26 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1394 views
The Reserve Bank has lowered the Official Cash Rate to 2.25%, marking the ninth reduction since July 2024, which is boosting economic activity and supporting forecasts of falling inflation and rising growth. This easing of rates is benefiting households by increasing mortgage renewal opportunities and enabling more Kiwis to purchase their first homes, with 23,600 first-time buyers in the past year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlights that these positive economic trends offer hope and improved financial choices for New Zealand families and businesses.
26 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1180 views
The Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill aims to ease development by enabling upfront financing of growth infrastructure, allowing properties benefiting from development capacity to be levied, thus overcoming council funding constraints. The amendments will broaden project eligibility to include agencies like NZ Transport Agency and KiwiRail, remove bureaucratic barriers, and ensure faster decisions with fewer vetoes to accelerate infrastructure delivery. These changes support the Government’s Going for Housing Growth Programme by providing flexible funding tools that help both planned and unplanned infrastructure meet housing demand.
26 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1043 views
The New Zealand Government is investing in the New Zealand Certificate in Business Events (Level 4) “Te Haeata,” an industry-led qualification designed to build a skilled workforce for the business events sector. This practical, online training program aims to address workforce shortages, support career pathways, and enhance the global competitiveness of New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality industries. Launching in early 2026, Te Haeata will also be introduced in high schools to attract and retain talent, promoting sustainable growth in the sector.
24 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1125 views
The completion of the new Ōpōtiki Harbour, featuring two 350m harbour walls and dredged channels, has created safe access for marine activities and unlocked opportunities for aquaculture and regional economic growth. The project, funded by government and regional councils with significant local collaboration, generated around 200 construction jobs and supports the expanding mussel industry, which employs over 200 full-time staff. This major infrastructure investment aims to boost local incomes and contribute to the government's goal of increasing aquaculture sector sales from $750 million to $3 billion by 2035.
24 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1169 views
New Zealand has launched the Business Investor Visa to attract experienced investors who will actively contribute to established businesses, supporting economic growth and job creation. The visa offers two investment pathways: $1 million for a three-year work-to-residence option and $2 million for a 12-month fast-track to residence. This initiative aims to sustain local businesses, protect jobs, and bring fresh capital and expertise into the economy as part of broader efforts to boost investment and growth.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1073 views
The New Zealand Government is proposing a trial of digital food labelling for lower-risk imported goods to reduce costly re-labelling requirements for new supermarkets entering the market. This initiative aims to provide allergen, ingredient, and nutrition information via QR codes and digital platforms while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Public consultation on the trial is open until December 19, 2025, with the goal of enhancing market entry flexibility and supporting trans-Tasman digital labelling efforts.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1257 views
Stefan Powell, co-founder and CEO of Dawn Aerospace, and Southland student Sophie Ineson are the 2025 recipients of the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, recognized for their innovation and contributions to New Zealand’s growing space industry. The space sector has seen significant growth, with revenue increasing 53% to $2.68 billion and supporting 17,000 skilled jobs, highlighting its economic importance and potential. Both winners will receive financial awards to support their work and education, underscoring New Zealand’s commitment to fostering talent and leadership in the global space industry.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1148 views
The Medicines Amendment Bill in New Zealand has lifted the prohibition on advertising medicines at medical conferences and trade shows, signaling the country's readiness for business, according to Regulation Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown. This change is expected to inject cash into local economies through the Red Tape Tipline and provide Kiwis with increased access to needed medicines. The move is projected to generate $90 million in revenue over the next few years, attracting major medical conferences to New Zealand and fostering economic activity.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1252 views
US supermarket giant Costco is planning to open a second store in South Auckland, welcomed by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis. The Government is facilitating quick approvals for new supermarkets through legislation and working closely with Costco for efficient consenting processes. Kiwi Property has agreed to sell land for the new Costco store, expected to boost the economy, create jobs, and enhance competition for shoppers.
10 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1102 views
The Christchurch City Council has achieved its Housing Growth Target, allowing it to withdraw part of Plan Change 14, which aimed to update planning rules to facilitate more housing. The Council demonstrated sufficient feasible housing capacity for at least 30 years, exceeding statutory requirements. Ministerial decisions are pending on heritage sites and a special character area, with a focus on removing planning barriers to increase housing supply in the fast-growing city of Christchurch.
07 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1279 views
The Government of New Zealand is updating the International Screen Production Rebate to enhance the country's competitiveness in the global film and television industry, responding to industry feedback and increasing incentives to attract screen investment. Changes include lowering the minimum qualifying spend for feature films, reducing thresholds for incentives, expanding eligibility for post-production projects, and removing caps on certain costs. These updates aim to diversify the screen economy, strengthen partnerships in growing markets, and support the local industry while attracting new investment and technology.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1283 views
The Government released an investigative report revealing that Eden Park's planning restrictions may be causing significant economic losses and job reductions, prompting calls for public feedback on proposed changes. The report highlights how current rules are hindering Eden Park's ability to contribute to Auckland's economic growth by imposing strict limits on events and activities. Recommendations include expanding event uses, increasing concert allowances, and implementing noise standards, with a public consultation process underway until November 19, 2025 to gather feedback for potential rule changes aimed at boosting local jobs and economic growth.
03 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1115 views
The Government has introduced the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill to create a fast-track consent option for new supermarkets, aiming to improve grocery competition and provide better prices and choices for consumers. The Bill streamlines the approval process by allowing new supermarket developments to bypass standard resource consent processes and be referred to a fast-track expert panel for quicker decisions. The amendments aim to enhance the efficiency of the Fast-track Approvals Act, with technical changes to cut project application processing times and reduce processing and consideration times by an estimated six weeks or more.
29 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1238 views
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard highlights the importance of strengthening New Zealand's biosecurity laws to protect against invasive pests and diseases, supporting economic growth in the food and fibre sector, which contributes significantly to the country's GDP. The proposed changes aim to enhance biosecurity defenses, with penalties for failing to declare risk goods at the border, improved management of pests and diseases, and more efficient import rules to support trade while maintaining high biosecurity standards. The Minister emphasizes the need to prevent incursions to safeguard New Zealand's competitive advantage in the global food and fibre export industry, with a draft bill reflecting these changes expected to progress through Parliament in the near future.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1304 views
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announces changes to support business growth and capital markets in New Zealand. The Government is adjusting climate reporting regulations to reduce costs and encourage listings on the NZX. Changes include raising the reporting threshold, adjusting liability settings, and excluding managed investment schemes. These adjustments aim to ensure robust reporting, maintain market competitiveness, and provide clearer information on investments for KiwiSaver and managed funds.