Articles tagged with Uri
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International Visitor Arrivals and Spending on the Rise, Boosting New Zealand's Tourism Sector and Economy
02 Sep 2025 | 1 year ago | 1345 viewsFresh data released today indicates that international visitor arrivals and spending are on the rise, boosting New Zealand's tourism sector and economy, as highlighted by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. The year ending June 2025 saw international tourism contribute $12.1 billion to the economy, a 4.3% increase from the previous year, with a 5% rise in visitor arrivals totaling 3.38 million. Despite positive growth, Upston emphasizes the need for continued efforts to further enhance the tourism sector, referencing initiatives like the Tourism Growth Roadmap aimed at doubling tourism exports by 2034.
Tags: tourism economy international visitors Louise Upston spending tourism sector international tourism visitor arrivals New Zealand Tourism Growth RoadmapGovernment Launches First Crisis Recovery Café in Whanganui to Support Mental Health
02 Sep 2025 | 1 year ago | 1186 viewsThe Mental Health Minister opened Whanganui’s new Crisis Recovery Café at Aunty’s Café, the first of six cafés being rolled out by the Government nationwide. These cafés, led by Balance Aotearoa and iwi providers, offer peer-led, non-clinical support for individuals facing mental health or addiction challenges in a community setting. The Government aims to reduce pressure on traditional crisis systems by providing faster access to support, increasing frontline workers, and enhancing crisis response through initiatives like crisis cafés and peer support specialist roles in emergency departments.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Minister Crisis Recovery Café Balance Aotearoa Te Oranganui Hāpai Mauri Tangata peer support specialist mental health plan Health NZ frontline workersNew Legislation Enhances Defence Force Workforce Management for National Security
28 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1097 viewsNew legislation introduced by Defence Minister Judith Collins allows the Chief of Defence Force to redeploy uniformed personnel to fill roles of striking civilian staff, ensuring national security during industrial action. The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill expands the Minister's authority to include instances where national security and core defence functions are at risk, such as security at military bases and aircraft maintenance. The bill aims to address challenges faced during previous industrial actions and will be open for public submissions when referred to a select committee in September 2025.
Tags: Chief of Defence Force CDF workforce national security industrial action Defence Minister Judith Collins Defence Act New Zealand Defence Force civilian staffLandmark Agreement Enhances NZ Poultry Industry Biosecurity
28 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1324 viewsThe Government and poultry industry have reached a significant agreement to jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). The agreement involves cost-sharing arrangements, with industry contributing to readiness and response costs, and industry bodies being recognized as decision-makers alongside the Government. The focus is on ensuring a unified response to diseases like H5N1 to protect the industry, domestic food supply, and international trade, with the agreement set to take effect on 1 September 2025.
Tags: Government poultry industry landmark deal exotic poultry diseases high pathogenicity avian influenza Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard Egg Producers Federation Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand H5N1 strain Michael BrooksAmplify: New Zealand Government Strategy for Arts, Culture & Jobs Growth
28 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1222 viewsThe Government has released the Amplify strategy to enhance Kiwis' involvement in the arts, boost the sector's economic impact, and generate more jobs. The strategy aims for New Zealand to be globally recognized for its arts and creativity, with specific goals set for economic growth, increased engagement with arts and culture, and more jobs in the sector by 2030. Amplify focuses on three strategic pillars: maximizing value from creative sectors, nurturing talent and career opportunities, and updating regulations to support cultural sector growth, with plans for ongoing updates based on industry feedback.
Tags: Arts Culture Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith Amplify New Zealand GDP Tourism StrategyEmpowering Intelligence Professionals for National Security
27 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1108 viewsThe content emphasizes gratitude for the opportunity to address intelligence professionals, highlighting the importance of their work in providing crucial insights for decision-makers. It discusses the evolving landscape of intelligence work, including the need to expand the reach of intelligence services to support a wider range of stakeholders and adapt to technological advancements. Additionally, it touches on the importance of early action, collaboration domestically and internationally, and adopting an integrated approach to national security to ensure New Zealand's safety and prosperity.
Tags: Dan Wildy New Zealand Police intelligence professionals New Zealanders national security GCSB NZSIS Five Eyes artificial intelligence security provisionsRegional Infrastructure Fund Boosts Horticulture Expansion in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti
27 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1294 viewsThe Regional Infrastructure Fund is providing $24.62 million to boost horticulture expansion in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti through water storage, flood resilience, and Māori land projects, aiming to enhance regional economies, employment, and export growth while improving resilience to economic shocks and extreme weather events. Specific projects include establishing high-value horticulture on Māori land in Tairāwhiti, expanding water storage capacity in Hawke’s Bay, replenishing the Makauri aquifer in Tairāwhiti, and developing water storage infrastructure for pipfruit orchards. These investments aim to strengthen regional resilience and productivity, with a focus on supporting the regions' economic growth and success.
Tags: Shane Jones Regional Infrastructure Fund Hawke’s Bay Tairāwhiti water storage horticulture expansion whenua Māori projects Regional Development Minister Makauri Aquifer Recharge Limited Ngāti Pahauwera Commercial Development LimitedEnergy Minister Simon Watts Joins APEC Leaders in Busan for Energy Security Discussions
25 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1250 viewsEnergy Minister Simon Watts will attend the 15th APEC Energy Ministers Meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, focusing on energy security and affordability. He aims to collaborate internationally to build resilient and sustainable energy systems in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss harnessing energy innovation. Key topics at the meeting include electricity expansion, grid security, reliability, and AI-driven energy innovation, with a focus on connecting with counterparts to advance shared energy goals.
