16 Jul 2026
3 months ago
718 views
John Rae has been reappointed Chair of the Crown Regional Holdings Limited Board for three more years due to his extensive legal, financial, and governance expertise. Crown Regional Holdings manages significant government investments aimed at supporting regional economic development across New Zealand, with a diverse portfolio spanning eight regional funds, 13 regions, and 19 industry sectors. As of the 2025 financial year, CRHL oversees 201 active contracts totaling $1,085 million in loans, equity, and capital assets, reflecting the government’s commitment to regional growth.
14 Jul 2026
3 months ago
774 views
Resources Minister Shane Jones has welcomed Sunda Energy's new petroleum exploration permit application in the offshore northern Taranaki Basin, marking the sixth such application since the government lifted the offshore oil and gas exploration ban. Sunda Energy, having entered the New Zealand market through acquiring Matahio Energy’s assets, seeks to conduct geological and seismic studies over a 645 sq km area with known potential, aiming to evaluate drilling targets. The competitive application process, open until October 14, 2026, reflects growing investor interest that could enhance New Zealand’s energy security, create jobs, and boost economic resilience.
13 Jul 2026
3 months ago
711 views
A major aquaculture settlement between the Crown and Te Moana-a-Toi iwi, involving 5000 hectares of new aquaculture space, aims to drive significant economic growth and workforce development in the Bay of Plenty. The region, known for open ocean mussel farming, has the potential to generate $200 million in annual revenue by 2035, contributing to the Government’s goal of $3 billion in aquaculture revenue nationwide. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones highlighted the settlement as a milestone that supports iwi leadership and strengthens local communities through stable jobs and export opportunities.
08 Jul 2026
3 months ago
791 views
New Zealand has received its fifth petroleum permit application since lifting the exploration ban, with Taranaki Energy Pty Ltd applying to prospect in deepwater offshore Taranaki, an underexplored but highly prospective area. The proposed two-year work program involves seismic data reprocessing, basin modeling, and target identification to guide future investments, reflecting renewed momentum and growing confidence in the sector. The government’s open market regime allows continuous competitive applications, which will be assessed based on technical, financial, and compliance criteria to support energy security and economic resilience.
02 Jul 2026
3 months ago
866 views
The latest government accounts reveal stronger-than-expected core Crown revenue and lower expenses, indicating an improving economy. Corporate tax revenue rose by $700 million, reflecting increased business profitability, and the deficit was $3 billion lower than forecast. Despite recent challenges like the Middle East conflict, economic indicators such as falling oil prices, rising business confidence, and increased exports suggest the economy is regaining momentum.
22 Jun 2026
4 months ago
843 views
The Te Here ā Nuku (Nelson Tenths) Bill is being introduced to Parliament to return approximately 3,000 hectares of land in the South Island to its rightful owners, resolving a historic trust law issue dating back to the 1840s. The Bill enables the legal transfer of land held by the Crown in trust to the Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust, while allowing the Crown to lease back some land for public use, including key conservation areas. This resolution, distinct from Treaty settlements, addresses a private law matter and corrects a longstanding injustice over land ownership.
10 Jun 2026
4 months ago
922 views
The Government and industry have jointly launched the AgriZeroNZ Early Adoption Accelerator, contributing up to $51 million each to support the rollout of innovative farm technologies that enhance New Zealand farmers' competitiveness and emissions efficiency. This co-funded program focuses on practical, scalable solutions, building on prior investments in emissions-reducing research, with tools like EcoPond already available and more technologies expected soon. AgriZeroNZ invites companies and industry groups to participate in projects over the next three years, aiming to provide farmers with diverse technology choices tailored to their operations.
19 May 2026
5 months ago
946 views
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has appointed Mr. Raveen Jaduram as the new Chair of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board, succeeding Rebecca Keoghan MNZM. Mr. Jaduram brings extensive experience in infrastructure governance, financial oversight, and strategic leadership, which will support the Board's accountability and investment management in emergency services. Keoghan was thanked for her leadership during the organisation's post-amalgamation phase, where she strengthened structure and advanced workplace culture and integrity.
