Articles tagged with Uri
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New Zealand International Convention Centre Opens, Boosting Tourism and Events
10 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1033 viewsThe New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), officially opened in Auckland, is the country’s largest venue for conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment, with capacity for over 4,000 attendees. It is expected to significantly boost New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality sectors by attracting major international events, creating jobs, and showcasing the country globally. Owned by SkyCity Entertainment Group in partnership with the government, the NZICC features state-of-the-art technology, sustainable design, and has already secured over 120 events for 2026.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand International Convention Centre NZICC SkyCity Entertainment Group Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists New Zealand Government Auckland Tourism and Hospitality Minister New ZealandNew Zealand to Build LNG Import Facility Boosting Energy Security and Economy
09 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1067 viewsThe New Zealand Government will build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility to enhance energy security, stabilize electricity prices, and support economic growth amid declining domestic gas supply and increasing reliance on coal and diesel. This facility, expected to be operational by 2027 or 2028 in Taranaki, will provide a reliable backup fuel source, potentially saving households $50 annually and protecting around 2,000 jobs by reducing price spikes and supply risks. The project aims to foster competition, enable resource development, and support gas-dependent industries while minimizing exposure to international gas prices through strategic import management.
Tags: Simon Watts New Zealand LNG import facility Energy Minister Sense Partners Taranaki Government energy security renewable electricity gas supply$1.26M Grant Brings Solar Power to Kaitaia Marae and Kura for Energy Security
09 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1036 viewsA grant of up to $1.26 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support the Whiti Mai Te Rā project, installing solar panels, batteries, and a diesel generator at a kura and five marae north of Kaitaia to provide reliable, affordable electricity and enhance energy security. The initiative, led by the Aupouri Ngāti Kahu Te Rarawa Trust in partnership with Kaumātua Energy, aims to save over $100,000 annually in energy costs and strengthen community resilience during emergencies. Installation will begin in March 2026, ensuring these vital community hubs can serve as stable civil defence centers for generations to come.
Tags: Tama Potaka Aupouri Ngāti Kahu Te Rarawa Trust Kaumātua Energy Whiti Mai Te Rā Te Rangi Āniwaniwa Kura Māori Development Minister Regional Infrastructure Fund Northland Far North New Zealand ANT TrustNew Trans-Tasman Standards Agreement Boosts NZ Businesses and Innovation
08 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1103 viewsStandards New Zealand and Standards Australia have signed a new agreement to align trans-Tasman standards, enhancing product quality, safety, and reducing costs for businesses and consumers. The agreement supports innovation and economic growth by adopting international standards in areas like AI, data management, and cybersecurity, while removing fees and red tape to boost competitiveness and digital trade. This collaboration, endorsed by both governments and industry stakeholders, strengthens New Zealand’s role in joint standards development and fosters a modern, efficient regulatory environment.
Tags: Scott Simpson Luxon Anthony Albanese Standards New Zealand Standards Australia Commerce and Consumer Affairs artificial intelligence cybersecurity digital tradeNew Zealand and French Agencies Seize 4.24 Tonnes of Cocaine in Pacific Operation
05 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1106 viewsNew Zealand agencies, including Customs, Defence Force, and GCSB, collaborated with French authorities and the US DEA to intercept 4.24 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia as part of Operation Kiwa. This operation is the first major success of the Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Action Plan aimed at targeting maritime transnational crime networks in the Pacific. The campaign emphasizes international cooperation and enhanced intelligence and surveillance to protect New Zealand and its Pacific partners from organised crime.
Tags: Casey Costello New Zealand Customs Service New Zealand Defence Force Government Communications Security Bureau United States Drug Enforcement Agency French authorities Operation Kiwa Transnational Serious and Organised Crime French Polynesia New ZealandGovernment Launches Wild Deer Management Program to Protect NZ Farmland
03 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1061 viewsThe Government is launching a programme in 2026 to help communities manage wild deer populations, focusing on collaborative catchment groups in the Wairarapa and Hurunui regions. The initiative involves stakeholders such as hunters and regional councils, excludes toxin use for control, and aims to review regulations to enhance commercial opportunities for deer recovery. Additionally, the Government plans to extend efforts to address other wild animal impacts, including wild pigs and Canada geese, through a coordinated approach.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard James Meager MPI New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Game Animal Council wild deer hunting community Biosecurity Minister Hunting and Fishing Minister WairarapaMāori Development Fund Supports Water Storage Project to Boost Northland Resilience
02 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1067 viewsThe Māori Development Fund is investing $191,700 to support early technical work on a proposed water storage reservoir near Kaitaia, led by Te Make Farms Ltd and owned by Ngāi Takoto, aiming to improve year-round water security in Northland. This investment will help strengthen regional resilience, increase productive land use, and support food production while keeping the land under Māori ownership. The project’s preparatory work enhances planning and decision-making, positioning it to attract further investment and deliver long-term value.
