13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
550 views
The Social Services and Community Select Committee’s report on the Disability Support Services Bill includes amendments reflecting feedback from over 3,000 submitters, clarifying the Bill’s intent, reinforcing support for families, and ensuring disabled people have a stronger voice in decisions. The revised Bill aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Enabling Good Lives principles, providing a clear legal framework for Disability Support Services without changing current eligibility or entitlements. The Government has committed $2.1 billion in additional funding to improve consistency, fairness, and sustainability of services, with ongoing consultations planned for further improvements such as a carers’ package.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
808 views
The speaker highlights the government's strong infrastructure track record, emphasizing value-for-money investments, policy reforms, and major projects underway, while acknowledging challenges like a funding gap and high costs in the land transport system. To address these, the government plans an independent report on cost drivers and reforms in funding and oversight, aiming for a sustainable, user-funded, and efficient transport network aligned with economic growth and housing development. The upcoming Government Policy Statement (GPS) 2027 will focus on cost control, maintenance, productivity, safety, and transit-oriented development to maximize infrastructure benefits and support growth.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
551 views
New Zealand is upgrading its emergency helicopter fleet, replacing aging aircraft with 16 new helicopters by 2025 to improve safety, reliability, and performance, especially in remote and regional areas. The latest addition, an Airbus H145 D3 in Hawke’s Bay, enhances automation, patient care, and operation in challenging conditions, supporting critical medical transport and inter-hospital transfers. This $27.3 million investment aims to strengthen air ambulance services nationwide, ensuring better outcomes for patients and recognizing the vital work of air ambulance personnel.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
587 views
The Government has allocated $30 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support projects that grow New Zealand's hydrogen sector, emphasizing hydrogen's potential to diversify renewable energy and reduce emissions in heavy transport and industry. This initiative complements existing renewable resources, aims to enhance energy security, and encourages innovation and private investment, particularly in regional areas. Additionally, the Government is developing a regulatory framework for emerging white and orange hydrogen industries to provide clarity and attract further investment.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
616 views
The Government has allocated $30 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support projects aimed at growing New Zealand’s hydrogen sector, emphasizing its potential to enhance renewable energy, reduce emissions, and improve energy security. Minister Shane Jones highlighted hydrogen’s role in heavy transport and industry where electrification is less viable, and noted ongoing efforts to establish regulatory frameworks for white and orange hydrogen development. This funding package aims to foster innovation, attract private investment, and strengthen regional economic growth through emerging hydrogen technologies.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
653 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest $15 million in Aspiring Materials Limited to develop a $31 million commercial-scale facility in Southland that produces green hydrogen and critical minerals using patented technology. This government-supported project aims to boost economic development, reduce emissions in sectors where electrification is challenging, and strengthen New Zealand’s energy sector through innovation and advanced manufacturing. The funding, part of an $80 million allocation for critical minerals, highlights the government's commitment to diverse energy solutions and regional growth.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
661 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest $15 million in Aspiring Materials Limited to develop a $31 million commercial-scale plant in Southland that produces green hydrogen and extracts critical minerals from quarry waste using patented technology. This government-backed initiative aims to boost economic development, support energy innovation, and position New Zealand’s regions to capitalize on emerging industrial opportunities, particularly in sectors where hydrogen can reduce emissions. The funding, part of an $80 million allocation for critical minerals projects, aligns with the Hydrogen Action Plan to diversify energy solutions and enhance economic resilience.
10 Aug 2026
2 months ago
574 views
The Hananui Aquaculture Project off Stewart Island, the first aquaculture venture approved through New Zealand's Fast-track process, is expected to produce 14,400 tonnes of salmon annually, generating over $310 million in sales and creating up to 480 jobs. This approval aligns with government efforts to support Māori commercial aquaculture and aims to boost the sector towards a $3 billion annual revenue target by 2035 through large-scale open-ocean farming. The Fast-track process, which has approved 31 projects so far, accelerates development timelines, supporting regional growth, job creation, and New Zealand’s leadership in sustainable seafood production.
10 Aug 2026
2 months ago
585 views
The Delmore residential development in Auckland, covering over 61 hectares and including 1,200 dwellings, commercial areas, parks, and ecological restoration, has received Fast-track approval, marking it the 30th such project approved. The development will contribute $1.22 billion to the local economy over 25 years and features a privately managed water and wastewater system designed to meet current and future needs, with conditions ensuring environmental and infrastructural compliance. Overall, 30 projects have been approved through the Fast-track process, with 59 currently progressing and 65 referred, reflecting the government's ongoing commitment to accelerating infrastructure and housing developments.
10 Aug 2026
2 months ago
610 views
The Haldon Solar Farm in Canterbury is New Zealand’s first solar project to receive fast-track approval, marking the 29th overall and 7th renewable energy project approved under this expedited process. Expected to generate 370 GWh annually, it will power approximately 45,000 homes and contribute significantly to the country’s renewable capacity, supporting regional economic growth and energy security. The fast-track system aims to accelerate investment in sustainable energy, with 29 projects approved, 18 expert panels appointed, and 60 projects currently progressing, reflecting the government’s commitment to abundant, affordable, and reliable power.
06 Aug 2026
2 months ago
614 views
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced that the eligibility threshold for the Public Lending Right scheme will be lowered from 50 to 30 copies held in libraries, allowing around 170 more New Zealand authors to be recognized and paid. This change, supported by 77.1% of consultation submissions, balances broader access with maintaining the fund’s integrity and includes a new mechanism to efficiently address underpayments. The $2.4 million fund, managed by the National Library, aims to keep the scheme fair, relevant, and accessible within the current parliamentary term.
05 Aug 2026
2 months ago
635 views
The Public Service Commission will conduct a rapid review of the Ministry of Justice following serious mishandling of an employment case involving criminal proceedings over five years. Minister Paul Goldsmith has directed the Commission to provide firm guidance to all chief executives on managing such cases to ensure active and timely decision-making. He emphasized the need for fair but practical management to protect taxpayers' interests and prevent similar issues in the future.
03 Aug 2026
2 months ago
684 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $21.7 million over five years to expand practical, classroom-based teacher training through the School Onsite Training Programme and increase support via the Teacher Bonding Scheme, targeting schools with persistent staffing challenges. The programme, which allows trainees to spend significant time in classrooms and offers stipends, aims to improve teacher readiness and address shortages, especially in secondary subjects and rural communities, while boosting enrolments and reducing reliance on overseas recruitment. These initiatives are designed to build a stronger, sustainable teaching workforce that understands New Zealand’s curriculum and student needs, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes nationwide.
03 Aug 2026
2 months ago
633 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $21.7 million over five years to expand the School Onsite Training Programme and increase places through the Teacher Bonding Scheme, aiming to address teacher shortages, especially in secondary subjects and rural areas. The programme emphasizes practical, classroom-based training, allowing trainee teachers to spend significant time in schools supported by experienced educators, with participants receiving stipends to cover costs. This initiative has boosted interest in teaching careers, increased the teacher workforce, and targets sustainable staffing solutions by training more classroom-ready Kiwi teachers and reducing reliance on overseas recruitment.
31 Jul 2026
2 months ago
645 views
The New Zealand government, alongside the Whanganui District Council, has allocated $464,000 to investigate the environmental impacts of the former Balgownie Landfill, which operated from 1956 to 2001 without modern containment features. The project aims to assess contamination and leachate effects on nearby waterways and wetlands, informing long-term remedial actions to protect the environment. This investigation complements ongoing community restoration efforts and involves collaboration with Whanganui hapū to enhance cultural and environmental values in the Whanganui Catchment, with completion expected by October 2027.