04 Aug 2026
2 months ago
668 views
The Earn as You Learn programme, which combines paid workplace learning with formal training and industry mentoring, is expanding into the Hutt Valley, Bay of Plenty, Christchurch, and Auckland to address the manufacturing sector's skilled workforce shortage. Developed by manufacturers and supported by Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, the programme has proven successful in the Waikato pilot, with most participants securing full-time jobs after completing their training. The government is committed to expanding vocational pathways alongside this initiative, aiming to grow the skilled manufacturing workforce essential for New Zealand's economic recovery and future innovation.
03 Aug 2026
2 months ago
682 views
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released a report and initiated consultation on modifying Wellington’s heritage planning rules for five key sites, following concerns from the Wellington City Council that current provisions hinder economic growth and development. The report suggests that removing or altering these heritage controls could enable around 770 new apartments, generate $280 million in construction activity, and support 300 jobs, with public and stakeholder feedback now being sought before any regulatory changes. The affected sites include the Courtenay Place Heritage Area, Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct, former General Headquarters Building, and Miramar oil tank, with consultation open to relevant authorities, iwi groups, and the public.
03 Aug 2026
2 months ago
684 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $21.7 million over five years to expand practical, classroom-based teacher training through the School Onsite Training Programme and increase support via the Teacher Bonding Scheme, targeting schools with persistent staffing challenges. The programme, which allows trainees to spend significant time in classrooms and offers stipends, aims to improve teacher readiness and address shortages, especially in secondary subjects and rural communities, while boosting enrolments and reducing reliance on overseas recruitment. These initiatives are designed to build a stronger, sustainable teaching workforce that understands New Zealand’s curriculum and student needs, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes nationwide.
03 Aug 2026
2 months ago
642 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $21.7 million over five years to expand the School Onsite Training Programme and increase places through the Teacher Bonding Scheme, aiming to address teacher shortages, especially in secondary subjects and rural areas. The programme emphasizes practical, classroom-based training, allowing trainee teachers to spend significant time in schools supported by experienced educators, with participants receiving stipends to cover costs. This initiative has boosted interest in teaching careers, increased the teacher workforce, and targets sustainable staffing solutions by training more classroom-ready Kiwi teachers and reducing reliance on overseas recruitment.
01 Aug 2026
2 months ago
686 views
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager urges Kiwis to participate in the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition to help control wild goat populations and protect New Zealand’s native landscapes. Since its 2023 launch, the competition has removed over 33,000 goats and encourages conservation through hunter-led efforts, offering prizes and involving hunters of all ages. Running from August to November 2026, the event is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Conservation, the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, landowners, and sponsors.
01 Aug 2026
2 months ago
652 views
New Zealand is investing $23 million to shift skin cancer detection and treatment from hospitals to local GP clinics, starting with suspicious skin spot removal, to ensure earlier and more accessible care nationwide. This initiative includes upskilling GPs in dermoscopy and skin excision, aiming to create a consistent national approach and reduce hospital wait times by allowing specialists to focus on complex cases. The investment builds on previous primary care enhancements and reflects a broader strategy to deliver more healthcare services in the community, closer to patients' homes.
31 Jul 2026
2 months ago
640 views
The Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme, launched by the New Zealand government, aims to help businesses reduce reliance on gas by providing loan guarantees covering 80% of default risk, enabling banks to offer better lending terms and unlock up to $1.2 billion in financing. This initiative supports regional industries facing high gas prices and supply uncertainty by promoting energy efficiency and alternative energy investments to maintain competitiveness and protect jobs. Additionally, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority offers independent support to help businesses assess energy options and plan practical transitions.
31 Jul 2026
2 months ago
694 views
New Zealand’s Small Schools Upgrade Programme has completed its 800th school upgrade, improving facilities for thousands of students by installing LED lights, acoustic panels, insulation, carpets, and safety devices. The government accelerated maintenance by increasing funding, standardizing designs, and creating the New Zealand School Property Agency to streamline processes, resulting in faster and more efficient upgrades praised by school principals. With an additional $175 million allocated, the programme will upgrade 934 schools with improvements such as flooring, heating, and asbestos removal, to be completed by summer 2028/29.
31 Jul 2026
2 months ago
607 views
Three new members—Rāhera Turner, Thora Huebner, and Joanne Witko—have been appointed to the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Board, with existing member Kim Robinson extending his term by one year. The Board supports the promotion and maintenance of NZSL and will play a key role in delivering the new 10-year NZSL Strategy launched last year. Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston emphasized the Government’s commitment to strengthening NZSL and acknowledged outgoing member Monica Leach for her service.
31 Jul 2026
2 months ago
692 views
Racing Minister Winston Peters announced the end of commercial greyhound racing by 31 July 2026, following legislation passed due to unacceptable injury and death rates in the industry. The Greyhound Transition Agency has been appointed to coordinate the fully funded Greyhound Rehoming Project, providing financial support to owners and trainers until the estimated 1400 dogs are rehomed. Peters emphasized strong public support for ending racing, highlighted the industry's recent fatality, and called on New Zealanders to help provide these dogs with loving homes.
30 Jul 2026
2 months ago
807 views
The New Zealand Government has signed a landmark public-private partnership agreement with the Northway consortium to design, build, finance, maintain, and operate the 26-kilometre Northland Expressway section from Warkworth to Te Hana, aiming to boost regional economic growth, improve safety, and reduce travel times. The $3.649 billion project, supported by a $1.6 billion Crown Capital Contribution and structured with performance-based payments over 25 years, incorporates extensive infrastructure including tunnels, bridges, and interchanges, with construction starting in late 2027 and completion expected by 2034. This PPP model leverages competitive procurement, risk-sharing, and local employment opportunities, ensuring value for taxpayers while fostering sustainable development and long-term operational standards.
30 Jul 2026
2 months ago
726 views
The New Zealand government is investing over $8.5 million in three initiatives to strengthen the rural health workforce and improve local access to care. These include funding for Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training, expanded and subsidized Primary Response in Medical Emergencies (PRIME) training, and a $6 million boost to the National Rural Recruitment and Locum Support Service to attract a broader range of health professionals. These efforts aim to equip rural clinicians with better skills and support, ensuring timely, quality healthcare for rural communities and reducing reliance on distant hospital care.
30 Jul 2026
2 months ago
724 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced new hazardous substances regulations effective today that provide tailored safety requirements for laboratories, reducing unnecessary compliance costs while maintaining strong safety standards. The 2017 regulations had imposed industrial-level requirements on laboratories, leading to impractical and costly renovations estimated between $1.5 billion and $3 billion, with some rules potentially compromising safety. The updated regulations introduce a dedicated compliance pathway with risk management plans and an Approved Code of Practice developed with industry, supporting science and innovation while ensuring health and safety protections.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
698 views
The Employment Leave Bill has passed its final reading, replacing the outdated Holidays Act with a simpler, hours-based leave system that improves accuracy and transparency for both employers and employees. Key reforms include hourly accrual of annual and sick leave, leave available from day one, a single hourly pay rate for all leave types, and greater flexibility in cashing up annual leave, with a 24-month transition period for implementation. The government aims to provide clear guidance and support to ensure a smooth shift to this streamlined system, addressing long-standing calls for reform.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
694 views
New Zealand’s new Arms Bill, passed today, introduces clearer, more effective firearms laws that enhance public safety while respecting licensed owners by separating regulation from police and creating an independent arms regulator. The legislation streamlines compliance, strengthens penalties against unlawful activities, and includes measures such as extended licences, multi-user agreements, and a statutory ‘red flag’ system to prevent firearms misuse. Most provisions take effect on 23 September, with full implementation by February 2028, reflecting extensive public consultation and aiming to rebuild trust in the firearms regulatory system.