16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
155 views
From 1 July 2027, cruise ship passengers will pay significantly lower Border Processing Levy rates, with a net reduction of NZ$19.91 per person due to decreased arrival levies and a minimal increase in departure levies. The levy system aims to recover Customs’ border processing costs while ensuring secure and efficient border services, with rates regularly reviewed to reflect forecast costs and passenger volumes. Air travellers will see a slight overall increase of 32 cents per passenger, and early notice of these changes helps the travel and tourism sectors plan accordingly.
14 Oct 2026
1 week ago
207 views
International visitor numbers to New Zealand in August 2026 reached 99% of pre-pandemic levels, signaling strong progress toward the government's goal of matching 2019 figures by year-end. Significant growth was seen particularly from China, Australia, and other key markets, reflecting successful government and industry efforts to boost tourism. As tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export earner and a major employer, this recovery supports economic growth, jobs, and opportunities for Kiwis.
01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
275 views
The Government is updating the National American Foulbrood Pest Management Plan with industry-driven improvements to better identify and contain the disease affecting honeybee larvae. These changes include enhanced colony identification, improved reporting, and stronger compliance measures, while keeping costs and paperwork minimal for beekeepers. The updates aim to protect New Zealand's $426 million apiculture sector and support pollination services vital to the primary industry.
30 Sep 2026
3 weeks ago
293 views
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) proposes a 5% reduction in domestic and international passenger security levies due to improved financial stability and operational efficiency, potentially saving the aviation sector nearly $71 million by 2032. This reduction lowers the domestic levy from $10.91 to $10.36 and the international levy from $22.30 to $21.19 per passenger, benefiting airlines by allowing reinvestment of savings. While maintaining strong aviation security standards, the CAA will consider public feedback before finalizing the levy adjustments.
14 Sep 2026
1 month ago
548 views
The Government has refreshed the Maihi Karauna strategy to revitalize te reo Māori by 2040, aiming to increase the number of speakers and elevate the language’s national value. This updated plan builds on progress since 2019, emphasizing a coordinated government approach while recognizing that lasting revitalization depends on whānau, communities, and everyday New Zealanders actively using the language. Minister Tama Potaka highlights the shared responsibility for revitalization and the focus on tangible results to make te reo Māori more visible, valued, and spoken across society.
12 Sep 2026
1 month ago
352 views
The Government is investing $835,000, funded by the International Visitor Levy, to enhance Kaikōura’s visitor facilities, especially for cruise arrivals, and improve public spaces for both tourists and locals. This investment aims to support tourism growth by creating a more welcoming experience, boosting the local economy, and addressing pressures on the small local community. By improving infrastructure in Kaikōura, the initiative seeks to increase visitor spending, job opportunities, and overall economic benefits for the region.
11 Sep 2026
1 month ago
342 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown have announced appointments to the newly formed Auckland Regional Transport Committee (ARTC), established under the 2026 Transport Governance Amendment Act to provide stronger, integrated governance and long-term strategic direction for Auckland’s transport system. The ARTC comprises six members—three Ministerial appointees, three Auckland Council appointees—and a jointly appointed Chair, Daniel Williams, whose extensive experience in infrastructure and planning is expected to guide the committee’s efforts in aligning central and local government priorities. This committee represents a key step toward overcoming fragmented decision-making in Auckland transport by fostering partnership and accountability to deliver a coordinated 30-year transport plan for the growing city.
11 Sep 2026
1 month ago
387 views
New Zealand's manufacturing sector has expanded for 14 consecutive months, with growth spreading across all main industry groups and regions, as reflected in the BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) reading of 53.1 for August. Increased new orders and solid production indicate positive momentum, supported by government initiatives like the Investment Boost to enhance productivity. Despite global uncertainties, New Zealand manufacturers are outperforming major economies, contributing significantly to employment, GDP, and exports while receiving strong governmental support.
10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
420 views
The Government is investing $405,000 to upgrade visitor facilities at Horopito on the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride, addressing the current lack of infrastructure with new toilets, shuttle access, and parking. This project aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and visitor satisfaction, benefiting both locals and the over 67,000 annual visitors while encouraging longer stays in the region. The investment supports sustainable tourism growth by ensuring the area can accommodate increasing visitor numbers and boost the local economy.
09 Sep 2026
1 month ago
428 views
The New Zealand Government will end the requirement for developers to pay royalties on "cushion gas," which is operational gas needed to maintain pressure in underground gas storage but unlikely to be extracted or sold. This change aims to remove regulatory barriers, encouraging investment in underground gas storage to improve the flexibility, resilience, and long-term energy security of the country’s energy system. An independent expert will determine the portion of gas qualifying as cushion gas, while future regulatory reviews will assess the effectiveness of this measure in supporting energy security.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
459 views
The New Zealand Government has extended the deployment of up to 70 NZDF personnel to support Ukraine’s self-defence, primarily training Ukrainian forces in Poland and providing intelligence, liaison, and logistics support as part of Operation Tīeke. This initiative focuses on specialist training in areas like electronic warfare and drone operations, reflecting New Zealand’s commitment to aiding Ukraine amid Russia’s aggression. The operation, emphasizing the broader security implications for Europe and the Indo-Pacific, will continue until 30 June 2028 alongside diplomatic, humanitarian, and economic support efforts.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
512 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $5 million to support six regional tourism initiatives aimed at attracting international visitors during the quieter months of spring 2026 and early summer 2027. These campaigns target tourists from Australia, North America, and China, promoting regional food, wine, hospitality, and outdoor experiences to encourage longer stays and travel beyond main gateways. The funding is allocated to specific projects led by regional organizations to boost local economies and spread tourism benefits across the country.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
499 views
New Zealand is advancing its energy security by investing up to $23.5 million from the Gas Security Fund in two Todd Energy projects aimed at unlocking nearly 20 petajoules of additional gas reserves over five to nine years. These projects, expected to deliver gas by 2027, will provide around 6% of the country's projected gas production, supporting energy reliability during peak demand and complementing the transition to renewable energy. The fund, designed to accelerate gas supply and ensure electricity generation reliability, has attracted strong interest and involves significant co-investment from Todd Energy to share risks and promote economic growth.
03 Sep 2026
1 month ago
507 views
The Crown has settled historic Treaty claims with Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana, addressing grievances related to Crown actions in the Waikaremoana district through legislation passed in Parliament. The settlement includes adding approximately 12,000 hectares to Te Urewera, returning cultural properties, and providing $24 million in financial and commercial redress. This agreement supports Ngāti Ruapani's aspirations for cultural revitalization, economic development, and strengthened stewardship of their ancestral lands.
03 Sep 2026
1 month ago
424 views
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston welcomes a new industry report outlining 48 practical recommendations to support New Zealand's hospitality sector, acknowledging progress made since the 2024 Hospitality Summit. The Government has collaborated closely with the sector through various initiatives and will develop a Hospitality Action Plan to coordinate priority efforts across multiple agencies and portfolios. This plan aims to remove growth barriers, support businesses and workers, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy through ongoing partnership with industry stakeholders.