16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
139 views
Investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund is driving significant upgrades to key West Coast transport infrastructure, including shipping ports and Hokitika Airport, to support economic growth and resilience. Projects underway include the Greymouth Port sounding vessel, port improvements at Greymouth, Westport, and Jackson Bay, and a $16.4 million airport upgrade aimed at enhancing safety and reducing flight disruptions. These investments are strengthening critical transport connections and supporting industries and communities across the region.
09 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
278 views
An investigation has been initiated to assess whether Christchurch planning rules hinder new housing, economic growth, and redevelopment of the former Apollo Projects Stadium site. This follows a request from Christchurch City Council Mayor Phil Mauger to amend the District Plan for the 4.93-hectare site now that the new stadium, Te Kaha, is operational. The investigation, using powers under the Resource Management Act, aims to ensure planning rules support city growth by removing provisions that negatively impact development and employment.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
487 views
New Zealand has passed new legislation requiring everyone on recreational boats six metres or less to wear properly fitted lifejackets while underway, aiming to reduce preventable drownings. In 2025, 17 people died in recreational boating incidents, with 12 not wearing lifejackets, highlighting the urgent need for this safety measure. The law will take effect 28 days after Royal Assent, just in time for the summer season, supported by coordinated public information efforts from Maritime NZ and partners.
25 Aug 2026
2 months ago
554 views
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee welcomed the appointment of eight inaugural members to the Firearms Licensing Review Committee, established under the Arms Act 2026 to provide independent scrutiny of firearms licensing decisions. Chaired by District Court Judge Robert Spear, the committee brings diverse expertise in firearms, law, public safety, and community perspectives to ensure fair, consistent, and evidence-based licensing reviews without immediate court intervention. The members’ backgrounds reflect a strong connection to firearms ownership, regulatory experience, and community safety, enhancing trust and confidence in New Zealand’s firearms regulation system.
03 Jul 2026
3 months ago
848 views
Judge La-Verne King has been appointed as the new Principal Family Court Judge, starting in November after Judge Jackie Moran's retirement. With a legal career beginning in 1989, she co-founded the first Māori and Pasifika women law firm and has held various roles including Youth Advocate and District Inspector for Mental Health. Since her appointment to the District Court Bench in 2019, she has primarily served in Family and Youth Courts in Northland and became the Family Court Liaison Judge for the region in 2021.
20 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1266 views
Six tertiary students from Lincoln University, Massey University, and the University of Canterbury have been awarded $5,000 On Farm Support Science Scholarships to support their studies in agricultural science, commerce, and environmental sustainability. The scholarships aim to develop the next generation of on-farm advisers who will provide specialized expertise and advice to farmers and growers, with recipients also receiving mentorship from the Ministry for Primary Industries. These students have diverse interests spanning dairy, sheep, beef, horticulture, agri-tech, and sustainability, and are poised to contribute to the future resilience and innovation of New Zealand's food and fibre sector.
09 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1806 views
New Zealand’s most popular baby names for 2025 are Noah for boys and Isla for girls, continuing long-standing trends with Luca and Charlotte also ranking highly. Despite a wide variety of unique names, timeless choices like Olivia and Jack have remained consistently popular for decades, reflecting enduring cultural preferences. The Department of Internal Affairs emphasizes the importance of officially registering baby names promptly to secure legal identity and access to services, facilitated by the free SmartStart service.
30 Dec 2025
9 months ago
1454 views
Biosecurity New Zealand has released an updated inflight video to inform international passengers about their responsibility to declare or dispose of risk items to protect New Zealand’s primary industries and environment from threats like foot and mouth disease. The video, featuring biosecurity officers and ambassadors, provides clear instructions on completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration and helps airlines comply with the 2023 legal requirement to provide biosecurity information before arrival. Additionally, Biosecurity New Zealand is enhancing border measures by increasing staff and improving airport processing to manage higher passenger volumes during the summer.
02 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1093 views
Christina Barton and Jamie Tuuta have been appointed to the Te Papa Board, bringing extensive expertise in art history, curation, and Māori leadership. Barton has held prominent roles in major New Zealand art institutions, while Tuuta has over 20 years of governance experience across various sectors related to Māori development. Additionally, David Wilks has been reappointed to the board, and outgoing members Jackie Lloyd and Tama Waipara were thanked for their service.
25 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1156 views
Over $2.31 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will upgrade Jackson Bay Wharf, enhancing disaster resilience and supporting the local fishing industry by ensuring reliable seafood transport. The $3.3 million project, led by Westland District Council, includes structural improvements and digital surveillance to maintain the wharf’s safety and functionality. This upgrade, part of a $7.81 million investment across West Coast ports, exemplifies strong local and central government collaboration, boosting regional infrastructure, economic growth, and job creation.
11 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1435 views
The event begins with acknowledgments to various speakers and attendees, emphasizing the importance of rail safety due to recent deaths on the rail corridor. The message "Stay Off, Stay Safe" is highlighted as a crucial campaign to prevent accidents. Efforts to raise awareness, educate the public, and implement safety measures are commended, stressing the need for vigilance and respect for the rail network to prevent further tragedies.
06 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2124 views
The Acting Prime Minister has extended warm congratulations to Hugh Jackson on being crowned the 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year. “Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Young Farmer of the Year grand final in Invercargill. It was a brilliant event, celebrating the future of farming and showcasing their expertise, leadership, and passion for agriculture,” says Mr Seymour.