19 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1567 views
The Government has allocated $12 million through to June 2026 to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland, a predator threatening honeybees and New Zealand’s agriculture. Biosecurity New Zealand, supported by industry partners and beekeepers, has intensified efforts including destroying nests, deploying traps, expanding surveillance, and launching public awareness campaigns. Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasizes the critical need for public vigilance and ongoing expert guidance to prevent the hornet’s establishment and protect the environment and economy.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1460 views
State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown has appointed Mayurie Gunatilaka to the Airways Board and Susan Petersen to the Kiwi Group Capital Board, both for three-year terms. Gunatilaka brings extensive infrastructure governance experience to support Airways' air navigation services, while Petersen, also Chair of the Kiwibank Board, is the first KGC director to hold a position on Kiwibank’s Board, enhancing strategic alignment. These appointments aim to strengthen governance and leadership in critical sectors, with KGC adopting overlapping board memberships to boost strategic objectives while maintaining independent oversight.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1484 views
The $200 million Gas Security Fund, opening on 12 January 2026, aims to increase natural gas availability in New Zealand by supporting projects that accelerate supply or enable storage for critical demand periods. Declining gas production is raising costs and hindering economic growth, making natural gas essential during the transition to renewable energy sources. A new gas advisory panel will provide expert guidance to ministers, ensuring informed decisions amid the complexities of gas exploration and market conditions.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1501 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed the strong 1.1% economic growth in the third quarter, driven by 14 of 16 sectors, signaling a positive turnaround after challenging years. Key job-rich sectors like manufacturing, construction, and business services showed significant growth, alongside increases in exports and investment, indicating promising future job prospects and higher incomes. With GDP per capita rising 0.9% and forecasts predicting accelerated growth and lower unemployment next year, the government’s strategy to strengthen the economy appears effective.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1369 views
Defence Minister Judith Collins will visit Japan tomorrow to engage in defence and security discussions with Japanese officials, including Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. She emphasized the importance of Japan as a key partner for New Zealand, both committed to international order and stability. Collins aims to strengthen the close relationship between the two countries during her visit, returning to New Zealand on 20 December.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1476 views
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries has partnered with the Veterinary Council to create VetNet-Biosecurity, a network of 200 private veterinarians ready to respond rapidly to serious animal disease outbreaks like foot and mouth disease. This initiative aims to provide urgent field support, including clinical examinations and sample collection, with veterinarians continuing their regular employment while receiving training and financial compensation from MPI. Additionally, free biosecurity training is available to all registered veterinarians to enhance their skills in exotic disease detection and on-farm biosecurity protocols.
16 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1431 views
New Zealand will invest an additional $13.3 million over five years to enhance aviation security at 11 Pacific airports through new equipment, technical support, and training. This initiative aims to improve transport security, help Pacific states meet international aviation standards, and address trans-national crime and security threats. The Civil Aviation Authority will collaborate with regional aviation regulators and airport authorities to implement the program, reinforcing safe and secure air travel in the Pacific.
15 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1634 views
The Government has officially ended contracted emergency housing in Rotorua, reducing reliance on temporary motel accommodations by 85 percent and rehousing all families into permanent homes. This marks a significant improvement from the previous system, which trapped families in unstable living situations and damaged the city's reputation. While contracted emergency housing motels have closed, non-contracted emergency housing remains available as a last-resort option for those in genuine need.
13 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1508 views
A new in-water cleaning technology developed by Port of Auckland and New Zealand Diving and Salvage Limited, supported by Biosecurity New Zealand, will be used in Auckland this summer to help commercial vessels meet biofouling requirements and protect the marine environment. The system effectively cleans hard-to-reach areas on vessel hulls, reducing the need for offshore cleaning and minimizing disruption to passenger and cargo operations. Following successful trials and provisional approval, Biosecurity New Zealand aims to support vessel operators in complying with biosecurity measures while balancing commercial pressures.
12 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1540 views
New Zealand's Space Minister Judith Collins launched a $1.8 million Kiwi Space Activator pilot program to help local companies and universities develop space technologies for future national missions. The program, administered by the New Zealand Space Agency, offers up to $600,000 per project over two funding rounds, supporting innovations aligned with government challenges like maritime security and ecosystem health. Open to New Zealand-based organizations, the initiative aims to advance space technology readiness and maintain the country's leadership in global space innovation, with applications closing on March 1, 2026.
12 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1590 views
The completion of Kaikōura’s waterfront redevelopment, including the Wakatu Quay precinct, marks a significant milestone in revitalizing the region’s economy and tourism after the 2016 earthquake. The project features a new marine-inspired building for tourism, hospitality, and cultural events, supported by over $10 million in funding and a partnership between government, local council, iwi, and stakeholders. Constructed within a year by mostly local workers, the redevelopment enhances Kaikōura’s appeal as a destination and is expected to stimulate further private sector growth.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1175 views
New Zealand’s new visa-free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers with eligible Australian visas has attracted over 13,000 visitors in just one month, boosting the economy and benefiting Kiwi businesses. Tourism Minister Louise Upston highlights the positive impact on regional tourism, especially in Christchurch and Queenstown, with increased bookings and job opportunities. The initiative supports New Zealand’s vital tourism sector, encouraging more visitors to experience the country’s hospitality and attractions, particularly during the Chinese New Year.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1189 views
The Earn as You Learn pilot, launched in Waikato in February 2025, connects high school students with manufacturers to provide paid, real-world experience while earning a manufacturing certificate, achieving over 80% learner completion and strong employer support. Due to its success, the program will expand to the Hutt Valley and Canterbury in 2026, and Auckland in 2027, aiming to increase graduates from 17 to 100-150 annually. This initiative addresses skilled labor shortages in manufacturing, a key sector for New Zealand’s economy, by fostering collaboration between industry, educators, and government to build a future workforce.
05 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1139 views
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard reports intensified efforts in Auckland’s North Shore to eradicate yellow-legged hornets through increased traps, ground searches, and public awareness campaigns. A technical advisory group with international experts guides the response, which includes using electronic tracking technology to locate nests as hornet activity rises over summer. The public and beekeepers are urged to regularly check their properties for hornets and report sightings promptly to Biosecurity New Zealand to aid detection and control.
04 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1094 views
The Government is investing $5 million in critical resilience improvements to State Highway 6 around the Gates of Haast, including installing a micro pile wall and upgrading existing protections to guard against river erosion and landslides. The project, led by Moore Construction, aims to secure a vital tourism and transport link between Haast and Wanaka and is expected to be completed in five months. This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to enhancing the reliability of state highways to support local communities, tourism, and freight operations on the West Coast.