Tags: Māori Development Fund Tama Potaka Te Make Farms Ltd Ngāi Takoto water storage reservoir Kaitaia Northland water security regional resilience Te Puni KōkiriBiosecurity Levy Reduced by 30% for Incoming Air Passengers in New Zealand
31 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1143 viewsThe biosecurity component of the Border Processing Levy for most arriving air passengers will decrease by 30 percent, from $16.92 to $12.03, as the costs of rebuilding border operations after COVID-19 have been paid off. The levy funds essential biosecurity services like x-ray screening and detector dogs, which protect New Zealand's economy and environment, particularly benefiting farmers and other primary industries. The government plans to use levy funds to modernize border biosecurity through investments in new technology, including a digital border program and enhanced passenger processing systems.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Border Processing Levy biosecurity air travel New Zealand Traveller Declaration detector dogs digital border programmeWSL Championship Tour Comes to Raglan, New Zealand in May 2026
25 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 3570 viewsThe World Surf League (WSL) will host its 2026 Championship Tour event, the New Zealand Pro, in Raglan, marking the first combined men’s and women’s WSL event in the country. Scheduled for May 15-25, the competition will feature top surfers at Raglan’s renowned left-hand point break, boosting local tourism and showcasing New Zealand as a premier surf destination. Supported by the Government’s Events Attraction Package, the event aims to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s global reputation for major cultural and sporting events.
Tags: World Surf League WSL Raglan New Zealand Pro Louise Upston Waikato Championship Tour Tourism Surfing Events Attraction PackageMilford Sound Tourism Gets Long-Term Concession to 2050 for Sustainable Management
19 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1128 viewsConservation Minister Tama Potaka has approved a long-term concession for Milford Sound Tourism Limited to operate key visitor infrastructure at Milford Sound Piopiotahi until 2050, providing certainty for essential facilities in this important conservation area. The decision emphasizes balancing conservation, safe visitor access, and support for regional economies, while recognizing the cultural significance of the site through a partnership with Ngāi Tahu. Officials will now negotiate terms to ensure statutory obligations, capital investment, and broader tourism interests are addressed, supported by government funding for the Milford corridor.
Tags: Tama Potaka Milford Sound Piopiotahi Milford Sound Tourism Limited Ngāi Tahu Conservation Minister Aotearoa New Zealand International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy Tangata Whenua Department of Conservation New Zealand GovernmentKiribati and New Zealand Strengthen Partnership for Sustainable Pacific Future 2026-2030
18 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1358 viewsOn 19 January 2026, Kiribati and New Zealand signed the Te Mauri Dialogue Statement of Partnership, outlining a five-year cooperative framework based on mutual respect, shared Pacific identity, and common goals such as sustainable development, climate change action, and regional security. The partnership focuses on four priority areas: strengthening democracy and values, improving health and wellbeing, enhancing peace and security, and promoting economic prosperity through collaboration and regional integration. Both countries commit to mutual accountability through regular high-level consultations, annual progress talks, and coordinated development assistance aligned with Kiribati’s national plans and regional strategies.
Tags: Winston Peters Teuea Toatu Kiribati New Zealand Te Mauri Dialogue Blue Pacific Continent United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Kiribati 20 Year Vision PACER Plus Biketawa DeclarationNew Zealand Manufacturing Hits Highest Activity Since 2021 with Growth and Awards
15 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1291 viewsNew Zealand manufacturing activity reached its highest level since December 2021, with the seasonally adjusted PMI rising to 56.1, indicating industry expansion and outperforming major global economies. Manufacturing is vital to New Zealand’s economy, employing over 220,000 people, contributing 8% of GDP, and accounting for 60% of exports, with recent growth signaling a positive outlook. To celebrate this success, the government announced the second annual Minister for Manufacturing Awards, introducing new categories to recognize small businesses, emerging leaders, and lifetime contributions, with entries opening from 23 February to 31 March 2026.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Manufacturing Small Business BNZ BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index Minister for Manufacturing Awards Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Auckland ShowgroundsGovernment Invests $250K to Upgrade Whakarewarewa Forest Loop in Rotorua
14 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1085 viewsThe Government is investing $250,000 to upgrade the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Great Ride in Rotorua, enhancing safety by rerouting the trail away from a busy highway and extending it by six kilometres. This upgrade aims to attract more visitors, support local businesses, and improve the overall tourism experience in the region. The investment is part of a broader $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package focused on boosting regional tourism infrastructure.
Tags: Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Rotorua Louise Upston Government investment cycle trail tourism hospitality safety upgrade Major Events and Tourism Package RedwoodsNew Zealand Invests $3.69M to Boost Regional Tourism and Attract Visitors
14 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1122 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $3.69 million through the Regional Tourism Boost to promote international visitors exploring regional areas beyond typical hotspots. Five targeted campaigns will attract tourists from the USA, Canada, and Australia to diverse regions, highlighting unique experiences like cycling, wine tasting, and local hospitality during quieter seasons. This initiative aims to support local businesses, create jobs, and ensure tourism benefits are shared across the country’s communities.
Tags: Louise Upston Tātaki Auckland Unlimited ChristchurchNZ Destination Great Lake Taupō Great South Hamilton & Waikato Tourism New Zealand Regional Tourism Boost Tourism and Hospitality Minister Hamilton AirportSouthern Way Campaign Boosts Lower South Island Tourism with $459K Funding
14 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1176 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $459,250 in the Southern Way campaign to promote the lower South Island to Australian visitors, highlighting unique local attractions and hospitality. The campaign, running from April to June 2026, involves collaboration among regional tourism organizations to offer themed itineraries and travel deals that support local businesses and communities. This funding is part of a larger $3.69 million initiative aimed at boosting regional tourism during the autumn and early winter seasons.
Tags: Louise Upston Southern Way Great South Tourism Waitaki Enterprise Dunedin Clutha Development Tourism Central Otago Destination Queenstown Lake Wanaka Tourism Regional Tourism Boost Fund