01 Jul 2026
3 months ago
874 views
New Zealand has launched SafetyNet Critical Communications, a new independent Crown company replacing Next Generation Critical Communications to enhance emergency preparedness and response across the country. SafetyNet will provide reliable, shared emergency communication services to public safety organizations on a commercial basis, supporting a modern, secure communications ecosystem. The company is led by a board including Rob Fyfe as Chair and CEO Steve Ferguson, with expert advice from key emergency service leaders.
17 Jun 2026
4 months ago
740 views
Minister Brooke van Velden has requested the Department of Internal Affairs to review the current insurance levy system funding Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), as 95% of its income comes from property insurance levies established in 1975. Given FENZ's expanded role beyond fire-related incidents to include medical emergencies and disasters, and the fact that only 59% of recent incidents were fire-related, there are concerns about the fairness and suitability of the existing funding model. The review will explore potential improvements and alternatives, considering issues like free-riding and implementation feasibility, without affecting the new levy rates set from July 2026.
29 May 2026
4 months ago
956 views
The Regulatory Systems (Internal Affairs) Amendment Bill has passed its final reading, closing a loophole that previously allowed children to purchase certain lottery products by applying age restrictions uniformly. The Bill also amends 30 Acts to enhance the Department of Internal Affairs' efficiency, including improved information sharing with international law enforcement, passport cancellation for compromised data, and streamlined identity verification processes. These changes collectively strengthen regulatory oversight, protect vulnerable groups, and improve administrative functions within the Department.
19 May 2026
5 months ago
946 views
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has appointed Mr. Raveen Jaduram as the new Chair of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board, succeeding Rebecca Keoghan MNZM. Mr. Jaduram brings extensive experience in infrastructure governance, financial oversight, and strategic leadership, which will support the Board's accountability and investment management in emergency services. Keoghan was thanked for her leadership during the organisation's post-amalgamation phase, where she strengthened structure and advanced workplace culture and integrity.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1253 views
The New Zealand Government is enhancing emergency responder capabilities by creating a new entity and expanding the mandate of Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC) to extend Public Safety Network (PSN) services beyond frontline responders to a broader range of emergency management and public safety organizations. NGCC, responsible for delivering the $1.4 billion PSN infrastructure, aims to modernize critical communications with improved coverage, reliability, and real-time information sharing to better prepare for disasters. The new company, overseen by the Ministers for Emergency Management and Finance, will offer user-pays cellular services to eligible organizations starting mid-2026.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3116 views
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says New Zealand is sending a seven-person specialist team to Manitoba on Wednesday 9 July to support Canada in its response to severe wildfires across the country. “Canada is dealing with an intense and escalating wildfire season, with fires raging across multiple provinces,” says Ms van Velden. “More than 20,000 people have been displaced from their homes.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2647 views
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in Hawke’s Bay are benefitting from $4. 77 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on Hawke’s Bay, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2327 views
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in the Gisborne region are benefitting from $3. 55 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on the East Coast, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts.