27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1118 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford welcomed Estonian Education Minister Dr. Kristina Kallas to New Zealand to exchange insights on their high-performing education systems and reforms. They discussed Estonia’s success in achieving strong academic results with equity, particularly in reading, math, and science, and explored Estonia’s AI-Leap programme integrating AI literacy into education. The visit also included meetings with New Zealand education officials and emphasized ongoing collaboration in science, research, and education innovation between the two countries.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1141 views
New research from the Education Review Office shows that banning cell phones in schools has improved student focus, behaviour, achievement, and reduced bullying. Despite these positive outcomes, about a third of senior students still break the rules, mainly to message parents, highlighting the need for parental support and updated school guidelines. The government is considering expanding the ban to include smartwatches and continues to support schools in implementing policies that enhance student learning and wellbeing.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1179 views
Health New Zealand has approved $16.25 million to establish an advanced hybrid operating theatre at Wellington Regional Hospital, enabling faster, safer, and more advanced surgical care by combining imaging technology and surgical capabilities in one location. This new facility will eliminate the need to transfer patients between separate theatres and imaging suites, reducing delays, improving recovery times, and increasing surgical output. The investment aims to enhance healthcare efficiency, reduce system pressure, and provide world-class surgical care closer to home for New Zealanders.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1160 views
The Government is investing $75 million to enhance New Zealand's resilience to infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness through the Infectious Diseases Research Platform hosted by PHF Science. This initiative aims to deepen pandemic preparedness, reduce exposure to future pandemics, and build an agile research and response system. The investment reflects the Government's commitment to long-term, impactful research in collaboration with key health sector stakeholders.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1194 views
The Government will invest over $80 million in transformative research projects for New Zealand's economy, health, and environment, led by Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti. The funding includes 107 Marsden Fund projects over three years to support established and emerging scientists in innovative research for lasting benefits. The diverse portfolio of funded projects ranges from cancer treatment advancements to geothermal energy utilization, reflecting the commitment to fostering breakthrough discoveries and driving transformative knowledge for New Zealand's future.
04 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1292 views
The Government and industry have invested $1.2 million through AgriZeroNZ to develop a wearable device for cows that can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching on farms. This investment is part of AgriZeroNZ's efforts to accelerate the development of emissions reduction tools for farmers, aligning with the Government's goal of doubling export value in 10 years. The project by Canterbury start-up Āmua is just one of several innovative ventures supported by AgriZeroNZ, aiming to drive productivity, high-value jobs, and a future-ready economy through science, technology, and innovation.
27 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1090 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown announces the rollout of an AI scribe tool to 1000 doctors and frontline staff in emergency departments, aiming to reduce administrative burden and enhance patient care. The tool automatically generates clinical notes, referral letters, and follow-up summaries, allowing doctors to focus more on patients during consultations. Successful pilot results in Hawke’s Bay and Whanganui led to the nationwide implementation, demonstrating the potential of AI to improve efficiency and quality of care in the healthcare system.
26 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1149 views
European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and New Zealand's Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay adopted a joint declaration to enhance bilateral trade and reduce costs during the NZ-EU Trade Committee meeting in Queenstown. They emphasized the importance of deepening the trade relationship, addressing non-tariff barriers, and showcasing Kiwi exporters at the NZ-EU Business Summit. The discussions also touched on the EU's Deforestation Regulation, with plans to collaborate on reducing costs and ensuring fair access for exporters under the trade agreement.
24 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1129 views
Dr Shane Reti, the Universities and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister of New Zealand, will lead a delegation to promote the country's high-quality education offerings at the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education in Beijing. New Zealand is the Country of Honour at the event, which draws over 35,000 participants and highlights the strong educational partnerships between New Zealand and China. The visit aims to strengthen education links, increase the value of international education, and explore new opportunities for research cooperation between the two countries.
14 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1131 views
Dr Shane Reti announced the establishment of Research Funding New Zealand, a single board to simplify science funding decisions in New Zealand based on recommendations from the Science System Advisory Group. The new system aims to reduce complexity and bureaucracy, allowing researchers to focus more on impactful research, innovation, and economic growth. Public investment in science will be redirected towards key areas like the economy, environment, health, and technology, with a phased transition over four years to ensure continuity and minimize disruption.
13 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1217 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.
07 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1394 views
The latest OECD TALIS 2024 report reveals that a majority of graduate teachers lack confidence in teaching content and pedagogical approaches across all subjects. Education Minister Erica Stanford expresses concern over the insufficient support provided through initial teacher training, emphasizing the need to equip teachers with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive in the classroom. The report also highlights teachers' satisfaction with using digital technology, salary improvements, and the increasing proportion of students with learning support needs in schools, with ongoing government investments aimed at supporting teachers and improving education quality.
03 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1370 views
New Zealand's Defence Industry Strategy aims to support local businesses in delivering defence equipment and infrastructure, aligning with the 2025 Defence Capability Plan to double defence spending. The strategy emphasizes building a resilient industry to mitigate global tensions and enhance economic growth through collaboration with Kiwi innovators and major suppliers. Key actions include requiring multinational companies to partner with local businesses, establishing a Technology Accelerator, and creating offshore opportunities for showcasing New Zealand-made innovations to international partners.
01 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1184 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown announces new investment in physiotherapy workforce to improve access and reduce wait times for orthopaedic care. The Musculoskeletal (MSK) orthopaedic pathway, launched in August 2024, has already completed over 7200 first specialist assessments and 9500 follow-up appointments. By expanding the Advanced Clinical Practice Physiotherapist workforce and supporting postgraduate training, the initiative aims to increase assessment capacity, reduce unnecessary surgeries, and ensure 95% of patients receive timely care within four months.
28 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1341 views
Three innovative trans-Tasman space projects have received up to $5.3 million in government funding to enhance maritime awareness, improve agricultural planning, and secure satellite communications. The projects aim to boost economies, strengthen international competitiveness, and accelerate aerospace innovation in both New Zealand and Australia. Led by various institutions from both countries, the projects focus on monitoring the Southern Indo-Pacific, satellite sensing in agricultural practices, and establishing an optical communications network for high-speed satellite data transfer.