19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1218 views
The government is focused on driving sustainable economic growth in New Zealand by reforming the planning system, investing heavily in transport infrastructure, and creating a credible long-term pipeline of major projects like the Roads of National Significance (RoNS). Despite economic challenges and funding constraints, including the need for increased petrol taxes and diversified funding methods, the government aims to improve productivity, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity for both freight and people. Achieving these goals requires tough trade-offs, realistic sequencing of projects, and collaboration with the construction sector to deliver transformative benefits for the economy and all New Zealanders.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1312 views
New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides contribute $1.28 billion annually to local economies, with visitor spending rising 35% from 2021 to 2025, according to the latest evaluation report. Visitor nights and trail usage have also increased significantly, boosting accommodation and hospitality sectors and supporting regional jobs. The Government invests $8 million yearly from the International Visitor Levy and additional funds into trail infrastructure to sustain growth and economic benefits.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1148 views
New Zealand reaffirms its commitment to the Paris Agreement by submitting an ambitious second Nationally Determined Contribution, prioritizing transparency, climate support, and adaptation, while urging all Parties to act urgently. The country highlights its progress in renewable energy, agricultural innovation, and pioneering climate adaptation legislation, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive, collaborative response that incorporates diverse voices, including young Māori leaders. New Zealand supports hosting COP31 in the Pacific to advance global climate solutions and calls for collective partnership to maintain momentum toward a low-emissions, climate-resilient future.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1511 views
The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission's latest update reveals nearly 12,000 infrastructure projects worth $275 billion, showing significant growth from $237 billion in June, with $181 billion now having full or partial funding. The Pipeline, covering projects across government and private sectors in areas like transport, water, and education, provides a comprehensive view to support better planning, economic growth, and workforce confidence. This update will guide the National Infrastructure Plan by highlighting funded and unfunded initiatives, improving decision-making and system performance nationwide.
14 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1211 views
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced that Great South will receive $393,000 to launch a campaign promoting the Southern Way and the region's hospitality to international visitors. The investment aims to showcase the lower South Island's unique experiences, wild beauty, rich flavors, and warm hospitality to new audiences. Led by Great South and regional partners, the campaign will target Australian travelers, particularly those from the Gold Coast, encouraging them to explore iconic destinations like Milford Sound, the Catlins coastline, and Dunedin, while highlighting the region's local events and genuine southern hospitality.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
2256 views
Tourism Minister Louise Upston is pleased with the growth in New Zealand's overseas visitor numbers, particularly from Australia, which saw a 12% increase in arrivals in September 2025 compared to the previous year. Overall, New Zealand welcomed 248,600 international visitors in September 2025, with significant increases also seen from the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan. The government's efforts to attract more international visitors and boost the tourism industry are reflected in the record-high arrivals in Queenstown and Christchurch, as well as the initiatives such as the Tourism Boost package and the $70 million events and tourism investment package.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1199 views
The Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill aims to create a fairer and more modern transport funding system by implementing changes to road user charges and tolling frameworks. Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights the importance of fairness in road user contributions and the need for a stronger tolling system to support major road projects. The Bill also focuses on modernizing the outdated Road User Charges (RUC) system by introducing new payment models and in-vehicle technology, with plans to transition light petrol vehicles to RUC in the future.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1542 views
Construction has commenced on the State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway, a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing resilience and productivity in the region and creating job opportunities. The project includes various upgrades such as four-laning sections, new overpasses, and a bridge, with completion expected by December 2029. The Expressway serves as a vital link connecting Napier and Hastings, facilitating the movement of people and freight, and is crucial for accommodating the region's anticipated growth.
10 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1102 views
The Christchurch City Council has achieved its Housing Growth Target, allowing it to withdraw part of Plan Change 14, which aimed to update planning rules to facilitate more housing. The Council demonstrated sufficient feasible housing capacity for at least 30 years, exceeding statutory requirements. Ministerial decisions are pending on heritage sites and a special character area, with a focus on removing planning barriers to increase housing supply in the fast-growing city of Christchurch.
08 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1176 views
New Zealanders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on managing sika and wapiti deer as the country's first Herds of Special Interest, announced by Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Sika Show in Hamilton. The draft plans propose a new approach to managing wapiti deer in Fiordland National Park and sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks, aiming to allow hunter-led conservation groups to sustainably manage herd numbers and boost economic growth. The plans emphasize the importance of recreational hunting, community stewardship, professional deer control, and conservation values, recognizing hunters as significant conservation assets and inviting public input for achieving better conservation and hunting outcomes.
07 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1279 views
The Government of New Zealand is updating the International Screen Production Rebate to enhance the country's competitiveness in the global film and television industry, responding to industry feedback and increasing incentives to attract screen investment. Changes include lowering the minimum qualifying spend for feature films, reducing thresholds for incentives, expanding eligibility for post-production projects, and removing caps on certain costs. These updates aim to diversify the screen economy, strengthen partnerships in growing markets, and support the local industry while attracting new investment and technology.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1160 views
New Zealand is excited to welcome the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing the country's food and wine to an international audience and expecting an increase in visitor numbers and economic growth, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Michelin Guide inspectors are already dining anonymously in top New Zealand restaurants, with the first selections and potential star ratings expected next year. The arrival of Michelin is seen as a prestigious accolade that will boost tourism, with an estimated 36,000 more international visitors expected and a focus on promoting New Zealand's culinary excellence on a global stage.
03 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1193 views
The Government is addressing issues in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) to improve teacher quality and restore trust. Recent reports have highlighted deficiencies in teacher training, with many new teachers lacking confidence in subject content and teaching approaches. Legislative changes will transfer professional standard setting functions from the Teaching Council to the Ministry of Education to ensure stronger oversight and clearer policy direction in ITE.
31 Oct 2025
11 months ago
1181 views
New Zealand and the Nordic countries are strengthening their cooperation based on shared strategic assessments, values, and development goals, as stated by Foreign Minister Winston Peters. During his visit to the Nordic region, Peters emphasized the commonality in worldviews, values, and the desire for economic cooperation between New Zealand and the Nordic countries. The visit included bilateral meetings with all five Nordic countries, discussions on supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, and exploring opportunities for economic development collaboration, highlighting the potential for mutual benefit.
30 Oct 2025
11 months ago
1036 views
Defence Minister Judith Collins is traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus to discuss defense and security issues, marking the 50th anniversary of New Zealand's dialogue relations with ASEAN and the 15th anniversary of the ADMM-Plus. The forum aims to enhance Indo-Pacific defense cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity, with Ms. Collins emphasizing the importance of international rules-based order and New Zealand's contributions. In addition to the meeting, she will engage in bilateral discussions with defense counterparts before returning to New Zealand on 3 November.