12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1226 views
The speech celebrates the 10th anniversary of Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) and emphasizes New Zealand’s strong commitment to the Pacific region through partnership, democratic governance, and regional connectivity. It highlights New Zealand’s efforts in supporting infrastructure, digital transformation, media freedom, and people-to-people connections, including visa cost reductions to enhance travel and collaboration. Amid increasing geopolitical challenges, New Zealand reaffirms its principled support for Pacific sovereignty, regionalism, and the Pacific Way, aiming to foster unity and resilience ahead of hosting the Pacific Islands Forum in 2027.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1103 views
The Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Claims Settlement Bill has passed its first reading shortly after the Deed of Settlement was signed, marking a significant milestone after six years of negotiations. The settlement includes $24 million financial redress, shares in Patunamu Forest Ltd, several commercial and cultural properties, and approximately 12,000 hectares added to Te Urewera. While it cannot fully compensate past injustices, the settlement aims to support future generations of Ngāti Ruapani, who are based around south Waikaremoana.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1337 views
John Williamson has been reappointed as Chair of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board for two more years starting October 1, reflecting his strong leadership and extensive experience. The Board manages government investments in the NZ Super Fund and the Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund, with five of seven members currently in their first term. This reappointment aims to ensure stability, continuity, and robust investment performance to grow New Zealand’s sovereign wealth funds for future generations.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1220 views
The Government has established the Crown Review Team, led by Raveen Jaduram and supported by legal and engineering experts, to investigate the catastrophic failure at Moa Point wastewater treatment plant and ensure it does not recur. The team will conduct a coordinated investigation for both Wellington City Council and Wellington Water Ltd, delivering interim and final reports by August 2026, with findings expected before the transfer of water assets to Tiaki Wai Limited. Local Government Minister Simon Watts emphasized transparency, coordination with Greater Wellington Regional Council’s regulatory activities, and the public release of findings while managing legal and enforcement risks.
05 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1225 views
Two experienced corporate leaders, Tim Mitchell and Juliet Tainui-Hernandez, have been appointed to the nominating committee for the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, alongside the reappointment of Chair Michelle Tsui and member Mark Butcher. The committee is responsible for identifying and recommending qualified candidates for the Guardians Board, which oversees the NZ Super Fund and Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund. Mitchell and Tainui-Hernandez bring extensive expertise in governance, recruitment, risk management, and global investment, with their terms starting on March 1, while Tsui and Butcher have served since 2018.
05 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1183 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $8.3 million from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund to create training berths for seafarers, addressing workforce shortages due to retirements and industry challenges. This funding will help domestic vessel operators cover trainee expenses, ensuring the development of skilled seafarers essential for coastal freight services and emergency supply deliveries. Building a home-grown maritime workforce will strengthen the resilience of New Zealand’s supply chain and support the broader maritime sector critical to the national economy.
05 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1236 views
Health New Zealand will directly employ all first-year GP trainees to simplify their transition from hospital training and maintain continuity of employment conditions, encouraging more doctors to choose general practice. The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners will continue overseeing the training program, while the government implements initiatives such as increasing medical training places, establishing a new medical school, and funding overseas-trained doctors to strengthen the GP workforce. These changes aim to improve access to primary care by building a stronger pipeline of GPs and making general practice training more attractive and accessible.
04 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1291 views
New Zealand and Uruguay have reaffirmed their partnership as small, export-oriented democracies facing global challenges, emphasizing cooperation in trade, education, sport, science, and culture. Foreign Minister Winston Peters highlighted mutual interests in promoting democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international system, as well as expanding business engagement, particularly in high value-added sectors like forestry and agribusiness technology. Discussions also covered major international issues and the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, with Peters continuing his diplomatic tour in Latin America and the Pacific.
04 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1205 views
Health agencies in New Zealand more than doubled controlled purchase operations last year to reduce illegal sales of cigarettes and vapes to minors, resulting in over 4,500 visits and 489 infringement fines issued. About 90% of retailers complied with regulations, but roughly 10% remained non-compliant, facing fines up to $2,000 without court proceedings. Strengthened efforts included hiring additional Compliance Officers, passing stricter legislation banning disposable vapes, and increasing penalties, with regular compliance updates now available from the Ministry of Health.
03 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1184 views
New Zealand and Argentina have agreed to strengthen cooperation to boost economic efficiency, export growth, and job creation, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters highlighting Argentina's recent economic reforms and opportunities for New Zealand businesses. During his visit—the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2007—Peters engaged in discussions on global issues such as Iran, strategic competition, and UN reform, while emphasizing shared commitments to open, rules-based trade. The visit included parliamentary engagements and is part of a broader Latin American tour, with upcoming stops in Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, and French Polynesia.
25 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1238 views
The Crown and Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana have signed a Deed of Settlement after six years of negotiations, acknowledging historical Treaty of Waitangi breaches and aiming to restore Ngāti Ruapani’s connection with Te Urewera. The settlement includes a Crown apology, $24 million in financial redress, shares in Patunamu Forestry Ltd, multiple commercial and cultural properties, and approximately 12,000 hectares of land added to Te Urewera. This agreement marks a significant step toward supporting Ngāti Ruapani’s cultural and economic aspirations and concludes settlement negotiations in the Te Urewera region.
25 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1386 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford has announced the successful renewal of the Primary Principals’ Collective Agreement, ratified by NZEI members, covering around 1,300 primary principals. The settlement includes immediate and future pay increases, a $15,000 Curriculum Change Allowance, and an increased Leadership in Literacy and Numeracy payment, recognizing principals' leadership during educational reforms. Stanford emphasized the importance of principals' roles in schools and communities and thanked the Public Service Commissioner for facilitating the negotiations.
24 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1163 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown support Pharmac’s proposal to expand access to immunotherapy medicines nivolumab and ipilimumab for people with stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma starting May 2026, aiming to improve treatment outcomes and reduce cancer recurrence. These medicines, used together before surgery, can enhance immune response, potentially reduce the need for further treatment, and save health resources by decreasing infusion hours and hospital visits. The government emphasizes faster access to effective cancer care, backed by significant investment in new medicines, while Pharmac seeks public and clinical feedback on the proposal before finalizing the decision.
20 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1291 views
New Zealand has eradicated the Queensland fruit fly from Mt Roskill after a swift biosecurity response, with no further evidence found since a single male fly was detected in January. Biosecurity New Zealand lifted movement controls on fruit and vegetables, protecting the horticulture industry, which is projected to export $9.2 billion worth of produce by 2026. The success reflects a robust multi-layered biosecurity system and strong community cooperation, preventing significant damage to the sector.
20 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1150 views
Construction has begun on a 28-bed rapid-build inpatient ward at Nelson Hospital to support service relocation during major redevelopment and seismic strengthening. The project uses parallel off-site and on-site construction to accelerate delivery, reduce disruption, and improve inpatient capacity and patient flow. This ward is part of a nationwide government program, backed by a $90 million Budget 2025 allocation, to quickly expand hospital capacity with modern, cost-effective infrastructure.