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Paliperidone is the first medicine to be approved in New Zealand via the expedited ‘Rule of Two’ pathway, says Associate Health Minister David Seymour. “The ‘Rule of Two’ medicines approval pathway was introduced last year. It allows medicines to be approved within 30 days if the product has approval from two recognised overseas jurisdictions,” Mr Seymour says.
Significant progress has been made on New Zealand's Aviation Action Plan, with over half of its 25 priorities completed within a year, including funding for RNZAF Base Ohakea as an alternative airport and support for regional airlines. Key achievements also involve updating pilot training, addressing workforce challenges, modernizing civil aviation rules, and assessing future infrastructure needs. The government favors a voluntary passenger rights charter over regulation to allow flexible improvements, emphasizing ongoing collaboration between the Aviation Council, industry, and government to strengthen the aviation sector.
Ten trade ministers and up to 100 delegates from 21 countries will meet in Auckland for the second Future of Investment and Trade (FITP) Partnership Ministerial Meeting, chaired by New Zealand's Trade Minister Todd McClay. The meeting aims to reduce trade barriers, simplify trade rules, and address non-tariff barriers affecting $9 billion of New Zealand trade, while promoting digital trade and tackling trade-distorting subsidies. This global gathering strengthens ties among small and medium-sized economies and positions New Zealand at the forefront of international trade discussions.
The New Zealand Government has approved transport rule changes allowing children aged 12 and under to ride bikes on footpaths accompanied by an adult, and permitting e-scooters in cycle lanes, following public consultation. Other updates include a simplified 1.5-metre minimum overtaking gap for vehicles passing cyclists and horse riders, and a new rule requiring drivers to give way to buses leaving stops in areas with speed limits of 60 km/h or less. These reforms aim to create safer streets, clearer rules, and reduce bureaucracy, with implementation expected by the end of the year.
The freight sector is vital to New Zealand’s economy, enabling efficient movement of exports and supporting overall productivity, which the government aims to enhance through targeted reforms and improved data-driven planning. Efforts include reducing regulatory red tape, implementing practical heavy vehicle productivity changes, and preparing for fuel-related challenges while ensuring infrastructure impacts are managed responsibly under a user-pays principle. Looking ahead, the government is also considering reforms to better integrate ports within the freight system and remains committed to collaborating with industry stakeholders for sustainable, evidence-based improvements.
From August 6, New Zealand will implement practical regulatory changes to reduce compliance costs, improve productivity, and remove outdated requirements for heavy vehicle operators, including removing permit requirements for certain High Productivity Motor Vehicles and adjusting licence rules for heavier zero-emission vehicles. These changes, part of the Government’s Land Transport Rules Reform programme, aim to support a more efficient and resilient freight sector by modernising rules, reducing red tape, and facilitating investment in modern vehicles. Additional rule updates scheduled later this year will further simplify signage requirements, standardise vehicle speed limits, and eliminate unnecessary licensing processes to enhance transport system safety and productivity.
The Government is updating tax rules for the charitable and not-for-profit sector to enhance fairness, clarity, and sustainability, including raising the tax-free income threshold and capping donation tax credits. These changes aim to support the sector’s integrity and resilience, recognizing its significant community contribution and economic value through volunteering. The reforms will be implemented between 2027 and 2028, with detailed guidance forthcoming from Inland Revenue.
New research led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute and Lincoln University aims to provide evidence for more targeted food safety rules regarding deer hunting near brodifacoum bait stations. Current regulations impose a two-kilometre buffer zone for three years after poisoning, limiting commercial hunting access, but evolving science may allow for refined, less restrictive measures. This research will also help maintain New Zealand’s reputation for safe meat exports and support trade assurances.
The New Zealand Government is working to remove regulatory barriers that hinder businesses and communities from efficiently responding to global fuel shocks, focusing on maintaining a stable fuel supply. Proposed changes include allowing heavier loads for vehicles, aligning license requirements for electric and diesel vehicles, and relaxing restrictions on over-dimension vehicle travel to improve fuel efficiency and reduce costs. These measures aim to enhance productivity and fuel savings while balancing safety, with options ready for rapid implementation if fuel supply conditions worsen, and potential for some to become permanent.
New Zealand is reforming its Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Certificate of Fitness A (CoF A) vehicle inspection requirements to reduce frequency for most light vehicles under 14 years old, aligning inspections with actual safety risks and saving motorists time and money. The changes, effective from November 2026 and 2027, will extend inspection intervals, include checks on advanced driver assistance systems, and focus more on older and higher-risk vehicles, while maintaining road safety through strengthened penalties and education. These reforms are expected to deliver $2.6 to $4.1 billion in net benefits over 30 years by reducing inspection costs, compliance time, and unnecessary repairs, supporting the Government’s goals to modernize transport rules and reduce red tape.
From April 1, 2026, disabled people with flexible funding will have more choice and control as purchasing rules are removed, while budgets remain at current levels and spending must align with individual funding plans. This change follows significant government investment and reforms since 2024 that stabilized the disability support system, ensuring fairer, more consistent access and stronger financial controls. Additional guidance will be provided to help manage budgets, with certain purchases requiring pre-approval, aiming to support disabled people, their families, and carers more effectively.
A bill has passed in Parliament providing temporary financial support to about 157,000 low-to-middle income working families affected by rising fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict, including a $50 weekly boost in the in-work tax credit starting April 7. The legislation also revises tax rules, such as thin capitalisation, to attract more foreign investment, particularly for infrastructure projects, while introducing measures to support startups, employee share schemes, new migrants, and digital nomads. These changes aim to strengthen New Zealand’s economy by helping households, encouraging business growth, and making the country more attractive for work, investment, and family life.
The New Zealand Government has opened public consultation on two packages of transport rule changes aimed at improving everyday travel safety and reducing regulatory burdens for truck operators. Key proposals include allowing children up to 12 to ride bikes on footpaths, mandating safe passing distances for cyclists and horse riders, permitting e-scooters in cycle lanes, and easing heavy vehicle permit requirements while supporting low-emission vehicle transitions. These reforms are part of a broader Land Transport Rules Reform programme designed to modernize regulations based on practical feedback from road users and industry stakeholders.
Fishery Officer patrols will increase over summer to combat the growing problem of illegal pāua poaching and black-market trade, particularly in Wellington and Wairarapa where compliance rates have dropped. Minister Shane Jones urges the public to report illegal activity via the 0800 4 POACHER line and warns against suspiciously cheap pāua sales, especially on social media during peak months. The initiative aims to protect legitimate fishers and pāua stocks by encouraging community cooperation and adherence to fishing rules.
New rule changes reduce sampling and testing requirements for small-scale meat processors, lowering costs while maintaining high food safety standards. These adjustments, developed after consultation with micro operators, aim to ease barriers for small businesses and support local food supplies without compromising safety. The government is committed to balancing oversight with practicality to foster innovation and help primary industries succeed.