Articles tagged with Commission
Showing 15 of 112 articles
Tony Balfour Appointed New Chair of New Zealand Lotteries Commission Board
15 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 762 viewsInternal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden announced Tony Balfour as the new Chair of the New Zealand Lotteries Commission Board, effective May 1, succeeding Mark Todd. Balfour brings extensive experience in governance, business strategy, and community engagement, ensuring strong leadership for the Commission. His appointment aims to enhance the Commission's integrity, transparency, and support for community initiatives through lottery funding.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Tony Balfour Mark Todd New Zealand Lotteries Commission Internal Affairs Minister Lotteries Commission Board governance business strategy community engagement leadershipDavid Boyle Appointed New Retirement Commissioner to Enhance KiwiSaver and Retirement Savings
13 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 743 viewsDavid Boyle has been appointed as New Zealand's Retirement Commissioner for a three-year term starting May 18, announced by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer. Boyle brings extensive experience in retirement savings, having played a key role in establishing KiwiSaver and previously worked on financial wellbeing initiatives and education programs at the Retirement Commission. Brewer also thanked outgoing commissioner Jane Wrightson for her six years of leadership in improving financial capability and retirement outcomes.
Tags: David Boyle Cameron Brewer Jane Wrightson KiwiSaver Retirement Commissioner Fisher Funds Stand Tū Māia Ngāi Tahu Whai Rawa Funds Play it StrangeNew Governance Model to Strengthen New Zealand's Commerce Commission by 2027
26 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 1121 viewsNew Zealand is reforming its Commerce Commission to improve competition regulation by separating governance and regulatory functions, following an independent review that found the current structure ineffective. The new governance model, effective from July 2027, introduces an oversight board with external directors and a panel of expert commissioners to enhance decision-making and market competitiveness. Current leadership will provide continuity during the transition, with the Commerce (Commerce Commission Reform) Amendment Bill now under consideration by the Finance and Expenditure Committee.
Tags: Scott Simpson Dame Paula Rebstock Dr John Small Anne Callinan Commerce Commission Commerce Commission Reform Bill New Zealand Commerce and Consumer Affairs Finance and Expenditure Committee regulatory reformNew Commerce Commission Reform Bill to Strengthen Competition and Market Oversight in NZ
26 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 966 viewsNew Zealand is reforming its Commerce Commission to enhance competition, innovation, and market fairness by separating governance and regulatory functions, following an independent review that found the current structure inadequate. The new model, effective from July 2027, introduces an oversight board with external directors, a panel of expert commissioners, and delegated regulatory decision-making to improve strategic focus and operational effectiveness. Leadership continuity will be maintained with Dr. John Small as chief commissioner and board chair until 2030, ensuring stability during the transition.
Tags: Scott Simpson Dame Paula Rebstock Dr John Small Anne Callinan Commerce Commission Commerce Commission Reform Bill New Zealand Commerce and Consumer Affairs Finance and Expenditure Committee regulatory reformNew Zealand Exceeds Mental Health Workforce Targets, Reduces Wait Times
24 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 891 viewsThe New Zealand Government has exceeded its mental health workforce target, increasing frontline mental health and addiction professionals by over 11%, which has improved access and reduced wait times for support. Key achievements include training 514 new specialists, surpassing targets for clinical psychology interns and psychiatry trainees, and allocating 25% of funding to prevention and early intervention for the first time. As a result, 83% of people receive primary mental health support within one week, and 82% receive specialist support within three weeks, contributing to improved mental health outcomes nationwide.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Minister Health NZ clinical psychology interns psychiatry trainees occupational therapists social workers registered nurses Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission New Zealand GovernmentGovernment Expands Redress for Abuse Survivors in Mental Health Care to 2022
17 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 857 viewsThe Government is extending the state redress scheme to cover survivors of abuse in State-run mental health inpatient facilities from 1 July 1993 to 30 June 2022, addressing gaps identified after Health New Zealand assumed responsibility in 2022. This change, prompted by survivors' difficulties in accessing recognition and redress, aims to provide consistent support and accountability regardless of when the abuse occurred. The amendment to the Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill is progressing through Parliament, reflecting the Government’s commitment to meaningful change and preventing future harm.
Tags: Erica Stanford Charlotte Health New Zealand Royal Commission Ministry of Social Development Oranga Tamariki New Zealand Government Social Services and Community Select Committee Redress System for Abuse in Care BillNZ Customs Minister Casey Costello to Attend Global Fraud Summit in Europe
13 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 1011 viewsCustoms and Associate Police Minister Casey Costello will attend the Global Fraud Summit in Vienna to address the growing issue of fraud, which is a prevalent crime in New Zealand linked to international organized crime and money laundering. The summit, hosted by INTERPOL and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, emphasizes the need for international cooperation to combat transnational fraud. After the summit, Minister Costello will visit Geneva and London for meetings related to her Customs, Police, and Health responsibilities.
