26 Aug 2026
1 month ago
488 views
Dr Kelvin Watson has been appointed as the first Chief Executive of Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand (FSENZ), an independent regulator established under the Arms Act 2026 to replace the Firearms Safety Authority and operate separately from the Police. The new agency aims to build trust, improve services, and ensure fair, consistent regulation focused on firearms safety, with FSENZ staff making decisions independently of Police and Ministers. Dr Watson brings extensive public sector leadership experience and will serve a five-year term starting September 2026, providing stable leadership to establish the agency’s systems, culture, and capability.
08 Jul 2026
3 months ago
748 views
Jane Searle has been appointed Children’s Commissioner, bringing over 15 years of experience in child protection, including roles as chief executive of Child Matters, a police detective, and legal professional. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston highlighted Ms Searle’s deep understanding of children’s issues and her capability to advocate for their wellbeing. Ms Searle will begin her five-year term on 1 August 2026, succeeding Dr Claire Achmad, who was thanked for her dedicated service.
01 Jul 2026
3 months ago
874 views
New Zealand has launched SafetyNet Critical Communications, a new independent Crown company replacing Next Generation Critical Communications to enhance emergency preparedness and response across the country. SafetyNet will provide reliable, shared emergency communication services to public safety organizations on a commercial basis, supporting a modern, secure communications ecosystem. The company is led by a board including Rob Fyfe as Chair and CEO Steve Ferguson, with expert advice from key emergency service leaders.
21 May 2026
5 months ago
894 views
More than 80 Wairoa youth will benefit from a $200,000 joint government and community-funded initiative led by the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust to support re-engagement with education and pathways to employment. The ‘Pathways 2 Potential’ programme offers tailored workshops on skills like financial literacy, employability, and social media awareness, alongside mentoring and community volunteering opportunities. This investment aims to improve school attendance, academic performance, and successful transitions between education levels, aligning with government priorities for youth development and education.
12 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1471 views
Transmission Gully will have its speed limit raised to 110 km/h starting 16 February 2026, following strong public support and safety assessments confirming the road’s suitability. This change applies to the 27-kilometre section between Linden and Paekākāriki, while heavy vehicles and trailers remain limited to 90 km/h, and the Raumati Straights section will retain a lower limit due to safety and design constraints. The government emphasizes ongoing safety enforcement, monitoring, and potential future upgrades for sections not meeting the higher speed standard.
12 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1408 views
Transmission Gully will have a new 110 km/h speed limit starting 16 February 2026 on the 27-kilometre section between Linden and Paekākāriki, reflecting its design for higher-speed travel and strong safety record. Heavy vehicles and trailers will remain limited to 90 km/h, while the Raumati Straights section will not increase speed limits due to safety and design constraints requiring further investment. Public support was high for the change, and enforcement will be consistent with other 110 km/h roads, with ongoing monitoring and potential future improvements planned.
28 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1313 views
The New Zealand Government has launched an inter-agency hub at the Oranga Tamariki National Contact Centre and begun mandatory foundational training for core children’s workers to better protect vulnerable children, especially those with sole carers facing imprisonment. This hub facilitates rapid information sharing among key agencies to assess and address risks within 48 hours, ensuring tailored responses to each child's safety and wellbeing. These initiatives follow recommendations from the Dame Karen Poutasi Review and the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care, complementing public awareness campaigns like Mana Mokopuna’s "Dear Children" to enhance child protection nationwide.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1200 views
The New Zealand Government is responding to a critical report on the Police's handling of complaints against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming by establishing strong oversight through an Inspector-General of Police. The report highlighted serious issues within the former Police executive, leading to concerns about integrity and culture. The Government and Police are accepting and implementing recommendations to strengthen oversight, integrity processes, and code of conduct, emphasizing the importance of public trust in the Police force.
28 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1324 views
The content emphasizes gratitude for the opportunity to address intelligence professionals, highlighting the importance of their work in providing crucial insights for decision-makers. It discusses the evolving landscape of intelligence work, including the need to expand the reach of intelligence services to support a wider range of stakeholders and adapt to technological advancements. Additionally, it touches on the importance of early action, collaboration domestically and internationally, and adopting an integrated approach to national security to ensure New Zealand's safety and prosperity.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2785 views
The FBI's upgraded Wellington office strengthens the Five Eyes partnership, enhancing safety and security for New Zealanders, as stated by Ministers Judith Collins and Mark Mitchell. The Ministers met with FBI Director Kash Patel, who opened the new office and discussed various key areas such as organized crime, counter-terrorism, and cyber-security. The visit emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement efforts to combat crime and protect citizens, with Director Patel being the highest-ranking US official to visit New Zealand in recent times.