Articles tagged with Eu

Showing 15 of 71 articles

Kiwi Exports to EU Surge $3 Billion in Two Years Boosting NZ Economy

01 May 2026, 9:53 AM | 5 months ago | 887 views

Kiwi exports to the European Union have surged by $3 billion in two years following the New Zealand-EU Free Trade Agreement, boosting the economy and supporting jobs nationwide. Key export gains include significant increases in butter, meat, industrial goods, and tourism, with total goods exports up 35% to $6.7 billion and services exports up 11% to $2 billion in the year to December 2025. This growth exceeds expectations, strengthens regional economies, and reinforces the EU as a vital trading partner for New Zealand amid global uncertainty.

Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement Kiwi exports trade economy dairy meat tourism

Easier, Affordable Kids’ Health Treatment via Community Pharmacies in NZ from June

15 Apr 2026, 1:58 PM | 5 months ago | 1124 views

From June, New Zealand will expand funded treatment services through community pharmacies to provide easier and more affordable care for children’s common health conditions, reducing reliance on GP appointments. Pharmacists will be authorized to assess patients and supply subsidized medicines for issues like pain, fever, scabies, and urinary tract infections, supported by a $5 million annual fund to ensure nationwide availability. This initiative aims to improve timely access to healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas, by leveraging pharmacists as accessible and trusted health professionals.

Tags: Simeon Brown David Seymour Health New Zealand Pharmacists community pharmacies GP appointments Extended Pharmacy Services Fund Pharmaceutical Schedule New Zealand health children's healthcare

Pharmac Funds New Combination Therapies for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia in NZ

09 Apr 2026, 11:24 AM | 6 months ago | 1071 views

Associate Health Minister David Seymour applauds Pharmac’s decision to fund two new combination therapies—venetoclax with ibrutinib or obinutuzumab—as first-line treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), along with expanded access to ibrutinib as a second-line option. These treatments, available from May 2026, aim to improve patient outcomes by enabling longer remission, reducing the need for chemotherapy and hospital visits, and accommodating patient feedback gathered through community consultation. Since the government increased Pharmac’s budget, over 200,000 patients have benefited from funding decisions on 133 medicines, including 46 cancer treatments, reflecting a more collaborative approach with the patient community.

Tags: David Seymour Pharmac chronic lymphocytic leukaemia CLL venetoclax ibrutinib obinutuzumab cancer medication New Zealand cancer patients

Sunda Energy Acquires Matahio Assets Boosting New Zealand’s Petroleum Sector

09 Apr 2026, 10:56 AM | 6 months ago | 1194 views

Resources Minister Shane Jones welcomes the sale of Matahio Energy’s New Zealand assets to Sunda Energy as a positive sign of growing international interest and investment in the country’s petroleum sector. The transaction includes established onshore oil and gas operations in Taranaki and supports economic resilience, energy security, and regional development. Sunda Energy will now seek regulatory approvals, with the deal reflecting confidence in New Zealand’s oil and gas future and the importance of revitalizing proven assets.

Tags: Matahio Energy Sunda Energy Shane Jones New Zealand Taranaki petroleum sector oil and gas Cheal Sidewinder Puka exploration permit

WTO Ministerial Conference: New Zealand Advances Digital Trade and Fuel Talks

01 Apr 2026, 10:26 AM | 6 months ago | 1037 views

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay concluded his role as Vice Chair at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, where members agreed on the need to modernize the WTO despite failing to finalize reforms and extend the tariff ban on digital trade. Significant progress was made with 66 WTO members agreeing to implement a new Electronic Commerce Agreement, banning tariffs on digital trade flows and benefiting small businesses and exporters. McClay also engaged with international counterparts on critical fuel supply chains and continues to push for limiting fisheries and agricultural subsidies to improve exporters' returns.

