28 Aug 2026
1 month ago
424 views
The New Zealand Government is introducing the AML/CFT (Omnibus) Amendment Bill, marking the most significant reform of anti-money laundering laws since 2009, aiming to reduce unnecessary compliance burdens on ordinary citizens and businesses by focusing on actual risks. The Bill enhances tools to address suspicious activities, including temporary freezing of high-risk transactions, and introduces powers to regulate cash payments in remittance services and virtual assets, with planned consultations to ensure practical implementation. These reforms complete a broader overhaul that simplifies customer verification, centralizes regulation under the Department of Internal Affairs, and promotes proportionate, risk-based regulation to safeguard against money laundering and terrorist financing.
16 Jul 2026
3 months ago
737 views
The Foreign Ministers of Fiji and New Zealand signed a refreshed Duavata Partnership, setting priorities for their relationship over the next five years. They emphasized their strong, long-standing ties across various sectors and discussed collaborative efforts like the Ocean of Peace Alliance and boosting two-way trade to NZ$2 billion by 2030. Additionally, Fiji’s Minister Ditoka will attend the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership Ministerial Meeting in Auckland as a guest of New Zealand.
09 Jul 2026
3 months ago
822 views
New Zealand plans to engage with Australia and Fiji about potentially joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance, a mutual defense treaty aimed at enhancing regional security. The alliance builds on existing strong military and diplomatic relationships among the three nations and supports Pacific-led responses to security challenges. Final membership decisions will be made by New Zealand’s Cabinet and Parliament after consultations.
11 Jun 2026
4 months ago
846 views
New Zealand and Timor-Leste have signed an updated Defence Cooperation Arrangement to strengthen their longstanding defence relationship, last reviewed 15 years ago. The agreement focuses on training, education, capacity building, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, maritime security, and expertise exchange. This updated arrangement reflects their shared commitment to ongoing cooperation and supports Timor-Leste's role as the newest ASEAN member.
13 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1104 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn to New Zealand, marking the first high-level Cambodian visit since 2019 and highlighting the strengthening bilateral relationship. They discussed collaboration on development, regional security, and shared commitment to a rules-based international system, with Peters announcing NZ$7.5 million in additional support for mine clearance and victim assistance in Cambodia. This visit follows New Zealand’s recent trip to Cambodia, underscoring mutual dedication to deepening ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
30 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1255 views
New Zealand has extended the deployment of its Defence Force liaison officer to Israel by three months, until May 3, 2026. The extension aims to enhance understanding of the evolving and complex situation in Gaza as the peace plan progresses. The liaison officer will remain based in the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre to inform future decisions on New Zealand’s contributions.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1048 views
New Zealand has extended the deployment of a Defence Force liaison officer to Israel for an additional eight weeks to enhance understanding of coordination efforts on the ground. The deployment aims to gather information to better assess future options for supporting sustained peace in Gaza. The liaison officer continues to operate within the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre, with no decisions made beyond this extension.
17 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1335 views
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced the removal of Fale Andrew Lesa as a Justice of the Peace and Visiting Justice due to concerns about his misrepresentation of qualifications and experience. Despite Mr. Lesa's direct communication, he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for his actions. McKee emphasized the importance of integrity and honesty for individuals in such roles, leading to the recommendation and subsequent removal of Mr. Lesa from office.
09 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1135 views
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomes the first phase of the US-led peace deal between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the need to end the suffering endured by both Israelis and Palestinians over the past two years. He commends the efforts of the negotiating parties, including the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, for taking a leadership role in the process. Peters urges Hamas to release all hostages and Israel to withdraw troops, emphasizing the importance of delivering on promises for lasting peace and calling for continued efforts towards a complete resolution.