03 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1179 views
The Government has announced the first tranche of major events funding for 2026, featuring international and local music acts, sports, and cultural events, including Linkin Park in Auckland and Ultra Music Festival in Wellington. This $5 million investment is part of a $70 million Major Events and Tourism package aimed at boosting New Zealand’s economy by attracting visitors and supporting over 70 events nationwide. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized the significant economic benefits, such as increased business for hotels, restaurants, and shops, and promised more high-profile event announcements early next year.
02 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1186 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced the launch of Invest New Zealand, an agency focused on attracting significant foreign investment to boost the economy by targeting projects from $20 million to $1 billion and advising on supportive policies. InvestNZ will prioritize six strategic growth areas, including renewable energy, technology, and advanced manufacturing, while acting as a bridge between local investors and high-value opportunities. Additionally, three investment prospectuses for Tourism, Wood Processing, and Innovative Food Production were introduced to showcase New Zealand's competitive sectors and attract global investors.
02 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1326 views
International visitors to New Zealand are increasing in number and spending more, driving significant growth in the tourism sector and economy, with total spending reaching $12.3 billion for the year ending September 2025. Visitor numbers rose to 3.43 million, reaching 88% of pre-pandemic levels, boosted by higher-spending travelers, especially from the USA. The government supports this growth through the Tourism Growth Roadmap, aiming to double tourism export value by 2034 while enhancing visitor experiences and regional opportunities.
01 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1165 views
New Zealand is nearing eradication of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis, with no infections detected after two spring calving seasons and ongoing surveillance to confirm its absence. The $870 million, 10-year eradication programme, launched in 2018, has involved farmers, officials, and the community working together to protect the dairy and beef industries from significant economic losses. The last known transmission was in September 2023, and efforts continue to achieve full eradication by June 2028, with gratitude expressed for the collective perseverance and sacrifices made.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1100 views
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced a new government strategy to combat the harmful exotic Caulerpa seaweed, focusing on prevention, detection, removal, research, and coordination. With $31.7 million invested, efforts including ultraviolet light irradiation and chlorine enclosures have achieved up to 90% biomass reductions at key sites, prompting further research into these successes. The strategy emphasizes national collaboration among iwi, councils, fishers, and communities to protect New Zealand's coastlines through continued tool refinement, elimination trials, and strengthened surveillance.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1149 views
A $1.6 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support a new solar project to strengthen electricity supply for the remote Māori community of Horeke in Northland, benefiting around 100 households, five marae, and one school. The upgrade will address frequent power outages, reduce reliance on diesel and gas, and enable economic growth through eco and cultural tourism. The grant, provided to the Utakura 7 Incorporation trust, will fund construction and network improvements to enhance energy security and support essential services, especially during extreme weather events.
26 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1046 views
The New Zealand Government is investing in the New Zealand Certificate in Business Events (Level 4) “Te Haeata,” an industry-led qualification designed to build a skilled workforce for the business events sector. This practical, online training program aims to address workforce shortages, support career pathways, and enhance the global competitiveness of New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality industries. Launching in early 2026, Te Haeata will also be introduced in high schools to attract and retain talent, promoting sustainable growth in the sector.
26 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1170 views
New Zealand has joined the international Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) to attract investment and support its Minerals Strategy, which aims to double mineral export value by 2035 and enhance sustainable global supply chains. The partnership aligns with New Zealand’s strengths in critical minerals essential for modern technologies and will help create high-paying jobs while strengthening international relationships. Several countries have benefited from MSP membership through financing commitments, and New Zealand expects similar opportunities to develop its critical minerals sector.
24 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1166 views
The Government has renewed a $2.7 million investment in the Farmstrong rural wellbeing programme, part of a five-year $6.8 million agreement between ACC and Farmstrong aimed at reducing injuries in agriculture and horticulture. Since its 2016 launch, Farmstrong has delivered significant returns, saving over 9,800 injury claims and $52 million in costs by addressing the link between wellbeing and injury risk. The programme, supported by ACC, FMG, and the Mental Health Foundation, provides practical resources to support farmers' mental health and safety, reinforcing the sector's importance to New Zealand's economy.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1116 views
The New Zealand Government is allocating $7.5 million over three years to maintain and manage the country’s 23 iconic Great Rides, supporting their economic, recreational, and environmental benefits. These trails attract over 2 million users annually and contribute $1.28 billion to local economies, creating jobs and boosting related businesses. The funding includes dedicated trail managers and maintenance improvements, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth of the cycle trail network.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1235 views
New Zealand has passed the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill to strengthen protections against deceptive, corruptive, or coercive foreign interference. The legislation creates new offences criminalizing foreign interference and updates espionage-related laws to safeguard national security. While encouraging transparent diplomatic and lobbying activities, the law aims to hold accountable those engaging in covert or harmful foreign influence.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1075 views
New Zealand has passed the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill to better protect the country from deceptive, corruptive, or coercive foreign activities aimed at manipulating society. The legislation creates new offences specifically criminalizing foreign interference and updates existing laws related to espionage and wrongful communication of government information. While normal diplomatic and transparent engagements remain unaffected, the government emphasizes that foreign interference will no longer be tolerated.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1148 views
The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill, passed to maintain national security during industrial action, allows the Chief of Defence Force greater flexibility to manage workforce redeployment without requiring parliamentary debate. It enables uniformed personnel to temporarily perform the duties of civilian staff during strikes, ensuring critical defence functions continue while preserving the right to industrial action. The Bill also streamlines authorisation processes and extends ministerial powers to backfill public servant roles, enhancing New Zealand’s defence readiness amid a challenging strategic environment.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1312 views
New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides contribute $1.28 billion annually to local economies, with visitor spending rising 35% from 2021 to 2025, according to the latest evaluation report. Visitor nights and trail usage have also increased significantly, boosting accommodation and hospitality sectors and supporting regional jobs. The Government invests $8 million yearly from the International Visitor Levy and additional funds into trail infrastructure to sustain growth and economic benefits.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1048 views
New Zealand has launched a 10-year NZSL Strategy 2026-2036 to strengthen and promote New Zealand Sign Language, making it a more visible and valued part of everyday life. The strategy focuses on increasing NZSL fluency among Deaf people, especially children in hearing families, and improving understanding and acceptance of NZSL among non-users to reduce access barriers. It emphasizes integration across government, business, media, and communities, celebrating NZSL milestones and encouraging everyone to support its use daily.