Tags: Todd McClay Damien O'Connor World Trade Organization New Zealand United States India China European Union Saudi Arabia Singapore

Pharmac's Deal with Medtronic to Save $1.2M Annually on Drug-Eluting Stents

26 Mar 2026, 2:15 PM | 6 months ago | 1136 views

Pharmac has proposed a provisional agreement with Medtronic New Zealand to supply 65% of drug-eluting stents to public hospitals, potentially saving $1.2 million annually while ensuring access to high-quality stents. The proposal, developed with input from the Interventional Cardiology Advisory Group, aims to improve procurement efficiency and collaboration between Pharmac and Health New Zealand. Public consultation is open until April 28 to gather feedback from healthcare professionals and stakeholders before finalizing the deal for implementation starting June 2026.

Tags: David Seymour Pharmac Medtronic New Zealand Health New Zealand Interventional Cardiology Advisory Group Associate Health Minister public hospitals Principal Supply Status Pharmaceutical Schedule

Renewed Oil and Gas Prospecting in Canterbury Basin Boosts NZ Energy Outlook

24 Mar 2026, 10:41 AM | 6 months ago | 1268 views

A new prospecting permit application by CBX Energy Limited in the offshore Canterbury Basin reflects renewed confidence in New Zealand’s oil and gas sector, aiming to conduct technical and economic studies for basin development. The Canterbury Basin is a promising but underexplored area with potential hydrocarbons, offering opportunities to enhance domestic energy resources and economic growth. New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals is accepting competing applications until June 24, prioritizing them under the Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025, with decisions expected later this year.

Tags: Canterbury Basin New Zealand Shane Jones CBX Energy Limited NZP&M petroleum prospecting permit offshore exploration oil and gas Crown Minerals Act 1991 Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025

Government to Shift Ambulance Medicine Funding to Pharmac for Better Care and Savings

12 Mar 2026, 11:16 AM | 7 months ago | 1115 views

The Government plans to transfer funding responsibility for ambulance medicines from Health New Zealand and ACC to Pharmac to improve procurement efficiency, ensure nationwide access to consistent emergency medicines, and save costs. This change will create a single nationally consistent medicine list for ambulance services, enhancing continuity of care between ambulance providers and hospitals while leveraging Pharmac’s expertise and buying power. Public consultation on the proposal is open from March 12 to April 2, 2024, with implementation targeted for July 1, 2026.

Tags: David Seymour Simeon Brown Pharmac Health New Zealand ACC ambulance medicines emergency care medicine procurement New Zealand government pharmaceutical schedule

Government Responds to Health Committee Report on Aged Care for Neurological Disorders

10 Mar 2026, 3:07 PM | 7 months ago | 1116 views

The Government has welcomed the Health Committee’s report on aged care support for people with neurological cognitive disorders, following an inquiry launched in 2024 that gathered extensive input and made 14 recommendations. The Government’s response acknowledges these recommendations and will consider them through ongoing aged care reforms, including work by the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group. Committed to improving access and quality of care, the Government aims to ensure timely support for older people, particularly those with neurological cognitive conditions.

Tags: Casey Costello Health Committee New Zealand First National coalition Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group Government neurological cognitive disorders dementia aged care Parliament

New Zealand Imposes Travel Bans on 40 Iranian Regime Members Over Rights Abuses

25 Feb 2026, 10:23 AM | 7 months ago | 1132 views

New Zealand has imposed travel bans on 40 Iranian regime members involved in human rights abuses, including key ministers and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members, joining other countries in sanctioning Iran. Foreign Minister Winston Peters condemned the violent suppression of protests and Iran's destabilizing activities, emphasizing the country's violation of rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. These bans prevent the targeted individuals from entering or transiting New Zealand, reinforcing the nation's commitment to uphold international law and regional stability.

