22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1201 views
Courts Minister Nicole McKee praises the 2025 Court User Survey results, with 82% satisfaction, the highest since 2019, attributing it to staff efforts. Recent court improvements include reducing case backlogs, improving case age, and enhancing efficiency across various court jurisdictions. The focus is on enhancing safety, with high percentages feeling safe in courthouses, and upcoming plans include digital systems and expanded magistrate roles for faster justice delivery.
21 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1226 views
The Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill passed its first reading, focusing on recognizing abuse in care experiences and providing redress through financial payments, apologies, access to care records, and counseling services. The Bill introduces a framework for independent consideration of financial redress for survivors who have committed serious offenses, aiming to prevent the scheme from being brought into disrepute. The Bill has been referred to the Social Services and Community Select Committee for further review, encouraging input from survivors, advocates, and other stakeholders.
19 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1137 views
The Traffic Light System is expanding with two new non-financial sanctions related to job searches and upskilling, aimed at increasing accountability for beneficiaries. These sanctions require reporting job search activities and attending employment-related training courses. The government is focused on reducing benefit dependency, offering support services and incentives to help individuals transition into employment and meet their obligations. The goal is to have fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030 by proactively preparing individuals for employment opportunities.
16 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1017 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones attended the graduation of 10 new Fishery Officers, emphasizing the importance of their work in ensuring fishers comply with regulations and protect fish stocks. The graduates unexpectedly encountered real poachers during a training exercise, highlighting the significance of their role in enforcing regulations. The Fishery Officers play a crucial role in maintaining sustainable fisheries, with over 11,000 Kiwis employed in the seafood sector and hundreds of thousands engaging in recreational fishing activities.
16 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1415 views
The Government aims to address delays and cost overruns in infrastructure projects caused by unknown underground pipes and cables. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop highlights the inefficiencies and disruptions resulting from inaccurate utility records, citing the Cameron Road redevelopment project in Tauranga as an example. A program has been initiated to enhance asset management systems and explore options for improving underground utility records to streamline projects and ensure accurate information is maintained whenever road corridors are opened.
14 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1313 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has praised the Reserve Bank's plan to relax lending restrictions, aiming to assist first home buyers in achieving home ownership. The Reserve Bank is considering increasing the limit on new lending to owner-occupiers with less than a 20% deposit to 25%, potentially aiding more first-time buyers. Additionally, the proposal includes raising the amount banks can lend to residential property investors with deposits under 30% from 5% to 10%, following the introduction of debt-to-income restrictions to enhance banking system resilience.
13 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1211 views
Courts Minister Nicole McKee is updating the law to encourage the use of audio and audio-visual links (AVL) in courts for increased efficiency and improved access to justice. The new law will establish default appearance types for court events, promoting consistency in the use of remote participation. Additionally, the legislation will introduce new offences and penalties for unauthorized recordings of court proceedings to protect safety and fair trial rights.
10 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1213 views
The Government awarded $129,000 to Northland Regional Council to assist in removing caulerpa seaweed washed up on beaches after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam in April, using emergency waste funding. Local hapū, volunteers, and council staff swiftly removed over 100 tonnes of the invasive seaweed to prevent harm to coastlines and marine ecosystems. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds commended the efforts and highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Exotic Caulerpa Elimination Project supported by $6.2 million to address the issue at its source.
09 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1215 views
The Government has accepted all recommendations from the Dame Karen Poutasi Review to enhance the children's system and prioritize child safety. Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston emphasizes the need to improve systems to better protect children from harm and ensure every child in New Zealand feels safe. The Government will implement an integrated response overseen by Child and Youth Ministers, focusing on information sharing, supporting children with incarcerated parents, and developing a mandatory reporting regime to enhance child safety.
08 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1235 views
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey visited Dunedin Hospital to celebrate the addition of peer support workers in the Emergency Department, emphasizing the benefits of having individuals with lived experience to support those in mental health crisis. The service, already implemented in five other major hospitals, aims to provide individuals with a sense of connection, support, and improved access to ongoing care. The expansion of peer support services across New Zealand is part of the government's commitment to strengthening the mental health workforce and improving crisis response for individuals seeking help.
02 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1291 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.
01 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1232 views
The Ministers for RMA Reform, Agriculture, and the Environment have urged Regional and Unitary Councils to be pragmatic in issuing consents before the new planning system transition. They emphasize the importance of supporting rural producers and unlocking economic growth by being flexible in the consent process. The Government expects councils to exercise discretion, smooth the transition into the new system, and align their behavior to support the future planning system.
29 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1274 views
Applications are open for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa in New Zealand, allowing parents of citizens and residents to visit for up to five years, meeting health, financial, and insurance requirements. The visa aims to balance the desires of migrants with parents overseas for longer visits while protecting public services. Additionally, initiatives like smart skilled migrant residency pathways are part of efforts to attract talent, support businesses, and boost the economy.
26 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1281 views
Courts Minister Nicole McKee highlights the Government's focus on faster justice delivery, emphasizing the importance of reducing delays in resolving civil disputes and family wait times for coroners' findings. Significant progress has been made in various jurisdictions, such as the District Court, where active civil cases decreased by 20% and completed cases increased by 8%. The Disputes Tribunal also saw over 900 more cases completed in a year, with a 21% decrease in aged cases, while the Coroners Court reduced active cases by 15% through the introduction of associate coroners and clinical advisors.
25 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1310 views
The New Zealand Army is receiving a $104 million investment in modern digital communications devices and systems to enhance combat capability and interoperability with international partners. Defence Minister Judith Collins emphasized the importance of equipping soldiers with up-to-date technology in a rapidly changing global environment. The investment, part of the Network Enabled Army programme, will provide military grade radio systems, deployable network infrastructure, and specialized communications devices to support real-time decision-making and information sharing among personnel.