12 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1507 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced an extended seasonal closure for blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds, aiming to reduce fishing pressure and support sustainability. Commercial catch limits for the fish stock were reduced in 2022 due to concerns about high fishing pressure impacting the fishery. An advisory group has been established to provide expertise on improving the health of the blue cod population, with further exploration of factors affecting the fishery planned for the future.
06 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1803 views
The Government is implementing significant fisheries reforms to support sustainable growth in the fishing industry, aiming to remove obstacles and enhance decision-making for setting catch limits. The reforms include more responsive rules based on changes in fish abundance, improved privacy protection for fishers through changes in the onboard camera program, and practical guidelines for landing or discarding catch. These changes align with the goal of fostering a thriving and sustainable fishing industry, with an amendment Bill to be introduced for further feedback through the select committee process.
30 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1872 views
Safety improvements, including intersection upgrades and a speed limit review, will be implemented soon at the Moonshine Hill Road intersection on State Highway 2 in Upper Hutt, following Transport Minister Chris Bishop's announcement due to the high number of crashes at the intersection. The upgrades will involve installing traffic lights, signage, and line markings to enhance safety for motorists and cyclists. NZTA will consult the public on a proposed 80km/h speed limit, with construction scheduled to start in October and be completed by the end of the year.
24 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2424 views
New Zealand passes legislation to enhance protection against cybercrime, with 11% of citizens falling victim to online threats in 2024, resulting in significant emotional and financial harm. Joining the Budapest Convention will enable cooperation with other countries in criminal investigations and align domestic laws with international standards. Provisions in the Bill include new preservation directions, amendments to enhance mutual assistance in criminal matters, and updates to the Crimes Act to address cybercrime comprehensively.
24 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1986 views
The Government is revoking 2023 regulations mandating removable batteries in vaping devices to address a court challenge by Mason Corporation Limited. Cabinet decided this action would resolve the case, allowing withdrawal of proceedings related to regulations introduced by the previous Labour government. The change will be implemented on September 1, eliminating the requirement for removable batteries in vaping devices, with no anticipated adverse effects on smoking or vaping rates due to prior legislation banning disposable vapes popular among youth.
15 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2063 views
Minister Brooke van Velden's Bill to regulate New Zealand's online gambling market passed its first reading in Parliament, aiming to protect players and ensure safer gambling practices. The Bill allows for up to 15 online gambling licences to be auctioned, with strict criteria for companies to meet, including harm prevention strategies and compliance history. The Department of Internal Affairs will enforce the new regulations, with fines of up to $5 million for rule violations, and public submissions on the Bill are encouraged as it moves to the select committee stage.
09 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2032 views
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee today announced further steps in the Government’s overhaul of the AML/CFT regime, strengthening efforts to combat serious financial crime. “This Government is serious about targeting criminals, not tying up legitimate businesses in unnecessary red tape,” Mrs McKee says. “Cabinet has agreed to introduce a bill to strengthen enforcement powers for Police and regulators to crack down on those involved in money laundering.
22 Jun 2025
1 year ago
3080 views
The positive impact of the Government’s Infrastructure Investment Summit earlier this year is beginning to show, following the shortlisting of three consortia for the Warkworth to Te Hana section of the Northland Expressway, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Investment Summit, which took place in Auckland in March 2025, attracted international and local companies which collectively manage over $6 trillion in capital,” Mr Bishop says. “Ministers’ presentations at the Summit left the investors in no doubt that New Zealand is serious about attracting investment into the big infrastructure projects our country needs.