Articles tagged with Minister
Showing 15 of 965 articles
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa Attracts $3.39B in Global Investments
16 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1179 viewsSince its refresh in April 2025, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa has attracted $3.39 billion from 573 applicants, significantly surpassing previous investment levels and supporting sectors like tech, healthcare, and horticulture. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford highlights that this influx of international capital and expertise is driving productivity, job creation, and business expansion, aligning with the Government’s economic growth goals. Additionally, new visa settings allow investor visa holders to purchase or build high-value homes, fostering deeper connections to New Zealand.
Tags: Erica Stanford Active Investor Plus Hectre New Zealand Immigration Minister Going for Growth AIP visa international investment investor visa Growth CategoryIndependent Crown Review Launched into Wellington's Moa Point Sewage Plant Failure
16 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 972 viewsAn independent Crown Review Team will investigate the failure of Wellington Water’s Moa Point sewage plant to determine its causes and recommend actionable steps to prevent recurrence. The team, comprising experts in engineering, governance, commercial, and legal fields, will be appointed by both Wellington City Council and Wellington Water Ltd to ensure a thorough and transparent review. This investigation is urgent due to the upcoming transfer of water service management to the new council-controlled organization Tiaki Wai Ltd, emphasizing the need for wise investment in water infrastructure.
Tags: Simon Watts Andrew Little Wellington Water Moa Point Wellington City Council Tiaki Wai Ltd Local Government Minister wastewater infrastructure water services Crown Review TeamValentine’s Day Reminder: Prioritize Heart Health for a Longer, Healthier Life
14 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 978 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown urges New Zealanders to use Valentine’s Day as a reminder to prioritize heart health for themselves and their loved ones, emphasizing that many heart disease and stroke risks are preventable through small lifestyle changes. He encourages people to assess their personal risk via conversations with healthcare providers or the Heart Foundation’s free online assessment, and highlights the importance of regular physical activity and quitting smoking, with support available. The government is committed to prevention, early diagnosis, and faster treatment to help New Zealanders maintain heart health and enjoy more time with those they care about.
Tags: Simeon Brown New Zealand Valentine’s Day heart health Heart Foundation Health Minister stroke heart disease smoking cessation Health New ZealandGovernment Allocates Land for New Kumeū Secondary School in North-West Auckland
13 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1173 viewsThe Government is prioritizing land for a new secondary school in Kumeū, North-West Auckland, to support the rapidly growing community, with the Notice of Requirement now lodged with Auckland Council. Education Minister Erica Stanford highlighted the government's efforts to deliver more school property efficiently, including halving classroom construction costs, funding new schools, and investing heavily in maintenance. Local MP Chris Penk welcomed the move as a vital step for families, and further school property announcements are expected this year to meet future educational needs.
Tags: Erica Stanford Chris Penk Kumeū Huapai District School Kaipara ki Mahurangi Education Minister Government Resource Management Act 1991 Auckland CouncilOranga Tamariki Staff to Administer Life-Saving Medicines and Expand Nurse Practitioner Access
13 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1024 viewsOranga Tamariki staff will soon be trained and authorized to administer emergency injectable medications like EpiPens and Glucagon Pen Kits, improving response to severe medical reactions in residences. This change allows young people to access Nurse Practitioners' services while retaining the option to see Medical Practitioners and receive prescribed medications from authorized prescribers. Implementation is expected by mid-2026, with ongoing training and support to ensure staff confidence and competence in emergency situations.
Tags: Oranga Tamariki EpiPens Glucagon Pen Kits Nurse Practitioners Minister Chhour emergency injectable medications residence workers medical emergency young people training and authorisationNew Zealand Passes Health and Safety Amendment Bill to Support Safer Workplaces
12 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1056 viewsThe Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill, welcomed by Minister Brooke van Velden, aims to reform New Zealand’s workplace health and safety laws by providing clearer guidance through strengthened Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) and clarifying WorkSafe’s regulatory functions. The Bill introduces practical changes, such as creating safe harbours for compliance, easing obligations for small low-risk businesses, and defining directors' due diligence duties to reduce duplication and focus on governance. These reforms seek to reduce business uncertainty and compliance costs while improving safety outcomes by making WorkSafe a more consistent and supportive agency.
Tags: Brooke van Velden WorkSafe Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill New Zealand Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Approved Codes of Practice WorkSafe regulator Health and Safety Act business compliance workplace safetyAI to Enhance Breast Screening and Early Detection for Women in New Zealand
12 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1052 viewsHealth New Zealand is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance breast screening services, aiming to support radiologists, reduce workload, and improve early detection for women. This initiative involves consulting experts and assessing international AI applications to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered screening while maintaining clinical oversight. The effort builds on recent program improvements and seeks to future-proof breast screening, ensuring timely access and better outcomes for New Zealand women.
Tags: Artificial Intelligence AI BreastScreen Aotearoa breast screening breast cancer Health Minister Simeon Brown New Zealand radiologists medical imaging early detectionAgriculture Minister Celebrates Record $4B Lamb Exports Ahead of National Lamb Day
11 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1059 viewsAgriculture Minister Todd McClay hosted a barbecue to celebrate National Lamb Day and the milestone of lamb exports exceeding $4 billion, highlighting the red meat sector's vital economic contribution to New Zealand. The government aims to boost the agriculture sector by cutting red tape, enhancing trade, and supporting farmers to help double export values within ten years. Key trade achievements include agreements with the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council, and India, with ongoing efforts to remove trade barriers and expand market access.
