31 Jul 2026
2 months ago
689 views
Racing Minister Winston Peters announced the end of commercial greyhound racing by 31 July 2026, following legislation passed due to unacceptable injury and death rates in the industry. The Greyhound Transition Agency has been appointed to coordinate the fully funded Greyhound Rehoming Project, providing financial support to owners and trainers until the estimated 1400 dogs are rehomed. Peters emphasized strong public support for ending racing, highlighted the industry's recent fatality, and called on New Zealanders to help provide these dogs with loving homes.
23 Jul 2026
3 months ago
638 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters highlighted the importance of regional cooperation amid global turbulence and its economic and security impacts during high-level talks in Manila. He emphasized New Zealand’s longstanding partnership with ASEAN and announced a new Comprehensive Partnership with the Philippines to enhance regional stability and resilience. Peters also engaged in multiple bilateral meetings with various foreign ministers, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region.
23 Jul 2026
3 months ago
784 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the appointment of the Board for the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA), a new Crown entity established to improve the planning, building, maintenance, and administration of school properties nationwide. The Board, led by Hon Murray McCully and composed of experts in governance, finance, infrastructure, and property, aims to bring commercial discipline, faster delivery, and better value for money to address the previously crisis-level school property system. This initiative follows significant progress in reducing classroom costs and improving facilities, with the Board now focused on driving accountability, efficiency, and practical results for schools, students, and taxpayers.
21 Jul 2026
3 months ago
648 views
New Zealand and the Philippines have formalized a Comprehensive Partnership to enhance cooperation across political, defense, trade, and people-to-people ties. This partnership, announced by Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, marks 60 years of diplomatic relations and aims to support a stable, rules-based Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, both countries signed new agreements on education and geothermal energy, with further discussions planned during Peters’ visit to ASEAN-related events in Manila.
17 Jul 2026
3 months ago
890 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will visit Manila next week to strengthen New Zealand's relationship with the Philippines and engage in regional meetings, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The visit aligns with New Zealand's Foreign Policy Reset focused on enhancing partnerships in Southeast Asia, particularly with ASEAN, a key trade and security partner. During the trip, Peters will conduct bilateral meetings, sign cooperation agreements, and participate in ASEAN, East Asia Summit, and ASEAN Regional Forum meetings involving major regional powers.
17 Jul 2026
3 months ago
747 views
The New Zealand Government has confirmed KiwiRail will operate two new Cook Strait rail ferries, named Kupe and Cook, arriving in 2029 with a 30-year operational plan to ensure a practical and affordable ferry service. The project, capped at $1.7 billion, saves $2.3 billion compared to previous estimates and includes commercial arrangements protecting taxpayers while supporting critical freight routes between Auckland and Christchurch. The programme also features new marine infrastructure, strict project management, and a long-term strategy to maintain rail ferry services for future generations.
16 Jul 2026
3 months ago
740 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.
16 Jul 2026
3 months ago
705 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will meet with Pacific leaders from Niue, Fiji, and Samoa in Auckland to strengthen regional connections amid uncertain geostrategic times. This includes his first in-person meeting with Niue’s Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi since May and discussions with Fiji’s Foreign Minister Sakiasi Ditoka and Samoa’s Minister Afioga Fata Ryan Schuster. The meetings aim to reinforce New Zealand’s strong relationships with these nations, focusing on mutual benefits, trade, and investment partnerships.
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.
02 Jul 2026
3 months ago
775 views
Minister Winston Peters commemorated the 250th anniversary of American independence by highlighting the Founders' courageous declaration of freedom in 1776 and the subsequent revolutionary struggle led by figures like George Washington. He emphasized the enduring significance of the U.S. Constitution as a revolutionary experiment in republican government and celebrated America's expansive ambition and innovation across history. Peters also acknowledged the shared sacrifices of New Zealand and American forces, expressing hope that the United States' future will embody the wisdom and ideals of its Founders.
02 Jul 2026
3 months ago
788 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will visit Singapore and Japan next week to strengthen New Zealand’s strategic partnerships and regional cooperation. In Singapore, he will engage with senior leaders to enhance collaboration under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discuss regional challenges, while in Japan, he will meet political and business leaders to promote trade, investment, and defense cooperation. These visits aim to deepen ties, support security, and boost economic relations with key partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
02 Jul 2026
3 months ago
967 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced Andre van der Walt as the next Administrator of Tokelau, starting June 2026, coinciding with the centenary of New Zealand’s administration of Tokelau. The Administrator supports Tokelau’s government in service delivery, manages New Zealand-Tokelau relations, and oversees development initiatives including climate resilience, governance, and key sectors like education and health. Van der Walt brings experience from his previous roles as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Kiribati and Deputy High Commissioner to Niue.
30 Jun 2026
3 months ago
875 views
New Zealand is increasing funding and support to Pacific nations to enhance innovation, combat illegal fishing, and improve returns from tuna fisheries through the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Pacific Islands Tuna Ventures programme (PITVP). The PITVP focuses on value-added opportunities, turning tuna by-products into high-value goods, thereby helping coastal communities benefit more fairly from their resources. Hosting the Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting for the first time in 18 years, New Zealand emphasizes regional cooperation to ensure sustainable fisheries management and food security.
29 Jun 2026
3 months ago
850 views
The Government has approved up to $22.4 million to support the rail component of Te Utanganui, a major intermodal freight hub in Palmerston North linking rail, road, air, and sea. This funding, delivered in stages, will aid pre-construction and construction of the Bunnythorpe Regional Freight Hub, aiming to improve supply chain efficiency, drive economic growth, and create hundreds of jobs. The project, led by local agencies and supported by government investment, seeks to unlock industrial land, build resilience, and attract private sector co-investment to boost the lower North Island's logistics and manufacturing sectors.
24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
729 views
Minister for Racing Winston Peters urges New Zealand’s racing industry to collaborate for a strong, sustainable future in response to a report by the TAB New Zealand Racing Advisory Committee highlighting the need for unified reform. He emphasizes that successful reform requires collective commitment and shared understanding among key stakeholders, rather than isolated efforts, especially with a General Election approaching. Peters encourages industry participants to work constructively within existing legislation before pursuing large-scale government intervention or legislative changes.