Articles tagged with Sport

Showing 15 of 174 articles

New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa: Charter School for Athletes Opens 2026

19 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1460 views

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced the opening of the New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa (NZPAA) as a charter school for athletes in Term 1 2026. The school aims to support students with serious sporting aspirations by providing both athletic training and academic education. The academy will initially focus on elite football and rugby union training, with plans to expand to other sports based on student needs, and will offer a nationally recognized curriculum alongside world-class athletic development.

Tags: David Seymour New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa Charter school Athletes Education Minister Sports training Wellington Phoenix Football Academy Rugby union Academic education Charter School Agency

New Zealand's $1M Welfare Funding Boosts Seafarers Support at Ports

17 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1123 views

New Zealand allocates nearly $1 million in welfare funding to support international seafarers at 12 ports, announced by Associate Transport Minister James Meager during the opening of the South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Centre in Timaru. The grants aim to fulfill New Zealand’s obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention by providing services like communication facilities, welfare officer visits, transportation for crew activities, financial services, and information on seafarers’ rights. The industry's funding of seafarer welfare services through levies reflects a commitment to ensuring the well-being of seafarers, recognizing their importance in enhancing productivity, safety, and environmental protection in the maritime sector.

Tags: New Zealand international seafarers welfare funding Associate Transport Minister James Meager Maritime NZ grants South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Centre Maritime Labour Convention seafarers' rights seafarer welfare centre operations industry levies

Kiwi Kids Learn Cycling Safety with Expanded Bikes In Schools Program

16 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1049 views

New funding of up to $3.5 million from the NZ Transport Agency will support the Bikes in Schools programme, allowing primary and intermediate students to access bikes and tracks in their schools. The programme, aimed at teaching cycling safety skills to kids, is supported by the Bike On New Zealand Charitable Trust and helps build confidence and key biking skills in a safe school setting. Since 2010, over 400 schools have participated in Bikes in Schools, with the funding secured to continue the programme until June 2027.

Tags: Kiwi kids cycling safety skills bike tracks Bikes In Schools programme Transport Minister Chris Bishop NZ Transport Agency primary students intermediate students Bike On New Zealand Charitable Trust Paul McArdle

Rolleston Access Improvements Driving Jobs & Growth | Canterbury Transport Project

14 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1140 views

Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights that the Rolleston Access Improvements project on State Highway 1 will boost jobs and economic growth in the rapidly expanding Canterbury region. The project aims to enhance transport connections for residents and businesses in the Selwyn district, a key area for growth and access to Christchurch. The government's $7 billion infrastructure investment includes this project, with the first stage focusing on constructing a new roundabout, pedestrian and cycle subway, and various road upgrades to improve safety and efficiency, with completion expected by the end of 2026.

Tags: Rolleston Transport Minister Chris Bishop Canterbury infrastructure projects road improvements economic growth construction NZTA Fulton Hogan State Highway 1.

Government Allocates $3M to Extend Active Me - Kia Tū Fund for Youth

09 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1048 views

The Government is investing an additional $3 million to extend the Active Me - Kia Tū Hardship Fund for another year, aiming to support young New Zealanders facing financial challenges in accessing sports and recreation opportunities. The program, delivered by Variety – The Children’s Charity in partnership with Sport NZ, has already benefited over 10,000 children and their families by providing grants of up to $300 per child annually to enable participation in physical activities and remove financial barriers. Minister Mark Mitchell highlights the positive impact of the fund on children's well-being, social skills, and community safety, emphasizing the importance of exploring sustainable funding options and reducing costs for participants through ongoing research by Sport NZ.

Tags: Government Sport and Recreation Minister Hon Mark Mitchell Variety – The Children’s Charity Sport NZ New Zealanders financial hardship physical activity communities young people

Minister Brooke van Velden: Passport Processing Efficiency Soars, Wait Times Slashed by 18 Days

09 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1201 views

Minister Brooke van Velden announces an 18-day reduction in passport processing wait times under the current government, with standard applications now taking 7 days instead of 25. The Department of Internal Affairs has achieved this efficiency through digital processes, staff training, and identity verification automation. Van Velden emphasizes the government's commitment to improving services for New Zealanders and ensuring timely passport delivery as application volumes are expected to rise.

Tags: Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden passport processing efficiency New Zealanders Government Kiwis families Department of Internal Affairs processing times

Government Appoints Permanent Aviation Council to Shape Industry Future

06 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1210 views

The Government confirmed the establishment of a permanent Aviation Council to enhance sector leadership and shape the industry's future, as announced by Associate Transport Minister James Meager at the NZ Airports Hui. The Council, consisting of 14 members from various stakeholders including government agencies, regulators, and industry associations, aims to support economic growth, enhance aviation safety, and address workforce and infrastructure needs outlined in the recent Aviation Action Plan. The Council will provide strategic leadership, report annually on progress, and ensure representation for smaller airlines and industry voices to support regional connectivity and workforce development in the aviation sector.

Tags: Government Aviation Council James Meager Transport Minister NZ Airports Hui Aviation Action Plan Air New Zealand Auckland Airport Aviation Federation Aviation Industry Association

Boosting Economy and Connectivity: Celebrating Rail Infrastructure Milestones in Otago

02 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1077 views

Port Otago hosted an event to celebrate the milestone of the new rail siding, with partners Dynes Transport and KiwiRail. Government ministers outlined investments in Otago's economic development and fast-track consenting steps. The rail infrastructure investments aim to boost efficiency, reduce road congestion, and support economic growth in the region.

Tags: Port Otago directors management workers Dynes Transport KiwiRail Jules Radich Shane Jones Mark Patterson Sir Julius Vogel New Zealand

Driving Economic Growth: 3 Initiatives to Enhance Freight System

01 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1087 views

Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights the importance of the freight system in driving New Zealand's economy and supporting job growth. To address the increasing demand for freight services due to population growth, the government is implementing three key initiatives: launching an Action Plan for Freight, updating the National Freight Demand Study, and establishing a Freight Advisory Council. These initiatives aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of the freight system by maximizing economic value, improving data-driven decision-making, and providing strategic insights and advice to support economic growth.

Tags: Transport Minister Chris Bishop freight system economic growth productivity resilience safety Action Plan for Freight National Freight Demand Study Freight Advisory Council

New Hikuwai Bridge Boosts Resilience of SH35 in Tairāwhiti

01 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1078 views

Construction has begun on a new Hikuwai Bridge to improve the resilience of State Highway 35 between Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay in Tairāwhiti, following damage from Cyclone Gabrielle. The bridge will be a modern, two-lane structure approximately 100 meters long, providing better flood and earthquake resistance and environmental benefits. The $50 million project involves local and expert construction teams to deliver a more efficient and permanent solution for road users in the region.

Tags: State Highway 35 SH35 Tolaga Bay Tokomaru Bay Tairāwhiti Hikuwai Bridge Transport Minister Chris Bishop Cyclone Gabrielle Gisborne TREC Alliance

New Chatham Islands Supply Vessel Secured for 2027

30 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1129 views

The Government has selected the McCallum Bros Ltd and Nova Marine Carriers SA joint venture to procure a new 78-meter supply vessel for the Chatham Islands, expected to be operational by 2027. Associate Transport Minister James Meager highlights the importance of providing a secure, reliable, and long-term service that meets the community's needs and can accommodate future growth. The replacement of the aging Southern Tiare vessel is crucial for sustaining the economic and community lifeline of the Chatham Islands, ensuring essential supplies reach the community and supporting key industries like fishing, farming, and tourism.

Tags: Government Chatham Islands Supply Vessel McCallum Bros Ltd Nova Marine Carriers SA James Meager Transport Minister Southern Tiare MBL JV Community

New Zealand's Sport Diplomacy Strategy: Strengthening Ties and Boosting Trade on the World Stage

26 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1098 views

The New Zealand Government launched a Sport Diplomacy Strategy aiming to strengthen international ties, boost trade, and showcase the country globally through sports. The strategy leverages the universal language of sport to connect people, build trust, and create lasting bonds between nations. With a focus on India, the Pacific, and the United States, the initiative aims to use New Zealand's sporting reputation to enhance diplomatic and economic relations, with upcoming centenary celebrations with India set to further deepen ties through sports, culture, and business.

Tags: Sport New Zealand Government Strategy Chris Bishop India Pacific United States Trade Diplomacy

New Reeves Road Flyover Opens in East Auckland to Ease Traffic Congestion and Boost Productivity

26 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1347 views

A new flyover in East Auckland, the Reeves Road Flyover, is set to open to traffic, easing congestion and boosting productivity in the city. The flyover is part of the $1.3 billion Eastern Busway project, which aims to improve transportation by providing rapid bus and train services between various locations in Auckland. The project is a key investment by the government and Auckland Council to enhance the transport system, support economic growth, and provide better access to jobs and opportunities for residents in East Auckland.

Tags: Transport Minister Chris Bishop Auckland Minister Simeon Brown Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Reeves Road flyover Eastern Busway project Auckland traffic congestion public transport economic growth

Ō2NL Expressway: Transforming Transport and Boosting Economy in Horowhenua

23 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1111 views

Construction has begun on the new 24-kilometre Ō2NL expressway from Ōtaki to north of Levin, aiming to enhance economic benefits, safety, and reliability in the region, according to Transport Minister Chris Bishop. The project addresses long-standing issues of crashes, delays, and resilience on the current Kāpiti highway, with expectations of reducing travel times and improving efficiency for both commuters and freight transport. Part of the Wellington northern corridor initiated in 2013, Ō2NL follows the success of previous expressways and is anticipated to be finished by the end of 2029, contributing to economic growth and development opportunities in the Horowhenua region.

Tags: Transport Minister Chris Bishop Horowhenua North Island Wellington National Government Transmission Gully Mackays Peka Peka Kāpiti highway Otaki

Transformative Melling Transport Improvements Project Underway in Lower Hutt

19 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1348 views

Construction has commenced on the State Highway 2 (SH2) Melling Transport Improvements Road of Regional Significance in Lower Hutt to enhance safety, accessibility, and resilience, according to Transport Minister Chris Bishop. The project, including a new interchange and bridge over the Hutt River, aims to alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and promote economic growth by improving public transport and active transport options. Led by the NZ Transport Agency, AECOM, and Fletcher Construction, the initiative is part of a broader $1.5 billion RiverLink program to boost economic growth, resilience, and flood protection in Lower Hutt, with completion expected by 2031.

Tags: Chris Bishop Lower Hutt Transport Minister NZ Transport Agency AECOM Fletcher Construction Melling Interchange Melling Transport Improvements Road RiverLink programme Hutt River