Articles tagged with Commission

Showing 15 of 112 articles

Transforming New Zealand's Digital Infrastructure: Science, Innovation, and Technology Reforms

10 Sep 2025 | 12 months ago | 1215 views

The opening remarks express gratitude for the summit's organization and highlight the importance of digital infrastructure in supporting science and innovation. The reforms in the science, innovation, and technology system aim to drive economic growth and maximize government funding for research. Additionally, the AI Strategy focuses on regulating AI to enable innovation while building trust and social license, with a commitment to leveraging existing laws and global partnerships.

Tags: Craig TUANZ Digital Health Association Minister for Science Innovation and Technology Bioeconomy Science Institute Earth Sciences New Zealand New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology Prime Minister’s new Science Innovation and Technology Advisory Council Privacy Commissioner

Have Your Say: Kiwis Invited to Shape Telecommunications Regulatory Changes

28 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1145 views

Kiwis are encouraged to provide input on proposed regulatory changes in the telecommunications sector, as their feedback is crucial to the review process, according to Ministers David Seymour and Paul Goldsmith. The review focuses on key regulatory issues such as the Telecommunications Development Levy (TDL), shareholder caps, and service quality regulations. Proposed draft changes include implementing a consumer code, updating infrastructure obligations, eliminating outdated rules, and enhancing investor appeal for telecom companies to boost growth in the sector.

Tags: David Seymour Paul Goldsmith Telecommunications sector Regulatory change Telecommunications Development Levy Retail Service Quality Fibre Fixed Line Access Telecommunications service obligations Telecommunication services Commerce Commission

Local Water Done Well: Government Legislation Benefits Communities Nationwide

26 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1199 views

The Government's Local Water Done Well legislation aims to provide safe, reliable, and financially sustainable water services to local communities across the country. The legislation focuses on ensuring financial sustainability, oversight, and accountability in water service delivery, with the Commerce Commission overseeing economic regulation to ensure fair pricing and quality infrastructure. Councils are encouraged to submit water services delivery plans that meet the requirements and provide flexibility to make arrangements best-suited for their communities, ultimately benefiting Kiwis with improved water services.

Tags: Local Government Minister Simon Watts Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson Kiwis Watercare charter Three Waters policy Local Government (Water Services) Act Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act Commerce Commission councils water services delivery plan

New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline Surges to $237.1 Billion: Construction Sector Growth Ahead

25 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1366 views

The latest quarterly update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission reveals that the value of infrastructure initiatives in the National Infrastructure Pipeline has increased to $237.1 billion, with a $30.2 billion growth from the previous quarter, as stated by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. The Pipeline, managed by the Commission, encompasses over 9,200 projects, aiding in planning for future infrastructure projects across various sectors and contributing to about 4% of the country's GDP. Efforts are being made to enhance transparency and data quality within the Pipeline, with ongoing collaboration from 121 organizations, and the final National Infrastructure Plan is expected to be released in December.

Tags: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission National Infrastructure Pipeline Chris Bishop construction sector infrastructure projects New Zealand Infrastructure Commission GDP NZTA highway maintenance programmes Christchurch Men’s Prison Hawkes Bay Prison

Government Initiatives to Boost Banking Competition Unveiled by Finance Minister Nicola Willis

21 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1283 views

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the release of the Finance and Expenditure Committee (FEC) Inquiry into banking competition, focusing on business, rural banking, and lending to Māori entities. The inquiry supports the Government's efforts to enhance competition in the banking sector for better services for Kiwis. The report, based on submissions from 148 stakeholders and public hearings, will be reviewed by the Government for proposed action items by November 2025.

Tags: Finance Minister Nicola Willis FEC Inquiry banking competition Government Commerce Commission Kiwis Kiwibank Reserve Bank financial stability

Foreign Minister Winston Peters Announces New Diplomatic Appointments

19 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1386 views

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced three new diplomatic appointments: Joanna Kempkers as Ambassador to France, Greg Andrews as High Commissioner to Fiji, and Angela Hassan-Sharp as Ambassador to Ireland. Peters made the appointments to strengthen diplomatic relations with these countries. The new ambassadors will represent New Zealand's interests and foster positive relationships in their respective postings.

Tags: Foreign Minister Winston Peters Joanna Kempkers Greg Andrews Ambassador France High Commissioner Fiji Ireland

Update on Competition Policy Reforms for Economic Growth

14 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1363 views

The Government is focused on growing the economy by improving competition settings, with updates on the Commerce Act review and Commerce Commission governance. Reforms to the Commerce Act aim to simplify collaboration processes, enhance confidentiality protections, and promote competition. Additionally, initiatives include strengthening banking competition, implementing open banking, regulating retail payments, and introducing a new water services regulatory regime under the Commerce Act to ensure efficiency and transparency.

