Articles tagged with Minister
Showing 15 of 965 articles
Milford Sound Tourism Gets Long-Term Concession to 2050 for Sustainable Management
19 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1131 viewsConservation Minister Tama Potaka has approved a long-term concession for Milford Sound Tourism Limited to operate key visitor infrastructure at Milford Sound Piopiotahi until 2050, providing certainty for essential facilities in this important conservation area. The decision emphasizes balancing conservation, safe visitor access, and support for regional economies, while recognizing the cultural significance of the site through a partnership with Ngāi Tahu. Officials will now negotiate terms to ensure statutory obligations, capital investment, and broader tourism interests are addressed, supported by government funding for the Milford corridor.
Tags: Tama Potaka Milford Sound Piopiotahi Milford Sound Tourism Limited Ngāi Tahu Conservation Minister Aotearoa New Zealand International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy Tangata Whenua Department of Conservation New Zealand GovernmentFisheries Reform: New Deemed Value Rules to Reflect Actual Fish Market Value
16 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1265 viewsOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced changes to the deemed value system for fish caught outside commercial quotas, allowing fees to better reflect the actual market value based on how fish are landed, such as fresh versus frozen. The amendment aims to address financial disadvantages faced by fishers using deepwater freezer vessels who currently pay deemed values based on higher fresh fish prices, by enabling alternative rates for inshore stocks caught as bycatch. Additionally, the proposal to allow commercial fishers to land and sell marlin bycatch has been rejected, with the Fisheries Act Amendment Bill set for introduction in early 2026 and public consultation to follow.
Tags: Shane Jones Fisheries Act Amendment Bill commercial fishers deemed value quota management system inshore stocks deepwater freezer vessels marlin bycatch fisheries reforms Oceans and Fisheries MinisterTodd McClay Reappointed Vice Chair for WTO MC14 to Boost NZ Trade Interests
16 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1145 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has been reappointed Vice Chair for the World Trade Organisation’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) to be held in March 2026 in Cameroon, reflecting New Zealand’s commitment to the multilateral trading system. McClay will focus on advancing key issues such as agricultural exports, fisheries subsidies reforms, the WTO E-commerce moratorium, and strengthening dispute settlement processes. As one of three Vice Chairs, he will work closely with the host Chair and members to ensure a successful conference that benefits New Zealand’s exporters and economy.
Tags: Todd McClay World Trade Organisation MC14 New Zealand WTO Ministerial Conference Yaoundé Cameroon Jamaica Philippines Trade NegotiationNew Zealand Manufacturing Hits Highest Activity Since 2021 with Growth and Awards
15 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1294 viewsNew Zealand manufacturing activity reached its highest level since December 2021, with the seasonally adjusted PMI rising to 56.1, indicating industry expansion and outperforming major global economies. Manufacturing is vital to New Zealand’s economy, employing over 220,000 people, contributing 8% of GDP, and accounting for 60% of exports, with recent growth signaling a positive outlook. To celebrate this success, the government announced the second annual Minister for Manufacturing Awards, introducing new categories to recognize small businesses, emerging leaders, and lifetime contributions, with entries opening from 23 February to 31 March 2026.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Manufacturing Small Business BNZ BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index Minister for Manufacturing Awards Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Auckland ShowgroundsNZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters Visits Kiribati and Palau to Strengthen Pacific Ties
15 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1242 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters will visit Kiribati and Palau to strengthen New Zealand's relationships across the Pacific, marking his first visit to Kiribati since 2019 and completing visits to all 17 Pacific Island Forum member countries in a single term. New Zealand and Palau are collaborating closely on regional issues as both prepare to host the Pacific Islands Forum in upcoming years. The visits aim to enhance resilience, prosperity, and security in the Pacific while continuing engagement on key matters like marine resource management.
Tags: Winston Peters Kiribati Palau New Zealand Pacific Islands Forum Pacific Foreign Minister marine resource management regional issues Ministerial delegationNew Zealand Invests $3.69M to Boost Regional Tourism and Attract Visitors
14 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1122 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $3.69 million through the Regional Tourism Boost to promote international visitors exploring regional areas beyond typical hotspots. Five targeted campaigns will attract tourists from the USA, Canada, and Australia to diverse regions, highlighting unique experiences like cycling, wine tasting, and local hospitality during quieter seasons. This initiative aims to support local businesses, create jobs, and ensure tourism benefits are shared across the country’s communities.
Tags: Louise Upston Tātaki Auckland Unlimited ChristchurchNZ Destination Great Lake Taupō Great South Hamilton & Waikato Tourism New Zealand Regional Tourism Boost Tourism and Hospitality Minister Hamilton AirportGovernment Strengthens Electricity Authority to Ensure Fair Power Prices in NZ
12 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1165 viewsThe New Zealand Government is strengthening the Electricity Authority by amending the Electricity Industry Act to increase penalties for rule-breaking, introduce instant fines for minor breaches, and enhance market monitoring to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. These changes, alongside new appointments to the Authority’s board, aim to address high power bills, improve energy security, and foster a reliable, affordable electricity system. Concurrently, the Government is advancing energy projects and regulatory reforms to support abundant supply and manage risks like dry-year shortages.
