Articles tagged with Government
Showing 15 of 508 articles
Tauranga Landslide Inquiry Report Delayed to February 2027 for Thorough Review
09 Sep 2026 | 2 hours ago | 26 viewsThe Government Inquiry into the fatal landslides in Tauranga, which claimed eight lives in January 2026, will now report back in February 2027 following an extension request by the Inquiry Chair, Sir Mark O’Regan. The Inquiry aims to determine how the landslides occurred, assess agency responses, and identify lessons to prevent future tragedies, while incorporating findings from the Davison Review delivered in August 2026. Minister Brooke van Velden emphasized the need for a comprehensive report despite the delay, acknowledging the affected families’ and communities’ desire for timely answers.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Sir Mark O’Regan Tauranga Mauao Mount Maunganui Pāpāmoa Davison Review Government Inquiry Minister of Internal Affairs Tauranga City CouncilFree Government Food Safety Courses Help Thousands of Food Business Staff
07 Sep 2026 | 1 day ago | 68 viewsThe Government’s free online Food Safety Basics training modules have benefited thousands of food business staff, with the third module on maintaining a food safe workplace now available. Developed with industry input, the course covers key topics like cleaning, pest control, and waste management, and aims to simplify food safety while saving businesses money on costly training. Additionally, recent government changes have reduced regulatory burdens and costs for various food businesses, supporting a more efficient and consistent food safety system nationwide.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Government Food Safety Basics Restaurant Association Hospitality NZ Food Business Online Training Hygiene Food Safety MinisterTaranaki Alliance Boosted by $3M Grant to Secure $100M+ Contracts
07 Sep 2026 | 1 day ago | 67 viewsThe Taranaki Alliance, supported by a $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant, aims to help local firms secure over $100 million in contracts within three years, aiding economic diversification away from the declining oil and gas sector. The initiative, led by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and local partners, will coordinate collaboration among engineering, manufacturing, and technical firms to pursue large-scale national and international projects. With strong regional support and over 85 firms interested, the Alliance seeks to build a commercially sustainable model that enhances bid coordination, compliance, and regional economic representation.
Tags: Shane Jones Taranaki Alliance Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki Methanex New Plymouth District Council Venture Taranaki Regional Development Minister Coalition Government Regional Infrastructure Fund oil and gas sectorNew $27M Ngā Moana e Rua Mental Health Facility Opens in Greymouth
07 Sep 2026 | 2 days ago | 80 viewsMinister for Mental Health Matt Doocey officially opened Ngā Moana e Rua, a new $27 million acute mental health facility at Te Nīkau Hospital in Greymouth, designed to provide a safe, therapeutic environment with modern amenities for inpatient care. This facility is part of the Mental Health Infrastructure Programme and reflects a shift towards faster access, improved frontline support, and better crisis response, with input from clinical teams, people with lived experience, and the community. West Coast mental health services are among the best-performing in the country, and the new unit aims to further enhance care while supporting earlier intervention to prevent inpatient admissions.
Tags: Matt Doocey Ngā Moana e Rua Te Nīkau Hospital Greymouth Mental Health Infrastructure Programme West Coast mental health services inpatient support frontline teams Government mental health planNew Nationwide Rural Recycling Scheme to Boost Farm Plastics Recovery from 2027
07 Sep 2026 | 2 days ago | 79 viewsThe Government is launching a nationwide Rural Recycling Scheme from March 2027 to improve the recovery and recycling of farm plastics through a regulated, industry-designed take-back system managed by the Agrecovery Foundation. This new scheme will replace current voluntary programs, expand the network of collection sites, and require producers to contribute fees to support free recycling services for farmers and other sectors using agrichemicals and farm plastics. The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and provide a simple, accessible recycling solution, with existing voluntary schemes continuing until the new system begins.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Government Rural Recycling Scheme Agrecovery Foundation farm plastics agrichemical containers Plasback recycling farmersNew Pasifika Youth Programme Empowers Skills, Careers, and Culture in NZ
04 Sep 2026 | 4 days ago | 129 viewsThe New Zealand Government, in partnership with Creative New Zealand, is investing $250,000 to support the Pasifika Youth Producers Programme, which offers 32 Pasifika youth practical skills, career exploration, and employment pathways through paid placements and leadership workshops. The 16-week programme targets two age groups, providing hands-on experience in event production, digital media, and other fields while fostering cultural connection and community engagement. This initiative aims to empower Pasifika youth, a fast-growing population, to develop skills, engage in education, and contribute to New Zealand’s workforce and economy.
Tags: James Meager Paul Goldsmith Pasifika youth Pasifika Festivals Aotearoa Pasifika Youth Producers Programme Creative New Zealand New Zealand government youth employment Pacific communities youth leadershipNZ Tourism Minister Welcomes New Hospitality Report to Boost Sector Success
02 Sep 2026 | 6 days ago | 136 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston welcomes a new industry report outlining 48 practical recommendations to support New Zealand's hospitality sector, acknowledging progress made since the 2024 Hospitality Summit. The Government has collaborated closely with the sector through various initiatives and will develop a Hospitality Action Plan to coordinate priority efforts across multiple agencies and portfolios. This plan aims to remove growth barriers, support businesses and workers, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy through ongoing partnership with industry stakeholders.
Tags: Louise Upston Hospitality New Zealand Restaurant Association of New Zealand Tourism Policy Statement Hospitality Summit Michelin Guide Hospitality Action Plan New Zealand Government Hospitality Regulatory Review Tourism and HospitalityGovernment Releases Crown Review on Moa Point Wastewater Plant Failure and Flooding
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 178 viewsThe independent Crown Review into the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant failure identified longstanding systemic weaknesses in governance, accountability, asset management, and risk management as key factors behind the 2026 flooding event, rather than a single technical fault. Recommendations for Wellington City Council, Tiaki Wai, and the Minister of Local Government focus on restoring compliance, improving communication, strengthening governance, and linking risk management to investment decisions, with many improvements already underway. The review underscores the importance of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms to enhance oversight, accountability, and resilience in New Zealand’s water infrastructure to prevent similar future failures.
Tags: Simon Watts Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Wellington City Council Tiaki Wai Crown Review Team Local Government Minister Local Water Done Well wastewater infrastructure infrastructure resilience MCERTIndependent Crown Review Reveals Causes and Solutions for Moa Point Wastewater Failure
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 145 viewsThe independent Crown Review into the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant failure identified systemic issues in governance, accountability, asset management, risk management, and infrastructure resilience as key contributors rather than a single technical fault. Recommendations were made to Wellington City Council, Tiaki Wai, and the Minister of Local Government to improve compliance, communication, governance, asset stewardship, and risk-linked investment, with recovery efforts expected to complete by February 2027. The review underscores the importance of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms, which aim to strengthen oversight, accountability, and long-term planning to prevent similar infrastructure failures nationwide.
Tags: Simon Watts Moa Point Wellington City Council Tiaki Wai Crown Review Local Government Minister Local Water Done Well wastewater infrastructure MCERT New ZealandNew Zealand Launches Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy for Support and Recognition
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 145 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched the Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan to recognize and support unpaid or informal carers, focusing on health and wellbeing, financial security, and appreciation. Developed collaboratively with the Ministry of Social Development, Carers Alliance, and other groups, the plan sets ongoing, realistic outcomes without an expiration date to address carers' complex challenges. The initiative involved extensive consultation with carers and stakeholders, ensuring accountability and meaningful progress in improving carers' lives.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Ministry of Social Development Carers Alliance Mahi Aroha New Zealand Government Associate Minister Social Development Carers Strategy EmploymentNew Zealand Launches Ongoing Action Plan to Support Unpaid Carers
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 134 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched the Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan to recognize and support unpaid or informal carers, focusing on health and wellbeing, financial security, and recognition. Developed collaboratively with the Ministry of Social Development, the Carers Alliance, and other advocacy groups, the plan is ongoing with realistic outcomes and accountability measures. The initiative reflects extensive community input and aims to provide a sustainable, long-term roadmap addressing the complex challenges carers face.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Mahi Aroha Carers Alliance Ministry of Social Development New Zealand Carers Social Development Employment Government Action PlanNew Disability Support Services Legislation Passed to Enhance Support in NZ
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 152 viewsDisability Support Services legislation has passed its final reading in New Zealand Parliament, establishing a legal framework to improve support for disabled people and their families without changing current eligibility or entitlements. The legislation incorporates feedback from the disability community, clarifies the government's role in supporting families, ensures stronger consultation with disabled representatives, and aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Enabling Good Lives principles. The government has also committed $2.1 billion in additional funding and plans further consultations on a carers’ package to enhance consistency, fairness, and sustainability in disability support.
Tags: Louise Upston Disability Support Services New Zealand Social Services and Community Select Committee United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Enabling Good Lives Independent Review 2024 Government disabled people carers’ packageGovernment Invests $400K to Repair Hauraki Rail Trail After Storm Damage
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 144 viewsThe Government is investing an additional $400,000, building on a prior $300,000, to repair the Hauraki Rail Trail after severe storm damage, ensuring it remains a key tourism asset supporting local jobs and economic growth. Funded by the International Visitor Levy and the New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund, with contributions from the Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust, the repairs focus on damaged surfaces and structures, especially in the Karangahake Gorge. The trail attracts over 32,000 visitors annually, contributing about $12 million to the local economy, and its recovery is vital for sustaining regional tourism and associated businesses.
Tags: Louise Upston Hauraki Rail Trail Ohinemuri River Karangahake Gorge New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund International Visitor Levy Ngā Haerenga Tourism Minister New Zealand Government Great RidesNew ECE Regulations: Education Review Office Takes Over Licensing & Compliance
31 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 136 viewsRegulation Minister David Seymour announced that, following the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Sector Review, regulatory responsibilities have transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Education Review Office (ERO) to simplify and improve ECE regulation. The new framework, established by the Education and Training (Early Childhood Education Reform) Amendment Act 2025, emphasizes risk-based, proportionate, and transparent regulation prioritizing children's health, safety, and wellbeing while reducing unnecessary burdens on providers and parents. These reforms aim to make it easier to operate high-quality centres, increase parental choice, and support the Government’s goal of smarter, more effective regulation to foster sector growth.
Tags: David Seymour Education Review Office ECE Sector Review Early Childhood Education Ministry of Education Education and Training Act ECE Regulation New Zealand Government ECE Licensing Director of RegulationGovernment Seeks Feedback on Easier Local Animal Buying and Processing Rules
31 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 180 viewsThe Government is seeking public feedback on updating rules to make it easier to buy and process animals from local farmers, including relaxing the 28-day care requirement and potentially allowing wider sharing of homekill and hunted meat. Proposed changes include labeling homekill and hunted meat to indicate they haven't undergone standard retail checks, while maintaining provider requirements and the ban on selling such meat. The consultation aims to clarify vague rules, especially to enable hunters to donate meat to foodbanks, and runs until 5 October 2026.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister Government MPI Ministry for Primary Industries homekill recreational hunters local farmers foodbanks meat processing