10 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1437 views
The opening remarks express gratitude for the summit's organization and highlight the importance of digital infrastructure in supporting science and innovation. The reforms in the science, innovation, and technology system aim to drive economic growth and maximize government funding for research. Additionally, the AI Strategy focuses on regulating AI to enable innovation while building trust and social license, with a commitment to leveraging existing laws and global partnerships.
10 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1376 views
A public reserve named Watts Peninsula, also known as Mātai Moana, will be established on the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington, with significant historical and cultural value. The reserve, promised by the government in 2011, will encompass 72 hectares of land transferred from Land Information New Zealand to the Department of Conservation. Managed by a charitable trust appointed by Wellington City Council, Taranaki Whānui, and DOC, the reserve aims to preserve ecological, historical, and cultural significance, funded by the council and Taranaki Whānui.
10 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1477 views
The Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir in New Zealand's Taupō Volcanic Zone has been chosen for the country's first supercritical geothermal exploration, with plans to develop multiple wells for enhanced power output. The site selection followed thorough geological studies and risk assessments, with a focus on involving the local community and cultural considerations. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between stakeholders to explore the potential of supercritical geothermal energy, with a multi-disciplinary team working on regulatory approvals, design, and drilling for the project's success.
10 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1332 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey participated in the launch of the Construction Industry Wellbeing Survey on World Suicide Prevention Day, emphasizing the importance of changing the narrative on suicide to reduce stigma and encourage seeking help. New Zealand faces high suicide rates, with 617 suspected suicides last year, leading to increased investment of $16 million per year in the new Suicide Prevention Action Plan, which includes various health and cross-agency actions to enhance access to support and prevention services. The government is committed to providing timely support for those at risk of suicide, promoting wellbeing campaigns, establishing crisis recovery cafes, and funding peer support workers in emergency departments to strengthen suicide prevention efforts in New Zealand.
09 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1413 views
Landcorp has introduced a new livestock equity partnership program in New Zealand to assist farm operators in building equity and securing the future of farming, according to State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown. The initiative aligns with the government's goals of enhancing rural employment, boosting farm productivity, and facilitating ownership opportunities for the next generation of farmers. The equity partnership model expands on Landcorp's existing contract farming options for dairy farmers and aims to promote high performance, unlock the farming sector's potential, and create pathways for aspiring farmers to take ownership of farms like Mahiwi Farm.
09 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1513 views
The Government's new 24/7 digital health service, launched in July, has provided over 21,000 consultations to 19,331 people across New Zealand. It is most commonly used when timely GP appointments are unavailable and has successfully treated 83.5% of patients without requiring an in-person GP follow-up. The service has made healthcare more accessible, especially for working-age adults and parents, reaching people in all communities and making a significant impact on daily lives by providing timely and quality care.
09 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1215 views
Minister Judith Collins is representing New Zealand at the annual Five Country Ministerial meeting in London, where common issues and joint commitments among New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US are discussed. The meeting covers topics such as countering terrorism, state threats, border security, and tackling child sexual exploitation. Collaboration with UK counterparts and other Five Eyes partners is emphasized for enhancing safety and security on a global scale, highlighting New Zealand's dedication to global security efforts.
09 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1193 views
Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey launched the Government's new approach to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), increasing funding and focusing on prevention, diagnosis, and support for affected families. The government raised the alcohol levy to $16.6 million annually, with $7.25 million allocated for targeted community-based assessment, prevention campaigns, support programs, workforce training, and increased resources for individuals with FASD. This initiative aims to address the long wait times for FASD support, improve understanding and recognition of FASD, and provide better assistance to families and individuals affected by the disorder.
08 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1262 views
The Government has surpassed its initial Elective Boost target by delivering over 16,000 additional procedures, reducing patient wait times, as stated by Health Minister Simeon Brown. The procedures included hip, knee, and cataract surgeries, benefiting people of various ages and backgrounds across different regions of New Zealand. This achievement is part of the Government's plan to decrease elective treatment wait times, aiming to treat 95% of patients within four months by 2030, with ongoing efforts to further enhance healthcare accessibility.
06 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1517 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown notes a 25% decrease in the cardiology first specialist assessment (FSA) waitlist in Auckland since November 2023, with patient numbers dropping from 3,829 to 2,847 between November 2023 and March 2025. The reduction in wait times has been significant, especially for those waiting over four months, with a 73% decrease from 663 to 179. Progress has been made across all three Auckland districts, reflecting efforts to expand clinic capacity, improve systems for reminders and follow-ups, and streamline scheduling to reduce delays in booking appointments. The goal is to ensure that 95% of patients are seen within four months by 2030, with ongoing efforts to further reduce wait times and improve access to timely specialist care.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1255 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has urged Health New Zealand and ASMS to swiftly engage in binding arbitration to settle their dispute, which stems from an expired collective agreement despite previous efforts like mediation and bargaining. The ongoing strike actions by ASMS have disrupted care for numerous patients, with a potential future strike threatening more disruptions. The Government emphasizes the importance of providing timely and quality healthcare to all New Zealanders, and both parties must confirm their acceptance of arbitration by Friday 4:00 PM.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1325 views
The Government is supporting 19 ambitious science programs, including the DeepHeat project by the New Zealand Institute for Earth Science Limited, which aims to explore the energy potential of the Central Taupo Volcanic Zone using supercritical geothermal energy. This project, funded with $10 million from the Endeavour Fund, is seen as groundbreaking and essential for New Zealand's future prosperity, as geothermal energy offers a reliable alternative to weather-dependent renewable sources like hydro, solar, and wind. The Government's investment of over $183 million in various projects, from climate technology to healthcare and clean energy, demonstrates the power of science to drive innovation, economic growth, and a more resilient future.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1490 views
The Government is proposing changes to the Immigration Act to enhance deportation settings and immigration compliance in New Zealand, aiming to strengthen the integrity and trust in the immigration system. The Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill will expand deportation liability for serious criminal offenses, false information provision, and historic crimes, among other measures. Additionally, the Bill will increase penalties for migrant exploitation to combat this crime and improve compliance within the immigration framework.
03 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1371 views
New Zealand's Mental Health Minister, Matt Doocey, launched a refreshed strategic approach to eating disorders, with a significant funding increase of over $4 million annually, totaling over $23 million. The strategy emphasizes a full continuum of care, including prevention, primary health care, early intervention, community services, and specialist and inpatient services. The funding package includes initiatives such as peer support, community-based support for families, capacity increase for specialist services, and expansion of prevention and early intervention support to better support those battling eating disorders.
03 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1389 views
Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard announces a cut to red tape for food exporters in New Zealand, eliminating the need for special exemptions if products meet importing countries' requirements starting from 25 September 2025. This change simplifies compliance by aligning with destination countries' rules, reducing paperwork, costs, and delays previously associated with individual product exemptions. Hoggard emphasizes the benefits of increased efficiency, lower compliance costs, and improved trade opportunities, with a phased approach to extend the streamlined process to all food exports in the future.