21 Oct 2026
4 hours ago
17 views
A project to restore Northland’s largest lake, Lake Ōmāpere, will receive a $3 million grant from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson say. “Restoring Lake Ōmāpere will contribute to a more resilient water system and economic development in the region,” Mr Jones says. The funding will support enabling work for the project including regulatory approvals, road access, the construction of a weir to control water levels, and design work for future water storage infrastructure.
08 Oct 2026
1 week ago
290 views
The new Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Chief Executive Board (CEB) has convened to enhance government coordination and oversight in combating organised crime in New Zealand. The CEB, comprising senior officials from key agencies, aims to implement the TSOC Strategy and Action Plan, improve information sharing, and address system-wide challenges such as money laundering and migrant exploitation. Its initial focus will be on strengthening operational cohesion, particularly targeting the financial aspects of organised crime groups, while reviewing governance structures for increased effectiveness.
06 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
325 views
The Government has signed a 10-year City and Regional Deal with Otago Central Lakes councils to support housing, infrastructure, and economic growth, guided by a 30-year vision to diversify the region’s economy beyond tourism. The Deal includes commitments to improve housing affordability, transport infrastructure, energy capacity, health services, and rural economic development through coordinated central and local government efforts. An Oversight Board will monitor progress, with an Implementation Plan to be completed within six months, ensuring the region’s growth benefits residents and attracts investment.
10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
394 views
New Zealand’s Government reports record renewable electricity generation and a 66% drop in wholesale prices for the June quarter, attributing success to policies like LNG import facility procurement and fast-tracking renewable projects. Despite strong renewable output, the electricity system remains vulnerable to dry years due to reliance on hydro storage and backup thermal generation, highlighting risks from past bans on oil and gas exploration. The Government emphasizes ongoing investment in renewables supported by LNG imports to ensure energy security and affordability in challenging conditions.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
479 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $5 million to support six regional tourism initiatives aimed at attracting international visitors during the quieter months of spring 2026 and early summer 2027. These campaigns target tourists from Australia, North America, and China, promoting regional food, wine, hospitality, and outdoor experiences to encourage longer stays and travel beyond main gateways. The funding is allocated to specific projects led by regional organizations to boost local economies and spread tourism benefits across the country.
20 Aug 2026
2 months ago
641 views
A new 16-bed acute mental health and addiction facility has opened at Rotorua Hospital, replacing the outdated 45-year-old unit and providing faster access to support for people in the Lakes district. The facility features individual bedrooms, therapy spaces, family areas, and quieter zones tailored to different needs, enhancing care for patients and working conditions for staff. This $50 million investment is part of a broader Mental Health Infrastructure Programme aimed at improving facilities nationwide and expanding support services to prevent the need for inpatient care.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
526 views
A previously unnamed 1,436-metre mountain near Lake Manapouri in Fiordland National Park has been officially named Mount Kirk in honor of former Prime Minister Norman Kirk. The naming recognizes Kirk's significant political legacy, particularly his commitment to preserving the natural levels of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau and establishing the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau. This decision, confirmed by the New Zealand Geographic Board and Minister Mike Butterick, commemorates Kirk’s lasting impact on New Zealand’s environmental conservation and leadership.
10 Aug 2026
2 months ago
566 views
A new child and youth mental health and addiction service, Hono ki te Ora, has been launched in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes to provide a single, coordinated point of access for young people aged 5 to 24 and their families. The service aims to simplify navigation of the mental health system, reduce fragmentation, and connect individuals to appropriate support without duplication, especially in this geographically isolated and fast-growing region. Since May, the service has received 80 referrals, actively supporting 35 young people and strengthening community relationships to ensure timely and effective care.
31 Jul 2026
2 months ago
577 views
Hon Paul Davison KC KSO has been appointed as the Independent Redress Officer for a five-year term starting 1 August 2026, tasked with determining financial redress applications from survivors of abuse in State care who are serious offenders, as well as exemption applications from terminally ill survivors. Hon Davison, a former High Court judge with extensive legal experience, has previously served in significant inquiry roles and developed a compassionate redress framework for survivors of abuse at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the importance of this independent role and thanked Hon Davison for accepting the position.
22 Jul 2026
3 months ago
656 views
The Government is investing $3.8 million from the International Visitor Levy to upgrade public toilet facilities in the Mackenzie and Queenstown Lakes districts, two of New Zealand’s busiest visitor destinations. This funding aims to alleviate the financial burden on local communities by adopting a user-pays approach, ensuring visitors contribute to the maintenance of public amenities. The investment supports tourism's role in sustaining jobs and local businesses while providing cleaner, more reliable infrastructure for both residents and visitors.
21 Jul 2026
3 months ago
742 views
Keren Blakey and Mandy Pattinson have been appointed to the TVNZ Board to enhance governance and provide valuable expertise amid evolving media challenges. Blakey offers extensive financial and audit experience, including leadership roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Southern Cross Medical Care. Pattinson contributes over 20 years of media industry experience, with strengths in revenue generation, media law, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
03 Jul 2026
3 months ago
647 views
The new $5 million Clyde Primary Maternity Unit in Central Otago will provide modern, comprehensive maternity care closer to home, replacing the existing Alexandra facility and opening in mid-2027. Designed with families and healthcare professionals in mind, it features private ensuite rooms, a birthing pool, flexible clinical spaces, and strong connections to existing health services. This investment supports the Government’s commitment to strengthening regional maternity services, ensuring quality care for families while integrating with specialist services as needed.
24 Jun 2026
3 months ago
767 views
The inaugural New Zealand Education Excellence Awards, hosted by Education Minister Erica Stanford, celebrated outstanding schools, teachers, and leaders driving progress in student engagement, achievement, teaching quality, and educational leadership. Winners and finalists were selected through a rigorous process involving community nominations and expert assessment, with awards highlighting innovative practices that improve attendance, literacy, and numeracy. The awards aim not only to recognize excellence with prizes and certificates but also to inspire systemic improvement by sharing successful approaches across the education sector.
11 Jun 2026
4 months ago
888 views
The Taupō District’s trout bag limit will increase from six to eight starting 1 July 2026 to improve stock quality and support local businesses, as overpopulation of trout is impacting their primary food source, smelt. This evidence-based change aims to maintain a healthy trout population, enhance fishing conditions, and boost economic benefits from tourism and fishing activities. Additionally, minor regulation adjustments, such as removing the fixed February closure at Lake Otamangakau, will simplify rules and allow more responsive fishery management.
11 Jun 2026
4 months ago
830 views
Taupō District’s trout bag limit will increase from six to eight starting 1 July to improve stock quality and support local anglers and businesses, according to Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager. The decision is based on evidence that angler harvest helps maintain a healthy trout population by addressing smelt depletion caused by an imbalance in trout numbers. Additionally, minor regulation changes, including removing the fixed February closure at Lake Otamangakau, aim to simplify rules and enhance freshwater fishing opportunities across New Zealand.