technology to enhance wellbeing and reduce long-term health and support costs for disabled individuals.
Tags: Louise Upston Enable New Zealand Disability Support Services Multiple Sclerosis Cerebral Palsy Budget 2025 New Zealand Government disability research assistive technologyParliament Removes 5-Year Ban for Real Estate Agents Failing CPD Requirements
03 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 510 viewsParliament has passed legislation removing the disproportionate five-year disqualification penalty for real estate agents who fail to complete continuing professional development (CPD) or pay fees on time, addressing concerns about fairness and relevance. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bills also enhance conveyancers' ability to work, promote competition, and improve the justice system by allowing the Disputes Tribunal to order respondents to pay filing fees to successful claimants. These changes reflect the Government’s commitment to fit-for-purpose regulation and timely access to justice, with further court system improvements under consideration.
Tags: Nicole McKee Janet Dickson Real Estate Authority Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill Associate Justice Minister Real estate agents Continuing professional development Disputes Tribunal Conveyancers Justice CommitteeNew Zealand Launches Home Bowel Test to Speed Up Cancer Diagnosis and Screening
01 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 509 viewsNew Zealand is rolling out a home faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for people with bowel cancer symptoms to prioritize colonoscopies for those at higher risk, thereby reducing wait times and freeing specialist capacity. This initiative supports the government’s goal to lower the bowel screening age from 60 to 56 and beyond, enabling earlier detection and treatment of bowel cancer. By reducing unnecessary colonoscopy referrals by up to 30%, the test helps manage increased demand while improving timely access to care for symptomatic patients.
Tags: Simeon Brown Health Minister New Zealand bowel cancer colonoscopy FIT test bowel screening Health New Zealand GP cancer symptomsNew Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre to Provide Local Radiation Treatment
26 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 702 viewsConstruction has begun on the new Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre, which will provide the region's first local radiation treatment service, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for care. The $44.8 million project includes advanced technology such as a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine and will offer comprehensive oncology and haematology services, improving treatment outcomes and patient comfort. This centre is a key part of the wider Hawke’s Bay Hospital redevelopment aimed at enhancing healthcare access and capacity for the growing population.
Tags: Simeon Brown Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Palmerston North Linear Accelerator LINAC Hawke’s Bay Hospital Health Minister cancer treatment radiation treatmentNew Zealand’s Heavy Vehicle Rule Changes from August 6 to Cut Costs and Boost Efficiency
26 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 584 viewsFrom August 6, New Zealand will implement practical regulatory changes to reduce compliance costs, improve productivity, and remove outdated requirements for heavy vehicle operators, including removing permit requirements for certain High Productivity Motor Vehicles and adjusting licence rules for heavier zero-emission vehicles. These changes, part of the Government’s Land Transport Rules Reform programme, aim to support a more efficient and resilient freight sector by modernising rules, reducing red tape, and facilitating investment in modern vehicles. Additional rule updates scheduled later this year will further simplify signage requirements, standardise vehicle speed limits, and eliminate unnecessary licensing processes to enhance transport system safety and productivity.
Tags: David Seymour Chris Bishop New Zealand heavy vehicle rules fuel price uncertainty HPMVs Land Transport Rules Reform NZTA Order in CouncilPharmac’s 2026/27 Plan: Improving Medicine Access and Efficiency for Kiwis
25 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 681 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has outlined clear expectations for Pharmac to deliver medicines and medical technology efficiently within its fixed budget, emphasizing the need for continued patient-focused processes, improved transparency, and enhanced collaboration with stakeholders. Pharmac has made significant progress by changing its culture, strengthening consumer and supplier partnerships, and improving access to medicines, supported by the Government’s largest-ever budget allocation of $7.2 billion over four years. Despite achievements, including funding decisions benefiting over 680,000 patients, Seymour stresses that ongoing efforts are needed to listen to patients and advance Pharmac’s long-term improvement programme.
