Articles tagged with Economy

Showing 13 of 58 articles

Boosting Employment in Waikato: Minister Upston's Commitment to Jobseeker Reduction Target

03 Sep 2025 | 1 year ago | 952 views

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston highlights the importance of regional employment events in getting Kiwis into jobs and boosting the economy. The Government's focus on the Going for Growth strategy emphasizes developing talent and reducing the number of people on the Jobseeker Benefit by 50,000 by 2030 through partnerships with employers and training organizations. Initiatives such as early intervention services, work seminars, and the Relocate for Work Support payment aim to help beneficiaries find sustainable employment, providing them with purpose, independence, and a pathway out of welfare dependence.

Tags: Louise Upston Minister Employment MSD Jobseeker Benefit Kiwis Economy Growth Waikato Community

International Visitor Arrivals and Spending on the Rise, Boosting New Zealand's Tourism Sector and Economy

02 Sep 2025 | 1 year ago | 1345 views

Fresh data released today indicates that international visitor arrivals and spending are on the rise, boosting New Zealand's tourism sector and economy, as highlighted by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. The year ending June 2025 saw international tourism contribute $12.1 billion to the economy, a 4.3% increase from the previous year, with a 5% rise in visitor arrivals totaling 3.38 million. Despite positive growth, Upston emphasizes the need for continued efforts to further enhance the tourism sector, referencing initiatives like the Tourism Growth Roadmap aimed at doubling tourism exports by 2034.

Tags: tourism economy international visitors Louise Upston spending tourism sector international tourism visitor arrivals New Zealand Tourism Growth Roadmap

New Zealand Opens Doors to Overseas Investors for Home Ownership under Active Investor Plus Visa

01 Sep 2025 | 1 year ago | 1155 views

Overseas-based investors with a New Zealand investor residence visa can now buy a house in New Zealand to stimulate economic growth, despite the ban on foreigners purchasing residential housing. The Active Investor Plus residency visa, requiring a minimum investment of $5 million, aims to attract high net worth individuals to deepen their connection to New Zealand and contribute to the economy by allowing them to own a home. This policy change balances the desire to limit foreign ownership while attracting significant investors to invest in the country, potentially bringing in a total minimum investment of $1.8 billion.

Tags: Christopher Luxon Prime Minister New Zealand Investor residence visa Active Investor Plus Foreign buyer ban Overseas Investment Act New Zealand economy High net worth investors

New Tax Bill Boosts New Zealand Economy and Supports Skilled Migration

26 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1430 views

Revenue Minister Simon Watts has introduced a new tax bill in New Zealand to boost the economy, attract skilled individuals, and encourage investment. The bill aims to make the tax system fairer for migrants, digital nomads, and businesses by addressing issues like overseas income taxation and employee share schemes. These changes are designed to simplify the tax system, reduce compliance costs, and create a more conducive environment for economic growth and job creation in New Zealand.

Tags: Simon Watts New Zealand tax bill economy skilled migrants digital nomads employee share schemes tax compliance costs GST practices solar power

Port of Auckland Wharf Expansion Fast-tracked for Economic Growth

20 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1295 views

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones are pleased that the first Fast-track project, the Port of Auckland wharf expansion, has received approval under the Fast-track Approvals Act. The project includes a new wharf, berth extension, cruise terminal, and other upgrades, with construction set to start next month to create jobs and boost the economy. The Act streamlines the approval process for projects, with expert panels assessing applications and attaching necessary conditions, aiming to drive economic growth and efficiency in critical sectors like Auckland's port infrastructure.

Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones infrastructure New Zealand economy Environmental Protection Authority Auckland economy legislation expert panel project approval

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

Minister of Internal Affairs Celebrates Decrease in Citizenship Application Wait Times

14 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1234 views

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden notes a significant decrease in the number of people awaiting citizenship decisions, with the current backlog reduced to just over 13,700 from a high of 37,690 in April 2022. Efforts to streamline processes and reduce wait times have led to improved efficiency and quicker processing times, with the oldest applications now being picked up within two months compared to an 11-month delay in the past. Van Velden emphasizes the importance of celebrating the milestone of becoming a New Zealand citizen and acknowledges the contributions of individuals waiting for citizenship to the economy and communities.

