26 Feb 2026
7 months ago
1342 views
The Government has classified recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, and Canterbury as medium-scale adverse events, unlocking additional support for affected farmers and growers. This support includes tax relief, Rural Assistance Payments, and activation of Enhanced Taskforce Green, with the Ministry for Primary Industries conducting on-farm assessments to identify those most in need. Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson urges farmers and growers to seek help through the Rural Support Trust for ongoing recovery efforts.
26 Feb 2026
7 months ago
1336 views
Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for Health New Zealand dietitians, resulting from a successful APEX vote. The 24-month agreement includes salary increases of 2.5% in the first year and 2% in the second, along with enhanced professional membership contributions and improved terms. This agreement follows recent approvals for other health sector workforce agreements, highlighting ongoing progress in settling employment conditions.
26 Feb 2026
7 months ago
1299 views
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will trial advanced drones from local company Syos Aerospace, supported by Sysdoc for training and Hirtenberger Defence Technology for system integration, to enhance military capabilities and boost the domestic defence industry. These trials will involve various drone types across air, land, and sea platforms in operational scenarios such as supply transport and maritime patrols, informing future capability decisions. This initiative aligns with the Defence Industry Strategy to build a resilient, innovative sector that reduces supply chain risks and supports economic growth through cutting-edge Kiwi technology.
25 Feb 2026
7 months ago
1189 views
The Government, led by Energy Minister Simon Watts, is using public sector energy demand to drive new energy projects through long-term Power Purchase Agreements with major public agencies. They aim to increase affordable, reliable energy supply from diverse technologies, including wind, solar, geothermal, and hydrogen, to reduce power bills and support faster project development. MBIE is conducting a feasibility study on streamlined solar procurement for government properties, with plans to issue a Request for Proposals by mid-2026 to accelerate implementation and increase energy generation.
22 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1287 views
The New Zealand Government is amending the Summary Offences Act to grant police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals exhibiting disorderly or disruptive behavior, obstructing access to businesses, begging, or rough sleeping in public places. These orders will require individuals aged 14 or older to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours and move a reasonable distance away, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce disturbances in city centers. Police will assess each situation individually and collaborate with social and housing services to provide support where necessary.
18 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1236 views
A new Military Health and Performance Centre, Tû Manawa Ora, has opened at Burnham Military Camp to enhance the health, wellbeing, and operational readiness of New Zealand Defence Force personnel by providing comprehensive medical, rehabilitation, psychological, and training services under one roof. The $22 million facility, completed in 18 months, aims to set a new standard for military healthcare infrastructure, supporting both prevention and treatment to improve retention and performance. Strategically located at the largest South Island military base, the centre reflects a strong commitment to caring for Defence personnel throughout their service and beyond.
17 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1316 views
New Zealand's Parliament has passed legislation updating the Anzac Day Act to formally recognize all service personnel who have served in times of war, including conflicts after 1966 and allied forces involved in the Gallipoli landing. The updated law broadens commemoration to include those who served in various roles, such as United Nations missions, medical units, the Merchant Navy, and those who died during training. This change strengthens the significance of Anzac Day as a national tradition that honors the courage and sacrifice of all who defended New Zealand and its allies.
17 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1204 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for about 300 pharmacists employed by Health New Zealand, following a vote by APEX members. The agreement recognizes pharmacists' valuable work, offers workforce stability, and includes uplifts to professional membership contributions and other improvements. This initiative aims to build a more stable and supported pharmacy workforce to ensure timely, quality care for New Zealanders.
17 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1138 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for pharmacists employed by Health New Zealand, benefiting approximately 300 pharmacists nationwide. The agreement recognizes their valuable work, provides greater workforce stability, and supports their essential role in health service delivery. It also includes uplifts to professional membership contributions and other improvements, aiming to build a more stable and supported pharmacy workforce.
10 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1301 views
The Armed Forces Discipline Law Amendment Bill aims to modernize New Zealand’s military justice system by making it fairer, more efficient, and transparent, aligning it with civilian justice developments. It introduces a Minor Discipline Sanction System for low-level offenses, streamlines serious cases to Court Martial, enhances search powers with better protections, and expands rights such as trial by Court Martial and drug testing. These reforms ensure stronger discipline and operational readiness within the Armed Forces while upholding high standards for personnel.
05 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1277 views
Health Ministers Simeon Brown and Matt Doocey have welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for approximately 670 psychologists employed by Health New Zealand, following a vote by APEX members. The agreement includes pay increases of 2.5% in the first year and 2% in the second year, along with expanded professional development opportunities and a new salary step for senior expertise. This agreement aims to provide greater workforce certainty and support psychologists in delivering quality mental health care to patients nationwide.
05 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1301 views
New Zealand agencies, including Customs, Defence Force, and GCSB, collaborated with French authorities and the US DEA to intercept 4.24 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia as part of Operation Kiwa. This operation is the first major success of the Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Action Plan aimed at targeting maritime transnational crime networks in the Pacific. The campaign emphasizes international cooperation and enhanced intelligence and surveillance to protect New Zealand and its Pacific partners from organised crime.
04 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1341 views
WorkSafe has revised its enforcement policies to provide clearer guidance and faster resolution of safety issues, introducing alternatives like formal warnings and pre-charge enforceable undertakings for businesses that take responsibility and commit to improvements. Prosecution will now focus on serious cases involving significant negligence, repeated non-compliance, or serious harm, aligning with clearer criteria and the Solicitor-General’s Prosecution Guidelines. Training for WorkSafe staff will support consistent application of these changes, enhancing trust and fairness in enforcement decisions.
02 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1403 views
A new coordinated rural hospital medicine and specialist GP training programme has launched on the West Coast to strengthen the home-grown rural health workforce by increasing registrar numbers from two to three to eight to ten. The programme, accredited to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine training, offers six to twelve-month placements with strong supervision, support, and aims to retain trainees long-term by fostering community connections. This initiative aligns with the National Rural Health Strategy’s goal of ensuring accessible healthcare for all New Zealanders, particularly those in rural areas.
30 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1252 views
New Zealand has extended the deployment of its Defence Force liaison officer to Israel by three months, until May 3, 2026. The extension aims to enhance understanding of the evolving and complex situation in Gaza as the peace plan progresses. The liaison officer will remain based in the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre to inform future decisions on New Zealand’s contributions.