Tags: David Seymour Pharmac New Zealand Government Health Minister Consumer Engagement Pharmaceutical Schedule Medical Devices Supplier Reference Group Budget 2026 Cancer Medicines Patient Working GroupNew State Redress Bill Enhances Abuse in Care Support and Introduces Offender Payment Rules
24 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 604 viewsThe Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill, recently passed its third reading, aims to improve the state redress system by recognizing abuse experiences, providing alternatives to litigation, and extending coverage to survivors of abuse in mental health facilities from 1993 to 2022. The Bill introduces a presumption against financial redress for survivors convicted of serious violent or sexual offences sentenced to five years or more, while still allowing access to other forms of redress and establishing an independent redress officer to review exemptions. Implementation will begin in stages, with the serious offender process starting on 1 August 2026 and full coverage including mental health abuse after 2022 set for 14 July 2027.
Tags: Erica Stanford Charlotte’s Change Redress System Abuse in Care State redress scheme Redress Officer Royal Commission Sentencing Act 2002 Serious offender process Government ResponseNew Zealand Health System Improves with Faster Treatment and Shorter Waits
23 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 478 viewsNew Zealand's health system has shown continuous improvement across all five Government health targets, with more people receiving timely treatments and shorter wait times for elective procedures, specialist assessments, and cancer care. Key metrics such as childhood immunisation rates, emergency department stays, and volumes of care delivered have all increased compared to the previous year, reflecting steady progress in planned care, cancer services, and prevention. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that these results demonstrate the effectiveness of the Government’s focus on accountability and patient-centered care, signaling positive momentum toward a better and faster health system for New Zealanders.
Tags: Simeon Brown New Zealand Health Minister elective treatment specialist assessment childhood immunisation emergency departments cancer treatment health targets government health systemImproved Healthcare in Dargaville: New Acute Care and Local Cancer Treatment Available
15 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 588 viewsDargaville residents now have improved access to healthcare with a new acute care service operating daily from 8:00am to 8:30pm, reducing the need to travel to Whangārei for urgent treatment. Additionally, a new oncology infusion service provides local cancer treatments, supporting around 70 patients annually and minimizing travel burdens. These initiatives align with the Government's goal to ensure timely, quality healthcare within a one-hour drive for 98% of New Zealanders, particularly benefiting rural and regional communities.
Tags: Simeon Brown Dargaville Kaipara New Zealand Health Minister acute care cancer treatment oncology infusion urgent care chemotherapyDavid Ferguson Appointed Chief Executive of Education Review Office
04 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 646 viewsMinister of Education Erica Stanford welcomed David Ferguson as the new Chief Executive and Chief Review Officer of the Education Review Office (ERO), highlighting its crucial role in evaluating education policy and school performance. She emphasized the importance of ERO’s evidence-based reviews for informed education decisions and praised Ferguson’s educational background for strong leadership. Stanford also thanked Ruth Shinoda and Tim Fowler for their interim leadership roles prior to Ferguson’s appointment.
Tags: Erica Stanford David Ferguson Ruth Shinoda Tim Fowler Education Review Office Minister of Education Chief Executive Chief Review Officer education policy school performanceNew Radiation Oncology Service in Whangārei Hospital Brings Cancer Care Closer to Home
03 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 701 viewsThe new radiation oncology service at Whangārei Hospital, featuring Northland's first Linear Accelerator, is now complete, allowing most local cancer patients to receive radiation treatment closer to home and reducing lengthy travel to Auckland. This $60.9 million facility will initially treat around 370 patients annually, with capacity to expand, and includes expanded chemotherapy services and plans to become a training site for radiation therapists by 2027. The project, part of the Whangārei Hospital Master Plan and supported by 35 staff, aims to improve timely access to cancer care in Northland and ease pressure on Auckland’s services.
Tags: Simeon Brown Shane Reti Whangārei Hospital Northland radiation oncology LINAC Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre Auckland Northlanders cancer careNew Zealand Lowers Free Bowel Cancer Screening Age to 56, Expanding Access
28 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 686 viewsNew Zealand is lowering the eligibility age for free bowel cancer screening from 58 to 56 starting September, expanding access to over 200,000 additional people and aiming to improve early detection and treatment outcomes. Budget 2026 allocates $45.582 million to support this expansion, including funding for program delivery, infrastructure, equipment, and increased colonoscopy capacity. The phased rollout aligns with efforts to match Australia’s screening age and includes the nationwide implementation of the FIT for Symptomatic pathway to prioritize urgent cases and optimize healthcare resources.
Tags: Simeon Brown New Zealand bowel cancer cancer screening Budget 2026 colonoscopy FIT for Symptomatic pathway healthcare system cancer detection early diagnosis