16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
193 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden launched a new Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) to guide businesses and workers on health and safety responsibilities in New Zealand's residential construction sector, effective from April 1, 2027. Developed with industry input, the ACOP clarifies roles and coordination among multiple trades on site, aiming to improve safety outcomes without imposing new duties, and may provide safe harbour status after reapproval. WorkSafe will assist industry in implementing the ACOP, which sets a practical, sector-specific standard to manage risks and enhance compliance amid upcoming legislative changes.
17 Aug 2026
2 months ago
642 views
The New Zealand Government has committed to implementing recommendations from the Ministry for Regulation’s Sector Review Report to simplify and accelerate approvals for residential and small to medium scale solar panel installations, reducing costs and wait times significantly. Key changes include legalizing plug-in solar systems for renters, streamlining inspection and approval processes, exempting certain installations from resource consent, and cutting red tape to encourage wider solar adoption. These reforms are expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, increase solar uptake, and empower Kiwis to better manage their energy use and costs.
17 Aug 2026
2 months ago
635 views
The New Zealand Government has committed to implementing recommendations from the Ministry for Regulation’s Sector Review Report to simplify and reduce the cost and time of residential and small to medium scale solar panel installations, including legalizing plug-in solar systems for renters and apartment dwellers. These changes aim to cut approval times drastically, lower compliance costs, and remove barriers such as resource consent requirements, potentially saving consumers thousands of dollars and accelerating solar adoption. Energy Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that these reforms will empower Kiwis to harness solar energy more easily, reduce power bills, and support the growing uptake of rooftop solar technology nationwide.
11 May 2026
5 months ago
1015 views
A new transitional lounge at Waitākere Hospital enables patients who are medically ready for discharge to wait in a dedicated space, freeing up hospital beds for those needing urgent care. This lounge improves patient flow by reducing delays caused by patients remaining in wards while awaiting transport or transfer, thereby enhancing access to acute care and supporting transport providers. Building on the success of a similar facility at North Shore Hospital, the lounge aims to ease pressure on the health system during the busier winter period by streamlining discharge processes.
07 May 2026
5 months ago
995 views
New Zealand is conducting a Sector Review to simplify and speed up the residential solar panel installation process, which currently involves excessive regulation and multiple site visits, causing delays and higher costs. Compared to Australia, where solar installation is streamlined and widely adopted, only 3-4 percent of New Zealand households have solar despite potential savings of over $1,000 annually and a payback period of about 10 years. The Ministry for Regulation aims to reduce red tape by aligning rules with the low risk of solar installations, making solar energy more accessible and affordable for Kiwis.
31 Mar 2026
6 months ago
1318 views
The Government will introduce legislation to amend the Resource Management Act, reducing Auckland Council’s Plan Change 120 minimum housing capacity from 2 million to 1.4 million homes while still supporting significant growth through upzoning and infrastructure-aligned development. The legislation also resolves transitional issues for developers affected by previous rule changes and aims to enable further housing opportunities, particularly around transit corridors and the City Rail Link. Auckland Council will revise the plan based on guiding principles, and the updated process will allow public input before final decisions are made.
24 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1157 views
The Government is introducing a new regulatory framework for residential property managers to improve accountability, consistency, and trust in the rental sector. This regime will establish a public register, set clear standards for financial management and conduct, and create a formal complaints and disciplinary process supported by dedicated authorities. The changes aim to protect client funds, ensure proper training and eligibility, and foster a stable housing market benefiting both landlords and tenants.
17 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1181 views
Health New Zealand is investing an additional $25 million to increase hospital capacity, staffing, and preparedness for higher winter demand, including adding up to 378 full-time staff, 71 extra hospital beds, and 567 short stay beds in aged care facilities. The comprehensive winter plan focuses on prevention, strengthening primary care, improving hospital flow, and supporting timely discharges to manage increased pressure on emergency departments and frontline staff. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes early planning and expanded resources to ensure timely patient care despite rising demand and challenges during the winter months.
10 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1219 views
From April 2026, disabled people will have greater choice and control over their flexible funding without changes to their current budget allocations, as purchasing rules will be removed while still requiring spending to align with individual plans. These changes follow successful efforts since 2024 to stabilize the disability support system, including strengthened financial controls, improved needs assessments, and significant new funding to ensure sustainability and consistency. Support will be provided to help individuals manage their budgets, with some high-cost or specific purchases requiring pre-approval, reflecting feedback from the disability community and recommendations from the 2024 Independent Review.
24 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1246 views
The Arataki subdivision in Havelock North has received Fast-track approval to deliver up to 200 new homes, generating an estimated $78 million investment and creating approximately 629 jobs over five years. This development aims to address Hawke’s Bay’s housing affordability crisis, where prices have surged significantly, by increasing housing supply for locals and temporary workers. Arataki is the sixth housing project approved through the Fast-track process, which accelerates infrastructure and housing developments across New Zealand.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1378 views
The Government will amend the Resource Management Act to reduce Auckland Council’s minimum housing capacity requirement under Plan Change 120 from over 2 million to 1.6 million homes, allowing more targeted growth around the city centre, rapid transit stations, and metropolitan centres. This change provides Auckland Council greater flexibility to respond to public feedback and focus development where infrastructure supports it, while still meeting national urban development policies. Additionally, the Government will investigate and potentially adjust planning controls in Auckland’s CBD to unlock further housing and business potential, ensuring growth aligns with economic and liveability goals.
03 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1131 views
Minister Louise Upston reaffirmed the New Zealand Government’s commitment to improving the lives of disabled people, endorsing the 2025 international theme of fostering inclusive societies. The government recently launched the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030, focusing on education, employment, health, housing, and justice to address ongoing disadvantages faced by disabled individuals. Key initiatives include significant investments in learning support, enhanced Disability Support Services, increased funding for residential care, and the development of a new Carers’ Strategy Action Plan.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1198 views
The Government and Waiohua-Tāmaki iwi have signed agreements to develop at least 628 homes as part of the Carrington Residential Development in Mt Albert, contributing to a wider 4,000+ home project. This development, on land acquired through the Land for Housing Programme, will include a mix of market, affordable, and social housing alongside amenities such as a supermarket, cafes, and public transport access. Supported by various government initiatives and infrastructure investments, the project aims to address Auckland’s housing needs while promoting sustainable community growth.
10 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1102 views
The Christchurch City Council has achieved its Housing Growth Target, allowing it to withdraw part of Plan Change 14, which aimed to update planning rules to facilitate more housing. The Council demonstrated sufficient feasible housing capacity for at least 30 years, exceeding statutory requirements. Ministerial decisions are pending on heritage sites and a special character area, with a focus on removing planning barriers to increase housing supply in the fast-growing city of Christchurch.
07 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1800 views
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the Fast-track approval of the Drury Metropolitan Centre development project in Auckland, projected to inject over $1.45 billion into the economy and create 3,420 full-time jobs. The project includes residential, commercial, and community spaces, with significant government investments in infrastructure like new train stations and road upgrades in the area. The Fast-track process aims to address infrastructure deficits, boost housing supply, create jobs, and improve the efficiency of project approvals through the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill.