11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1158 views
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee welcomes the Justice Select Committee’s extension of the submission period for the Arms Bill, encouraging New Zealanders to provide feedback to improve the legislation. She emphasizes the importance of input from licensed firearm owners and the public to create practical, responsible firearms laws through a thorough six-month consultation process. Early engagement has been significant, with over 8,500 submissions offering extensive feedback, and the new deadline for submissions is 16 February 2026.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1088 views
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced that 385 out of 576 stewardship land reclassification proposals on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island will proceed, protecting over 190,000 hectares under the Reserves Act and more than 300,000 hectares under the Conservation Act, with some land added to National Parks or considered for disposal. This significant reclassification, the largest since 1987, aims to provide clarity and certainty for land use, respecting conservation, cultural values, and existing rights such as tourism and mining concessions, while maintaining access for Ngāi Tahu’s pounamu gathering. The process, involving extensive consultation and collaboration with panels and communities, culminates in the creation of new reserves like the 181,000-hectare Tarahanga e Toru Historic Reserve and referrals of key stewardship areas for national park additions to ensure long-term protection.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1116 views
Minister Scott Simpson thanked outgoing ACC Chief Executive Megan Main for her leadership since 2021, highlighting her extensive public service experience and focus on improving client outcomes. Megan Main chose not to renew her contract after four years, during which she worked to strengthen service delivery amid significant organizational changes. The ACC Board will soon begin recruiting a new Chief Executive to continue restoring the Scheme’s commitment to fast and efficient rehabilitation for injured New Zealanders.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1286 views
All councils' water service delivery plans under Local Water Done Well have been assessed, with 76% of New Zealand’s population receiving services through council-controlled organisations (CCOs), addressing affordability challenges. Councils plan to invest nearly $48 billion over the next decade, including an additional $9 billion compared to previous estimates, to upgrade water infrastructure and ensure regulatory compliance after decades of underinvestment. This reform also anticipates the creation of around 9,000 new water industry jobs, balancing the need to fix existing issues while preparing for future population growth.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1175 views
New Zealand’s new visa-free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers with eligible Australian visas has attracted over 13,000 visitors in just one month, boosting the economy and benefiting Kiwi businesses. Tourism Minister Louise Upston highlights the positive impact on regional tourism, especially in Christchurch and Queenstown, with increased bookings and job opportunities. The initiative supports New Zealand’s vital tourism sector, encouraging more visitors to experience the country’s hospitality and attractions, particularly during the Chinese New Year.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1093 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has highlighted progress in cancer control over the past five years, including reduced smoking rates, improved screening, and better long-term survival, as detailed in The State of Cancer in New Zealand 2025 report. The Government is implementing initiatives such as expanding screening programs, investing $604 million in cancer medicines, upgrading treatment infrastructure, and launching New Zealand’s first cervical cancer elimination strategy to enhance cancer care. Despite these advances, cancer diagnoses are expected to rise significantly by 2044, prompting a refreshed Cancer Action Plan to prepare the health system for future challenges.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1077 views
Regulation Minister David Seymour announced reforms to scrap the outdated licensing regime for industrial hemp in New Zealand, replacing it with a more practical and proportionate approach that removes licenses and sets a clear THC threshold below 1%. These changes aim to reduce costs, encourage innovation, and generate significant economic benefits, while maintaining safeguards to prevent misuse and ensuring compliance with existing food safety and medicinal cannabis regulations. The Ministry of Health will lead implementation, reflecting the government's commitment to cutting red tape and improving regulatory standards for business growth.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1073 views
Duane Kale ONZM has been appointed Chair of Sport and Recreation New Zealand, bringing extensive experience in sports administration and Paralympic leadership. He has served as Deputy Chair of Sport NZ and High Performance Sport New Zealand since 2023, and as Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee since 2017. Kale is a decorated Paralympian and recognized leader, recently awarded the Paralympic Order, and will succeed Raewyn Lovett as Chair.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1309 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is leading negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India to secure better market access for New Zealand exporters, who are currently disadvantaged compared to competitors like Australia. Since the launch of talks earlier this year, there has been strong engagement between the two countries, with multiple high-level visits and discussions emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive deal. The FTA aims to create jobs, boost export revenue, and support New Zealand’s economic growth while maintaining the country’s legislative sovereignty.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1198 views
The Earn as You Learn pilot, launched in Waikato in February 2025, connects high school students with manufacturers to provide paid, real-world experience while earning a manufacturing certificate, achieving over 80% learner completion and strong employer support. Due to its success, the program will expand to the Hutt Valley and Canterbury in 2026, and Auckland in 2027, aiming to increase graduates from 17 to 100-150 annually. This initiative addresses skilled labor shortages in manufacturing, a key sector for New Zealand’s economy, by fostering collaboration between industry, educators, and government to build a future workforce.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1261 views
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has launched a $1.35 million discovery phase to explore a national quantum technologies platform aimed at boosting New Zealand’s economy through job creation and international partnerships. The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology will assess domestic quantum capabilities and commercial opportunities from December 2025 to June 2026, collaborating with researchers and businesses to accelerate innovation in computing, secure communications, and sensing. If successful, this initiative will lead to the development of a quantum technology research platform, complementing the institute’s existing investments in materials, magnet technologies, and artificial intelligence.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1177 views
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced increased government funding for New Plymouth's local crisis recovery café, run by Taranaki Retreat, to provide a calm, peer-led alternative to emergency departments for those in mental distress. This investment is part of a broader mental health plan that includes expanding peer support roles and establishing new crisis recovery cafés nationwide by June 2026. The initiative aims to deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers, and improved crisis response through community-based solutions.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1305 views
Parliament has passed the Resource Management (Duration of Consents) Amendment Bill, extending existing or expired resource consents until 31 December 2027 to provide certainty for farmers, businesses, and councils during New Zealand’s transition to a new planning system. This temporary extension prevents costly and unnecessary replacement consent processes under the old Resource Management Act, aligning with ongoing reforms including the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill expected to extend consents to around 2031. The new legislation aims to support growth, housing, and environmental improvements by streamlining consent processes and introducing national standards during the transition.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1193 views
The Government has launched the Govt. nz app to provide secure, convenient access to trusted government information and services via mobile phones. Initially offering customizable dashboards and emergency warnings, the app will soon include features like secure messaging and a digital wallet for identity credentials. Participation is optional, aiming to enhance a customer-focused, efficient, and future-ready digital public service while maintaining high safety standards.
09 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1151 views
The New Zealand Government is implementing urgent legislation to extend existing consents and ensure a smooth transition from the outdated Resource Management Act (RMA) to a new planning and environmental management system. These transitional arrangements will extend consent expiry dates to around 2031, allow new consent applications under a streamlined process, and prevent unnecessary costs and uncertainty for consent holders during the transition. The reforms aim to reduce red tape, support growth, improve environmental outcomes, and provide certainty while the new system, established by the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, is fully implemented.