Articles tagged with Minister
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Rolleston Access Improvements Driving Jobs & Growth | Canterbury Transport Project
14 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1140 viewsTransport Minister Chris Bishop highlights that the Rolleston Access Improvements project on State Highway 1 will boost jobs and economic growth in the rapidly expanding Canterbury region. The project aims to enhance transport connections for residents and businesses in the Selwyn district, a key area for growth and access to Christchurch. The government's $7 billion infrastructure investment includes this project, with the first stage focusing on constructing a new roundabout, pedestrian and cycle subway, and various road upgrades to improve safety and efficiency, with completion expected by the end of 2026.
Tags: Rolleston Transport Minister Chris Bishop Canterbury infrastructure projects road improvements economic growth construction NZTA Fulton Hogan State Highway 1.New Zealand Expands Free Breast Screening to Women Aged 70-74: Improving Early Detection and Saving Lives
14 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1501 viewsThe nationwide breast screening age extension is progressing, with women aged 70 and 74 now eligible for free screening, marking the first step in a four-year rollout to include women aged 71 to 73 in subsequent years. The initiative aims to provide around 130,000 more women with screening every two years, allowing for early detection of breast cancer and improved survival rates. The extension, part of the Government's 100-Day Plan, is supported by increased staffing, upgraded equipment, and a new digital platform to enhance accessibility and efficiency in breast screening services.
Tags: Simeon Brown Nicola Grigg Health Minister Women’s Minister Breast cancer New Zealand Mammograms Health New Zealand Screening Early detectionDr Mark Hickford Appointed Law Commission Member & President, Paul Goldsmith Announces
14 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 982 viewsDr Mark Hickford has been appointed to the Law Commission for a five-year term and will serve as President for six months, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. Hickford's exceptional legal background and management skills make him a valuable addition to the Commission. He will initially work part-time while fulfilling a commitment with Te Puni Kōkiri, and will serve as President for six months until a new President is confirmed.
Tags: Dr Mark Hickford Law Commission President Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith legal credentials senior management experience organisation capability Te Puni Kōkiri Dr Kawharu Evidence Act 2006Minister Upston Applauds Progress in Job Seeker Preparation and Case Management Boost
14 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 935 viewsMinister 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.
Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston Kiwi job seekers case management MSD Individual Employment Plans Government Jobseeker reduction targetGovernment's Mandate on Structured Literacy and Math Improves Student Engagement and Ability, ERO Report Confirms
14 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1092 viewsThe Education Review Office (ERO) research confirms that the Government's decision to mandate structured literacy and mathematics has led to improved student engagement and ability. Teachers, parents, and students have reported better progress in English and maths, with new approaches like structured literacy improving attention and behavior in the classroom. The government's investment in teacher training and resources has resulted in 80% of teachers changing their teaching methods, with a focus on explicit teaching techniques benefiting all schools, particularly those in lower socio-economic communities.
Tags: Education Review Office Government structured literacy structured mathematics student engagement ability Education Minister Erica Stanford primary school teachers English mathsNew Zealand Parliament Passes Legislation to Scrap Advertising Restrictions, Boosting Local Media Revenue
14 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 847 viewsLegislation passing third reading in Parliament today will eliminate advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays, according to Media Minister Paul Goldsmith. The aim is to ensure local media companies are not disadvantaged compared to digital streaming platforms. The change is expected to generate around $6 million annually and is seen as necessary due to the increasing popularity of streaming services like YouTube in New Zealand.
Tags: advertising restrictions broadcasters Sundays public holidays legislation Parliament Media Minister Paul Goldsmith local media companiesNew Zealand Government Secures Guangzhou Shipyard for Two Ferry Builds
14 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1147 viewsThe Government has selected Guangzhou Shipyard International to build two new ferries through Ferry Holdings Limited. Rail Minister Winston Peters highlighted GSI's expertise and capabilities as a leading shipbuilding enterprise in Southern China. Negotiations are ongoing, with details to be disclosed upon completion, including agreements with CentrePort Limited and Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited, aiming for completion in 2029 with cost-effective solutions to benefit New Zealand taxpayers.
Tags: Government Ferry Holdings Limited Guangzhou Shipyard International Rail Minister Winston Peters GSI New Zealand taxpayers ferry replacement programme CentrePort Limited Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited project iReXReserve Bank Eases Lending Restrictions for First Home Buyers, Finance Minister Welcomes Move
13 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1130 viewsFinance 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.
Tags: Finance Minister Nicola Willis Reserve Bank lending restrictions first home buyers property ladder Kiwis loan to value DTI restrictions banking systemStructured Literacy Mandate Boosting Reading Success Nationwide, Education Minister Reports
13 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1072 viewsThe Government's mandate of structured literacy is positively impacting reading achievement nationwide, according to Education Minister Erica Stanford. All primary schools now teach structured literacy and the new English curriculum, with new entrants undergoing a phonics check after 20 weeks to assess reading progress. Phonics data shows a significant increase in reading success, with improvements seen across the country, leading to a reduction in students needing targeted support and notable advancements in Māori and Pacific student achievement.
Tags: structured literacy reading achievement Education Minister Erica Stanford phonics data student achievement literacy reforms Māori students Pacific students equity decilesGovernment Updates Law for Court Technology Efficiency & Access
12 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1013 viewsCourts Minister Nicole McKee is updating the law to encourage the use of audio and audio-visual links (AVL) in courts for increased efficiency and improved access to justice. The new law will establish default appearance types for court events, promoting consistency in the use of remote participation. Additionally, the legislation will introduce new offences and penalties for unauthorized recordings of court proceedings to protect safety and fair trial rights.
Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee Government law court efficiency remote participation justice system Court Rules technology judiciaryGovernment's Vehicle Seizure Program Recovers $225K
12 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1059 viewsThe Government is expanding its trial of clamping or seizing cars of individuals who fail to pay court fines, having already returned over $225,000 and seized 115 vehicles. The initiative aims to enforce payment of court fines effectively, with 982 people identified as having overdue fines or reparations, resulting in 278 immediate payments and 127 setting up payment arrangements. The success of the trial has led to the recovery of funds and the decision to expand the program, with plans to increase the number of number plate scanners in operation nationwide.
Tags: Government trial clamping seizing court fines Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith bailiffs number plates victimsNew Hospital Procurement Process Begins in Drury for South Auckland Health Precinct
10 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1082 viewsThe Health Minister announced the beginning of the procurement process to secure land in Drury for a new hospital in South Auckland, aiming to address the increasing demand and pressure on bed capacity in the region. The new hospital will provide much-needed beds, modern facilities, and expanded emergency services to serve the fast-growing community with significant health challenges. The investment in modern health facilities aligns with the government's goal of improving healthcare services and outcomes for New Zealanders.
Tags: hospital South Auckland procurement process Drury health precinct Health Minister Simeon Brown Health New Zealand infrastructure Auckland's growing population MiddlemoreGovernment Awards $129,000 for Seaweed Removal in Northland After Cyclone Tam
10 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1012 viewsThe Government awarded $129,000 to Northland Regional Council to assist in removing caulerpa seaweed washed up on beaches after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam in April, using emergency waste funding. Local hapū, volunteers, and council staff swiftly removed over 100 tonnes of the invasive seaweed to prevent harm to coastlines and marine ecosystems. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds commended the efforts and highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Exotic Caulerpa Elimination Project supported by $6.2 million to address the issue at its source.
Tags: Government Northland Regional Council Environment Minister Penny Simmonds emergency waste funding caulerpa seaweed local hapū marine ecosystems Tasman District Council Ministry for Primary IndustriesNew Zealand-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Launched for Economic Growth and Security
09 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1160 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong launched the New Zealand-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in Auckland, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between small states to maintain open trade, enhance security, and uphold the rules-based order. The CSP aims to support businesses, boost investments, and facilitate the expansion of New Zealand firms into Asia, ultimately leading to increased job opportunities and higher incomes for Kiwis. The partnership will address various challenges together, including supply chain resilience, digital trade, climate change, and maritime security, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in six key areas: Trade and Economics, Defence and Security, Science and Innovation, People-to-People links, Climate and Green Economy, and Supply Chains and Connectivity.
Tags: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong trade security business investment jobs incomesGovernment Allocates $3M to Extend Active Me - Kia Tū Fund for Youth
09 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1048 viewsThe Government is investing an additional $3 million to extend the Active Me - Kia Tū Hardship Fund for another year, aiming to support young New Zealanders facing financial challenges in accessing sports and recreation opportunities. The program, delivered by Variety – The Children’s Charity in partnership with Sport NZ, has already benefited over 10,000 children and their families by providing grants of up to $300 per child annually to enable participation in physical activities and remove financial barriers. Minister Mark Mitchell highlights the positive impact of the fund on children's well-being, social skills, and community safety, emphasizing the importance of exploring sustainable funding options and reducing costs for participants through ongoing research by Sport NZ.
Tags: Government Sport and Recreation Minister Hon Mark Mitchell Variety – The Children’s Charity Sport NZ New Zealanders financial hardship physical activity communities young people