Tags: Simon Watts Energy Minister Busan Republic of Korea APEC Energy security International collaboration Sustainable energy systems Energy innovation New ZealandNew Zealand to Host World Triathlon Events in Tauranga 2026-2028
05 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1833 viewsTauranga will host a series of World Triathlon events over three years starting in 2026, including the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Finals, with an expected 6000 international visitors generating $25 million in tourism revenue. The Government is investing $2.65 million to support Tri NZ in hosting these events, aiming to attract over 4500 international competitors for the 2028 World Championship final. These events will be broadcast live to a global audience, showcasing New Zealand's strong history in triathlon and promoting sport tourism.
Tags: New Zealand Tauranga World Triathlon events 2028 World Triathlon Championship Finals Louise Upston Tourism and Hospitality Minister Major Events Fund Tri NZ Ironman 70.3 World Championship KiwisPapua New Guinea's Golden Jubilee: New Zealand's Friendship and Future
05 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1911 viewsThe content highlights the visit and address of the Prime Minister of New Zealand to the Papua New Guinea National Parliament in celebration of the upcoming 50th Anniversary of Independence. The speech emphasizes the longstanding friendship between the two countries, shared historical ties, development partnerships, and the importance of regional cooperation in the Pacific. The Prime Minister acknowledges Papua New Guinea's ambitious and courageous spirit, its progress in democracy, and the potential for further collaboration in trade, defense, cultural exchange, and addressing global challenges.
Tags: Job Pomat James Marape Douglas Tomuriesa Matiu Rata Prime Minister Rowling Prime Minister Kirk Sir Michael Somare Grand Chief New Zealand.Genesis, Mercury, Meridian, and Contact Establish Strategic Energy Reserve to Boost Energy Security and Affordability in New Zealand
03 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1830 viewsEnergy Ministers Simon Watts and Shane Jones welcome the establishment of a strategic energy reserve by major power companies in New Zealand to enhance energy security and maintain affordable prices. The initiative aims to address vulnerabilities in the energy system highlighted by last year's dry winter, which led to high prices and pressure on industries and households. The government is taking steps to strengthen the energy system by ensuring fuel supply security, supporting investment, and enhancing market competition to reduce costs and promote economic growth.
Tags: Simon Watts Shane Jones Genesis Mercury Meridian Contact New Zealand energy reserve energy security affordable energy pricesNew Zealand to Boost Economy and Jobs by Expanding Access to Conservation Areas
02 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1755 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced plans to stimulate economic growth on a third of New Zealand's land, aiming to create jobs and boost wages nationwide. They highlighted issues with the current concessions regime for businesses operating on conservation land, proposing to reform the Conservation Act to streamline processes and introduce charges for foreign visitors at popular sites. The revenue generated from these charges, estimated at up to $62 million annually, will be reinvested in maintaining and enhancing conservation areas, while ensuring free access for New Zealanders.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Tama Potaka New Zealand Conservation Act Department of Conservation National Party Conference tourism agriculture infrastructure concessionsNew Zealand Petroleum Exploration Permits Open in September: Crown Minerals Amendment Bill Impact
31 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1866 viewsThe Crown Minerals Amendment Bill, following its third reading, will allow operators to apply for new petroleum exploration permits starting in September. The Bill removes the ban on oil and gas exploration beyond onshore Taranaki, introduces a new tier of permit for small-scale non-commercial gold mining, and aims to boost investment in Crown-owned minerals. Changes in liability for decommissioning costs and the need for clarity in regulatory burden and risk are also addressed in the Bill to enhance investor confidence and energy security.
Tags: Shane Jones petroleum exploration permits Crown Minerals Amendment Bill oil and gas exploration energy security natural gas decommissioning investment liabilityTransforming New Zealand's Import Health Standards for Enhanced Efficiency and Biosecurity Protection
30 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2815 viewsThe New Zealand Government is modernizing the import health system to reduce the time it takes to develop Import Health Standards (IHSs) while maintaining strong biosecurity protections. A regulatory efficiency program is underway, utilizing generative artificial intelligence to streamline the IHS development process. Pilot projects, such as the reform of the Plant Nursery Stock import system, aim to provide faster approvals for imported goods and support growth and productivity while safeguarding biosecurity.
Tags: Government New Zealand Import Health Standards Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard regulatory framework artificial intelligence Ministry for Primary Industries MPI$4.5 Million Investment to Boost Rural Tourism and Create Jobs
30 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1847 viewsA $4.5 million investment in developing tourism at culturally significant sites aims to create jobs and boost rural economies, expanding the Tohu Whenua program to more regions. Tohu Whenua enhances visitor experiences by sharing unique cultural heritage stories and improving facilities. The program, a partnership between Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and DOC, has seen significant increases in visitation at sites and is set to expand to Manawatū-Whanganui and Murihiku Southland regions.
Tags: tourism cultural heritage Tama Potaka Tohu Whenua Conservation Minister Kate Sheppard House Kaikōura Peninsula DOC Aotearoa New Zealand Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga