30 Oct 2025
11 months ago
1036 views
Defence Minister Judith Collins is traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus to discuss defense and security issues, marking the 50th anniversary of New Zealand's dialogue relations with ASEAN and the 15th anniversary of the ADMM-Plus. The forum aims to enhance Indo-Pacific defense cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity, with Ms. Collins emphasizing the importance of international rules-based order and New Zealand's contributions. In addition to the meeting, she will engage in bilateral discussions with defense counterparts before returning to New Zealand on 3 November.
28 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1267 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins appointed Bernadette Arapere, a barrister from Whanganui, as a District Court Judge. Judge Arapere, admitted to the bar in 2005, previously worked as a Crown Counsel and has a diverse legal background in public law and litigation. She will be based at the Hastings District Court, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 29 November.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1311 views
Public Service Minister Judith Collins criticizes the proposed strike as unfair, unproductive, and unnecessary, urging for its cancellation due to the negative impact on patients with canceled appointments, students missing school, and upcoming exams for NCEA-level students. Education Minister Erica Stanford highlights the government's efforts to increase salaries for teachers, emphasizing the rejection of the latest offer by the PPTA. Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the rejected offer for senior doctors, highlighting their current remuneration and proposed salary increases, while also mentioning the proposed fund for addressing workforce shortages.
15 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1127 views
Defence Minister Judith Collins is traveling to Washington DC for defense and security meetings, emphasizing the importance of defense diplomacy in the current global environment. She will meet with US counterparts, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary for Homeland Security Kristi Noem, to discuss strengthening defense and security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region and enhancing collaboration for a more combat-capable defense force. Ms. Collins aims to share perspectives on the uncertain geostrategic environment and explore opportunities for closer cooperation with the US as New Zealand focuses on bolstering its defense capabilities.
14 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1265 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins announced Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC will resign in February after 10 years, praising her service. Jagose, who took office in 2016 after a distinguished 35-year public service career, received recognition for her efforts. The Solicitor-General serves as the Junior Law Officer of the Crown and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office, with the Public Service Commission overseeing the selection of a successor.
10 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1279 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins announced High Court and Environment Court appointments for Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington. Owen Paulsen, a former Associate High Court Judge, has been appointed as a High Court Judge for Christchurch. Helen Wild, with a background in law firms and public service, has been appointed as an Associate High Court Judge for Auckland, while David Caldwell, a seasoned litigator and mediator, will join the Environment Court in Wellington after serving as a partner in various law firms.
09 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1250 views
In the past two years, the New Zealand government has reduced spending on contractors and consultants by $915 million, exceeding their savings target of $400 million. This reduction has been accompanied by a decrease in the size of the public service by nearly 5%, with a focus on increasing frontline roles while cutting back-office positions. The emphasis has shifted towards prioritizing savings in back-office functions to protect and enhance frontline services, resulting in 1533 redundancies and $80.4 million in redundancy payments in the past year.
08 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1408 views
Space Minister Judith Collins highlights the growth and global relevance of New Zealand's space and advanced aviation sectors, aiming to double their value by 2030. The sectors have seen significant revenue increases, with space sector revenues reaching $2.68 billion and advanced aviation sector revenue estimated at $530 million in 2024. New Zealand is focused on building a high-tech economy, establishing a world-leading regulatory environment, and developing sovereign space capabilities to address global challenges.
03 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1364 views
New Zealand's Defence Industry Strategy aims to support local businesses in delivering defence equipment and infrastructure, aligning with the 2025 Defence Capability Plan to double defence spending. The strategy emphasizes building a resilient industry to mitigate global tensions and enhance economic growth through collaboration with Kiwi innovators and major suppliers. Key actions include requiring multinational companies to partner with local businesses, establishing a Technology Accelerator, and creating offshore opportunities for showcasing New Zealand-made innovations to international partners.
28 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1335 views
Three innovative trans-Tasman space projects have received up to $5.3 million in government funding to enhance maritime awareness, improve agricultural planning, and secure satellite communications. The projects aim to boost economies, strengthen international competitiveness, and accelerate aerospace innovation in both New Zealand and Australia. Led by various institutions from both countries, the projects focus on monitoring the Southern Indo-Pacific, satellite sensing in agricultural practices, and establishing an optical communications network for high-speed satellite data transfer.
27 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1208 views
New Zealand's growing space and aviation sectors will be highlighted at the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, with Space Minister Judith Collins leading the promotion of the country's innovation in space research, manufacturing, and satellite technologies. The space sector in New Zealand supported 17,000 jobs and generated $2.68 billion in revenue in 2024, with plans to double the size of both sectors by 2030. Ms. Collins will also participate in defense engagements in Sydney and speak at industry events, emphasizing the region's importance in shaping the future of space and advanced aviation.
26 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1402 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of 12 King’s Counsel, primarily recognizing barristers sole for their career excellence or extraordinary contributions to law. Chief Parliamentary Counsel Cassie Nicholson was appointed a KC for her significant legislative drafting contributions. The newly appointed barristers sole, including Brian Dickey, Tiana Epati, and Kevin Glover, have diverse legal expertise and a strong commitment to improving access to justice through pro bono work and community involvement.
26 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1192 views
Public Service Minister Judith Collins announces strengthened standards to support sexual harassment complainants in the public service, emphasizing dignity and rights. The new guidelines, titled "Your Complaint, Your Rights," outline the support and rights available to complainants when reporting harassment. The improvements aim to enhance the handling of complaints and ensure that individuals who come forward are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, drawing on feedback from the Public Service Commission and the recent Public Service Census.
25 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1310 views
The New Zealand Army is receiving a $104 million investment in modern digital communications devices and systems to enhance combat capability and interoperability with international partners. Defence Minister Judith Collins emphasized the importance of equipping soldiers with up-to-date technology in a rapidly changing global environment. The investment, part of the Network Enabled Army programme, will provide military grade radio systems, deployable network infrastructure, and specialized communications devices to support real-time decision-making and information sharing among personnel.
22 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1383 views
The Government announced a shift in digital investment and procurement in the public sector, aiming to save up to $3.9 billion in the next five years. The Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) will lead decision-making for digital investments, potentially saving 30% of the projected $13 billion technology spend. The goal is to transition to a citizen-focused, digital-first public service model, improving efficiency and providing better digital services while maintaining traditional service options.