Articles tagged with Policy

Showing 9 of 54 articles

New Zealand Tax and Social Policy Work Programme Enhances Economic Growth and Investment

Revenue Minister Simon Watts has announced a refreshed Tax and Social Policy Work Programme aimed at boosting the economy by attracting capital, talent, and small business investment. The program focuses on removing regulatory barriers, delivering a stable tax environment, and encouraging critical investment in infrastructure. Key pillars include attracting capital and talent, supporting small businesses, simplifying the tax system, and improving integrity through targeted consultations and practical reforms.

Finance Minister Hails OCR Cut, Easing Pressure on Kiwi Households and Businesses

Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlights the positive impact of the 50 basis point Official Cash Rate reduction on Kiwi households and businesses, easing financial pressure. The reduction in OCR will lead to lower interest rates for mortgage-holders and businesses, stimulating growth and investment. The Government's focus on responsible economic management, along with lower interest rates, aims to support recovery and drive policies for job and income growth to benefit all New Zealanders.

New Zealand's Initiatives to Reduce Youth Benefit Dependency

Minister Louise Upston announces two key initiatives aimed at reducing benefit dependency and encouraging young New Zealanders to stay in work. The first initiative involves removing Jobseeker payments for 18- and 19-year-olds if their parents can financially support them. The second initiative offers a $1,000 bonus payment to young people who participate in the Community Job Coaching service, secure employment, and remain off benefits for 12 months.

Finance Minister Appoints Hayley Gourley to Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee

Finance Minister Nicola Willis appointed Hayley Gourley to the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), responsible for setting the Official Cash Rate (OCR) in New Zealand. Gourley's diverse experience in corporate, rural, and financial sectors will enhance the Committee's discussions, following the recommendation of the Reserve Bank's Board. She will succeed Professor Bob Buckle on 1 October 2025, who will retire at the end of September after making significant contributions to the MPC.

Introducing The Centre for Family Violence Prevention | Minister Confirms New Name

The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence announced that the multi-agency organization will now be known as 'The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention'. The Centre aligns government strategies and policies to improve the family violence and sexual violence system through the National Strategy and its Action Plan. It supports government agencies in delivering community-led solutions to prevent and respond to violence, with a focus on evidence-based responses.

Local Water Done Well: Government Legislation Benefits Communities Nationwide

The Government's Local Water Done Well legislation aims to provide safe, reliable, and financially sustainable water services to local communities across the country. The legislation focuses on ensuring financial sustainability, oversight, and accountability in water service delivery, with the Commerce Commission overseeing economic regulation to ensure fair pricing and quality infrastructure. Councils are encouraged to submit water services delivery plans that meet the requirements and provide flexibility to make arrangements best-suited for their communities, ultimately benefiting Kiwis with improved water services.

Treasury Report: Pitfalls of Excessive Government Spending Exposed

Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlights Treasury's report on the dangers of excessive government spending, emphasizing the challenges of using large spending measures in response to one-off shocks like the Covid-19 pandemic. The report criticizes the fiscal response to Covid, pointing out significant errors made and urging policymakers to avoid repeating those mistakes. It emphasizes the importance of restoring fiscal guardrails promptly after increased spending during crises, praising the current Government's commitment to responsible fiscal and economic management.

Health New Zealand's Strategic Plan for Improved Health Outcomes 2024-2027

Health New Zealand presented the New Zealand Health Plan to Parliament, as required by the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022. The plan outlines how Health New Zealand will address the Government's health priorities from 2024 to 2027, focusing on improving health outcomes and access to care. It includes targets for faster cancer treatment, improved mental health services, reducing wait times, and enhancing the health workforce, with a clear emphasis on accountability and transparency for tracking progress.

Saying yes to housing growth

New Zealanders have an opportunity to help shape the new planning system replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA) through public consultation on removing unnecessary barriers to housing growth, says Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “New Zealand’s house prices are among the most expensive in the developed world – a direct result of our current planning system making it too hard for our cities to grow up and out. “Fixing our housing crisis involves fixing the fundamentals of our housing market - freeing up land for development and removing unnecessary planning barriers, improving infrastructure funding and financing to support urban growth, and providing incentives for communities and councils to support growth.