11 Sep 2026
1 month ago
387 views
New Zealand's manufacturing sector has expanded for 14 consecutive months, with growth spreading across all main industry groups and regions, as reflected in the BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) reading of 53.1 for August. Increased new orders and solid production indicate positive momentum, supported by government initiatives like the Investment Boost to enhance productivity. Despite global uncertainties, New Zealand manufacturers are outperforming major economies, contributing significantly to employment, GDP, and exports while receiving strong governmental support.
10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
458 views
The average KiwiSaver balance has surpassed $40,000 for the first time, with total investments reaching $138.8 billion and strong growth in member contributions and new enrollments. Increased competition in the KiwiSaver market is evident, with 460,000 fund switches and $7.4 billion moved between providers last year, encouraging members to review and choose better options. Additionally, the government introduced a bill allowing workers in service tenancies to use KiwiSaver for home purchases, supporting first-home buyers and enhancing savings accessibility.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
412 views
The New Zealand government, led by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer, is proposing mandatory pre-sale asbestos testing for children's toys and craft products containing sand to enhance consumer safety. This follows the recall of around 46,000 asbestos-contaminated products, highlighting gaps in current product safety protections. The proposed unsafe goods notice aims to prevent untested products from reaching the market, while officials also consider long-term comprehensive safety regulations.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
487 views
New Zealand has passed new legislation requiring everyone on recreational boats six metres or less to wear properly fitted lifejackets while underway, aiming to reduce preventable drownings. In 2025, 17 people died in recreational boating incidents, with 12 not wearing lifejackets, highlighting the urgent need for this safety measure. The law will take effect 28 days after Royal Assent, just in time for the summer season, supported by coordinated public information efforts from Maritime NZ and partners.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
465 views
New legislation will allow farm workers to use their KiwiSaver savings to buy their first home, addressing rules that previously excluded rural workers from first-home withdrawals. The bill also permits first-time farm buyers to use KiwiSaver funds for farms owned through companies, trusts, or partnerships they control, reflecting how farm ownership typically operates. These changes aim to make homeownership fairer and reduce debt for rural workers, enabling them to own property alongside their work.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
531 views
New legislation allows farm workers to use their KiwiSaver savings to buy their first home, addressing previous rules that excluded rural workers required to live on-site. The KiwiSaver (First Home or Farm) Amendment Bill also permits first-time farm buyers to use their savings when purchasing a farm through a majority-owned company, trust, or partnership, reflecting how farm ownership typically operates. This change aims to make farm ownership more accessible, reducing debt for new owners and recognizing the contributions of rural workers.
29 Aug 2026
1 month ago
501 views
The New Zealand Government will impose a 10-year performance requirement regulation on Wellington's water services provider, Tiaki Wai, following a Commerce Commission recommendation to ensure stronger accountability and transparency. This regulation grants the Commission the power to set binding performance standards, prioritizing critical projects and ensuring the $25 billion investment over 30 years is effectively managed and delivers promised infrastructure improvements. Ministers emphasize that this independent scrutiny aims to restore public confidence by guaranteeing that water charges are transparently used for necessary network upgrades rather than being hidden within general rates.
21 Aug 2026
2 months ago
592 views
New Zealand has seen a significant decline in tobacco sales, dropping over 20% in 2025 and more than halving in the past decade, though concerns remain about illegal cigarette availability. The government is addressing smoking harm through increased enforcement of tobacco and vape laws, youth prevention programs like Smokefreerockquest, and enhanced support for smokers to quit, including updated clinical guidelines and funded vape kits. Despite progress, efforts continue to focus on reducing smoking-related harm, emphasizing vaping as a less harmful cessation tool.
19 Aug 2026
2 months ago
630 views
New Zealand’s rising electricity bills are largely driven by electricity distribution network costs, prompting the government to seek reforms for greater affordability, reliability, and efficiency in the sector. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released a discussion document proposing actions to enhance collaboration among Electricity Distribution Businesses (EDBs), improve economic regulation, and strengthen governance to support increased electrification and innovation. The government is inviting public feedback on these potential reforms to ensure investments deliver value for consumers and help moderate future power costs.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
559 views
The Government is funding an additional Growth Advisor at the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce through June 2027 to provide hands-on support for local business owners recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle. This advisor will offer practical guidance on planning, growth opportunities, and decision-making, helping businesses navigate ongoing challenges and access regional resources. The initiative aims to strengthen Hawke's Bay's productive economy by ensuring small businesses receive timely, local expertise to rebuild and succeed.
07 Aug 2026
2 months ago
572 views
The upgraded Funding Explorer, launched by the New Zealand government, consolidates 15 funding opportunities from seven agencies into a single searchable platform, enabling businesses to quickly find relevant grants and support. This tool addresses previous fragmentation and navigation difficulties, allowing businesses to search by sector or objective, such as commercializing ideas or boosting productivity. The initiative, praised by industry leaders, aims to reduce time spent on government paperwork, fostering more investment, job creation, and stronger exports.
06 Aug 2026
2 months ago
663 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce Minister Cameron Brewer announced James Miller as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) for a five-year term starting August 6, highlighting his extensive experience in capital markets and governance. The government aims to reform New Zealand's capital markets by reducing costs and complexity to encourage local listings and strengthen KiwiSaver balances, with the FMA now overseeing consumer credit regulation as a single financial markets conduct regulator. Additionally, Trevor Janes was appointed to the FMA board for two years, both bringing significant expertise to support the FMA's role in promoting fair, efficient, and transparent financial markets.
04 Aug 2026
2 months ago
659 views
The Earn as You Learn programme, which combines paid workplace learning with formal training and industry mentoring, is expanding into the Hutt Valley, Bay of Plenty, Christchurch, and Auckland to address the manufacturing sector's skilled workforce shortage. Developed by manufacturers and supported by Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, the programme has proven successful in the Waikato pilot, with most participants securing full-time jobs after completing their training. The government is committed to expanding vocational pathways alongside this initiative, aiming to grow the skilled manufacturing workforce essential for New Zealand's economic recovery and future innovation.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
653 views
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) ceased the seven-year Biometric Capability Upgrade project in December 2025, initially reporting $33 million in costs written off. Subsequent reviews revealed discrepancies in MBIE’s financial reporting, leading to the identification of an additional $6 million in project costs and prompting the commissioning of an independent financial audit. The matter has been referred to the Michael Heron inquiry and the Public Service Commissioner to investigate MBIE’s financial controls and potentially expand the inquiry’s scope.
22 Jul 2026
3 months ago
721 views
Provisional data for Term 2 2026 shows school attendance rates reached 64.2%, the highest since 2016 and a 5.8% increase from 2025, despite high fuel prices. The government’s focused attendance initiatives, including mandatory school attendance management plans and increased funding of $140 million over four years, have improved support and accountability for managing absences. Regional attendance gains were notable, and ongoing reforms aim to sustain this upward trend, emphasizing the link between regular attendance and positive educational and life outcomes.