16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
137 views
Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced the appointment of 12 new King’s Counsel, recognizing their exceptional skill and diverse expertise across areas such as criminal, commercial, environmental, Māori legal issues, and international law. These appointments, selected from over 100 applications, highlight the strength and specialist knowledge within New Zealand’s legal profession. The new King’s Counsel come from varied backgrounds and chambers, reflecting extensive experience in litigation, advocacy, and advisory roles both domestically and internationally.
18 Jul 2026
3 months ago
743 views
Members of the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership, including New Zealand, committed to practical initiatives to enhance trade by tackling non-tariff barriers, promoting digital trade, and strengthening economic resilience. The meeting resulted in declarations addressing NTBs, digital trade facilitation, economic security, and global subsidies, aiming to support fair competition and secure supply chains. Additionally, Korea, Peru, and Thailand joined the partnership, increasing membership to 19 and highlighting the group's growing influence.
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.
01 Jun 2026
4 months ago
853 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters met with Polynesian leaders in Samoa during the Independence Day commemorations to discuss regional challenges, including the impact of Middle East conflicts on fuel supply and cost. New Zealand reaffirmed its support for the Pacific Islands in addressing the fuel crisis in coordination with partners like Australia, the US, and international financial institutions. Additionally, Peters emphasized the importance of securing a sustainable future for the Moana Pasifika rugby team, committing to urgent engagement with stakeholders to ensure its continued participation in Super Rugby.
29 May 2026
4 months ago
1020 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will visit Samoa from May 31 to June 2 to participate in the 64th Independence Day celebrations and meet with key regional leaders. During his visit, he will attend official events and discuss important issues such as the fuel crisis, New Zealand’s aid program, and regional security with the Samoan Prime Minister, as well as leaders from Tonga and Tokelau. This visit underscores New Zealand’s strong friendship and commitment to the Pacific region.
18 May 2026
5 months ago
900 views
Customs and Associate Police Minister Casey Costello is visiting Samoa and Fiji to fulfill her responsibilities and attend the Pacific Transnational Crime Summit Minister’s meeting. The summit, jointly hosted by Fiji and Australia, gathers over 15 Pacific Police Ministers to enhance regional cooperation against transnational crime. During her visit, Ms. Costello is meeting with Samoan officials and conducting operational visits to key security facilities in Samoa.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1233 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $60,000 to support the 51st Polyfest in 2026, celebrating Pacific culture, youth leadership, and community strength. Alongside cultural support, the Government is improving Pacific peoples' quality of life through initiatives in safety, education, health, housing, and employment. Polyfest 2026 will feature diverse Pacific stages and promote environmental stewardship under the theme of Pacific youth as eco-warriors.
08 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1156 views
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.
03 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1060 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced the new Primary Care Advisory Group, with Dr Bryan Betty as Chair and Dr Samantha Murton as Deputy Chair. Other appointed members include Penny Clark, Dr Jo Scott-Jones, Dr Steven Young, Dr Kate Baddock, Dr Stephanie Taylor, and Darryl Jhinku. The group aims to provide expert guidance to strengthen primary care, improve health outcomes, and expand its focus beyond general practice into other community healthcare settings, with terms of office starting on 3 November 2025.
06 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1218 views
The New Zealand Government has paid the Government of Samoa 10 million Samoan Tala (approximately NZD 6 million) as a response to the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui last year. All 75 passengers and crew survived the incident that occurred off the Safata District coastline in Samoa. Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated that New Zealand is working with Samoa to minimize environmental impacts and support the response, following a comprehensive Court of Inquiry into the incident.
06 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1696 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.
20 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2020 views
Youth Minister James Meager has announced a one-time $50,000 grant to the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) to mobilize young volunteers aged 12-24 to assist in response to severe weather events in Nelson Tasman. The SVA will coordinate region-wide activities for the next four-to-six weeks to provide valuable assistance to communities affected by recent flooding. The initiative aims to engage young people in disaster response, offering them a youth development opportunity while contributing to community recovery efforts.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2843 views
The speaker acknowledges the challenges faced by local government in New Zealand, particularly concerning restrictive planning rules, infrastructure funding, and coordination issues with central government. The focus is on the need for reform in the housing market and resource management, with a three-pillar approach to housing growth and significant changes planned for the replacement of the Resource Management Act. The government aims to simplify planning processes, reduce costs, and foster a culture of saying 'yes' to enable economic growth and development while safeguarding the environment.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1998 views
Selwyn District is the first council in the country to launch its new water services entity, Selwyn Water, meaning safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater for ratepayers, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says. “The launch of Selwyn District’s water service entity today marks a significant milestone of water reform, and I look forward to seeing similar Local Water Done Well plans progress in the coming months,” Mr Watts says. “Selwyn District Council is also the first council to have a Water Services Delivery Plan accepted and approved by the Secretary for Local Government, Paul James and the first to establish a water services council-controlled organisation (CCO) under the Coalition Government’s Local Water Done Well policy.