06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1187 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac's progress report against his 2024/25 Letter of Expectations, emphasizing the importance of patient input and transparency in decision-making processes. Pharmac has made strides in meeting expectations, such as enhancing consumer engagement, collaborating with health sector partners, and improving organizational culture and stakeholder sentiment tracking. The report highlights achievements, including increased funding and efforts to deliver better healthcare services for New Zealanders, signaling a positive shift in Pharmac's direction under the current government.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1160 views
The Government is investing $75 million to enhance New Zealand's resilience to infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness through the Infectious Diseases Research Platform hosted by PHF Science. This initiative aims to deepen pandemic preparedness, reduce exposure to future pandemics, and build an agile research and response system. The investment reflects the Government's commitment to long-term, impactful research in collaboration with key health sector stakeholders.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1257 views
The Coalition Government has expanded the Gas Security Fund to attract investments that will increase New Zealand's gas supply in the short-, medium-, and long-term to address energy security challenges. The fund will support various projects, including drilling in existing fields, exploration, and storage initiatives, aiming to stabilize supply and manage seasonal demand. The initiative aims to mitigate perceptions of risk in the petroleum sector and promote regional procurement, with investment decisions made jointly by the Ministers for Resources and Finance.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1160 views
New Zealand is excited to welcome the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing the country's food and wine to an international audience and expecting an increase in visitor numbers and economic growth, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Michelin Guide inspectors are already dining anonymously in top New Zealand restaurants, with the first selections and potential star ratings expected next year. The arrival of Michelin is seen as a prestigious accolade that will boost tourism, with an estimated 36,000 more international visitors expected and a focus on promoting New Zealand's culinary excellence on a global stage.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1164 views
Labour market statistics released today show a slight increase in unemployment to 5.3% in the September quarter, aligning with forecasts. The Finance Minister emphasizes the government's commitment to rebuilding the economy and creating more job opportunities for New Zealanders. Efforts include reducing taxes, boosting investments, and supporting businesses to drive economic recovery and job growth.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1192 views
New Zealand's Resources Minister Shane Jones highlights the country's potential gains from the global interest in gold and minerals, emphasizing the economic opportunities presented by a significant gold discovery in Central Otago. The mining permit granted to Matakanui Gold Limited for the Rise and Shine prospect is expected to create jobs, boost local economies, and generate substantial revenues for the government through royalties and taxes. The government's commitment to utilizing mineral resources for regional development, job creation, and economic prosperity is underscored by the fast-track approval process for mining projects like Bendigo-Ophir and the financing of the Snowy River Gold Mine development by Endura Mining.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1191 views
The Government will invest over $80 million in transformative research projects for New Zealand's economy, health, and environment, led by Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti. The funding includes 107 Marsden Fund projects over three years to support established and emerging scientists in innovative research for lasting benefits. The diverse portfolio of funded projects ranges from cancer treatment advancements to geothermal energy utilization, reflecting the commitment to fostering breakthrough discoveries and driving transformative knowledge for New Zealand's future.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1189 views
A new dialysis unit in Blenheim, Marlborough eliminates the need for patients to travel to Nelson for treatment, thanks to collaboration between Marlborough Primary Health and Health New Zealand. The facility, developed with community support and advocacy, will initially operate three days a week with plans for expansion. This initiative aims to provide patient-centered care, bringing services closer to home and reflecting the needs of the community while addressing the challenges of chronic kidney disease in the region.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1228 views
Legislation has been enacted to restrict farm-to-forest conversions on productive farmland, fulfilling a campaign promise by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay. The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme - Forestry Conversion) Amendment Act, effective from October 31, 2025, aims to protect food production, rural communities, and forestry investments. Exotic forests are limited from entering the Emissions Trading Scheme on New Zealand's most productive soils, with exemptions for Māori-owned land and erosion-prone areas, while transitional exemptions are available for qualifying forestry investments made between 2021 and 2024.
04 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1117 views
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts introduced a new Assessment Framework for Carbon Removals in New Zealand, aiming to recognize and reward non-forestry carbon removals and support landholders and businesses. The framework aligns with the Government's commitment to climate action that stimulates the economy and promotes emissions reductions, fulfilling an election promise to explore biodiversity credits for initiatives like creating wetlands. Changes to the Climate Change Response Act will streamline processes, improve the NZ ETS, expand opportunities for carbon removal recognition, and reduce compliance costs for stakeholders, with an amendment bill planned for next year.
04 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1165 views
Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will visit New Zealand to strengthen trade ties, reflecting the deepening relationship between the two countries over the past two years. The visit underscores the commitment of both governments to building a strategic and enduring partnership, with a focus on expanding trade and investment opportunities. Minister Goyal's agenda includes attending a business summit, engaging with the New Zealand-Indian community, visiting businesses in Rotorua, and discussing Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay.
04 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1316 views
New Zealand has released a Fuel Security Plan to ensure reliable access to fuel in the face of global and domestic disruptions, focusing on resilience, domestic preparedness, alternative fuels, and market transitions. The plan includes measures such as requiring fuel importers to hold minimum stock levels and supporting the deployment of EV charging infrastructure. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the importance of reducing dependence on global markets and investing in domestic energy resources for economic growth and self-reliance.
04 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1021 views
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds expressed gratitude for Dr Allan Freeth's ten years of service as Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), highlighting his leadership in implementing new risk assessment models and enhancing scientific expertise to improve decision-making efficiency. Dr Freeth played a key role in the establishment of the Fast-track process, aligning with the government's objective to facilitate prompt and well-informed decisions supporting New Zealand's development. The EPA Board will now initiate the selection process for a new Chief Executive to continue the organization's mission of providing timely, transparent, and reliable assessments for the benefit of the country and its environment.
03 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1313 views
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have approved the first renewable energy project under the Fast-track Approvals Act, with Genesis Energy's Tekapo power scheme receiving quick consent after facing delays under the standard process. The Tekapo project generates clean electricity for over 228,000 households in Canterbury and showcases the Act's ability to expedite vital infrastructure projects. The Ministers are working on legislative changes to further streamline the fast-track process and encourage more applications to boost job creation, regional prosperity, and economic growth in New Zealand.
03 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1060 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced the new Primary Care Advisory Group, with Dr Bryan Betty as Chair and Dr Samantha Murton as Deputy Chair. Other appointed members include Penny Clark, Dr Jo Scott-Jones, Dr Steven Young, Dr Kate Baddock, Dr Stephanie Taylor, and Darryl Jhinku. The group aims to provide expert guidance to strengthen primary care, improve health outcomes, and expand its focus beyond general practice into other community healthcare settings, with terms of office starting on 3 November 2025.