Tags: Brooke van Velden Minister of Internal Affairs Citizenship by Grant application Department of Internal Affairs New Zealand citizen citizenship delays citizenship processing economy communities backlog

Strengthening Economic Ties with Thailand and Indonesia: Minister Todd McClay's Mission

03 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 2136 views

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is traveling to Thailand and Indonesia to enhance New Zealand's economic relationships with these key Southeast Asian economies. The focus is on leveraging the region's economic growth potential, with discussions centered around doubling exports and strengthening trade ties. The Minister will engage with senior officials, promote high-value exports, and seek to expand cooperation in areas such as food security and trade agreements during his visit from 4 to 8 August.

Tags: Todd McClay Trade Investment Minister Thailand Indonesia New Zealand Southeast Asia economy exports food demand

New Zealand's Geothermal Energy Expansion Plan for 2040: Unlocking Potential

30 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 3024 views

New Zealand aims to double geothermal energy production by 2040 to tap into its rich resources, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable geothermal development. The draft strategy, "From the Ground Up," seeks to drive innovation, resilience, and economic growth through geothermal utilization. The plan includes expanding geothermal applications beyond electricity generation, fostering innovation, and strengthening regional economies and the Māori economy.

Tags: Shane Jones geothermal energy New Zealand Resources Minister electricity generation sustainable development innovation Māori economy industrial growth consultation

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Unveil Plans to Boost Economy, Jobs, and Income for Kiwis

28 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1667 views

The Government, led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Finance Nicola Willis, is prioritizing economic growth to create jobs, raise incomes, and assist New Zealanders with the cost of living. Initiatives such as scrapping surcharges, tax relief, and the introduction of FamilyBoost aim to alleviate financial burdens for families. By focusing on key areas like talent development, competitive business settings, global trade, innovation, and infrastructure, the Government aims to boost wages by growing the economy in the long term.

Tags: Government economy jobs Kiwis Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Minister of Finance Nicola Willis tax relief FamilyBoost inflation

‘Everyone Must Go’ Campaign Drives Surge in Australian Tourism to New Zealand

23 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2051 views

The 'Everyone Must Go' campaign in New Zealand exceeded expectations, bringing in over 7,981 additional visitors and generating significant attention on both sides of the Tasman. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlights the campaign's success in boosting regional economies and tourism operators through collaboration between the sector and government. The campaign's strong results led to further investment, showcasing the positive impact of targeted marketing efforts on driving economic growth and supporting the tourism industry.

Tags: Louise Upston Tourism New Zealand Australia Campaign Economy Tourism Minister Visitors Regional Economies Tourism Operators

New Cycle Bridge Boosts West Coast Wilderness Trail, Boosting Local Economy

09 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1889 views

A new cycle bridge on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail will bring more visitors to the region and boost the local economy. “I’m thrilled to be supporting the construction of the Totara River Rail Bridge, ensuring visitors can once again ride this popular trail from start to finish,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “The West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is one of our Great Rides and attracts both international and domestic visitors alike, showcasing the stunning scenery of the West Coast.

Tags: Louise Upston West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail Totara River Rail Bridge Tourism Economy Infrastructure Ross Trail Investment Visitors

New Zealand Launches Innovative Science Organizations for Economic Growth and Public Health Advancements

30 Jun 2025 | 1 year ago | 2220 views

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says today marks a major milestone for New Zealand’s science and innovation sector with the launch of three new science organisations designed to unlock innovation, drive economic growth, and improve the lives of hardworking Kiwis. “Science, innovation and technology are the engine rooms of a productive economy and our Government is committed to powering up our scientists and innovators to deliver for New Zealanders,” says Dr Reti. “From today, six Crown Research Institutes will merge to form two new entities: the Bioeconomy Science Institute and the Earth Science Institute.

Tags: innovation and technology Bioeconomy science institute Crown research institutes Earth science institute New zealand Public health and forensic science institute Shane reti Zealand