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Updated Public Sector Code of Conduct Enhances Integrity and Accountability
03 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1112 viewsPublic Service Minister Judith Collins announced an updated Code of Conduct to enhance integrity, accountability, and professionalism across New Zealand's Public Sector. The new Code, based on public service values and informed by the 2025 Public Service Census, introduces standards on merit-based appointments, workplace culture, and respectful behavior, supported by mandatory training and election guidance. The Code will take effect in March 2026, with resources available on the Public Service Commission website and the Leadership Development Centre.
Tags: Judith Collins Public Sector Public Service Commission Code of Conduct Integrity Public Service Census Leadership Development Centre Workplace Culture General Election GuidanceGovernment Invests $6.25M to Boost Māori Horticulture Projects in Northland and Waikato
02 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1097 viewsThe Government is investing $6.25 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop two horticulture projects on underutilised Māori land in Northland and Waikato, aiming to boost local supply chains and economic benefits. The Ngā Pūriri Pūmau kiwifruit project in Te Tai Tokerau and the Ngāti Hauā horticulture project in Waikato will create jobs, build essential infrastructure, and support sustainable commercial production of crops like asparagus, strawberries, and blueberries. These initiatives exemplify successful collaboration between iwi leadership and government, promoting productive land use and long-term regional growth for Māori communities.
Tags: Shane Jones Tama Potaka Ngā Pūriri Pūmau Ngāti Hauā Regional Infrastructure Fund Ngāpuhi Investment Fund Oromahoe Trust Rangihamama Omapere Trust Peria LP Ngāti Hauā Iwi TrustNew Rural Health Training Program Boosts West Coast Workforce and Care
01 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1148 viewsA new coordinated rural hospital medicine and specialist GP training programme has launched on the West Coast to strengthen the home-grown rural health workforce by increasing registrar numbers from two to three to eight to ten. The programme, accredited to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine training, offers six to twelve-month placements with strong supervision, support, and aims to retain trainees long-term by fostering community connections. This initiative aligns with the National Rural Health Strategy’s goal of ensuring accessible healthcare for all New Zealanders, particularly those in rural areas.
Tags: Simeon Brown Matt Doocey West Coast rural health workforce rural hospital medicine specialist GP training New Zealand Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine National Rural Health Strategy rural generalistsRestoring 110 Hectares of Native Forest on Northland’s Kōwhairoa Peninsula
30 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1114 viewsA restoration project on Northland’s Kōwhairoa Peninsula Historic Reserve aims to reestablish 110 hectares of native forest through planting 132,000 native trees and pest control, supported by $1.54 million in government funding. Led by Te Komanga Marae Trust and guided by ecologist Dr. Adam Forbes, the initiative revives a culturally and ecologically significant site cleared by early settlers, using locally-sourced seeds. The project, launched in 2019 and funded under the Provincial Growth Fund’s One Billion Trees programme, is progressing well and expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Tags: Shane Jones Roger Kingi Adam Forbes Te Komanga Marae Trust Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa Te Uru Rākau Department of Conservation Provincial Growth Fund One Billion Trees NorthlandTemporary Accommodation and Marae Support Aid Severe Weather Recovery in NZ
30 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1047 viewsMinister Tama Potaka announced that temporary accommodation, including motorhomes, and marae-led welfare support are being provided to those displaced by recent severe weather, with rapid assessments and placements through the Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service. Marae have played a crucial role in offering shelter and kai, supported by a $1 million Marae Emergency Response Fund to acknowledge their leadership and cover associated costs. People needing accommodation or insurance claim support are encouraged to register with the relevant services, and marae or organizations can seek reimbursement through Te Puni Kōkiri.
Tags: Tama Potaka Te Puni Kōkiri Marae Emergency Response Fund Temporary Accommodation Service New Zealand Claims Resolution Service Māori Development Associate Minister of Housing Northland marae whānauGovernment $950K Loan Boosts Māori Farmland Productivity and Regional Growth
29 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1205 viewsThe Government is providing a $950,000 loan through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to the Omuturangi 6E & 7A Ahu Whenua Trust to upgrade farmland infrastructure near Hāwera, enabling increased milking capacity and a 25% boost in milk production. This investment aims to create jobs, support regional growth, and help the trust transition from passive leasing to active farm management while training its people in commercial farming. Without the loan, the land would have reverted to less-productive grazing, but the project will benefit both the trust’s owners and the wider local economy, with construction starting soon.
