Articles tagged with National
Showing 15 of 276 articles
New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline Surges to $237.1 Billion: Construction Sector Growth Ahead
25 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1366 viewsThe latest quarterly update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission reveals that the value of infrastructure initiatives in the National Infrastructure Pipeline has increased to $237.1 billion, with a $30.2 billion growth from the previous quarter, as stated by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. The Pipeline, managed by the Commission, encompasses over 9,200 projects, aiding in planning for future infrastructure projects across various sectors and contributing to about 4% of the country's GDP. Efforts are being made to enhance transparency and data quality within the Pipeline, with ongoing collaboration from 121 organizations, and the final National Infrastructure Plan is expected to be released in December.
Tags: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission National Infrastructure Pipeline Chris Bishop construction sector infrastructure projects New Zealand Infrastructure Commission GDP NZTA highway maintenance programmes Christchurch Men’s Prison Hawkes Bay PrisonEnergy Minister Simon Watts Joins APEC Leaders in Busan for Energy Security Discussions
25 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1250 viewsEnergy Minister Simon Watts will attend the 15th APEC Energy Ministers Meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, focusing on energy security and affordability. He aims to collaborate internationally to build resilient and sustainable energy systems in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss harnessing energy innovation. Key topics at the meeting include electricity expansion, grid security, reliability, and AI-driven energy innovation, with a focus on connecting with counterparts to advance shared energy goals.
Tags: Simon Watts Energy Minister Busan Republic of Korea APEC Energy security International collaboration Sustainable energy systems Energy innovation New ZealandMinister Brooke van Velden Welcomes Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill for Improved Department of Internal Affairs Efficiency
12 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1430 viewsMinister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden supports the Regulatory Systems (Internal Affairs) Amendment Bill, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the Department of Internal Affairs by streamlining relevant legislation. The Bill, which has passed its first reading and will now undergo public submissions, proposes changes such as age restrictions on Lotto sales, empowering the Department to combat objectionable online content, and improving the Classification Office's operations. Van Velden emphasizes the importance of these amendments in advancing the Department's capabilities and safeguarding against harmful online materials.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Minister of Internal Affairs Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill Department of Internal Affairs RealMe identity verification service Lotto product Classification Office fertility clinics objectionable content international law enforcement agenciesWhanganui Airport Invests in Safety and Connectivity Boost
10 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1406 viewsThe Government will invest $3.35 million in Whanganui Airport to build a new sealed parallel taxiway, enhancing safety and regional connectivity. This investment aims to address safety concerns by reducing the risk of collisions and aircraft congestion, making flying safer for pilots and passengers. The taxpayer-funded project, supported by local MP Carl Bates, will improve resilience, support economic growth, and benefit the region's aviation industry and community.
Tags: Whanganui Airport safety regional connectivity economic growth James Meager investment taxpayer funding Carl Bates aviation New Zealand International Commercial Pilot AcademyTransforming New Zealand's Infrastructure: A Vision for Growth and Efficiency
05 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 2248 viewsThe speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to attend Building Nations 2025 and acknowledges the need for improved infrastructure policy in New Zealand. As the Infrastructure Minister, the speaker highlights challenges in delivering and maintaining infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of efficient systems for economic growth and living standards. Key priorities include developing a National Infrastructure Plan, improving funding and financing, addressing road pricing reform, enhancing the consenting framework, and strengthening asset management and resilience to ensure a prosperous future for New Zealand.
Tags: Nick Leggett Infrastructure New Zealand Minister New Zealand National Infrastructure Plan NIFFCo Infrastructure Commission Building Nations RUC Resource Management ActNew National Qualifications Proposal for Success: Prime Minister and Education Minister's Vision for Future-ready Students
03 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 2561 viewsThe Government, led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford, is proposing to replace NCEA with new national qualifications to better equip young people with the necessary knowledge and skills for success in the modern global economy. The proposal includes removing NCEA Level 1, introducing new qualifications at Year 12 and Year 13, requiring students to pass five subjects with clear grading, and developing vocational pathways in collaboration with industry. The aim is to provide consistency, clarity, and improved opportunities for students, ensuring they are well-prepared for further study, training, or employment.
Tags: Government NCEA national qualifications Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Education Minister Erica Stanford students skills New Zealand vocational pathways national curriculumNew Zealand to Boost Economy and Jobs by Expanding Access to Conservation Areas
02 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1755 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced plans to stimulate economic growth on a third of New Zealand's land, aiming to create jobs and boost wages nationwide. They highlighted issues with the current concessions regime for businesses operating on conservation land, proposing to reform the Conservation Act to streamline processes and introduce charges for foreign visitors at popular sites. The revenue generated from these charges, estimated at up to $62 million annually, will be reinvested in maintaining and enhancing conservation areas, while ensuring free access for New Zealanders.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Tama Potaka New Zealand Conservation Act Department of Conservation National Party Conference tourism agriculture infrastructure concessionsNew Ōtaki to Levin Highway Construction Contracts Signed for Improved Travel Times and Economic Growth
31 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2652 viewsTransport Minister Chris Bishop has announced the signing of construction contracts by NZTA for the new Ōtaki to north of Levin Road project, aiming to improve travel times and support economic growth in Kāpiti and Horowhenua. The project involves two alliances focusing on different sections of the highway, with completion expected by the end of 2029. The new road is part of the Wellington Northern Corridor, enhancing safety, efficiency for freight trips, and urban development opportunities, while also featuring amenities like shared user paths and grade-separated interchanges.
Tags: Chris Bishop NZ Transport Agency Ōtaki Levin National Significance Kāpiti Horowhenua Wellington Northern Corridor Transmission Gully Mackays.Government Funding Boost to Combat Invasive Weeds in NZ Tourist Landscapes
30 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1637 viewsConservation Minister Tama Potaka highlights the importance of eradicating invasive weeds to benefit tourism and rural businesses in New Zealand. The government is investing in early detection technology and allocating funds from the International Visitor Levy to protect iconic landscapes like Abel Tasman, Aoraki/Mt Cook, and Tongariro. Additional funding is directed towards combating wilding pines and other significant weeds, aiming to safeguard the environment, economy, and biodiversity of the country.
Tags: Tourism rural businesses Government action invasive weeds early detection technology Conservation Minister Tama Potaka Department of Conservation International Visitor Levy wilding pines Biosecurity Minister Andrew HoggardNew Zealand Bolsters Cybercrime Protection with Budapest Convention Passage
24 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2202 viewsNew Zealand passes legislation to enhance protection against cybercrime, with 11% of citizens falling victim to online threats in 2024, resulting in significant emotional and financial harm. Joining the Budapest Convention will enable cooperation with other countries in criminal investigations and align domestic laws with international standards. Provisions in the Bill include new preservation directions, amendments to enhance mutual assistance in criminal matters, and updates to the Crimes Act to address cybercrime comprehensively.
Tags: New Zealanders cybercrime legislation Paul Goldsmith fraud National Cyber Security Centre Budapest Convention Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime law enforcement agencies criminal investigationsNew Zealand Passes Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Legislation for National Security
22 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1782 viewsNew Zealand's Parliament has passed legislation under urgency to regulate ground-based space infrastructure, enhancing national security and protecting against foreign interference, according to Space Minister Judith Collins. The Outer Space High Altitude Activities Amendment Bill aims to ensure the safe and responsible use of space, with oversight and safeguards for satellite operations starting from 29 July. Operators will need to meet security requirements and undergo due diligence to obtain authorisation, with enforcement powers in place to address any national security concerns.
Tags: Legislation foreign interference national interests Space Minister Judith Collins national security satellite operations regulatory settings MBIE enforcement powersUrgent Call for Ceasefire in Gaza: New Zealand's Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict
22 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2544 viewsOn June 24, 2025, a Ministerial statement on the Middle East was delivered to address the Israel-Iran conflict, emphasizing de-escalation and ceasefire. Despite a ceasefire being brokered by the United States, ongoing suffering and conflict persist in Gaza, with calls for immediate action from the international community. New Zealand stands united with other countries in condemning actions that hinder a two-state solution and advocates for dialogue, diplomacy, and a permanent ceasefire to end the cycle of conflict for future generations.
Tags: Israel Iran New Zealand Hamas United States Gaza Palestinians ceasefire international communityNew Zealand Government's Commitment to Disability Rights: UNCRPD Recommendations and Progress Updates
17 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2700 viewsThe Government, led by Disability Minister Louise Upston, is taking steps to enhance the rights of disabled individuals in alignment with international obligations, as announced publicly. Cabinet in New Zealand has agreed on an approach to address 63 recommendations from the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with details on the recommendations, actions by government agencies, and progress tracking now accessible on the Human Rights Monitor. Multiple agencies are working on 30 recommendations, while 17 are under consideration by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha, and an additional 16 recommendations are noted for potential reconsideration by the Government, as efforts continue to drive tangible improvements for the disabled community.
Tags: Government disabled people international obligations human rights United Nations recommendations agencies Ministry of Disabled People New Zealand Disability Strategy Ministerial Disability Leadership GroupNew Zealand Fuel Security Plan: Ensuring Reliable Access to Fuel for Economic Resilience
14 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2057 viewsThe Coalition Government is seeking feedback on a draft Fuel Security Plan to ensure reliable fuel access for New Zealanders during disruptions, focusing on improving resilience, infrastructure, low-carbon alternatives, and managing the transition to new energy technologies. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the importance of fuel security for economic and national resilience, highlighting recent measures to boost reserves and improve storage locations. Public submissions on the plan are open from July 15 to August 25, with feedback accepted through the MBIE website.
Tags: Shane Jones Fuel Security Plan New Zealand Energy Minister Resilience Supply Chain Fuel Infrastructure Economic Wellbeing National ResilienceBoost in Great Walks Bookings Signals Conservation Success and Economic Growth
09 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1783 viewsA significant boost in the number of people booking bednights along the country’s Great Walks is a good sign for conservation tourism and local businesses, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. Opening day bookings for each of the Great Walks were up by over 10,000 bednights compared to last year, totalling more than 140,000 bednights and bringing in more than $9 million to the Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai, says Mr Potaka. “Booking system upgrades - including a new online lobby - successfully processed a peak of nearly 12,000 people waiting to book the Milford when it opened on 28 May in an hour.
Tags: Conservation Minister Tama Potaka Great Walks Conservation tourism Local businesses Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai International Visitor Levy National Parks Rakiura National Park International visitors