26 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1418 views
New Zealand is reforming its Commerce Commission to improve competition regulation by separating governance and regulatory functions, following an independent review that found the current structure ineffective. The new governance model, effective from July 2027, introduces an oversight board with external directors and a panel of expert commissioners to enhance decision-making and market competitiveness. Current leadership will provide continuity during the transition, with the Commerce (Commerce Commission Reform) Amendment Bill now under consideration by the Finance and Expenditure Committee.
26 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1194 views
New Zealand is reforming its Commerce Commission to enhance competition, innovation, and market fairness by separating governance and regulatory functions, following an independent review that found the current structure inadequate. The new model, effective from July 2027, introduces an oversight board with external directors, a panel of expert commissioners, and delegated regulatory decision-making to improve strategic focus and operational effectiveness. Leadership continuity will be maintained with Dr. John Small as chief commissioner and board chair until 2030, ensuring stability during the transition.
26 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1251 views
The Government acknowledges New Zealand’s economic challenges, including systemic issues, exposure to shocks like the Middle East conflict, and rising debt, and is committed to targeted support for working families while maintaining fiscal discipline. It plans to respond to the National Infrastructure Plan with significant reforms focused on better planning, asset management, project prioritization, and transparency to improve infrastructure efficiency and resilience. Efforts include enhancing investment reporting, fostering bipartisan consensus on infrastructure practices, and preparing a robust fuel plan to mitigate supply risks, all aimed at building a stronger, more sustainable future for New Zealand.
23 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1081 views
Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo will make his first official visit to New Zealand since his 2024 election, accompanied by key ministers. The visit aims to strengthen the close partnership between the two nations, focusing on shared regional priorities and Tuvalu's upcoming Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event. During his stay, Prime Minister Teo will meet with New Zealand officials and engage with the Tuvaluan community, highlighting ongoing collaboration in development, climate resilience, and economic support.
13 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1295 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins announced that incoming Solicitor-General Anna Adams has been appointed as King’s Counsel, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the legal profession. Ms. Adams, an expert in public law with 28 years of experience, is praised for her judgment, integrity, and leadership, and will begin her role as Solicitor-General on 11 May 2026. This appointment aligns with the tradition of Solicitors-General being named King’s or Queen’s Counsel.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1103 views
The Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Claims Settlement Bill has passed its first reading shortly after the Deed of Settlement was signed, marking a significant milestone after six years of negotiations. The settlement includes $24 million financial redress, shares in Patunamu Forest Ltd, several commercial and cultural properties, and approximately 12,000 hectares added to Te Urewera. While it cannot fully compensate past injustices, the settlement aims to support future generations of Ngāti Ruapani, who are based around south Waikaremoana.
05 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1220 views
New Zealand has passed the Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill to transition from a five-yearly census to an annual approach using existing government data, a smaller survey, and targeted collection, starting in 2030. This change addresses rising costs, declining response rates, and disruptions, ensuring more timely and accurate population data essential for planning public services. Additionally, the legislation modifies electoral boundary reviews to occur after every second general election instead of after every census, maintaining regularity while reflecting population changes.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1545 views
Since the Government was elected, a tough on crime approach and nearly doubling police foot patrols have led to 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime in New Zealand by October 2025. Key reforms include tougher sentencing, enhanced police powers, and coordinated efforts to reduce youth reoffending, resulting in significant drops in serious youth offenses and ram raids. Despite this progress, the Government remains committed to further law and order improvements, including new legislation to address disorderly behavior and strengthen trespass laws.
25 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1241 views
The Crown and Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana have signed a Deed of Settlement after six years of negotiations, acknowledging historical Treaty of Waitangi breaches and aiming to restore Ngāti Ruapani’s connection with Te Urewera. The settlement includes a Crown apology, $24 million in financial redress, shares in Patunamu Forestry Ltd, multiple commercial and cultural properties, and approximately 12,000 hectares of land added to Te Urewera. This agreement marks a significant step toward supporting Ngāti Ruapani’s cultural and economic aspirations and concludes settlement negotiations in the Te Urewera region.
22 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1317 views
The New Zealand Government is amending the Summary Offences Act to grant police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals exhibiting disorderly or disruptive behavior, obstructing access to businesses, begging, or rough sleeping in public places. These orders will require individuals aged 14 or older to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours and move a reasonable distance away, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce disturbances in city centers. Police will assess each situation individually and collaborate with social and housing services to provide support where necessary.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1394 views
The Government is committed to transforming Auckland into a world-class, international city by enabling significant housing growth, infrastructure development, and urban density, with reforms like the Planning Bill, Natural Environment Bill, and Plan Change 120 (PC120) playing key roles. Housing affordability and capacity are central to boosting productivity, reducing government spending on housing support, and addressing moral concerns about intergenerational equity, with recent policy adjustments softening housing capacity targets to balance growth with community concerns. Overall, over a decade of housing policy progress—including the Auckland Unitary Plan, National Policy Statement on Urban Development, and Medium Density Residential Standards—reflects a sustained effort to create a more prosperous, liveable Auckland through strategic, evidence-based urban planning.
17 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1337 views
New Zealand's Parliament has passed legislation updating the Anzac Day Act to formally recognize all service personnel who have served in times of war, including conflicts after 1966 and allied forces involved in the Gallipoli landing. The updated law broadens commemoration to include those who served in various roles, such as United Nations missions, medical units, the Merchant Navy, and those who died during training. This change strengthens the significance of Anzac Day as a national tradition that honors the courage and sacrifice of all who defended New Zealand and its allies.
29 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1362 views
The Crown and Ngāti Hāua have concluded nine years of negotiations with settlement legislation passing in Parliament, acknowledging historical Treaty breaches and returning 64 culturally significant sites along with $19 million in financial redress. The legislation also provides statutory pardons for Te Rangiātea and Mātene Ruta Te Whareaitu, who were wrongfully tried under martial law in 1846, restoring their mana and honouring their legacy. This settlement aims to restore the relationship between the Crown and Ngāti Hāua and support the iwi’s economic, social, and cultural wellbeing for future generations.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1401 views
Parliament has passed legislation aimed at improving court timeliness by updating procedures and increasing the number of High Court Judges from 55 to 60 to expedite serious cases. The Judicature (Timeliness) Legislation Amendment Bill introduces measures to streamline case management, prevent abuse of court processes, and enhance judicial efficiency across various courts. These changes prioritize faster justice for victims and families, ensuring the justice system operates more effectively and responsively.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1664 views
Legislation passed in Parliament returns the historic Kororipo Pā to Ngāpuhi, marking a significant step in advancing Treaty settlement negotiations and righting past wrongs. The pā, a vital site of learning, diplomacy, and trade, will transfer to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust in 2026, who will act as kaitiaki on behalf of Ngāpuhi while maintaining its historic reserve status and public access. This milestone reflects years of dedicated negotiations and honors the enduring relationships and shared history between the Crown and Ngāpuhi.