03 Nov 2026
2 hours ago
26 views
A loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will help fund a much-needed new 24-bed wing at O’Conor Home for senior citizens in Westport, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello say. “Providing safe, fit-for-purpose facilities for our senior citizens is a marker of a compassionate and caring society. When older people need this type of specialist care, it should be near their family, friends and community,” Mr Jones says.
02 Nov 2026
1 day ago
72 views
People who break new rules aimed at protecting rockpools in and around Auckland and Coromandel will face infringement fees from this month, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “Last month I announced new protections for Auckland and Coromandel rockpools and intertidal areas to address overharvesting and help restore these important coastal habitats. ”
“From November 26, Fishery Officers will be armed with a new tool – the ability to issue infringement notices, which carry a $250 penalty.
16 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
229 views
Investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund is driving significant upgrades to key West Coast transport infrastructure, including shipping ports and Hokitika Airport, to support economic growth and resilience. Projects underway include the Greymouth Port sounding vessel, port improvements at Greymouth, Westport, and Jackson Bay, and a $16.4 million airport upgrade aimed at enhancing safety and reducing flight disruptions. These investments are strengthening critical transport connections and supporting industries and communities across the region.
07 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
316 views
The Waikare Gorge realignment project on State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier aims to create a safer, more resilient highway supporting economic growth and community connectivity. The nearly 4km realignment includes a 260-metre bridge spanning 65 meters above the river, with construction starting next month and expected to take 3-4 years, minimizing traffic disruption. Initially estimated at $350-425 million, the project cost has reduced to $275-325 million due to competitive tendering and design innovations, forming part of a nearly $1 billion regional road infrastructure investment.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
545 views
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey officially opened Ngā Moana e Rua, a new $27 million acute mental health facility at Te Nīkau Hospital in Greymouth, designed to provide a safe, therapeutic environment with modern amenities for inpatient care. This facility is part of the Mental Health Infrastructure Programme and reflects a shift towards faster access, improved frontline support, and better crisis response, with input from clinical teams, people with lived experience, and the community. West Coast mental health services are among the best-performing in the country, and the new unit aims to further enhance care while supporting earlier intervention to prevent inpatient admissions.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
653 views
ACC has reestablished specialist Traumatic Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitation services in Canterbury and West Coast, ending a gap since 2020 that forced patients to travel far for care. Hauora Ability Services will deliver these services at The Granada Rehabilitation Centre in Christchurch starting July 2026, improving accessibility and client outcomes. This investment enables smoother recovery transitions, allowing clients to receive timely support close to home and maintain connections with family, community, and employment.
11 Aug 2026
2 months ago
632 views
The New Zealand Government is investing over $1 million to support conservation projects in Taranaki, focusing on restoring rare coastal habitats and protecting kōkako in the region’s northeast. Te Kāhui o Taranaki will receive funding to restore endangered coastal turf ecosystems, while the East Taranaki Environment Trust will expand predator control to safeguard native species across a large landscape. These initiatives, supported by Iwi, community groups, and volunteers, exemplify collaborative efforts funded through the DOC Community Fund to achieve lasting environmental gains.
27 Jul 2026
3 months ago
768 views
Wellington 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.
23 Jun 2026
4 months ago
707 views
The New Zealand Search and Rescue (NZSAR) Awards, hosted by Associate Transport Minister James Meager, recognized exceptional skill, teamwork, and dedication in search and rescue efforts through three Gold Awards and seven Certificates of Achievement. The awards highlighted both recent courageous operations, such as the intensive search for missing tourist Hector Gaston Artigau, and long-term contributions from individuals like Keith Allen and Carolyn Tapley. Mr Meager emphasized the challenging nature of New Zealand’s vast search and rescue region and praised the recipients for their professionalism, passion, and selfless commitment to public safety.
04 Jun 2026
5 months ago
936 views
The South Island’s first Rural Training Hub will be established on the West Coast to train and retain doctors, nurses, and midwives for rural New Zealand, addressing workforce shortages and improving local healthcare access. This hub, the third of four nationwide, aims to support clinical placements, strengthen training pathways, and align workforce planning with community needs. A dedicated Programme Lead will collaborate with local partners to enhance education and training opportunities, ensuring rural communities receive timely, quality care.
02 Jun 2026
5 months ago
1022 views
New Zealand has established five new marine reserves along the Otago coast, protecting 308 square kilometres of diverse marine habitats and species, marking a nearly 50% increase in protected marine areas around the mainland. This initiative, developed in partnership with Kāi Tahu after over a decade of collaboration, aims to preserve biodiversity, support ecosystem recovery, and ensure long-term ocean health. The reserves, effective from July 1, will be jointly managed by DOC and Kāi Tahu, with ongoing monitoring and further review of a sixth proposed reserve's boundaries.
21 May 2026
5 months ago
984 views
A new $5.3 million construction and demolition waste processing facility has opened in Porirua, supported by government and local councils to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainability. Environment Minister Nicola Grigg highlighted the project as a collaborative effort that will divert waste, lower emissions, and strengthen the local economy. The initiative exemplifies the government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that improves waste management and supports environmental and economic goals.
15 May 2026
5 months ago
1015 views
Fast-track approval has been granted for the $100 million Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal project, which will upgrade 400 metres of the ageing seawall to enhance resilience against coastal and weather challenges. The project will also create two protected kororā (little penguin) colonies with purpose-built habitats and generate 114 jobs annually during construction, delivering significant economic benefits with an estimated cost-benefit ratio of 2.6. This initiative aims to safeguard the airport’s long-term operations, supporting the region’s economy that relies heavily on the airport’s activities.
12 May 2026
5 months ago
998 views
The fourth petroleum exploration permit application since the lifting of the exploration ban has entered New Zealand's open market competitive process, signaling renewed investor confidence in the sector. The application, submitted by a joint venture led by East Coast Energy Ventures Limited, aims to explore onshore and offshore areas in Waikato, with a staged work program starting with seismic data reprocessing. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes that responsible new exploration is vital for maintaining energy security as existing gas fields mature and production declines, despite ongoing investments in renewables.
08 May 2026
5 months ago
976 views
The Government is transferring 20 homes at Paparoa Way to local ownership for $1.2 million to support Westport's long-term housing supply following the 2021 West Coast floods. These modern homes, delivered in partnership with Buller District Council, remain fully occupied and help sustain the community by enabling families and workers to stay, aiding regional recovery and growth. This initiative transforms emergency housing into a lasting asset, enhancing Westport’s resilience and exemplifying effective collaboration between central and local government.