Tags: Simon Watts Erik Westergaard Anthony Baldwin Benjamin Bolot Murray Parrish Anna Kominik Lana Stockman Cristiano Marantes Electricity Authority Energy MinisterMental Health Workforce Grows 11% with Vacancies Halved in New Zealand
06 Jan 2026 | 8 months ago | 1370 viewsThe frontline mental health and addiction workforce in New Zealand has grown by over 11% under the current Government, resulting in significantly reduced vacancy rates across key professions such as social workers, nurses, and counsellors. This workforce expansion has improved access to mental health services, with more than 83% of people receiving primary support within one week and over 82% accessing specialist services within three weeks. The Government’s focused mental health workforce plan, implemented in response to previous challenges, is delivering faster support and aims to continue this positive momentum into 2026.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Minister Health New Zealand clinical psychology psychiatry social workers mental health nurses drug and alcohol counsellors Health Workforce Information ProgrammeNew Zealand Boosts Mental Health Support with Funding for Community Programs
05 Jan 2026 | 8 months ago | 1119 viewsNew Zealand’s Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced increased funding for four grassroots organisations to improve early access to mental health support, focusing on prevention and removing barriers. The funded projects include expanded early intervention, digital support services, workplace mental health programs, and culturally tailored assistance for Asian communities, collectively reaching thousands nationwide. This initiative, supported by the Mental Health Innovation Fund, aims to reduce wait times and ensure timely, appropriate mental health care across diverse communities.
Tags: Matt Doocey Hearts and Minds The Loft MATES in Construction Asian Family Services Mental Health Innovation Fund New Zealand Mental Health Minister community organisations mental health supportHealth Minister Orders Review of ManageMyHealth Cybersecurity Breach in NZ
04 Jan 2026 | 8 months ago | 1401 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown has commissioned the Ministry of Health to review the response to a ManageMyHealth cybersecurity breach involving patient information, aiming to assess causes, data protections, and recommend improvements. ManageMyHealth, a private patient portal used by some New Zealand general practices, holds sensitive medical data, prompting concerns about data security and the need for high protection standards. While the review will start by January 30, an Incident Management Team is actively coordinating the immediate response, with Health New Zealand confirming no impact on its systems and general practices continuing to operate.
Tags: Simeon Brown Ministry of Health ManageMyHealth Health New Zealand Government Chief Digital Officer National Cyber Security Centre General Practice New Zealand Incident Management Team Health MinisterNew Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement: Boosting Exports with Duty-Free Access
22 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1361 viewsNew Zealand and India have finalized a Free Trade Agreement that eliminates or reduces tariffs on 95% of New Zealand exports, providing unprecedented access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers and opening opportunities across sectors including agriculture, seafood, and services. The agreement includes duty-free access for key products like sheep meat, kiwifruit, apples, and mānuka honey, alongside provisions for skilled work visas and protections for product names through Geographical Indications. This historic deal aims to boost New Zealand’s exports, create jobs, and strengthen economic ties, with the agreement expected to be signed in the first half of next year.
Tags: New Zealand India Todd McClay Free Trade Agreement kiwifruit mānuka honey Trade and Investment Minister Treaty of Waitangi Working Holiday Scheme Green ListNew Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement Unlocks Major Export Opportunities
22 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1323 viewsNew Zealand and India have finalized a Free Trade Agreement that eliminates or reduces tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s exports, providing unprecedented access to India’s 1.4 billion consumers and significantly boosting trade opportunities across multiple sectors. The agreement includes duty-free access for key products like sheep meat, seafood, kiwifruit, apples, and mānuka honey, along with enhanced services trade, skilled work visas, and protections for iconic New Zealand products. This historic deal aims to create thousands of jobs, increase exports, and strengthen economic ties, with formal signing expected in the first half of next year.
Tags: New Zealand India Todd McClay Free Trade Agreement kiwifruit mānuka honey Trade and Investment Minister Treaty of Waitangi New Zealand exportersNew Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement: A Landmark Deal Boosting Exports and Jobs
22 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1204 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon hailed the conclusion of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement as a landmark achievement that fulfills a key campaign promise and opens significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters by removing tariffs on over half of exports to India. The agreement strengthens ties with India, the world's fastest-growing major economy, promising job creation, export growth, and a deeper partnership between the two nations. Extensive diplomatic engagement, including multiple high-level visits and trade missions, contributed to securing this high-quality deal that Prime Minister Modi also supports enthusiastically.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Narendra Modi Todd McClay Piyush Goyal New Zealand India Prime Minister Trade Minister Foreign MinisterDrive Safe This Summer: NZ Government and Police Boost Road Safety Measures
21 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1290 viewsThe New Zealand Government urges all drivers to prioritize road safety this summer, with Police actively enforcing laws against speeding, impaired driving, and seatbelt non-compliance. Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights the introduction of roadside drug testing and investments in major transport projects to improve holiday travel conditions and reduce accidents. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to plan their trips using updated traffic prediction tools and to drive responsibly during the official Christmas–New Year holiday period.
Tags: Chris Bishop New Zealand Police road safety Transport Minister NZTA Ōtaki Takitimu North Link Hawke’s Bay Expressway Roads of National Significance$848K Government Grants Boost Maritime Safety for Kiwi Boaties This Summer
21 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1194 viewsThe New Zealand government is investing $848,000 in grants to support community-led safety programs and compliance checks aimed at reducing harm in high-risk recreational maritime environments this summer. Funding includes $773,000 for 30 education initiatives targeting small craft users and vulnerable groups, and $75,000 for 11 regional authorities to conduct on-water compliance checks nationwide. With an average of 37 drowning deaths each summer, officials emphasize the importance of wearing lifejackets and promoting water safety to prevent these tragedies.
Tags: James Meager Cameron Brewer Maritime NZ Watersafe Auckland Inc Queenstown Lakes District Council Associate Transport Minister National MP New Zealand boating safety drowning prevention