Tags: Todd McClay Agriculture Minister National Lamb Day New Zealand red meat sector lamb exports NZ–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement India sheep and beef farmersPalmerston North Hospital Emergency Dept Expands with $14.5M Upgrade
10 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1089 viewsConstruction is underway to expand and upgrade Palmerston North Hospital’s emergency department with a $14.455 million investment aimed at increasing capacity by 40 percent and improving patient flow, safety, and privacy. This project is part of the Government’s $100 million hospital infrastructure programme funded through Budget 2025, which supports 21 local projects nationwide to enhance clinical spaces and infrastructure. The emergency department, a key regional hub, will remain operational during redevelopment, expected to finish by June 2026, ensuring continuous patient care amid growing demand.
Tags: Palmerston North Hospital Simeon Brown emergency department Health Minister hospital redevelopment Budget 2025 MidCentral district Whanganui Hospital Dannevirke Community Hospital Horowhenua Health CentreNew Zealand Fixes 98% of State Highway Potholes Within 24 Hours
10 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 982 viewsThe New Zealand Government has successfully improved pothole repairs on state highways, with around 98% fixed within 24 hours each month since July 2024, meeting or exceeding set targets. This progress is supported by a dedicated $3.9 billion Pothole Prevention Fund over three years, focusing on extensive road rehabilitation, resealing, and drainage maintenance to reduce pothole formation. These efforts have enhanced road safety and reliability, with ongoing maintenance programs and public reporting encouraged to sustain improvements.
Tags: Chris Bishop New Zealand NZTA Government Pothole Prevention State Highways Road Rehabilitation Transport Minister Pothole Repairs Infrastructure FundingNew Zealand International Convention Centre Opens, Boosting Tourism and Events
10 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1033 viewsThe New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), officially opened in Auckland, is the country’s largest venue for conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment, with capacity for over 4,000 attendees. It is expected to significantly boost New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality sectors by attracting major international events, creating jobs, and showcasing the country globally. Owned by SkyCity Entertainment Group in partnership with the government, the NZICC features state-of-the-art technology, sustainable design, and has already secured over 120 events for 2026.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand International Convention Centre NZICC SkyCity Entertainment Group Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists New Zealand Government Auckland Tourism and Hospitality Minister New ZealandNew Zealand Modernises Military Justice System with New Discipline Law Amendment Bill
10 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1040 viewsThe Armed Forces Discipline Law Amendment Bill aims to modernize New Zealand’s military justice system by making it fairer, more efficient, and transparent, aligning it with civilian justice developments. It introduces a Minor Discipline Sanction System for low-level offenses, streamlines serious cases to Court Martial, enhances search powers with better protections, and expands rights such as trial by Court Martial and drug testing. These reforms ensure stronger discipline and operational readiness within the Armed Forces while upholding high standards for personnel.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Armed Forces Military Justice System Defence Minister Court Martial Director of Military Prosecutions Armed Forces Discipline Law Amendment Bill Minor Discipline Sanction System Bill of Rights ActNew National Approach Improves Disability Support Services for All
09 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1043 viewsA new nationally consistent approach to Disability Support Services (DSS) will standardize needs assessment and support allocation across New Zealand, ensuring fairness regardless of location. This includes personalized funding plans, consideration of families and carers in assessments, and greater choice and control for around 38,500 people with flexible funding. The changes, informed by extensive consultation, aim to simplify processes, improve wellbeing, and provide a stable foundation for the disability support system's future.
Tags: Louise Upston Disability Support Services NASCs Enabling Good Lives Independent Review My DSS Minister for Disability Issues disability community families and carers flexible fundingNew Zealand to Build LNG Import Facility Boosting Energy Security and Economy
09 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1073 viewsThe New Zealand Government will build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility to enhance energy security, stabilize electricity prices, and support economic growth amid declining domestic gas supply and increasing reliance on coal and diesel. This facility, expected to be operational by 2027 or 2028 in Taranaki, will provide a reliable backup fuel source, potentially saving households $50 annually and protecting around 2,000 jobs by reducing price spikes and supply risks. The project aims to foster competition, enable resource development, and support gas-dependent industries while minimizing exposure to international gas prices through strategic import management.
Tags: Simon Watts New Zealand LNG import facility Energy Minister Sense Partners Taranaki Government energy security renewable electricity gas supply$1.26M Grant Brings Solar Power to Kaitaia Marae and Kura for Energy Security
09 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1039 viewsA grant of up to $1.26 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support the Whiti Mai Te Rā project, installing solar panels, batteries, and a diesel generator at a kura and five marae north of Kaitaia to provide reliable, affordable electricity and enhance energy security. The initiative, led by the Aupouri Ngāti Kahu Te Rarawa Trust in partnership with Kaumātua Energy, aims to save over $100,000 annually in energy costs and strengthen community resilience during emergencies. Installation will begin in March 2026, ensuring these vital community hubs can serve as stable civil defence centers for generations to come.
Tags: Tama Potaka Aupouri Ngāti Kahu Te Rarawa Trust Kaumātua Energy Whiti Mai Te Rā Te Rangi Āniwaniwa Kura Māori Development Minister Regional Infrastructure Fund Northland Far North New Zealand ANT Trust