Articles tagged with Ct
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Pharmac's Progress Report: Improved Patient Voice and Faster Medicine Access 2026
18 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 343 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour praises Pharmac’s progress in responding to the 2025/26 Letter of Expectations, highlighting improvements in patient involvement, timeliness of decision-making, and sector collaboration. Key achievements include trialling streamlined assessment pathways, enhancing consumer engagement, updating rare disorder policies, and advancing digital investments, all contributing to a clear multi-year organisational improvement programme. While progress is noted as impressive and transparency has increased, Seymour emphasizes that continued efforts to listen to patients and improve access to medicines remain essential.
Tags: David Seymour Pharmac Associate Health Minister Patient Community Consumer Engagement Rare Disorders Strategy Exceptional Circumstances Framework NPPA Health Sector Medical Technology$9.2M Boost for 20 NZ Community Groups Driving Vital Conservation Projects
18 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 307 viewsConservation Minister Tama Potaka announced $9.2 million from the Department of Conservation Community Fund will support 20 community-led conservation projects across New Zealand. These projects focus on protecting threatened ecosystems and species, leveraging local knowledge, community effort, and partnerships with Iwi. The fund attracted 121 applications totaling over $69 million, with additional contributions expected from community groups to enhance conservation outcomes.
Tags: Tama Potaka Department of Conservation DOCCF New Zealand conservation projects community groups Iwi Northland horopito Whitaker’s skink wetlandsNew Zealand Passes Law to Shield Businesses from Climate Change Litigation
18 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 283 viewsThe New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and best addressed through national legislation, not court litigation, which risks creating contradictory legal regimes. The amendment maintains existing obligations under the Emissions Trading Scheme while reinforcing the government's commitment to a stable legal framework that supports investment and economic growth.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Climate Change Response Act 2002 High Court greenhouse gas emissions Climate Change Response Act Emissions Trading Scheme Government Parliament litigation tort lawNew Zealand Passes Law to Protect Businesses from Climate Change Litigation
18 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 307 viewsThe New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and avoid conflicting court rulings. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and better managed through national legislation rather than litigation. Despite the amendment, businesses remain obligated to comply with existing emissions regulations under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Climate Change Response Act 2002 greenhouse gas emissions High Court litigation tort law Emissions Trading Scheme Parliament Government business certaintyNew $1.5M Grant Supports Kiwi Poultry Operators Against H5 Bird Flu Risks
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 483 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched a $1.5 million Poultry Biosecurity Grant to help small to medium-sized poultry operators prepare for the potential arrival of H5 bird flu by funding up to 50% of biosecurity improvements. This grant supports infrastructure upgrades, bird-proofing, cleaning facilities, and development of biosecurity plans, aiming to protect jobs, livelihoods, and the domestic food supply ahead of new regulations effective by the end of 2026. With two confirmed H5 detections but no poultry outbreaks, the government emphasizes strong biosecurity as a key defense and encourages applications by 30 September 2026.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Kiwi poultry operators H5 bird flu Poultry Biosecurity Grant New Zealand government biosecurity regulations poultry farms avian influenza poultry sector grant fundingNew $1.5M Poultry Biosecurity Grant to Help Kiwis Prepare for H5 Bird Flu
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 517 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched a $1.5 million Poultry Biosecurity Grant to help small to medium-sized poultry operators prepare for the possible arrival of H5 bird flu by funding up to 50% of costs for biosecurity improvements. This grant supports infrastructure upgrades, bird-proofing, cleaning facilities, and development of required biosecurity plans ahead of new regulations effective by the end of 2026. With two confirmed H5 detections but no poultry outbreaks, the initiative aims to protect jobs, food supply, and the poultry sector from this ongoing biosecurity threat.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Kiwi poultry operators H5 bird flu Poultry Biosecurity Grant New Zealand government biosecurity regulations poultry farms avian influenza poultry sector grant fundingForestry Minister Appoints Facilitator to Support Tairāwhiti Forestry Sector Progress
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 298 viewsForestry Minister Todd McClay has appointed Doug Leeder as a Facilitator to advise the Government on addressing forestry challenges in Tairāwhiti, focusing on consenting complexities and land use changes. The government aims to reset the relationship between Gisborne District Council and stakeholders to support sustainable forestry management, jobs, and local businesses while ensuring compliance measures are workable and proportionate. Building on the progress of the Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group, the Facilitator will help accelerate clean-up efforts, improve collaboration, and guide decisions to benefit forestry, the environment, and the community.