Tags: Mark Patterson Tama Potaka Omuturangi 6E & 7A Ahu Whenua Trust Māori trust Regional Infrastructure Fund Hāwera Māori Development Minister Rural Communities Minister farmland productivity dairy farmingNew Tailored Health and Safety Rules to Ease Lab Work Regulations by 2026
27 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1159 viewsHealth and safety regulations for research laboratories are currently impractical and overly restrictive, as they apply the same rules as large industrial hazardous substance operations, leading to increased risks and significant compliance costs estimated between $1.5 billion to $3 billion. The removal of a specialized compliance pathway in 2017 left laboratories bound by unsuitable rules, but the government, led by Minister Brooke van Velden, plans to introduce tailored regulations and an Approved Code of Practice by 2026 to better address the unique risks in laboratory environments. This reform aims to balance safety with practicality, enabling scientists to use their expertise for effective risk management without unnecessary regulatory burdens.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Universities New Zealand Independent Research Association of New Zealand Health and Safety at Work Regulations research laboratories hazardous substances regulatory relief Approved Code of Practice health and safety complianceMinister Jones Considers New Rules to Protect Rockpools and Marine Life Sustainability
27 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1073 viewsOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is considering new restrictions and public education measures to address concerns about marine life depletion in rockpools around Whangaparāoa Peninsula and other areas. Fishery Officers are actively patrolling beaches to enforce current rules, with recent inspections revealing significant non-compliance, prompting a commitment to hold offenders accountable. Alongside potential rule changes, community engagement and education are emphasized to support the protection and sustainability of marine ecosystems for future generations.
Tags: Shane Jones Marcroft Fisheries New Zealand Fishery Officers Whangaparāoa Peninsula Clevedon Auckland marine life rockpools sustainabilityGovernment Boosts $200K Support for Farmers Affected by Severe Weather
27 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1057 viewsThe Government is increasing support for farmers and growers affected by severe weather, providing an additional $200,000 to Rural Support Trusts in impacted regions. Ministry for Primary Industries staff are working with sector groups to identify where aid is most needed, complementing the $2.2 million previously announced for Mayoral Relief Funds and marae welfare reimbursements. Farmers and growers seeking help are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust for assistance.
Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Christopher Luxon Government Rural Support Trust Ministry for Primary Industries farmers growers Northland Bay of PlentyMount Maunganui Landslide Tragedy: Honoring Lives Lost and Community Strength
27 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1932 viewsA devastating landslide at Mount Maunganui following heavy rain resulted in six confirmed fatalities and a prolonged rescue and recovery operation, deeply affecting families and communities. Emergency services, local heroes, and volunteers have worked tirelessly amid widespread extreme weather events that have also caused other losses and states of emergency in multiple regions. The government and communities remain committed to recovery efforts, offering support and solidarity to those grieving and displaced, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Tags: Sharon Max Lisa Jacqualine Susan Måns FENZ Police Mount Maunganui Bay of PlentyNZ Government Launches $1.2M Support for Recovery After Severe Weather Impact
27 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1107 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon announced initial government support for recovery efforts following severe weather, including temporary housing for around 500 displaced people and $1.2 million in immediate relief funds, with additional funding available from various agencies. The government is prioritizing infrastructure repairs, health and mental support, and reimbursing marae that provided community welfare, while Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell emphasized ongoing assessments and future support. Luxon also appointed Hon Chris Penk as Associate Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery to coordinate the response and advise on a potential independent inquiry into the Mount Maunganui tragedy.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Mark Mitchell Chris Penk Mount Maunganui Welcome Bay Warkworth Natural Hazards Commission New Zealand Transport Agency Ministry for the Environment Ministry of Primary IndustriesGovernment Activates Temporary Accommodation Service for North Island Weather Victims
26 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1046 viewsThe Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) has been activated to support people displaced by recent severe weather in parts of the North Island. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is coordinating with emergency agencies, local councils, and communities to provide safe accommodation and additional support services, including social, mental health, and financial assistance. Those affected are encouraged to register for temporary accommodation through the TAS website or phone line, though registration numbers are not yet confirmed.
Tags: Tama Potaka Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Temporary Accommodation Service Civil Defence Emergency Management National Emergency Management Agency Northland Coromandel Bay of Plenty TairāwhitiFarmers Urged to Stay Safe Amid Severe Weather Warnings and Support Available
21 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1312 viewsAgriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay urges farmers and growers to stay informed about severe weather warnings and seek support if needed, as heavy rain and strong wind alerts affect many regions. The Ministry for Primary Industries is actively monitoring the situation, coordinating with emergency groups, and providing on-ground assistance while advising people to prioritize safety and avoid floodwaters. A precautionary state of emergency has been declared in Whangārei, and those needing help are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust.
Tags: Todd McClay Ministry for Primary Industries MPI Agriculture and Forestry MetService Rural Support Trust Northland Whangārei Bay of Plenty Hawke’s BayNew Zealand and Palau Strengthen Partnership for Pacific Islands Forum and Ocean Protection
20 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1074 viewsNew Zealand and Palau have agreed to strengthen their partnership as the next hosts of the Pacific Islands Forum, focusing on regional challenges like ocean health, fisheries management, and economic resilience. Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized the importance of unity among Pacific nations to address shared issues and announced New Zealand's continued support for Palau's Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner with NZ$1.1 million. The discussions also covered practical cooperation for Palau’s Forum hosting and highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to safeguarding the ocean, a vital resource for the region’s future.
Tags: Winston Peters Surangel Whipps Jr Gustav Aitaro Sakiasi Ditoka Baron Waqa New Zealand Palau Pacific Islands Forum Pacific Ocean Commissioner Pacific regionalismKiribati and New Zealand Strengthen Partnership for Sustainable Pacific Future 2026-2030
18 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1361 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 Declaration