07 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1285 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced a new school lunch program starting in Term 1 of 2026, providing affordable, nutritious lunches to around 242,000 students daily in contributing primary schools. Ten suppliers have been contracted to deliver lunches to 188 schools, catering to standard and special diets with sustainable packaging and efficient ordering systems. The program aims to save taxpayers $145 million in 2026 by utilizing a regional approach, offering meals at an average cost of $3.46 per lunch without requiring additional funding.
07 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1155 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey celebrates Gumboot Friday, an initiative providing free mental health support to young New Zealanders. Since receiving Government funding, over 40,700 counseling sessions have been delivered to support more than 14,350 youth. The partnership between the Government and I Am Hope aims to improve access to mental health support, with $24 million committed over four years to scale up services for young people.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1051 views
The Leader of the House, Chris Bishop, highlights the significance of the unanimous passing of the Parliament Bill as a crucial constitutional moment. The Bill consolidates and modernizes various legislative acts governing Parliament's operations, including establishing a new funding model, providing statutory powers to Parliamentary Security Officers, and updating the functions of key parliamentary roles. The development and passage of the Bill showcase effective parliamentary collaboration and dedication, with special recognition given to the select committee chaired by Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe and appreciation expressed for all those contributing to New Zealand's democracy through their work in or for Parliament.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1175 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac's progress report against his 2024/25 Letter of Expectations, emphasizing the importance of patient input and transparency in decision-making processes. Pharmac has made strides in meeting expectations, such as enhancing consumer engagement, collaborating with health sector partners, and improving organizational culture and stakeholder sentiment tracking. The report highlights achievements, including increased funding and efforts to deliver better healthcare services for New Zealanders, signaling a positive shift in Pharmac's direction under the current government.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1229 views
Increased funding under the government has enabled Oranga Tamariki to provide more services to high support needs young people and their families, with an additional 59 placements across 11 community care providers. These services encompass everyday support, access to education, community inclusion, extracurricular activities, and family contact, benefiting the youth immensely. The funding of $99.784 million over four years has allowed for trauma-informed care, specialist disability support, and tools like visual timetables to help these individuals manage and avoid triggers, demonstrating the government's commitment to addressing the needs of these young people and their families.
31 Oct 2025
11 months ago
1288 views
The Government is increasing and extending the Crown Liquidity Facility (CLF) for the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency Limited (LGFA) to support local government borrowing. The CLF helps LGFA secure competitively priced financing for local authorities during exceptional circumstances. The facility, established in 2011 and never used, is being raised to $3 billion and extended to June 2037 to assist in financing critical infrastructure and public services.
29 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1259 views
Minister Brooke van Velden introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill to address community feedback for local benefit, with a focus on problem gambling prevention. The Bill proposes an increase in the Offshore Gambling Duty to 16%, with 4% earmarked for community returns. A two-year review post-implementation will assess impacts on existing gambling forms and inform future policy adjustments.
28 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1172 views
The Government, led by Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and Health Minister Simeon Brown, has announced an integrated approach to reform the aged care system, establishing a Ministerial Advisory Group to recommend changes to the outdated funding model. The focus is on improving health outcomes for the aging population, creating a sustainable and cohesive system that allows for smooth transitions between different types of care. The expert Group will provide recommendations on the funding model, cost-sharing, and integration between aged care and health services, with the goal of implementing changes by 2027 to ensure all New Zealanders have access to the care they need as they age.
28 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1281 views
The Government is investing up to $26 million in public and private funds to restore the Hauraki Gulf, creating jobs, strengthening connections, and rejuvenating the marine environment. This investment supports the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Act, establishing new protected areas for marine life to recover while maintaining recreational activities. Additionally, there will be upgrades to tourism infrastructure on Hauraki Gulf islands, and a major reef restoration effort led by the NEXT Foundation with a focus on biodiversity and fish stocks.
17 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1369 views
New Zealand allocates nearly $1 million in welfare funding to support international seafarers at 12 ports, announced by Associate Transport Minister James Meager during the opening of the South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Centre in Timaru. The grants aim to fulfill New Zealand’s obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention by providing services like communication facilities, welfare officer visits, transportation for crew activities, financial services, and information on seafarers’ rights. The industry's funding of seafarer welfare services through levies reflects a commitment to ensuring the well-being of seafarers, recognizing their importance in enhancing productivity, safety, and environmental protection in the maritime sector.
17 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1278 views
The Government's focus on efficiency in school property has freed up $100 million for reinvestment in new classrooms. By utilizing offsite manufacturing and repeatable designs, the cost of delivering new classrooms has been halved. This investment includes new classrooms and learning support spaces in various schools, as well as funding for repairs and upgrades in schools nationwide.
14 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1125 views
Dr Shane Reti announced the establishment of Research Funding New Zealand, a single board to simplify science funding decisions in New Zealand based on recommendations from the Science System Advisory Group. The new system aims to reduce complexity and bureaucracy, allowing researchers to focus more on impactful research, innovation, and economic growth. Public investment in science will be redirected towards key areas like the economy, environment, health, and technology, with a phased transition over four years to ensure continuity and minimize disruption.
10 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1210 views
The Government awarded $129,000 to Northland Regional Council to assist in removing caulerpa seaweed washed up on beaches after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam in April, using emergency waste funding. Local hapū, volunteers, and council staff swiftly removed over 100 tonnes of the invasive seaweed to prevent harm to coastlines and marine ecosystems. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds commended the efforts and highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Exotic Caulerpa Elimination Project supported by $6.2 million to address the issue at its source.
24 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1530 views
Housing Minister Chris Bishop commends the Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA) for launching $200 million in A+ rated bonds, making cheaper lending available for Community Housing Providers (CHPs) to deliver more social and affordable homes. The social bonds were well received by investors, demonstrating confidence in supporting social and affordable housing in New Zealand. The government is supporting CHPs by funding over 2,000 social homes and backing CHFA with a $150 million lending facility to help reduce borrowing costs and enable the delivery of more homes for less.
19 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1299 views
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith announces up to $300,000 in contestable funding available for community events celebrating Waitangi Day and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund aims to support events that reflect on New Zealand's shared history and cultural contributions, bringing communities together to recognize all aspects of national identity. The Fund encourages new applicants to propose innovative ways for communities to participate in Waitangi Day events, with applications closing on October 20, 2025.