Tags: Todd McClay Doug Leeder Gisborne District Council Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group TFAG Forestry Minister Bay of Plenty Regional Council Local Government New Zealand forestry sector land use change$250,000 Emergency Waste Funding for Councils Affected by Severe Weather
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 269 viewsMinister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced $250,000 in emergency waste funding for five councils affected by severe weather in early 2026, supplementing $130,000 allocated to other councils impacted in October 2025. This funding supports councils in managing waste from flood damage, fallen trees, and repairing waste infrastructure, enabled by recent changes to the Waste Minimisation Act allowing the Waste Disposal Levy to cover emergency waste costs. The recipients include Gisborne, Manawatū, Ōtorohanga, Thames-Coromandel, and Whangarei councils for 2026 events, and Ruapehu, Clutha, and Gore councils for 2025 events.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Gisborne District Council Manawatū District Council Ōtorohanga District Council Whangarei District Council Ruapehu District Council Clutha District Council Gore District Council Minister for the Environment$250,000 Emergency Waste Funding for Councils Affected by Severe Weather
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 266 viewsMinister Nicola Grigg announced $250,000 in emergency waste funding for five councils affected by severe weather in early 2026, supplementing $130,000 allocated in October 2025. The funding supports councils in managing waste from flood damage, fallen trees, and repairing waste infrastructure, enabled by changes to the Waste Minimisation Act allowing the Waste Disposal Levy to cover emergency waste costs. Councils receiving funds include Gisborne, Manawatū, Ōtorohanga, Thames-Coromandel, Whangarei, Ruapehu, Clutha, and Gore districts.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Gisborne District Council Manawatū District Council Ōtorohanga District Council Whangarei District Council Ruapehu District Council Clutha District Council Gore District Council Minister for the EnvironmentNew Zealand Launches Revised National Plan to Protect and Sustain Sharks
14 Aug 2026 | 4 weeks ago | 312 viewsThe New Zealand Government has approved a revised National Plan of Action to enhance shark conservation and sustainable management, addressing threats such as fishing, pollution, and climate change while integrating tangata whenua perspectives. The plan emphasizes protecting vulnerable shark species, minimizing bycatch through best-practice handling, and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems where at least 113 shark species reside. Developed collaboratively by multiple agencies and stakeholders, this updated plan builds on previous efforts, including the 2014 shark finning ban, and sets clear goals and measurable objectives for 2026.
Tags: Tama Potaka New Zealand National Plan of Action sharks conservation Department of Conservation Fisheries New Zealand shark finning ban tangata whenua marine ecosystemsGovernment Ends ‘Offensive Trades’ Registration, Saving Businesses Time and Money
14 Aug 2026 | 4 weeks ago | 293 viewsThe Government is abolishing the ‘offensive trades’ registration under the 1956 Health Act to reduce unnecessary compliance costs and save businesses time and money. This change, supported by Ministers David Seymour and Simeon Brown, recognizes that modern environmental and industry-specific regulations sufficiently manage these trades, making annual registrations obsolete. The reform is expected to save up to $2.26 million over 10 years and reflects ongoing efforts by the Ministry for Regulation to cut red tape and improve productivity.
Tags: David Seymour Simeon Brown Government Health Act 1956 offensive trades Regulation Minister Ministry of Regulation Red Tape Tipline business compliance local councilsHamilton District Plan Review: Consultation on Housing and Development Provisions
13 Aug 2026 | 4 weeks ago | 370 viewsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released an investigation report and launched a public consultation on specific provisions in the Hamilton City Operative District Plan that may unnecessarily increase development costs and complexity, particularly affecting social and affordable housing. The review focuses on rules related to electric vehicle charging, cycle parking, deep soil planting, urban tree canopy, and building design controls, aiming to ensure planning regulations support economic growth and housing supply. Consultation runs from 24 August to 7 September 2026, after which officials will analyze submissions and advise the Government on potential regulatory changes under the Resource Management Act.
Tags: Chris Bishop Hamilton City Council Waikato Regional Council Waikato District Council Waipa Council Ministry for the Environment RMA Reform Resource Management Act MCERTGovernment Enhances Infrastructure Funding to Support Fast-Track Developments in NZ
13 Aug 2026 | 4 weeks ago | 315 viewsThe New Zealand Government is enhancing infrastructure funding settings to ensure growth-related costs from Fast-track developments are recoverable by councils, addressing challenges like out-of-sequence projects and cross-boundary infrastructure impacts. Amendments to the Local Government Act 2002 will allow councils to update Development Contribution policies and recover costs more flexibly, serving as an interim measure until the new Development Levies system becomes operational in 2029. These changes aim to balance the acceleration of development through Fast-track approvals with fair infrastructure funding, supporting economic growth while maintaining effective service delivery.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Watts Development Contributions Development Levies Local Government Act 2002 Housing Growth Infrastructure funding New Zealand GovernmentEPA Cuts Wait Times for Hazardous Substances to Boost NZ Farmers' Access to Products
13 Aug 2026 | 4 weeks ago | 357 viewsFarmers and rural businesses in New Zealand are gaining faster access to essential crop protection products due to significant improvements in the Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA) hazardous substances assessment processes, which have halved application wait times since July 2024. The EPA completed a record number of assessments in 2025/26 and reduced the backlog by over a third, reflecting the Government's commitment to efficient regulatory processing while maintaining strong environmental safeguards. Additionally, reforms to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act are underway to further streamline application procedures and support innovation, with the Primary Production Select Committee expected to report on the amendments in September.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Environmental Protection Authority EPA Hazardous Substances New Organisms Act farmers growers Primary Production Select Committee New Zealand regulatory reformNew Petroleum Mining Permit Boosts NZ Gas Supply and Oil Exports
13 Aug 2026 | 4 weeks ago | 329 viewsNew Zealand has granted a 10-year petroleum mining permit to Matahio NZ Onshore Limited for the Puka field in Taranaki, expected to increase domestic natural gas supply and generate export revenue from oil production. The permit highlights growing momentum in the petroleum sector, with estimated recoverable reserves supporting energy security amid declining gas supplies. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the importance of a diverse energy system combining responsible resource development, renewable energy, and emerging technologies to ensure affordable and reliable energy.
Tags: Shane Jones Matahio NZ Onshore Limited New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals Puka field Oru prospect Taranaki petroleum mining permit natural gas oil production energy security