Tags: Casey Costello New Zealand INTERPOL UN Office on Drugs and Crime Global Fraud Summit London Vienna United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Red Cross Red CrescentScott Haines Appointed to Tertiary Education Commission Board for 2026
11 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 875 viewsMinister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds has appointed Scott Haines JP, Principal of Burnside High School, to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Board for a three-year term starting July 1, 2026. Haines brings extensive school leadership experience and national contributions, including roles with SPANZ and NCEA advisory groups, which will support TEC’s role in connecting schools, employers, and tertiary organizations. His expertise will help implement the Government’s Tertiary Education Strategy focused on access, participation, and workforce development.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Scott Haines Yvonne Browning Burnside High School Motueka High School Waimea College Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand NCEA NZQA Tertiary Education CommissionRoyal Commission Report Reveals Lessons and Impact of New Zealand’s COVID-19 Response
10 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 897 viewsThe Royal Commission's final report on New Zealand's COVID-19 response highlights that initial restrictions were appropriate but later extended beyond public health advice, with economic warnings ignored, leading to excessive spending and increased public debt. Auckland endured the longest lockdown, exceeding official recommendations, and vaccine mandates for under-18s did not align with expert advice, reflecting missed opportunities to balance health and economic impacts. The Government acknowledges the sacrifices made by New Zealanders and plans to respond to the report’s recommendations by July, aiming to better balance future health and economic decisions.
Tags: Simeon Brown Royal Commission New Zealand Auckland Treasury vaccine mandate lockdown economic impact public healthErin James Appointed New Aged Care Commissioner to Enhance Quality Care
09 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 1012 viewsAssociate Minister of Health Casey Costello announced Ms Erin James as the new Aged Care Commissioner, a role within the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner focused on advocating for quality health services for older people. Ms James, currently Director of the OPCAT team at the Office of the Ombudsman, will serve a five-year term starting 7 April 2026. Her appointment aligns with ongoing efforts to improve the aged care system by ensuring timely, appropriate, and sustainable care.
Tags: Casey Costello Erin James Aged Care Commissioner Health and Disability Commissioner Office of the Ombudsman Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture OPCAT Associate Minister of Health aged care system health systemMorag McDowell Reappointed as Health and Disability Commissioner for Two Years
04 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 968 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown has announced the reappointment of Ms Morag McDowell as Health and Disability Commissioner for a two-year term starting 7 March 2026. Ms McDowell brings extensive legal expertise and health sector experience, which will help the organization deliver fair and effective services. The Government aims to keep patients central to the health system and improve healthcare quality for all New Zealanders.
Tags: Simeon Brown Morag McDowell Health Minister Health and Disability Commissioner New Zealand Government healthcare patients legal expertise health sectorKiwiRail Boosts Performance with $73M Surplus and 7% Volume Growth
26 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 991 viewsKiwiRail has shown significant improvement, achieving a $73.4 million operating surplus and a 7% increase in volumes due to focused commercial discipline and upgraded rolling stock. Investments in modern locomotives, better maintenance funded by legislative changes, and improved infrastructure have enhanced schedule reliability and reduced disruptions from natural events. Additionally, Interislander maintained 100% reliability during peak periods, demonstrating the success of KiwiRail’s strategic focus on reliability, cost control, and asset renewal.
Tags: KiwiRail Winston Peters Suzanne Tindal New Zealand Dunedin Hillside Workshops Stadler locomotives Interislander Infrastructure Commission Rail Minister South IslandNZ Government Receives Final Royal Commission Report on COVID-19 Lessons
25 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 959 viewsThe Government has received the final report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, which expanded its scope to review key decisions like lockdowns and vaccine mandates due to public demand. The inquiry aims not only to assess past mistakes but also to guide future pandemic responses, addressing the ongoing social and economic impacts felt by New Zealanders. The report will be made public in March 2026, with Health Minister Simeon Brown leading the Government’s response to its recommendations.
Tags: Ms van Velden Simeon Brown Royal Commission New Zealand Government Aucklanders Parliament KiwisEducation Minister Erica Stanford Welcomes New Primary Principals’ Pay Deal
24 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1116 viewsEducation Minister Erica Stanford has announced the successful renewal of the Primary Principals’ Collective Agreement, ratified by NZEI members, covering around 1,300 primary principals. The settlement includes immediate and future pay increases, a $15,000 Curriculum Change Allowance, and an increased Leadership in Literacy and Numeracy payment, recognizing principals' leadership during educational reforms. Stanford emphasized the importance of principals' roles in schools and communities and thanked the Public Service Commissioner for facilitating the negotiations.
Tags: Erica Stanford NZEI Te Riu Roa Primary Principals Brian Roche Public Service Commissioner PPCA Education Minister Curriculum Change Allowance Leadership in Literacy and Numeracy Primary Principals’ Collective AgreementNew Diplomatic Appointments: Georgina Roberts to PNG, Aramiro Tai Rākena to Brazil
18 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1085 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters announced two new diplomatic appointments. Georgina Roberts has been appointed as High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. Aramiro Tai Rākena will serve as Ambassador to Brazil.
Tags: Winston Peters Georgina Roberts Aramiro Tai Rākena Foreign Minister High Commissioner Ambassador Papua New Guinea Brazil diplomatic appointments diplomacy