07 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1381 views
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey and Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand Chief Executive Shaun Robinson have launched Top Up Community Grants to support local mental health initiatives during Mental Health Awareness Week 2025. The grants aim to empower grassroots community organizations to host events and projects that promote mental well-being in their communities. With $250,000 available annually for the next two years, grant amounts range from $10,000 to $40,000 per initiative to facilitate community-led actions and improve mental health outcomes.
30 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1366 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.
26 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1312 views
The Government has concluded 15 years of negotiations with Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu by signing a Deed of Settlement in Wellington, including financial and cultural redress of $5.5 million and the return of 17 cultural sites. The settlement aims to address historical injustices, support the iwi's aspirations, and promote prosperity for future generations. Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu's historical grievances involve land confiscation, Crown purchasing, and mining, leading to economic, social, and cultural challenges. Legislation will be introduced to Parliament to enact the settlement into law, and the deed of settlement is available online at Te Tari Whakatau - Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu.
26 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1399 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of 12 King’s Counsel, primarily recognizing barristers sole for their career excellence or extraordinary contributions to law. Chief Parliamentary Counsel Cassie Nicholson was appointed a KC for her significant legislative drafting contributions. The newly appointed barristers sole, including Brian Dickey, Tiana Epati, and Kevin Glover, have diverse legal expertise and a strong commitment to improving access to justice through pro bono work and community involvement.
24 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1169 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced appointments and reappointments to four health regulatory authorities, including the Midwifery Council, Nursing Council of New Zealand, New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board, and Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand. The appointees bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective councils and boards, ensuring the protection of the health and safety of New Zealanders. All terms of office for the appointees will commence on 29 September 2025, with each individual possessing unique qualifications and backgrounds in their fields.
24 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1350 views
Dr Anna Breman, First Deputy Governor of Sweden's central bank, has been appointed as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand by Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Dr Breman brings a strong background in economics, having held leadership roles at the Riksbank and Swedbank, and worked with various institutions including the World Bank. She was selected from a pool of 300 candidates based on criteria such as leadership skills, technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, resilience, and cultural understanding. Dr Breman's appointment is for a five-year term starting on December 1, succeeding Christian Hawkesby who will support her transition before leaving his interim Governor role.
18 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1229 views
The ASMS union's decision to continue strike action will impact over 13,000 patients despite an updated offer from Health New Zealand costing over $160 million for 5,500 senior doctors. Health New Zealand estimates that the strike will delay care for 13,000 patients, affecting elective procedures, specialist assessments, follow-up appointments, and outpatient procedures. The union's refusal of binding arbitration is criticized for prioritizing politics over patient care, with senior doctors being well-compensated and receiving generous benefits.
17 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1242 views
Minister Karen Chhour notes a significant decrease in serious and persistent youth offending since June 2024, attributing the improvement to a tough yet fair approach and increased unity within communities and government. The reduction in youth offenders has led to safer communities, with lower rates of ram raids and repeat offending, as well as improved collaboration between Oranga Tamariki and Police. Investments from Budget 2025 aim to further reduce re-offending and enhance support for young serious offenders, prioritizing community safety and victim well-being.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1196 views
The Government is amending legislation to support New Zealand's offshore wind potential, aiming to boost economic growth and energy production. The Offshore Renewable Energy Bill is being revised to address concerns from offshore wind developers about coexisting with seabed mining activities. The amendments will create designated marine spaces for offshore wind projects, providing investment certainty while pausing new permits for seabed mining under the Crown Minerals Act.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1311 views
The Government, through RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, supports Auckland Council's request to withdraw controversial Plan Change 78 to allow for more local decision-making on growth and housing. This move will give Aucklanders greater choice and input on future development, particularly around key stations benefiting from the City Rail Link project. The process includes a submission period from November to December, followed by hearings before an Independent Hearings Panel, aiming for an 18-month timeframe to provide certainty and address delays in decision-making for Auckland's growth and housing options.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1378 views
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford is leading a delegation to the United States to promote New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa, which has attracted over $1 billion in proposed investments since April 1, with US investors showing the most interest. The trip aims to engage with potential investors interested in New Zealand's business opportunities and economic growth, highlighting the country's appeal as a safe and pro-business environment. Minister Stanford will visit New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco for events organized by Invest NZ, emphasizing the importance of attracting investment to support economic development and create opportunities for New Zealanders.
11 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1263 views
Legislation returning Kororipo Pā to Ngāpuhi passed its first reading in Parliament, marking the end of three years of negotiations led by Ngāti Rēhia with support from hapū. This settlement is the first redress provided by the Crown to Ngāpuhi and signifies a commitment to reaching a comprehensive agreement. Kororipo Pā, a significant historical site for Ngāpuhi, will be transferred to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust in 2026 while maintaining its historic reserve status and public access.
10 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1479 views
Opening Remarks express gratitude to the organizers and attendees of the summit themed "Digital as Core Infrastructure," highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure for science, innovation, and economic growth. The reforms aim to streamline the science, innovation, and technology system, with a focus on maximizing government funding and driving real-world impact. The AI Strategy emphasizes a balanced approach to regulating AI, leveraging existing laws while fostering innovation and maintaining public trust.
02 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1258 views
The speech highlights the importance of universities in New Zealand, emphasizing the need for alignment between student skills and industry needs, faster research impact, and adaptability to new opportunities like advanced technologies. The government is introducing a new Tertiary Education Strategy with priorities including student achievement, economic impact, and international connections. Reforms also involve establishing a University Strategy Group, transitioning to a Tertiary Research Excellence Fund, strengthening quality assurance, and enhancing governance to ensure universities remain independent yet accountable for delivering impactful research and education.
02 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1420 views
The New Zealand Government is implementing initiatives to modernize universities, aligning teaching and research with the country's future skills and innovation needs. The reforms aim to strengthen collaboration between universities, government, industry, and global experts, while simplifying funding mechanisms and enhancing quality assurance systems. Led by Universities Minister Dr. Shane Reti, these changes are designed to ensure universities remain competitive globally, support economic growth, and deliver benefits for New Zealand.