Tags: New Zealand Iran Winston Peters Eskandar Momeni Esmail Khatib Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Australia United Kingdom European Union

Pharmac Proposes Funding New Combination Therapies for CLL Blood Cancer in NZ

18 Feb 2026, 12:51 PM | 7 months ago | 1173 views

Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown support Pharmac’s proposal to fund two new combination therapies—venetoclax with ibrutinib, and venetoclax with obinutuzumab—as first-line treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) starting May 2026. These treatments aim to improve patient outcomes by enabling longer remission, reducing the need for chemotherapy, and offering more convenient pill-based options, including availability in private clinics to minimize patient disruption. The Government’s broader commitment includes investing $604 million to fund new blood cancer medicines, expanding stem cell transplant services, and enhancing cancer care access and timeliness across New Zealand.

Tags: David Seymour Simeon Brown Pharmac venetoclax ibrutinib obinutuzumab chronic lymphocytic leukaemia blood cancer New Zealand Government cancer treatment

Record Mineral Permit Applications Boost New Zealand’s Gold Mining and Exploration in 2025

10 Feb 2026, 3:46 PM | 8 months ago | 1240 views

New Zealand’s mineral exploration and mining sector is experiencing strong growth, with record permit applications and approvals in 2025, particularly for gold projects concentrated in the South Island’s West Coast. The diverse mix of prospecting, exploration, and mining permits, along with the conversion of small-scale permits to a more suitable regulatory class, indicates healthy progression and increased confidence in the sector. This momentum, driven by multiple mid-sized projects and active permit management, supports regional economic growth, job creation, and New Zealand’s broader resource development strategy.

Tags: New Zealand Shane Jones mining exploration mineral permits gold West Coast New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals regional economic growth mining projects

Honoring the Treaty of Waitangi: Unity, Partnership, and Progress for NZ

05 Feb 2026, 2:05 PM | 8 months ago | 1217 views

The speech acknowledges the challenges faced by New Zealanders, including recent natural disasters, while praising the resilience and unity shown through community support and the role of marae as vital hubs. It emphasizes the enduring significance of the Treaty of Waitangi’s three articles: governance (Article One), Māori chieftainship and partnership (Article Two), and equal citizenship and opportunity for all (Article Three), highlighting ongoing government efforts to honor these promises through social investment and reforms. Ultimately, the address calls for continued respectful debate and collaboration to empower Māori and maintain national unity as New Zealand approaches the Treaty’s bicentenary.

Tags: Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Jim Bolger Apirana Ngata Erica Stanford Māori Iwi Hapū Whānau Ora Tūwharetoa New Zealand

Waitangi Treaty Grounds Road Upgrade Enhances Access Ahead of Waitangi Day

04 Feb 2026, 9:08 AM | 8 months ago | 1100 views

Road access to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in New Zealand has been improved with a $1.57 million upgrade to Haruru Falls Road, sealing the remaining 3.7 km to ensure safer and more resilient access for visitors. The project, completed just before Waitangi Day, included drainage, paving, earthworks, and guardrails, with contributions from the Regional Infrastructure Fund and Far North District Council. Additionally, a larger $10.2 million infrastructure upgrade is underway at the Treaty Grounds to protect historic buildings and enhance facilities, expected to finish by the end of 2026.

Tags: Waitangi Treaty Grounds Shane Jones Haruru Falls Rd Waitangi Day Regional Infrastructure Fund Te Rau Aroha Māori Battalion Museum Moko Tepania Far North District Council Waitangi National Trust

New Zealand and Germany Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amid Global Challenges

03 Feb 2026, 12:40 PM | 8 months ago | 1182 views

New Zealand and Germany have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership, emphasizing shared concerns about global developments and common values such as democracy and human rights. Their collaboration spans defense support, trade, scientific research, tourism, and education, underpinned by a commitment to multilateral cooperation. Additionally, both countries reaffirmed their support for the Antarctic Treaty System to ensure the continent's protection for peace and science.

Tags: New Zealand Germany Winston Peters Johann Wadephul strategic partnership Antarctica Antarctic Treaty System Ukraine Indo Pacific Europe