03 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1415 views
The 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.
02 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1439 views
A 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.
30 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1366 views
A 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.
30 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1350 views
Minister 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.
29 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1496 views
The 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.
28 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1417 views
Health 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.
28 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1352 views
Oceans 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.
28 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1255 views
The 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.
27 Jan 2026
9 months ago
2196 views
A 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.
27 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1365 views
Prime 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.
26 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1265 views
The 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.
21 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1534 views
Agriculture 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.
20 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1377 views
New 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.
19 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1685 views
On 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.
18 Jan 2026
9 months ago
2206 views
The Government, led by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft, is urgently seeking advice on addressing the unsustainable removal of marine life from rockpools on Whangaparāoa Peninsula and surrounding areas. Following a request from the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust for a temporary fisheries closure, officials are considering measures such as species-specific collection prohibitions and educational campaigns to protect these ecosystems. Collaboration with local communities and stakeholders aims to find balanced solutions that support ecosystem recovery while avoiding negative impacts on legitimate activities like oyster farming.