21 Oct 2026
2 hours ago
28 views
The installation of a new rockfall protection system at the Goldsmith slip site is a major milestone in the recovery of State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge, with two-way traffic expected to resume early next month, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. "The Goldsmith slip has been one of the most challenging sites in the Gorge following the severe weather that struck the eastern Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti earlier this year," Mr Bishop says. "More than 20,000 cubic metres of material came down, closing this critical freight route in both directions for more than three weeks.
17 Aug 2026
2 months ago
612 views
The New Zealand Government has committed to implementing recommendations from the Ministry for Regulation’s Sector Review Report to simplify and accelerate approvals for residential and small to medium scale solar panel installations, reducing costs and wait times significantly. Key changes include legalizing plug-in solar systems for renters, streamlining inspection and approval processes, exempting certain installations from resource consent, and cutting red tape to encourage wider solar adoption. These reforms are expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, increase solar uptake, and empower Kiwis to better manage their energy use and costs.
17 Aug 2026
2 months ago
614 views
The New Zealand Government has committed to implementing recommendations from the Ministry for Regulation’s Sector Review Report to simplify and reduce the cost and time of residential and small to medium scale solar panel installations, including legalizing plug-in solar systems for renters and apartment dwellers. These changes aim to cut approval times drastically, lower compliance costs, and remove barriers such as resource consent requirements, potentially saving consumers thousands of dollars and accelerating solar adoption. Energy Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that these reforms will empower Kiwis to harness solar energy more easily, reduce power bills, and support the growing uptake of rooftop solar technology nationwide.
07 May 2026
5 months ago
989 views
New Zealand is conducting a Sector Review to simplify and speed up the residential solar panel installation process, which currently involves excessive regulation and multiple site visits, causing delays and higher costs. Compared to Australia, where solar installation is streamlined and widely adopted, only 3-4 percent of New Zealand households have solar despite potential savings of over $1,000 annually and a payback period of about 10 years. The Ministry for Regulation aims to reduce red tape by aligning rules with the low risk of solar installations, making solar energy more accessible and affordable for Kiwis.