10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
376 views
Independent evaluations of three government-funded programmes—E Tū Whānau, Pasefika Proud, and the Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention programme—show positive changes in attitudes and behaviours related to family violence. The findings highlight that community-led, locally informed approaches that build on community strengths are most effective in preventing family violence. These results support the Government’s National Strategy, Te Aorerekura, emphasizing prevention and empowering communities to create safer families and whānau.
10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
467 views
Planning for the redevelopment of Hawke's Bay, Palmerston North, and Tauranga hospitals has advanced with early concept designs showcasing future acute services buildings that centralize critical departments for improved patient care. These projects, part of Health New Zealand's Regional Hospital Redevelopment Programme, follow a consistent, phased approach supported by recently announced Budget 2026 funding for design and site preparation. The developments aim to enhance capacity, connectivity, and facilities, laying a foundation for hospitals that will serve their communities effectively for decades.
10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
422 views
The Government is allocating $8 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the ongoing operation, preservation, and infrastructure of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a site of immense national and cultural significance. This funding aims to maintain public access, enhance educational and commemorative programs, and ensure the site remains vibrant for future generations, supporting regional tourism and economic activity. Previous investments have also upgraded infrastructure and facilities, with continued efforts focused on preserving this taonga ahead of the 2040 bicentenary of Waitangi Day.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
332 views
A $640,000 loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been granted to South East Air to refurbish an aircraft, increasing Stewart Island Flights' fleet from four to five planes. This funding aims to enhance regional air connectivity, support essential services like healthcare and education, and boost tourism and business on Stewart Island. The loan is part of a broader $30 million initiative to sustain vulnerable regional air services and help airlines manage costs amid rising fuel prices.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
412 views
The Taranaki Alliance, supported by a $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant, aims to help local firms secure over $100 million in contracts within three years, aiding economic diversification away from the declining oil and gas sector. The initiative, led by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and local partners, will coordinate collaboration among engineering, manufacturing, and technical firms to pursue large-scale national and international projects. With strong regional support and over 85 firms interested, the Alliance seeks to build a commercially sustainable model that enhances bid coordination, compliance, and regional economic representation.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
370 views
Franz Josef township has achieved a significant flood resilience milestone with the completion of key Waiho River stop bank upgrades, enhancing protection for homes, farms, and infrastructure. These works, part of the second stage of the Franz Josef Flood Protection Scheme, are co-funded by a $6 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant and follow an initial $9.2 million investment from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. The upgrades aim to safeguard the community against destructive flooding from the glacier-fed Waiho River while preparing for the final Havill Wall upgrade to protect additional critical assets.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
435 views
The Stella Passage Development at the Port of Tauranga has received fast-track approval, enabling significant expansion including wharf extensions, new container cranes, and dredging to accommodate larger vessels and nearly double handling capacity. This approval, granted in about five months through the Fast-track process, addresses longstanding constraints caused by limited capacity and aging infrastructure, enhancing New Zealand’s largest port’s efficiency and supporting regional economic growth. The project is the 34th approved under Fast-track, a system designed to expedite infrastructure developments that deliver economic value and keep New Zealand competitive globally.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
464 views
The New Zealand Government is investing over $3.4 million through the Māori Development Fund to support three Māori enterprises in creating jobs, expanding exports, and fostering long-term prosperity across sectors like green hydrogen, apple orchards, and premium wine. These investments aim to enhance Māori asset productivity, increase export revenue, and generate economic benefits for whānau, local suppliers, and regions, reflecting the Government’s commitment to backing Māori ambition. Administered by Te Puni Kōkiri, the fund aligns with the Going for Growth with Māori economic plan and has an annual budget of $38.21 million from July 2026 to help overcome growth barriers and build sustainable wealth for future generations.
03 Sep 2026
1 month ago
492 views
The new State Redress Service provides survivors of abuse in State care with a single point of contact for information, new claims, and ongoing support, streamlining access across multiple agencies. It assigns one case manager for claims involving multiple agencies to simplify the redress process and reduce the need for survivors to repeatedly share their experiences. This service operates alongside existing agencies responsible for claim assessment and decision-making, as part of the government’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
455 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen economic ties. In 2025, two-way trade between New Zealand and Australia reached $35 billion, with Australia being New Zealand's largest export destination and international visitor market. The visit will also include talks on tourism growth, Māori tourism, and regional economic development to enhance collaboration between the two countries.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
459 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen the partnership. Their 2025 two-way trade reached $35 billion, with Australia as New Zealand’s largest export destination and visitor market, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong economic and tourism links. Minister Farrell will also meet with Tourism Minister Louise Upston and participate in a Bay of Islands program focused on Māori tourism and regional economic development.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
448 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed the US decision to provide $60 million in energy support to the Pacific, addressing budget shortfalls caused by the global energy crisis. The Pacific Islands Forum and partners like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank have been actively working to help Pacific nations manage fuel dependency and price shocks. New Zealand’s development program focuses on boosting economic and energy resilience by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
407 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed the United States' decision to provide US$60 million in energy support to the Pacific, addressing budget shortfalls caused by the global energy crisis. The Pacific Islands Forum and partners like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank have been collaborating to help Pacific Island countries manage fuel dependency and price shocks. New Zealand’s development program focuses on enhancing economic and energy resilience through renewable energy and improved efficiency to reduce reliance on imported fuels.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
403 views
The New Zealand Government has launched the Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan to recognize and support unpaid or informal carers, focusing on health and wellbeing, financial security, and appreciation. Developed collaboratively with the Ministry of Social Development, Carers Alliance, and other groups, the plan sets ongoing, realistic outcomes without an expiration date to address carers' complex challenges. The initiative involved extensive consultation with carers and stakeholders, ensuring accountability and meaningful progress in improving carers' lives.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
431 views
The New Zealand Government has launched the Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan to recognize and support unpaid or informal carers, focusing on health and wellbeing, financial security, and recognition. Developed collaboratively with the Ministry of Social Development, the Carers Alliance, and other advocacy groups, the plan is ongoing with realistic outcomes and accountability measures. The initiative reflects extensive community input and aims to provide a sustainable, long-term roadmap addressing the complex challenges carers face.