06 Jul 2026
3 months ago
798 views
The New Zealand Government is funding two critical minerals processing projects on the West Coast through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, allocating up to $50 million to Tāiko Critical Minerals and Westland Mineral Sands. These projects aim to add value to exported minerals like titanium, zirconium, and rare earths by establishing domestic processing facilities, creating skilled jobs, and strengthening regional and national economies. The investments support long-term economic activity and contribute to a secure, diversified critical minerals supply chain essential for modern technologies and clean energy systems.
30 Jun 2026
3 months ago
884 views
New Zealand is increasing funding and support to Pacific nations to enhance innovation, combat illegal fishing, and improve returns from tuna fisheries through the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Pacific Islands Tuna Ventures programme (PITVP). The PITVP focuses on value-added opportunities, turning tuna by-products into high-value goods, thereby helping coastal communities benefit more fairly from their resources. Hosting the Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting for the first time in 18 years, New Zealand emphasizes regional cooperation to ensure sustainable fisheries management and food security.
29 Jun 2026
3 months ago
859 views
The Government has approved up to $22.4 million to support the rail component of Te Utanganui, a major intermodal freight hub in Palmerston North linking rail, road, air, and sea. This funding, delivered in stages, will aid pre-construction and construction of the Bunnythorpe Regional Freight Hub, aiming to improve supply chain efficiency, drive economic growth, and create hundreds of jobs. The project, led by local agencies and supported by government investment, seeks to unlock industrial land, build resilience, and attract private sector co-investment to boost the lower North Island's logistics and manufacturing sectors.
28 Jun 2026
3 months ago
771 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is hosting the annual Forum Fisheries Ministerial Committee in Wellington, bringing together 16 Pacific Island fisheries ministers to focus on sustainable management of shared tuna resources in the Pacific region. The Western and Central Pacific Ocean supplies over 50% of the world’s tuna, with around 80% caught within Pacific Island Exclusive Economic Zones, making fisheries vital for regional economies and food security. The meeting aims to strengthen collaborative efforts on sustainable fishing limits, governance, and increasing the economic value of fisheries, with New Zealand playing a key role alongside Pacific Island partners and the Forum Fisheries Agency.
27 Jun 2026
4 months ago
764 views
The New Zealand Government is investing up to $8.6 million to establish Ngāmotu Marae in central New Plymouth, providing Ngāti Te Whiti with a long overdue home and serving as a cultural, social, and economic hub for the wider community. The marae will feature facilities like a wharenui and wharekai, doubling as an emergency lifeline offering food, shelter, and essential services during crises. With a total cost of $17.8 million and multiple co-funders, the project aims to support jobs during construction and foster long-term cultural tourism, local enterprise, and community development.
24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
851 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced a public consultation on proposed changes to catch limits and sustainability measures for 22 fish stocks, emphasizing the use of scientific data and stakeholder input to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Significant catch reductions are proposed for tarakihi fisheries due to declining stock influenced by warming waters, while catch increases are suggested for snapper and trevally in certain areas where populations are thriving. The review also includes adjustments to deemed value rates for 11 fish stocks, with decisions to be finalized before the 2026 fishing year, and submissions open until July 24, 2026.
24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
814 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is seeking public feedback on proposed catch limit and sustainability changes for 22 fish stocks, including significant reductions for New Zealand’s tarakihi fisheries due to declining stock levels affected by warming waters. While tarakihi stocks continue to decline despite previous catch reductions, catch limits for snapper and trevally are proposed to increase in certain areas reflecting their growing abundance. The review also considers adjustments to deemed value rates for 11 fish stocks, with submissions open until July 24, 2026, and final decisions expected before the 2026 fishing year begins.
23 Jun 2026
4 months ago
807 views
A three-month closure of the rock lobster fishery in the Kaikoura Marine Area, starting 1 July, aims to sustain the fishery by protecting egg-carrying females and allowing smaller lobsters to grow. This closure, supported by local guardians and rūnanga, includes recreational, commercial, and customary fishing restrictions to enhance resilience ahead of the peak season. Fisheries New Zealand will conduct a stock assessment later this year, which may lead to adjustments in catch settings, following strong public support for the closure.
12 Jun 2026
4 months ago
1092 views
The Point Mission Bay retirement village in Auckland has received Fast-track approval to develop five interconnected buildings with 256 independent living units and 94 care suites, aiming to expand housing and care options for the growing over-65 population. This project, supported by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa Limited and Generus Living Group, is expected to create around 210 full-time jobs and contribute $3.8 million annually to the economy. It is the 24th project approved under New Zealand’s Fast-track process, which expedites infrastructure and housing developments to meet increasing demand and support economic growth.
09 Jun 2026
4 months ago
1099 views
The GeoShot NZ project aims to drill New Zealand’s first superhot geothermal well at the Rotokawa Geothermal Field, with government funding of $55 million approved for pre-drilling and exploratory activities. The initiative involves expert partners and advanced technology to harness superhot fluids at depths of 4–5 km, offering significantly more energy than conventional wells and enhancing national energy resilience. This pioneering effort, supported by international collaboration, seeks to establish New Zealand as a leader in clean, high-capacity geothermal energy for long-term regional and national benefits.
08 Jun 2026
4 months ago
818 views
The Government has completed the recommissioning of 93 million litres of diesel storage capacity at Marsden Point to store newly purchased diesel reserves. Two shipments, arriving soon and in July, will provide about nine days’ average diesel consumption to safeguard New Zealand’s fuel supply amid global uncertainties. Funded by $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, this measure aims to maintain economic stability despite ongoing Middle East conflicts affecting fuel supply and prices.
04 Jun 2026
4 months ago
898 views
A seasonal closure of 4,983 square kilometres in the East and South Chatham Rise fishery will protect spawning orange roughy from early June to mid-July annually to aid stock recovery. This measure, alongside reduced commercial catch limits, responds to assessments showing the fishery is under pressure and aims to ensure the species' sustainability and ongoing economic benefits. The decision followed public consultation, balancing scientific advice and stakeholder feedback, while allowing commercial fishing in other areas and times.
01 Jun 2026
4 months ago
963 views
New Zealand is receiving two shipments of diesel reserve, with the first arriving mid-June and the second expected in early July, providing around nine days of typical diesel consumption. The government is refurbishing tanks at Marsden Point, funded by $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, to store the fuel, which will be controlled by the Crown and managed by Z Energy. Finance Minister Nicola Willis emphasizes that this reserve enhances the country's fuel security and resilience against potential supply disruptions.
29 May 2026
4 months ago
919 views
New Zealand’s bottom trawl fishing footprint covers only 1.7% of its waters, concentrated in specific areas and remaining stable for decades, minimizing environmental impact. The industry is vital to the economy, contributing $1.57 billion in exports and employing around 9,000 people, with about 70% of commercial fish caught by bottom trawling. Fisheries officials monitor and work with the industry to reduce impacts through innovation, gear modifications, and alternative methods, aligning with global practices and consumer expectations.
28 May 2026
5 months ago
999 views
The 2026 Budget presents a responsible economic plan addressing New Zealand’s major challenges through disciplined spending, aiming for growth, higher wages, improved public services, and an earlier return to surplus in 2028/29. It invests significantly in health, education, law and order, infrastructure, and defense while providing targeted support for low-to-middle-income families and enhancing resilience against fuel crises, natural disasters, and geopolitical uncertainties. The Government emphasizes long-term solutions over quick fixes, promoting fiscal sustainability and social equity to secure a prosperous future for all New Zealanders.