Tags: Government economy competition settings Commerce Act review Commerce Commission collaboration competition safeguards beneficial collaboration confidential information industry codes

Transforming New Zealand's Infrastructure: A Vision for Growth and Efficiency

05 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 2248 views

The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to attend Building Nations 2025 and acknowledges the need for improved infrastructure policy in New Zealand. As the Infrastructure Minister, the speaker highlights challenges in delivering and maintaining infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of efficient systems for economic growth and living standards. Key priorities include developing a National Infrastructure Plan, improving funding and financing, addressing road pricing reform, enhancing the consenting framework, and strengthening asset management and resilience to ensure a prosperous future for New Zealand.

Tags: Nick Leggett Infrastructure New Zealand Minister New Zealand National Infrastructure Plan NIFFCo Infrastructure Commission Building Nations RUC Resource Management Act

New Zealand Petroleum Exploration Permits Open in September: Crown Minerals Amendment Bill Impact

31 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1866 views

The Crown Minerals Amendment Bill, following its third reading, will allow operators to apply for new petroleum exploration permits starting in September. The Bill removes the ban on oil and gas exploration beyond onshore Taranaki, introduces a new tier of permit for small-scale non-commercial gold mining, and aims to boost investment in Crown-owned minerals. Changes in liability for decommissioning costs and the need for clarity in regulatory burden and risk are also addressed in the Bill to enhance investor confidence and energy security.

Tags: Shane Jones petroleum exploration permits Crown Minerals Amendment Bill oil and gas exploration energy security natural gas decommissioning investment liability

Dr. Ang Jury Appointed Chair of Independent Children’s Monitor Board: Enhancing Oversight for Vulnerable Kiwi Kids

29 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1977 views

Dr Ang Jury, ONZM has been appointed as the Chair of the new Board for the Independent Children’s Monitor, a key oversight body for the Oranga Tamariki system. This appointment is a significant step towards fulfilling commitments to vulnerable children, as highlighted by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. Dr Jury's expertise in the social and Oranga Tamariki sectors will be instrumental in establishing the new Board, with her five-year term beginning on August 1, 2025.

Tags: Dr Ang Jury ONZM Louise Upston Women's Refuge Arran Jones Oranga Tamariki Independent Children’s Monitor Children’s Commissioner Ombudsman vulnerable children

Kiwibank Empowered to Challenge Big Four Aussie Banks with $500M Capital Boost

29 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1740 views

Kiwibank has been authorized to enhance its competition with the dominant Australian-owned banks in New Zealand's banking sector by raising up to $500 million in capital for growth. This move is aimed at enabling Kiwibank to better compete with the big four Australian banks while preserving its New Zealand identity. The government has approved measures to ensure Kiwibank's New Zealand identity, including maintaining majority government ownership and requiring key operational aspects to remain in New Zealand.

Tags: Kiwibank Nicola Willis Finance Minister Commerce Commission New Zealand Kiwi Group Capital Māori institutions New Zealand KiwiSaver funds stock market

New Zealand Bans Surcharges to Save Millions: Commerce Minister's Decision

28 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 3277 views

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announced the axing of surcharges to benefit New Zealanders financially. The move aims to eliminate the hassle and unexpected costs shoppers face at the checkout. By banning surcharges for in-store payments by May 2026, consumers can shop confidently without being penalized for their payment method choice.

Tags: surcharges money Kiwis Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson New Zealanders ban payments fees Commerce Commission

Yvonne Browning MNZM Appointed to Tertiary Education Commission Board by Vocational Education Minister

24 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2021 views

Yvonne Browning MNZM has been appointed to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission by Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds. Browning's passion for enabling students, especially young women, to reach their potential through tertiary education and training was highlighted. Her experience as Principal of Southland Girls’ High School and her efforts in promoting engineering careers for young women were emphasized as valuable assets for the TEC's mission to prepare students for further education, training, and employment.

Tags: Penny Simmonds Yvonne Browning Tertiary Education Commission Education Minister Southland Girls’ High School New Zealand Order of Merit Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter engineering education youth

Government to Revamp Electoral Laws for Efficiency and Transparency

24 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1688 views

The Government is updating electoral laws to address issues with same-day enrolment, aiming to streamline the voting process and reduce post-election timeframes. Key changes include closing enrolment 13 days before election day, implementing 12 days of advance voting, and introducing automatic enrolment updates. Other adjustments involve stricter rules on treating near voting places, adjusting the donation reporting threshold, and various procedural changes to enhance the electoral system.

Tags: Government electoral laws enrolment advance voting Electoral Commission Paul Goldsmith Justice Minister donation threshold party donors Constitution Act 1986

Government Launches Anti-Corruption Taskforce Pilot to Safeguard Public Funds

18 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1834 views

A cross-agency Anti-Corruption Taskforce pilot led by the Serious Fraud Office, supported by NZ Police and the Public Service Commission, aims to combat corruption and fraud risks in the public sector. The taskforce seeks to enhance New Zealand's reputation as a transparent and trustworthy place to invest by strengthening fraud prevention and detection systems within participating agencies. By promoting ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability, the taskforce aligns with the Government's efforts to maintain public trust and integrity in institutions.

Tags: Government Public Sector Mark Mitchell Judith Collins Serious Fraud Office NZ Police Public Service Commission Corruption Fraud