15 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1579 views
KiwiRail and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard have settled on a $144 million payment to cover costs incurred from the cancelled Project iReX ferries, with KiwiRail emphasizing the decision was not a reflection on Hyundai. The settlement frees up more funding for other Government projects, debunking claims that canceling the contract would cost taxpayers the full $551 million contract value. The settlement marks the end of mismanagement by the previous government, which failed to consider necessary port infrastructure, resulting in a near quadrupling of project costs before its cancellation in December 2023.
14 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1532 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters reaffirmed New Zealand's dedication to Pacific regionalism at the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Fiji. He stressed the importance of the region standing united and setting its own agenda amidst external pressures. Peters welcomed the report on Pacific regional architecture and offered New Zealand as a host for the 2027 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting, emphasizing the need for effective regional collaboration to address urgent challenges.
13 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1837 views
Chris Seed has been appointed as New Zealand's next Ambassador to the United States, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasizing the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Seed, a highly experienced diplomat who previously served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is seen as well-suited for the role. He will succeed Rosemary Banks, who is completing her second term and is praised for her distinguished diplomatic career and contributions to the critical bilateral relationship with the US.
12 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1572 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will attend the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji to discuss key regional issues with counterparts, emphasizing the importance of Pacific unity in addressing shared challenges. New Zealand views its membership in the Pacific Islands Forum as crucial for developing Pacific-owned solutions and maintaining diplomatic relationships within the region. The meeting in Fiji will pave the way for further discussions among Forum Leaders in Honiara, Solomon Islands, in September, with Mr Peters departing on August 13 and returning on August 14.
11 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1816 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters of New Zealand will carefully consider recognizing a state of Palestine in September, taking into account the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and New Zealand's support for a two-state solution. New Zealand's independent foreign policy will guide its decision, weighing factors such as the viability of a Palestinian state and progress towards peace. A formal decision on recognition will be made by Cabinet in September, following a thorough assessment of various perspectives and considerations.
06 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1699 views
New Zealand is supporting Samoa in addressing a severe dengue outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of five children, demonstrating the special relationship between the two countries. New Zealand plans to send a clinical team to Apia, provide medical supplies worth $300,000, and offer additional assistance as needed. Travellers to Samoa are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites and refer to the SafeTravel website for Dengue Fever prevention advice.
05 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2562 views
Rail Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones highlight significant developments in Northland's economic future, including Marsden Point's role as an energy and economic powerhouse. Projects such as a refurbished tank for supplying jet fuel to Auckland Airport and a commercial dry dock aim to boost job creation and international trade. Plans for a Regional Infrastructure Fund part-funded drydock at Northport and the potential use of special economic zones to attract investment demonstrate a focus on enhancing New Zealand's economic growth and resilience.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2029 views
Prime Minister Luxon and Foreign Minister Peters met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele in Wellington to reaffirm New Zealand's strong ties with Solomon Islands. Discussions included supporting Solomon Islands' economy and education and fisheries sectors, as well as preparations for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum hosted by PM Manele. New Zealand's ongoing commitment to supporting Solomon Islands' development was highlighted by both Mr. Luxon and Mr. Peters during the visit.
22 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2305 views
The Racing Minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters, emphasizes animal welfare as a priority in planning for the intended end of greyhound racing in the country. An Advisory Committee has presented an interim report outlining the transition process, which includes rehoming plans for the greyhounds currently involved in the sport. The report also addresses concerns about financial support for owners and trainers, with the recommendations set to be reviewed by Cabinet before any decisions are made.
19 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1964 views
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters condemns Russian Government's malicious cyber activities, supporting UK's stance on the matter. The GRU, Russia's military intelligence agency, has been involved in cyber attacks to support its aggressive actions, prompting international sanctions. New Zealand aligns with the UK in imposing sanctions on entities responsible for Russia's illegal actions, including cyberwarfare units like Sandworm and Fancy Bear.
12 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2742 views
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasizes the importance of relationships with Southeast Asia for security and prosperity. They are working intensively with Southeast Asia, aiming to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN by 2025. During his visit to Malaysia, Mr. Peters engaged in discussions on various security issues and held bilateral talks with ministerial counterparts from several countries.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2045 views
New Zealand and Japan are developing a logistics agreement to support ongoing defence cooperation between our two countries, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins have announced. “Japan is a crucial partner for New Zealand,” Mr Peters says following a meeting with Japanese counterpart Iwaya Takeshi at the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur today. “We are both committed to the international rules-based system, and to maintaining security and prosperity in our region.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2004 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Malaysia this week for regional engagement with Southeast Asian partners. “The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays a central role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and has been a steadfast partner of New Zealand,” Mr Peters says. “In our 50th anniversary of Dialogue Relations with ASEAN, we will highlight the value of the deep partnership between New Zealand and South East Asia, and will engage on the strategic issues impacting the stability of our region.
02 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2149 views
The appointment of Scott O’Donnell to the KiwiRail board will bolster its freight expertise Minister for Rail Winston Peters says. “Railways have no shortage of potential for New Zealand, and we expect to see sustained growth in earnings, revenue, volumes, reliability, and safety to turn this business into something great. ”
Mr O’Donnell is a current director of HW Richardson Group and was its managing director from 2006 to 2015.
01 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2801 views
Ferry Holdings has reached agreement with CentrePort, Port Marlborough and KiwiRail on core infrastructure scope, Rail Minister Winston Peters announced today. The agreements set out the scope of physical work and equipment to be delivered by 2029 when two new ferries arrive, with port and KiwiRail agreements to be entered later this year to confirm the investment splits between Ferry Holdings and each other company and other commercial terms. “This is not our first regatta, as this no-nonsense infrastructure focus is what was supposed to happen in 2020 until poor management and a lack of oversight allowed iReX to blow out.