19 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2057 views
The Government is funding MetService for a new Nelson Tasman weather radar to enhance severe weather monitoring and response in the region, as announced by Associate Transport Minister James Meager. The radar procurement aims to improve community preparedness for future disasters following recent severe weather events. The investment in the radar, with a capital cost of up to $5 million and ongoing operating costs, will provide emergency managers with better tools to monitor rainfall and flooding risks, ultimately reducing the potential for loss of life and property during severe weather events.
18 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2053 views
A cross-agency Anti-Corruption Taskforce pilot led by the Serious Fraud Office, supported by NZ Police and the Public Service Commission, aims to combat corruption and fraud risks in the public sector. The taskforce seeks to enhance New Zealand's reputation as a transparent and trustworthy place to invest by strengthening fraud prevention and detection systems within participating agencies. By promoting ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability, the taskforce aligns with the Government's efforts to maintain public trust and integrity in institutions.
15 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1799 views
The Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill aims to refocus councils on core services like roading, infrastructure, water, and waste, addressing public frustration over rising rates and declining services. Minister Simon Watts emphasizes the need for discipline, transparency, and performance improvement to benefit ratepayers. The Bill includes reforms such as prioritizing core services in managing finances, introducing new financial performance measures, and enhancing transparency and accountability, with the goal of delivering better value for money and avoiding new taxes for local authorities.
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.
05 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2484 views
A $12. 7 million investment in a new modular CT unit at Palmerston North Regional Hospital will double scanning capacity and significantly improve access to diagnostic services across the region, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This is a major step forward for Palmerston North and the surrounding communities.
30 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2317 views
The Government today classified the flooding across the Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough regions as a medium-scale adverse event unlocking extra support for flood-affected farmers and growers Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say. “Last week’s deluge damaged infrastructure such as livestock fences, culverts, and tracks, and left pasture and orchards covered in silt and flood debris,” Mr McClay says. “The Government is making up to $100,000 available to support and coordinate recovery efforts, including up to $20,000 for the Top of the South Rural Support Trust.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2341 views
The Government has expanded the criteria for medallic recognition for Defence personnel who have served in operations supporting the UN’s sanctions against North Korea, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This medal – the New Zealand General Service Medal (NZGSM) 2002 (Korea) – has already been awarded to 180 personnel and the move to widen eligibility means a further 350 personnel will be recognised,” Ms Collins says. “Personnel who have served as part of Operation Whio – which monitors the United Nations Security Council’s sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea - since 2018 are now eligible for this medal.
16 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2081 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey are marking National Volunteer Week by recognising the extraordinary contribution of volunteers to New Zealand’s health system, including this year’s recipients of the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards. This year’s theme – Volunteering weaves us together – highlights the power of volunteering to strengthen the fabric of our communities, helping build a stronger, more inclusive New Zealand. “Since 2013, the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards have been an excellent way for us to celebrate the wonderful health volunteers we have across the country.
15 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2273 views
On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Seniors Minister Casey Costello is urging older New Zealanders to safeguard their rights by establishing Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs). Speaking at Auckland's first-ever Treasuring Our Seniors Expo, Ms Costello highlighted the need for older people to take proactive steps to protect themselves. “Establishing legal protections is an important tool to strengthen the financial position of older New Zealanders and therefore preventing what we know as Elder Abuse.