13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1133 views
The Government has accepted or partially accepted all recommendations from the Finance and Expenditure Committee's inquiry into banking competition, focusing on business, rural banking, and lending to Māori entities. The findings highlighted concerns about high banking profitability, market concentration, barriers to entry, and regulatory settings, aligning with the Commerce Commission's report. Actions include allowing Kiwibank's parent company to raise capital, emphasizing banking competition in policies, encouraging standardization of financial information, disclosing account profitability, expanding regulatory sandbox trials, developing a licensing model for innovation, and coordinating monitoring through the Treasury.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1258 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.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1145 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes the passing of the Medicines Amendment Bill, which introduces the 'Rule of Two' for faster approval of medicines with recognition from two overseas jurisdictions. The streamlined verification pathway aims to increase access to medicines for New Zealanders, starting with countries like Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The government prioritizes improving patient outcomes by enhancing access to medicines through initiatives like increased Pharmac funding, patient input in funding decisions, and efficient regulatory processes.
07 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1800 views
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the Fast-track approval of the Drury Metropolitan Centre development project in Auckland, projected to inject over $1.45 billion into the economy and create 3,420 full-time jobs. The project includes residential, commercial, and community spaces, with significant government investments in infrastructure like new train stations and road upgrades in the area. The Fast-track process aims to address infrastructure deficits, boost housing supply, create jobs, and improve the efficiency of project approvals through the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1164 views
Labour market statistics released today show a slight increase in unemployment to 5.3% in the September quarter, aligning with forecasts. The Finance Minister emphasizes the government's commitment to rebuilding the economy and creating more job opportunities for New Zealanders. Efforts include reducing taxes, boosting investments, and supporting businesses to drive economic recovery and job growth.
28 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1345 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the release of New Zealand's new Year 1–10 curriculum, emphasizing the importance of updating the curriculum after almost 20 years to provide a clear, knowledge-rich, and fair education system. The draft curriculum is open for consultation for six months to gather feedback from educators and stakeholders, with a focus on local relevance and global standards. The curriculum includes key updates in subjects like Social Sciences, Science, Health & Physical Education, The Arts, Technology, and Learning Languages to ensure a nationally consistent framework for essential knowledge and better outcomes for all students.
23 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1262 views
New legislation will allow Kiwis to build granny flats up to 70 square metres without a building consent, aiming to increase housing options and reduce costs. The exemption is part of a government initiative to simplify the building process and boost housing availability. The change is expected to result in more granny flats being built over the next decade, benefiting families, workers, and communities.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1269 views
The New Zealand Government is implementing reforms to promote sustainable construction, including a new building consent exemption for rooftop solar panels to create healthier homes and reduce energy bills. The exemption, effective immediately, simplifies the process and is expected to save homeowners around $1,200 per consent. Additionally, the Government plans to introduce a fast-track consent process for sustainable buildings with performance criteria such as energy efficiency and climate resiliency, aiming to provide more choice and affordability for Kiwis while promoting renewable energy adoption.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1803 views
An Iwi - Crown partnership in Kaikohe will deliver 100 affordable rental homes, providing stability and pride for whānau while creating local jobs and opportunities. The Bisset Road development, backed by Government and Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi funding, will address housing challenges and improve health outcomes for the community. This project is part of the larger Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga initiative aiming to develop over 400 affordable rentals for Māori by 2027, showcasing successful collaboration between Iwi and Government in creating sustainable housing solutions.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1307 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.
17 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1307 views
New funding of up to $3.5 million from the NZ Transport Agency will support the Bikes in Schools programme, allowing primary and intermediate students to access bikes and tracks in their schools. The programme, aimed at teaching cycling safety skills to kids, is supported by the Bike On New Zealand Charitable Trust and helps build confidence and key biking skills in a safe school setting. Since 2010, over 400 schools have participated in Bikes in Schools, with the funding secured to continue the programme until June 2027.
16 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1020 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones attended the graduation of 10 new Fishery Officers, emphasizing the importance of their work in ensuring fishers comply with regulations and protect fish stocks. The graduates unexpectedly encountered real poachers during a training exercise, highlighting the significance of their role in enforcing regulations. The Fishery Officers play a crucial role in maintaining sustainable fisheries, with over 11,000 Kiwis employed in the seafood sector and hundreds of thousands engaging in recreational fishing activities.
15 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1115 views
Minister Louise Upston has praised the progress in preparing Kiwi job seekers for work, emphasizing the focus on matching them with employers through targeted case management. The Ministry for Social Development is increasing case management places and rolling out Individual Employment Plans to help clients become job-ready. MSD aims to support job seekers in securing positions now and in the future, aligning with the government's Jobseeker reduction target and economic growth projections.
15 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1344 views
KiwiRail directors Rob Jager and Bruce Wattie will finish their service on 31 October 2025, with two new directors appointed starting 1 November 2025, as announced by Minister for Rail Winston Peters. Jager and Wattie are recognized for their contributions, with Jager's leadership background and Wattie's accomplishments highlighted. New directors Murray Harrington and Alastair Bell bring financial acumen and governance expertise to help KiwiRail improve operations and meet expectations for increased efficiency and profitability.
14 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1319 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has praised the Reserve Bank's plan to relax lending restrictions, aiming to assist first home buyers in achieving home ownership. The Reserve Bank is considering increasing the limit on new lending to owner-occupiers with less than a 20% deposit to 25%, potentially aiding more first-time buyers. Additionally, the proposal includes raising the amount banks can lend to residential property investors with deposits under 30% from 5% to 10%, following the introduction of debt-to-income restrictions to enhance banking system resilience.