03 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1094 views
The Government has introduced the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill to create a fast-track consent option for new supermarkets, aiming to improve grocery competition and provide better prices and choices for consumers. The Bill streamlines the approval process by allowing new supermarket developments to bypass standard resource consent processes and be referred to a fast-track expert panel for quicker decisions. The amendments aim to enhance the efficiency of the Fast-track Approvals Act, with technical changes to cut project application processing times and reduce processing and consideration times by an estimated six weeks or more.
31 Oct 2025
11 months ago
1166 views
New Zealand and the Nordic countries are strengthening their cooperation based on shared strategic assessments, values, and development goals, as stated by Foreign Minister Winston Peters. During his visit to the Nordic region, Peters emphasized the commonality in worldviews, values, and the desire for economic cooperation between New Zealand and the Nordic countries. The visit included bilateral meetings with all five Nordic countries, discussions on supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, and exploring opportunities for economic development collaboration, highlighting the potential for mutual benefit.
29 Oct 2025
11 months ago
1220 views
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard highlights the importance of strengthening New Zealand's biosecurity laws to protect against invasive pests and diseases, supporting economic growth in the food and fibre sector, which contributes significantly to the country's GDP. The proposed changes aim to enhance biosecurity defenses, with penalties for failing to declare risk goods at the border, improved management of pests and diseases, and more efficient import rules to support trade while maintaining high biosecurity standards. The Minister emphasizes the need to prevent incursions to safeguard New Zealand's competitive advantage in the global food and fibre export industry, with a draft bill reflecting these changes expected to progress through Parliament in the near future.
22 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1255 views
Electricity Authority Chair Anna Kominik has resigned, with Energy Minister Simon Watts expressing gratitude for her leadership and contributions to significant reforms in the electricity sector. Ms Kominik's departure is tied to a new opportunity and the completion of the Frontier Economics Review of Electricity Market Performance, with plans for an organisational review before her replacement is appointed. The Government aims to strengthen the Authority's enforcement and analytical capabilities, with a focus on pro-competitive initiatives that prioritize consumer benefit and public value.
15 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1371 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights that the Rolleston Access Improvements project on State Highway 1 will boost jobs and economic growth in the rapidly expanding Canterbury region. The project aims to enhance transport connections for residents and businesses in the Selwyn district, a key area for growth and access to Christchurch. The government's $7 billion infrastructure investment includes this project, with the first stage focusing on constructing a new roundabout, pedestrian and cycle subway, and various road upgrades to improve safety and efficiency, with completion expected by the end of 2026.
13 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1254 views
The Government celebrates a 7.5% increase in international visitor arrivals in August, signaling a positive trend for the tourism industry's recovery post-COVID. Minister Louise Upston emphasizes the economic importance of tourism as New Zealand's second highest export earner. The Tourism Industry Association survey indicates an 86% confidence level among tourism organizations for the upcoming year, reflecting the industry's optimism and the Government's investments to promote New Zealand as a top destination.
10 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1210 views
The Government is considering selling its investment in Chorus to free up capital for more beneficial projects in New Zealand, following the completion of the Ultra-Fast Broadband initiative in 2022. Minister of Finance Nicola Willis highlights the need to redirect the capital into investments that will benefit New Zealanders, with Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop aiming to expedite the sale to private investors by early 2026 to allocate the proceeds towards hospitals, schools, and roads in Budget 2026. NIFFCo will conduct due diligence on the securities, evaluate market interest, and provide recommendations on the optimal sales process, with a decision on the sale expected by the end of 2025 to ensure value-for-money expectations are met.
09 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1298 views
Changes to government procurement rules in New Zealand aim to give local businesses a better chance at winning contracts by introducing an economic benefit test, effective from 1 December. These new rules, resulting from feedback received during consultation, include simplifying processes, reducing the number of rules, and emphasizing the economic value and job creation for Kiwis. The changes are designed to make it easier for both local and international businesses to compete for government contracts while upholding international trade commitments and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer money.
04 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1214 views
New Zealand and Australia have agreed to expedite efforts to enhance the Single Economic Market, emphasizing open markets and collaboration to boost economic resilience. Key outcomes of the annual CER Trade Ministers’ Meeting include advancing regulatory alignment, deepening economic integration, and coordinating trade engagement on a regional and global scale. The Ministers aim to facilitate trade and investment for businesses across the region, aligning government actions with commercial priorities and welcoming input from the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum.
03 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1301 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will meet Australian Trade Minister Senator Don Farrell in Adelaide for the CER Trade Ministers’ Meeting to enhance the Single Economic Market and strengthen the economic partnership between New Zealand and Australia. The meeting aims to boost trade, investment, and business growth across the Tasman amidst global trade uncertainties. Discussions will focus on elevating the partnership, addressing trade barriers, enhancing regulatory coherence, and coordinating on international trade initiatives to benefit businesses on both sides of the Tasman and align government actions with business needs.
02 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1276 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights the importance of the freight system in driving New Zealand's economy and supporting job growth. To address the increasing demand for freight services due to population growth, the government is implementing three key initiatives: launching an Action Plan for Freight, updating the National Freight Demand Study, and establishing a Freight Advisory Council. These initiatives aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of the freight system by maximizing economic value, improving data-driven decision-making, and providing strategic insights and advice to support economic growth.
29 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1256 views
Applications are open for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa in New Zealand, allowing parents of citizens and residents to visit for up to five years, meeting health, financial, and insurance requirements. The visa aims to balance the desires of migrants with parents overseas for longer visits while protecting public services. Additionally, initiatives like smart skilled migrant residency pathways are part of efforts to attract talent, support businesses, and boost the economy.
26 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1527 views
A new flyover in East Auckland, the Reeves Road Flyover, is set to open to traffic, easing congestion and boosting productivity in the city. The flyover is part of the $1.3 billion Eastern Busway project, which aims to improve transportation by providing rapid bus and train services between various locations in Auckland. The project is a key investment by the government and Auckland Council to enhance the transport system, support economic growth, and provide better access to jobs and opportunities for residents in East Auckland.
25 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1144 views
The completion of Te Waihekeora Reservoir in Northland, managed by Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust, will significantly boost horticulture and job opportunities in the region. The reservoir, opened by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, will unlock over 1000ha of land for horticulture, with potential for expansion through the Kaipara pipeline. This water infrastructure project aims to enhance water security, support horticultural development, stimulate economic growth, and supply water to key local users, contributing to the region's economic prosperity and the government's goals for sustainable growth in food and fibre exports.
24 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1341 views
Dr Anna Breman, First Deputy Governor of Sweden's central bank, has been appointed as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand by Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Dr Breman brings a strong background in economics, having held leadership roles at the Riksbank and Swedbank, and worked with various institutions including the World Bank. She was selected from a pool of 300 candidates based on criteria such as leadership skills, technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, resilience, and cultural understanding. Dr Breman's appointment is for a five-year term starting on December 1, succeeding Christian Hawkesby who will support her transition before leaving his interim Governor role.