09 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1289 views
The New Zealand Government will build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility to enhance energy security, stabilize electricity prices, and support economic growth amid declining domestic gas supply and increasing reliance on coal and diesel. This facility, expected to be operational by 2027 or 2028 in Taranaki, will provide a reliable backup fuel source, potentially saving households $50 annually and protecting around 2,000 jobs by reducing price spikes and supply risks. The project aims to foster competition, enable resource development, and support gas-dependent industries while minimizing exposure to international gas prices through strategic import management.
09 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1358 views
Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia have signed a new agreement to align trans-Tasman standards, enhancing product quality, safety, and reducing costs for businesses and consumers. The agreement supports innovation and economic growth by adopting international standards in areas like AI, data management, and cybersecurity, while removing fees and red tape to boost competitiveness and digital trade. This collaboration, endorsed by both governments and industry stakeholders, strengthens New Zealand’s role in joint standards development and fosters a modern, efficient regulatory environment.
05 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1322 views
New Zealand agencies, including Customs, Defence Force, and GCSB, collaborated with French authorities and the US DEA to intercept 4.24 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia as part of Operation Kiwa. This operation is the first major success of the Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Action Plan aimed at targeting maritime transnational crime networks in the Pacific. The campaign emphasizes international cooperation and enhanced intelligence and surveillance to protect New Zealand and its Pacific partners from organised crime.
04 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1325 views
The Government is launching a programme in 2026 to help communities manage wild deer populations, focusing on collaborative catchment groups in the Wairarapa and Hurunui regions. The initiative involves stakeholders such as hunters and regional councils, excludes toxin use for control, and aims to review regulations to enhance commercial opportunities for deer recovery. Additionally, the Government plans to extend efforts to address other wild animal impacts, including wild pigs and Canada geese, through a coordinated approach.
03 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1364 views
The Māori Development Fund is investing $191,700 to support early technical work on a proposed water storage reservoir near Kaitaia, led by Te Make Farms Ltd and owned by Ngāi Takoto, aiming to improve year-round water security in Northland. This investment will help strengthen regional resilience, increase productive land use, and support food production while keeping the land under Māori ownership. The project’s preparatory work enhances planning and decision-making, positioning it to attract further investment and deliver long-term value.
01 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1368 views
The biosecurity component of the Border Processing Levy for most arriving air passengers will decrease by 30 percent, from $16.92 to $12.03, as the costs of rebuilding border operations after COVID-19 have been paid off. The levy funds essential biosecurity services like x-ray screening and detector dogs, which protect New Zealand's economy and environment, particularly benefiting farmers and other primary industries. The government plans to use levy funds to modernize border biosecurity through investments in new technology, including a digital border program and enhanced passenger processing systems.
05 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1704 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has commissioned the Ministry of Health to review the response to a ManageMyHealth cybersecurity breach involving patient information, aiming to assess causes, data protections, and recommend improvements. ManageMyHealth, a private patient portal used by some New Zealand general practices, holds sensitive medical data, prompting concerns about data security and the need for high protection standards. While the review will start by January 30, an Incident Management Team is actively coordinating the immediate response, with Health New Zealand confirming no impact on its systems and general practices continuing to operate.
30 Dec 2025
9 months ago
1457 views
Biosecurity New Zealand has released an updated inflight video to inform international passengers about their responsibility to declare or dispose of risk items to protect New Zealand’s primary industries and environment from threats like foot and mouth disease. The video, featuring biosecurity officers and ambassadors, provides clear instructions on completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration and helps airlines comply with the 2023 legal requirement to provide biosecurity information before arrival. Additionally, Biosecurity New Zealand is enhancing border measures by increasing staff and improving airport processing to manage higher passenger volumes during the summer.
19 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1528 views
New Zealand and Japan have signed two key defence and security agreements to enhance logistical support and secure information sharing between their forces. The Defence Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement facilitates cooperation in areas like refuelling and humanitarian aid, while the Information Security Agreement establishes protocols for handling classified information. These agreements strengthen bilateral security cooperation, improve interoperability, and support regional stability amid rising international tensions.
19 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1666 views
The New Zealand Government is investing in a new Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) at Mt Albert to enhance biosecurity, protect primary industries, and support economic growth. This modern facility will replace the aging MPI lab, strengthen defenses against biosecurity threats, and help maintain export market access critical to the $60.4 billion food and fibre sector. Construction, managed by Crown Infrastructure Delivery and led by Southbase Construction, began with completion expected in 2028 and operation starting in 2029.
19 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1567 views
The Government has allocated $12 million through to June 2026 to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland, a predator threatening honeybees and New Zealand’s agriculture. Biosecurity New Zealand, supported by industry partners and beekeepers, has intensified efforts including destroying nests, deploying traps, expanding surveillance, and launching public awareness campaigns. Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasizes the critical need for public vigilance and ongoing expert guidance to prevent the hornet’s establishment and protect the environment and economy.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1484 views
The $200 million Gas Security Fund, opening on 12 January 2026, aims to increase natural gas availability in New Zealand by supporting projects that accelerate supply or enable storage for critical demand periods. Declining gas production is raising costs and hindering economic growth, making natural gas essential during the transition to renewable energy sources. A new gas advisory panel will provide expert guidance to ministers, ensuring informed decisions amid the complexities of gas exploration and market conditions.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1369 views
Defence Minister Judith Collins will visit Japan tomorrow to engage in defence and security discussions with Japanese officials, including Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. She emphasized the importance of Japan as a key partner for New Zealand, both committed to international order and stability. Collins aims to strengthen the close relationship between the two countries during her visit, returning to New Zealand on 20 December.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1476 views
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries has partnered with the Veterinary Council to create VetNet-Biosecurity, a network of 200 private veterinarians ready to respond rapidly to serious animal disease outbreaks like foot and mouth disease. This initiative aims to provide urgent field support, including clinical examinations and sample collection, with veterinarians continuing their regular employment while receiving training and financial compensation from MPI. Additionally, free biosecurity training is available to all registered veterinarians to enhance their skills in exotic disease detection and on-farm biosecurity protocols.
16 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1431 views
New Zealand will invest an additional $13.3 million over five years to enhance aviation security at 11 Pacific airports through new equipment, technical support, and training. This initiative aims to improve transport security, help Pacific states meet international aviation standards, and address trans-national crime and security threats. The Civil Aviation Authority will collaborate with regional aviation regulators and airport authorities to implement the program, reinforcing safe and secure air travel in the Pacific.