16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2843 views
The speaker acknowledges the challenges faced by local government in New Zealand, particularly concerning restrictive planning rules, infrastructure funding, and coordination issues with central government. The focus is on the need for reform in the housing market and resource management, with a three-pillar approach to housing growth and significant changes planned for the replacement of the Resource Management Act. The government aims to simplify planning processes, reduce costs, and foster a culture of saying 'yes' to enable economic growth and development while safeguarding the environment.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1926 views
The Government, led by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, is implementing reforms to simplify New Zealand's planning system and speed up project approvals. These changes include amendments to the RMA, fast-track approval processes, and upcoming legislation to replace the RMA with two new Acts focusing on land-use planning and the natural environment. To ease the transition, councils will be relieved of mandatory plan reviews and changes, with exemptions for certain critical areas like natural hazard management and Treaty settlement agreements. Additionally, councils can seek exemptions to continue work aligned with government priorities such as housing and urban development.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2019 views
Minister Louise Upston highlights the Government's focus on jobseeker beneficiaries in upcoming employment programs. The Ministry of Social Development's updated strategy emphasizes the importance of prioritizing beneficiaries for job placements. Efforts include targeted support for young people to reduce long-term reliance on benefits and increase employment opportunities.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1933 views
The New Zealand government is funding 11 community projects, totaling nearly $250,000, to support and promote the use of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) among families of Deaf children and teenagers. Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston highlights the importance of these initiatives, including NZSL classes, community events, a directory website in NZSL, a code of ethics review, and skills development programs for interpreters. The NZSL Board, which advocates for NZSL use, invests approximately $1 million annually to enhance NZSL initiatives and projects.
15 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3030 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden applauds the passage of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, emphasizing its significance in fostering business confidence and employment opportunities. The bill will now undergo review by the Education and Workforce Select Committee to gather public feedback on proposed changes. Key provisions of the legislation aim to clarify employment arrangements, simplify the grievance process, and enhance flexibility in negotiations between employers and employees.
15 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2066 views
Minister Brooke van Velden's Bill to regulate New Zealand's online gambling market passed its first reading in Parliament, aiming to protect players and ensure safer gambling practices. The Bill allows for up to 15 online gambling licences to be auctioned, with strict criteria for companies to meet, including harm prevention strategies and compliance history. The Department of Internal Affairs will enforce the new regulations, with fines of up to $5 million for rule violations, and public submissions on the Bill are encouraged as it moves to the select committee stage.
15 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2270 views
The 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.
12 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2742 views
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasizes the importance of relationships with Southeast Asia for security and prosperity. They are working intensively with Southeast Asia, aiming to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN by 2025. During his visit to Malaysia, Mr. Peters engaged in discussions on various security issues and held bilateral talks with ministerial counterparts from several countries.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2045 views
New Zealand and Japan are developing a logistics agreement to support ongoing defence cooperation between our two countries, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins have announced. “Japan is a crucial partner for New Zealand,” Mr Peters says following a meeting with Japanese counterpart Iwaya Takeshi at the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur today. “We are both committed to the international rules-based system, and to maintaining security and prosperity in our region.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3112 views
When someone is making the brave step of reaching out for help whether it’s you, your child, a friend or family member, this Government is committed to ensuring we have the right support in place to answer that call, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says. “It is promising to see reports showing New Zealand’s mental health and addiction workforce is growing. This will help us ensure that people are getting the support they need, when they need it and no one’s call is going unanswered,” Mr Doocey says.
09 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2038 views
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee today announced further steps in the Government’s overhaul of the AML/CFT regime, strengthening efforts to combat serious financial crime. “This Government is serious about targeting criminals, not tying up legitimate businesses in unnecessary red tape,” Mrs McKee says. “Cabinet has agreed to introduce a bill to strengthen enforcement powers for Police and regulators to crack down on those involved in money laundering.
09 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2313 views
The Government’s responsible fiscal management has supported the Reserve Bank to keep the Official Cash Rate low, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand today announced it would keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 3. 25 per cent while continuing to foreshadow further reductions in the OCR.
09 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3304 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to improve access to asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August 2025. “For the first time, Pharmac has its own Minister. Last year I outlined in my letter of expectations that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines – this is committed to in the Act-National Coalition Agreement,” Mr Seymour says.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3618 views
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has launched New Zealand’s first AI Strategy to boost productivity and grow a competitive economy. “AI could add $76 billion to our GDP by 2038, but we’re falling behind other small, advanced economies on AI-readiness and many businesses are still not planning for the technology,” says Dr Reti. “We must develop stronger Kiwi AI capabilities to drive economic growth, and this Strategy sends a strong signal that New Zealand supports the uptake of AI.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3122 views
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says New Zealand is sending a seven-person specialist team to Manitoba on Wednesday 9 July to support Canada in its response to severe wildfires across the country. “Canada is dealing with an intense and escalating wildfire season, with fires raging across multiple provinces,” says Ms van Velden. “More than 20,000 people have been displaced from their homes.