15 May 2026
5 months ago
966 views
The Minister for Regulation and the Attorney-General have issued joint statutory guidance to ensure consistent application of the Regulatory Standards Act 2025, requiring Ministers to provide published Consistency Accountability Statements explaining how proposed laws align with responsible regulation principles. From July, Regulatory Impact Statements will be replaced by shorter, more focused Regulatory Analysis Summaries, quality assured by an independent panel to improve transparency and cost-benefit analysis. The guidance, developed with key legal offices, aims to promote necessary, proportionate, and effective regulation while increasing government accountability and informing voters.
15 May 2026
5 months ago
1207 views
Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has appointed Kerryn Beaton KC as a District Court Judge, with her swearing-in scheduled for 2 July 2026 in Christchurch. Ms Beaton has extensive legal experience, including roles as a Crown prosecutor, Public Defender, and barrister focusing on serious crime and public inquiries, as well as involvement in significant commissions such as the Pike River Royal Commission and the UN Khmer Rouge trials. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2021 and will be based at the Dunedin District Court.
13 May 2026
5 months ago
1032 views
After 15 years of negotiations, the New Zealand Parliament passed the Claims Settlement Bills for three Hauraki iwi—Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui, and Ngāti Hei—formally acknowledging the Crown's historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and providing financial, commercial, and cultural redress. These settlements include Crown apologies, agreed historical accounts, and protocols with government ministries, aiming to support the iwi’s economic, cultural, and environmental aspirations while fostering enduring relationships. The settlements allocate millions in financial redress and property rights specific to each iwi's region, marking a significant milestone in addressing past injustices and strengthening future partnerships.
13 May 2026
5 months ago
976 views
The Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui Claims Settlement Bill has passed its first reading after nine years of negotiations, marking progress in addressing historical Treaty of Waitangi grievances related to 19th-century warfare, unfair land transactions, and land alienation. The settlement includes a Crown apology, $30 million in financial and commercial redress, and the return of 27 culturally significant sites, such as Pākaitore (Moutoa Gardens). This milestone establishes a new relationship between Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui and the Crown based on partnership, trust, and respect, covering a redress area centered on Whanganui city and surrounding regions.
08 May 2026
5 months ago
1067 views
Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop announced that the next appointment round for King’s Counsel will occur in 2026, with applications opening on May 25 and closing on June 22. The Solicitor-General will consult with the New Zealand Law Society and the New Zealand Bar Association to inform recommendations made to the Governor-General, who has the final discretion in appointments. Guidelines and application details are available on the Crown Law website, and appointments are expected to be announced in October 2026.
01 May 2026
5 months ago
1334 views
Major infrastructure upgrades at Parihaka in Taranaki, supported by $19.8 million in government funding and $8.5 million in community investment, have been completed to strengthen and protect this historically significant Māori site. The improvements to roads, water, lighting, and public amenities enhance flood resilience, reduce environmental risks, and enable future housing while honoring Parihaka’s legacy of non-violent resistance and Māori self-determination. These upgrades fulfill commitments under the Parihaka Deed of Reconciliation Agreement and support the community’s ongoing role as a symbol of peace, justice, and learning for future generations.
29 Apr 2026
5 months ago
1344 views
Two new roundabouts on the SH58 Wellington Road of Regional Significance project are set to open soon, with Flightys and Murphys Roads roundabout expected in mid-May and Moonshine Road in June, improving safety and access for the 20,000 daily users. The project, funded with over $100 million from the Government since 2019, aims to enhance traffic flow and safety, including ongoing corridor improvements through 2027. Past upgrades have already proven effective in preventing serious accidents, and construction has been managed to keep the highway open for drivers and local businesses.