06 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2073 views
Tauranga will host a series of World Triathlon events over three years starting in 2026, including the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Finals, with an expected 6000 international visitors generating $25 million in tourism revenue. The Government is investing $2.65 million to support Tri NZ in hosting these events, aiming to attract over 4500 international competitors for the 2028 World Championship final. These events will be broadcast live to a global audience, showcasing New Zealand's strong history in triathlon and promoting sport tourism.
05 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2565 views
Rail Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones highlight significant developments in Northland's economic future, including Marsden Point's role as an energy and economic powerhouse. Projects such as a refurbished tank for supplying jet fuel to Auckland Airport and a commercial dry dock aim to boost job creation and international trade. Plans for a Regional Infrastructure Fund part-funded drydock at Northport and the potential use of special economic zones to attract investment demonstrate a focus on enhancing New Zealand's economic growth and resilience.
05 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2640 views
The address at Marsden Point highlighted plans for a new rail link, development of a dry dock, and potential for 'special economic zones' to boost Northland's economic relevance to New Zealand. The focus was on the importance of trade for New Zealand's economy, with discussions on the need for a second major port due to capacity constraints at existing ports like Tauranga and Auckland. The address also emphasized the significance of energy security, job creation, and export growth through initiatives like the Marsden Point Rail Link and the proposed Special Economic Zones legislation.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2011 views
The Government has agreed to raise the probate threshold from $15,000 to $40,000 to make it easier and cheaper for families to access assets of deceased loved ones, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. The current threshold set in 2009 no longer reflects the value of estates, especially with KiwiSaver balances, leading to smaller estates being burdened by court costs and legal fees. The increase aims to allow executors to distribute lower-value assets more efficiently, ensuring more of the estate goes to beneficiaries, while still maintaining oversight through the High Court for higher value assets to prevent fraud or non-compliance with the deceased's wishes.
30 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2927 views
The Minister for Resources and Regional Development welcomes attendees to the launch of a draft strategy to unlock New Zealand's geothermal potential, highlighting the historical significance and current opportunities of geothermal resources. Geothermal energy plays a vital role in New Zealand's electricity generation and various industries, contributing to economic growth and innovation, with plans to double geothermal energy use by 2040 and explore supercritical geothermal technology for increased energy production. The government aims to establish New Zealand as a global leader in sustainable geothermal development through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, including iwi, to drive regional economies and achieve energy resilience.
30 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1944 views
Kiwibank has been authorized to enhance its competition with the dominant Australian-owned banks in New Zealand's banking sector by raising up to $500 million in capital for growth. This move is aimed at enabling Kiwibank to better compete with the big four Australian banks while preserving its New Zealand identity. The government has approved measures to ensure Kiwibank's New Zealand identity, including maintaining majority government ownership and requiring key operational aspects to remain in New Zealand.
28 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1829 views
The Government, led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Finance Nicola Willis, is prioritizing economic growth to create jobs, raise incomes, and assist New Zealanders with the cost of living. Initiatives such as scrapping surcharges, tax relief, and the introduction of FamilyBoost aim to alleviate financial burdens for families. By focusing on key areas like talent development, competitive business settings, global trade, innovation, and infrastructure, the Government aims to boost wages by growing the economy in the long term.
28 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3514 views
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announced the axing of surcharges to benefit New Zealanders financially. The move aims to eliminate the hassle and unexpected costs shoppers face at the checkout. By banning surcharges for in-store payments by May 2026, consumers can shop confidently without being penalized for their payment method choice.
25 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3516 views
The Government, led by Health Minister Simeon Brown, is enhancing access to healthcare for New Zealanders by focusing on improved funding for rural practices, faster GP access, and bolstering the GP workforce through training and retention initiatives. Changes to GP funding will better reflect patient needs by updating the capitation model to include factors like multimorbidity and socioeconomic deprivation, effective from July 1, 2026. A new national health target aims to ensure over 80% of people can see a primary care provider within one week, aligning with efforts to improve access to mental health services, while targeted investments in GP training seek to attract and retain more doctors, especially in rural and high-needs areas.
21 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2119 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has outlined clear expectations for Pharmac to enhance innovation and optimize services for better healthcare delivery to New Zealanders. Pharmac has made improvements in consultation processes, funding criteria adjustments, and appointed new leadership to drive positive change. The focus is on modernizing Pharmac, adopting AI technologies, engaging stakeholders proactively, and increasing transparency to ensure timely access to medicines and medical devices for all Kiwis.
18 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2244 views
The Government is establishing the New Zealand School Property Agency to address issues in the school property system, including high costs, delays, and inefficiencies. The agency will be a separate entity responsible for planning, building, and maintaining school properties, allowing the Ministry of Education to focus on education policy. The new agency aims to improve project delivery, transparency, and value for money in managing the school property portfolio, with a dedicated board overseeing informed investment decisions.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2169 views
The Electricity Authority announced changes aimed at reducing electricity bills for Kiwi households and businesses, with a focus on fair pricing for rooftop solar and battery exports and introducing time of use plans. The government is also working on a review of the electricity sector to ensure fair prices and address energy shortages. These changes are expected to incentivize uptake of solar and battery systems, reduce power prices over the long term, and enable small-scale systems to meet peak demand.
14 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1910 views
Childhood immunisation rates in New Zealand have increased to 79.3% at 24 months, reflecting the government's commitment to improving health outcomes for children. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes the importance of protecting children from preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough. Progress has been seen nationwide, with districts such as Auckland and South Canterbury showing significant improvements in immunisation coverage.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2059 views
Important progress in the fight against online financial scams has been made with the launch of a new initiative between government, industry and consumer groups, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson says. “It is unacceptable that so many Kiwis are swindled by scammers every day,” Mr Simpson says. “Some reports suggest scams cost the economy up to $2 billion annually, and it is crucial we get on top of the problem.
09 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3304 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to improve access to asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August 2025. “For the first time, Pharmac has its own Minister. Last year I outlined in my letter of expectations that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines – this is committed to in the Act-National Coalition Agreement,” Mr Seymour says.