07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
367 views
The Government is launching a nationwide Rural Recycling Scheme from March 2027 to improve the recovery and recycling of farm plastics through a regulated, industry-designed take-back system managed by the Agrecovery Foundation. This new scheme will replace current voluntary programs, expand the network of collection sites, and require producers to contribute fees to support free recycling services for farmers and other sectors using agrichemicals and farm plastics. The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and provide a simple, accessible recycling solution, with existing voluntary schemes continuing until the new system begins.
28 Aug 2026
1 month ago
462 views
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) in New Zealand has accelerated injured individuals' return to work and community through a renewed focus on rehabilitation, including reintroducing one-on-one case managers. Since launching the Turnaround Plan seven months ago, long-term claims have decreased by four percent, improving outcomes without reducing support for those with serious injuries. ACC emphasizes sustainability for the future while maintaining comprehensive support, with ongoing progress reported monthly on their website.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
547 views
The New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and best addressed through national legislation, not court litigation, which risks creating contradictory legal regimes. The amendment maintains existing obligations under the Emissions Trading Scheme while reinforcing the government's commitment to a stable legal framework that supports investment and economic growth.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
601 views
The New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and avoid conflicting court rulings. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and better managed through national legislation rather than litigation. Despite the amendment, businesses remain obligated to comply with existing emissions regulations under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
05 Aug 2026
2 months ago
594 views
The Government will maintain existing Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) unit settings to provide market stability and support New Zealand’s emissions reduction targets, extending key price controls until 2031. These decisions follow consultation and align with the Climate Change Commission’s advice to keep the country on track with its emissions budgets. Additionally, minor regulatory changes will be implemented starting 1 January 2027.
03 Aug 2026
2 months ago
681 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $21.7 million over five years to expand practical, classroom-based teacher training through the School Onsite Training Programme and increase support via the Teacher Bonding Scheme, targeting schools with persistent staffing challenges. The programme, which allows trainees to spend significant time in classrooms and offers stipends, aims to improve teacher readiness and address shortages, especially in secondary subjects and rural communities, while boosting enrolments and reducing reliance on overseas recruitment. These initiatives are designed to build a stronger, sustainable teaching workforce that understands New Zealand’s curriculum and student needs, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes nationwide.
03 Aug 2026
2 months ago
633 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $21.7 million over five years to expand the School Onsite Training Programme and increase places through the Teacher Bonding Scheme, aiming to address teacher shortages, especially in secondary subjects and rural areas. The programme emphasizes practical, classroom-based training, allowing trainee teachers to spend significant time in schools supported by experienced educators, with participants receiving stipends to cover costs. This initiative has boosted interest in teaching careers, increased the teacher workforce, and targets sustainable staffing solutions by training more classroom-ready Kiwi teachers and reducing reliance on overseas recruitment.
31 Jul 2026
2 months ago
634 views
The Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme, launched by the New Zealand government, aims to help businesses reduce reliance on gas by providing loan guarantees covering 80% of default risk, enabling banks to offer better lending terms and unlock up to $1.2 billion in financing. This initiative supports regional industries facing high gas prices and supply uncertainty by promoting energy efficiency and alternative energy investments to maintain competitiveness and protect jobs. Additionally, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority offers independent support to help businesses assess energy options and plan practical transitions.
28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
690 views
The Government is modernising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to simplify its use, enhance worker protections, and maintain opportunities for New Zealanders and Pacific workers. Key reforms include a graduated accreditation system for employers, clearer rules on recoverable costs, improved flexibility for worker movement between employers, and updated accommodation and pastoral care standards. These staged changes, starting in 2027, aim to sustain the scheme’s success in supporting New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors while strengthening partnerships with Pacific communities.
20 Jul 2026
3 months ago
783 views
The New Zealand Government has agreed to provide up to $60 million to Golden Bay Cement (GBC) to maintain domestic cement manufacturing at its Whangarei plant and support at least $150 million in investments through 2040, ensuring economic resilience against global supply disruptions. This decision follows concerns that rising costs and emissions expenses threatened the closure of the country's only fully integrated cement facility, which is vital for essential infrastructure construction. The support is conditional, includes strict oversight, and aims to preserve strategic domestic capability without undermining the Emissions Trading Scheme or setting a broad precedent for taxpayer funding.
25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
874 views
The Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill, recently passed its third reading, aims to improve the state redress system by recognizing abuse experiences, providing alternatives to litigation, and extending coverage to survivors of abuse in mental health facilities from 1993 to 2022. The Bill introduces a presumption against financial redress for survivors convicted of serious violent or sexual offences sentenced to five years or more, while still allowing access to other forms of redress and establishing an independent redress officer to review exemptions. Implementation will begin in stages, with the serious offender process starting on 1 August 2026 and full coverage including mental health abuse after 2022 set for 14 July 2027.
12 Jun 2026
4 months ago
889 views
New Zealand’s Government is implementing sensible regulatory reforms to support the forestry sector in meeting environmental obligations while reducing compliance costs, including lowering Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) charges by 66% since taking office. Updates to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry and a simplified, voluntary legal harvest assurance system aim to cut red tape, ensure fair and efficient processes, and better target environmental risks. These changes, effective from July 2026, are designed to enhance the sector's economic contribution, competitiveness, and alignment of costs with services used.
25 May 2026
5 months ago
1148 views
The New Zealand Government is launching the Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme, offering up to $1.2 billion in bank loans with an 80% Crown guarantee to help businesses reduce gas dependency, protect jobs, and conserve dwindling gas supplies. Budget 2026 allocates $48 million to cover potential losses and $5.9 million to support businesses exploring alternative energy options, aiming to reduce gas use by up to 10 PJ annually while maintaining or increasing production. Additionally, new legislation will require improved transparency in gas supply and demand data to strengthen market confidence and inform better policymaking amid declining gas reserves and rising prices.
12 May 2026
5 months ago
934 views
The Government plans to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasizes that climate change responses should be managed nationally through existing frameworks like the Emissions Trading Scheme, rather than through court litigation. This amendment will not affect government responsibilities or businesses’ obligations under the ETS but will ensure a consistent regulatory approach.
07 May 2026
5 months ago
1305 views
The Government will increase the Rates Rebate Scheme from July 2026, raising the maximum rebate and income thresholds to provide targeted support for low-income ratepayers and SuperGold Cardholders, helping seniors on fixed incomes manage rising rates. New application forms will be available through councils and online, ensuring eligible households receive assistance amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Additionally, a rates cap will be introduced to control council spending and prevent unsustainable rate increases, with details to be announced later this year.