Articles tagged with Minister

Showing 15 of 965 articles

Trans-Tasman Space Projects Secure $5.3M Funding for Maritime, Agricultural, and Communication Innovations

28 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1155 views

Three innovative trans-Tasman space projects have received up to $5.3 million in government funding to enhance maritime awareness, improve agricultural planning, and secure satellite communications. The projects aim to boost economies, strengthen international competitiveness, and accelerate aerospace innovation in both New Zealand and Australia. Led by various institutions from both countries, the projects focus on monitoring the Southern Indo-Pacific, satellite sensing in agricultural practices, and establishing an optical communications network for high-speed satellite data transfer.

Tags: Space Minister Judith Collins Science Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti Takehē Mission Satellite Sensing Governance Restore Lab Ltd SmartSat CRC University of Canterbury University of Newcastle

New Zealand Stance on State of Palestine: No Recognition for Now

26 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1008 views

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced at the UN General Assembly that the country will not recognize the State of Palestine due to ongoing conflicts and uncertainties about the future state. New Zealand remains a strong advocate for the two-state solution and Palestinian self-determination, emphasizing the need for dialogue, diplomacy, and leadership to resolve the situation. The government is committed to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, adherence to international law, and an end to illegal settlement activities by Israel.

Tags: New Zealand State of Palestine Foreign Minister Winston Peters Hamas Israel Palestinian state Gaza recognition

New Zealand Shines at International Astronautical Congress 2023: Space Sector's Growth and Ambitions

26 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1025 views

New Zealand's growing space and aviation sectors will be highlighted at the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, with Space Minister Judith Collins leading the promotion of the country's innovation in space research, manufacturing, and satellite technologies. The space sector in New Zealand supported 17,000 jobs and generated $2.68 billion in revenue in 2024, with plans to double the size of both sectors by 2030. Ms. Collins will also participate in defense engagements in Sydney and speak at industry events, emphasizing the region's importance in shaping the future of space and advanced aviation.

Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Space Minister International Astronautical Congress Sydney space sector New Zealand Space Agency aerospace innovation aviation

New Reeves Road Flyover Opens in East Auckland to Ease Traffic Congestion and Boost Productivity

26 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1350 views

A new flyover in East Auckland, the Reeves Road Flyover, is set to open to traffic, easing congestion and boosting productivity in the city. The flyover is part of the $1.3 billion Eastern Busway project, which aims to improve transportation by providing rapid bus and train services between various locations in Auckland. The project is a key investment by the government and Auckland Council to enhance the transport system, support economic growth, and provide better access to jobs and opportunities for residents in East Auckland.

Tags: Transport Minister Chris Bishop Auckland Minister Simeon Brown Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Reeves Road flyover Eastern Busway project Auckland traffic congestion public transport economic growth

Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Deed of Settlement Signed: Landmark Treaty Negotiation Conclusion in Wellington

26 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1132 views

The Government has concluded 15 years of negotiations with Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu by signing a Deed of Settlement in Wellington, including financial and cultural redress of $5.5 million and the return of 17 cultural sites. The settlement aims to address historical injustices, support the iwi's aspirations, and promote prosperity for future generations. Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu's historical grievances involve land confiscation, Crown purchasing, and mining, leading to economic, social, and cultural challenges. Legislation will be introduced to Parliament to enact the settlement into law, and the deed of settlement is available online at Te Tari Whakatau - Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu.

Tags: Government Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Deed of Settlement Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith financial redress cultural significance Pare Hauraki Collective Redress Deed historical grievances Treaty of Waitangi.

Government's Focus on Faster Justice: Real Results in Civil Disputes, Family Wait Times

25 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1068 views

Courts Minister Nicole McKee highlights the Government's focus on faster justice delivery, emphasizing the importance of reducing delays in resolving civil disputes and family wait times for coroners' findings. Significant progress has been made in various jurisdictions, such as the District Court, where active civil cases decreased by 20% and completed cases increased by 8%. The Disputes Tribunal also saw over 900 more cases completed in a year, with a 21% decrease in aged cases, while the Coroners Court reduced active cases by 15% through the introduction of associate coroners and clinical advisors.

Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee justice system District Court civil cases Disputes Tribunal Coroners Court associate coroners clinical advisors Ministry of Justice

New Zealand Boosts Game Development Sector with Increased Support for Startups

25 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1119 views

Dr Shane Reti, the Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister, has announced increased support for early-stage game studios and startups in New Zealand to boost the growing game development sector. The Government will provide an additional $2.75 million annually to the Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE) from 2026, doubling their current funding to offer more grants to emerging game developers. The industry generated $513 million in 2024, with projections to exceed $750 million in 2025 and reach $1 billion in revenue by 2027, driven largely by overseas sales and a 29% growth in employment, creating 321 new jobs.

Tags: Science Innovation Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti game studios startups New Zealand game development Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE)

Health New Zealand's $65M Plan to Slash Diagnostic Wait Times by 75,000 Procedures

25 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1207 views

Health New Zealand's $65 million Diagnostic Improvement Plan aims to reduce wait times for critical diagnostic procedures like MRI scans and colonoscopies, with an additional 75,000 procedures to be delivered this year. The initiative, supported by targeted workforce growth, will expand access, reduce delays, and improve patient outcomes by ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment. The investment will increase in-house delivery and outsourcing of diagnostic services, complementing the $30 million investment in community-referred radiology to streamline patient access and alleviate pressure on hospitals.

