31 Jul 2026
2 months ago
645 views
The New Zealand government, alongside the Whanganui District Council, has allocated $464,000 to investigate the environmental impacts of the former Balgownie Landfill, which operated from 1956 to 2001 without modern containment features. The project aims to assess contamination and leachate effects on nearby waterways and wetlands, informing long-term remedial actions to protect the environment. This investigation complements ongoing community restoration efforts and involves collaboration with Whanganui hapū to enhance cultural and environmental values in the Whanganui Catchment, with completion expected by October 2027.
04 Jun 2026
4 months ago
1034 views
A $3.32 million remediation project to clean up two former landfill sites near Aoraki/Mount Cook Village has been completed, removing about 2500 cubic metres of waste to prevent contamination of the Hooker River and Lake Pūkaki. The Department of Conservation and the Ministry for the Environment jointly funded the project, which addressed erosion and flooding risks that threatened water quality and ecosystems. The work, supported by the Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund and Environment Canterbury, began in April 2026 and finished in June 2026.
04 Jun 2026
4 months ago
988 views
Budget 2026 allocates $93.5 million over four years, plus $0.8 million in capital funding, to enhance support for children and young people with high and complex needs. This investment aims to improve stability in care, prevent placement breakdowns, and provide earlier, more intensive support for vulnerable youth and their families. The government emphasizes that this approach will reduce the need for more restrictive and costly care while addressing the increasing challenges faced by these children.
10 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1513 views
Te Oranga Care and Protection Residence in Christchurch is being upgraded and reopened to provide therapeutic, trauma-informed care for children with high and complex needs. Admissions were paused in 2021 due to staffing issues and underinvestment, but the residence will resume operations after undergoing significant infrastructure improvements. Minister Karen Chhour highlights the government's commitment to enhancing care for children, emphasizing the importance of professional standards and investments in facilities to ensure a safe and supportive environment for at-risk youth.
05 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2327 views
Construction begins on the new Papakura District Court, aiming to improve court processes and critical infrastructure, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Courts Minister Nicole McKee. The project reflects a modern approach, with half the building being prefabricated off-site to enhance safety and efficiency while addressing demographic changes in South Auckland. The new courthouse, set to open in early 2027 with a $34m budget, will feature three courtrooms, two hearing rooms, and a dedicated suite for vulnerable witnesses, emphasizing the importance of timely access to justice and supporting victims within the justice system.
30 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2175 views
Dr Ang Jury, ONZM has been appointed as the Chair of the new Board for the Independent Children’s Monitor, a key oversight body for the Oranga Tamariki system. This appointment is a significant step towards fulfilling commitments to vulnerable children, as highlighted by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. Dr Jury's expertise in the social and Oranga Tamariki sectors will be instrumental in establishing the new Board, with her five-year term beginning on August 1, 2025.