Tags: Health Minister Simeon Brown Health New Zealand diagnostic procedures MRI scans colonoscopies colposcopies radiology procedures cardiac tests workforce growth

New Zealand Army Enhances Combat Capability with $104M Investment in Hi-Tech Communications Systems

24 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1124 views

The New Zealand Army is receiving a $104 million investment in modern digital communications devices and systems to enhance combat capability and interoperability with international partners. Defence Minister Judith Collins emphasized the importance of equipping soldiers with up-to-date technology in a rapidly changing global environment. The investment, part of the Network Enabled Army programme, will provide military grade radio systems, deployable network infrastructure, and specialized communications devices to support real-time decision-making and information sharing among personnel.

Tags: New Zealand Army digital communications devices Defence Minister Judith Collins military grade radio systems deployable network infrastructure Network Enabled Army programme secure voice data communications

Ō2NL Expressway: Transforming Transport and Boosting Economy in Horowhenua

23 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1111 views

Construction has begun on the new 24-kilometre Ō2NL expressway from Ōtaki to north of Levin, aiming to enhance economic benefits, safety, and reliability in the region, according to Transport Minister Chris Bishop. The project addresses long-standing issues of crashes, delays, and resilience on the current Kāpiti highway, with expectations of reducing travel times and improving efficiency for both commuters and freight transport. Part of the Wellington northern corridor initiated in 2013, Ō2NL follows the success of previous expressways and is anticipated to be finished by the end of 2029, contributing to economic growth and development opportunities in the Horowhenua region.

Tags: Transport Minister Chris Bishop Horowhenua North Island Wellington National Government Transmission Gully Mackays Peka Peka Kāpiti highway Otaki

New Employment Leave Act: Simplified Leave Payments for Employers and Employees

23 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1215 views

Cabinet has approved the repeal of the Holidays Act 2003 and its replacement with the Employment Leave Act, aiming to simplify leave entitlements for both employers and employees. The key changes include a shift to hours-based accrual for annual and sick leave, pro rata sick leave entitlements, and a Leave Compensation Payment system for casual employees and additional hours worked. The reforms also address issues related to parental leave, family violence leave, mandatory pay statements, and cashing up annual leave, with a 24-month implementation period planned post-legislation passage.

Tags: Brooke van Velden Employment Leave Act Workplace Relations Safety Minister annual leave sick leave parental leave Holidays Act reform casual employees leave entitlements

Defence Ministry Launches Major Housing Project for Military Families

22 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1176 views

The largest Defence housing project in decades has begun, providing modern homes for military families and generating job growth in regional communities, as announced by Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk. The initiative aims to replace outdated homes at various NZDF camps and bases with modern two- and three-bedroom houses to support the wellbeing of military families. The Government plans to invest up to $600 million in the Homes for Families program, with construction already underway at several locations and future projects in the pipeline to improve housing for Defence personnel.

Tags: Defence housing project military families job growth Chris Penk Defence Minister NZDF Homes for Families programme Defence Capability Plan Linton Military Camp Royal New Zealand Air Force

New Skilled Migrant Residence Pathways to Boost Kiwi Businesses

22 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1217 views

The New Zealand Government is introducing two new skilled migrant residence pathways to help businesses attract and retain the workforce they need. These pathways include the Skilled Work Experience pathway for migrants with at least five years of relevant work experience and the Trades and Technician pathway for migrants with specified qualifications and work experience. The government aims to balance attracting higher-skilled workers with managing migration levels responsibly, prioritizing New Zealanders for jobs, and ensuring that skilled and experienced migrants are placed in occupations where they are most needed.

Tags: Kiwi businesses Government Nicola Willis skilled migrant residence pathways Economic Growth Minister Immigration Minister Erica Stanford skilled workers New Zealanders immigration solutions

Trade Minister Todd McClay Strengthens ASEAN Ties for NZ's Economic Growth

22 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1065 views

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is heading to Kuala Lumpur for high-level ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meetings, marking the 50th anniversary of New Zealand’s Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN and emphasizing the commitment to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. With ASEAN being New Zealand’s fourth-largest trading partner, valued at over $29 billion annually, the focus is on strengthening ties to double export value in a decade. Trade with ASEAN has doubled under AANZFTA in the past 15 years, with potential for further growth, and Mr. McClay aims to advance New Zealand’s priorities, support Kiwi businesses, and foster strong trade relationships during his visit.

Tags: Todd McClay Trade Investment Minister ASEAN New Zealand AANZFTA Kuala Lumpur exports partnerships Malaysia

Government Accelerates $413 Million School Infrastructure Investment to Enhance Learning Environments and Boost Economy in New Zealand

22 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1224 views

The Government is accelerating $413 million investment in school infrastructure to improve classrooms, boost builders and tradies in New Zealand, and ensure all children have access to safe learning environments. This investment includes $58 million for maintenance work, $255 million for improvements in isolated and rural schools, and $100 million for urgent infrastructure projects over five years. The aim is to support schools, stimulate the economy, and drive efficiencies in school property management to benefit students, teachers, and communities.

Tags: Government investment school infrastructure classrooms builders tradies New Zealand Education Minister Erica Stanford maintenance