03 Nov 2026
2 hours ago
23 views
A loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will help fund a much-needed new 24-bed wing at O’Conor Home for senior citizens in Westport, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello say. “Providing safe, fit-for-purpose facilities for our senior citizens is a marker of a compassionate and caring society. When older people need this type of specialist care, it should be near their family, friends and community,” Mr Jones says.
16 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
229 views
Investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund is driving significant upgrades to key West Coast transport infrastructure, including shipping ports and Hokitika Airport, to support economic growth and resilience. Projects underway include the Greymouth Port sounding vessel, port improvements at Greymouth, Westport, and Jackson Bay, and a $16.4 million airport upgrade aimed at enhancing safety and reducing flight disruptions. These investments are strengthening critical transport connections and supporting industries and communities across the region.
11 Sep 2026
1 month ago
455 views
The New Zealand Government is enhancing support for the backcountry hut and track network by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Backcountry Trust, building on nearly a decade of successful collaboration. This MOU aims to develop a sustainable, long-term partnership to maintain and preserve huts and tracks nationwide, leveraging community volunteers, exploring new funding, and ensuring public access without altering current management responsibilities. The DOC and Backcountry Trust plan to create a national operational agreement by the end of 2026 to further strengthen conservation efforts across New Zealand’s extensive backcountry network.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
545 views
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey officially opened Ngā Moana e Rua, a new $27 million acute mental health facility at Te Nīkau Hospital in Greymouth, designed to provide a safe, therapeutic environment with modern amenities for inpatient care. This facility is part of the Mental Health Infrastructure Programme and reflects a shift towards faster access, improved frontline support, and better crisis response, with input from clinical teams, people with lived experience, and the community. West Coast mental health services are among the best-performing in the country, and the new unit aims to further enhance care while supporting earlier intervention to prevent inpatient admissions.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
500 views
The North-West Rapid Transit project in Auckland, approved through the Fast-track process, will create a rapid busway along State Highway 16 with seven stations and a Park and Ride facility, enhancing public transport for the rapidly growing north-west area. The project aims to provide a reliable 25-minute journey from Brigham Creek to Auckland City Centre, accommodating up to 9,000 passengers per hour and supporting the region's growth and economic productivity. This approval marks the 33rd Fast-track project, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, alongside other ongoing projects across housing, renewable energy, and transport sectors.
26 Aug 2026
2 months ago
659 views
New Zealand’s Legislation Repeals Project has identified a further 50 historic laws for repeal, bringing the total to over 200, as part of a comprehensive review of the country’s oldest legislation to modernize the statute book and reduce confusion. These repealed Acts include local governance, school and society regulations, and agricultural and pastoral society laws, many of which are now obsolete due to broader, general legislation. Public consultation is ongoing, with plans for a fifth round of repeals and subsequent parliamentary processes to finalize the removal of around 250 outdated Acts while preserving their historical records online.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
689 views
As of July 1, 2026, 1,732 students are enrolled in 17 charter schools in New Zealand, reflecting strong parental demand for diverse and flexible schooling options. Charter schools offer greater flexibility combined with strict accountability, resulting in improved attendance and achievement, with many students surpassing expected educational levels. The government supports expanding charter schools to harness community-driven ideas and continue this growth in student success.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
653 views
ACC has reestablished specialist Traumatic Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitation services in Canterbury and West Coast, ending a gap since 2020 that forced patients to travel far for care. Hauora Ability Services will deliver these services at The Granada Rehabilitation Centre in Christchurch starting July 2026, improving accessibility and client outcomes. This investment enables smoother recovery transitions, allowing clients to receive timely support close to home and maintain connections with family, community, and employment.
11 Aug 2026
2 months ago
693 views
Westgate Station, the first completed part of the Northwest Busway project in northwest Auckland, has been delivered on time and under budget, providing a modern public transport hub that supports growing communities and improves connectivity. The broader Northwest Busway will offer a rapid transit connection between Brigham Creek and Auckland city centre, significantly enhancing transport capacity, reducing congestion, and promoting economic growth with expected future passenger journeys rising from 1,000 to over 13,000 daily by 2041. The project exemplifies efficient infrastructure delivery, with ongoing development including Brigham Creek Station, and aligns with government priorities to invest in practical, value-for-money public transport solutions for Auckland’s expanding population.
15 Jul 2026
3 months ago
717 views
John Harbord has been appointed Chair of the Electricity Authority for a three-year term, bringing over 20 years of experience in law, governance, and public sector policy. Energy Minister Simeon Brown emphasized the Authority's role in ensuring an abundant, affordable, and reliable electricity supply that supports economic growth. Harbord succeeds Erik Westergaard, who will remain on the board as Deputy Chair.
09 Jul 2026
3 months ago
837 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed NZTA's Major Transport Projects Pipeline, outlining the phased delivery of key Roads of National Significance and major public transport projects to support economic growth and job creation. The pipeline details three phases: current construction and procurement of major roads and regional projects, preparation and route protection for upcoming projects, and slower progress on longer-term initiatives, ensuring a balanced investment across new corridors and existing infrastructure maintenance. Despite challenges like rising construction costs and reduced fuel excise duty, the government maintains an ambitious, responsible transport program aimed at building a safe, reliable, and resilient transport system nationwide.
06 Jul 2026
4 months ago
864 views
The New Zealand Government is funding two critical minerals processing projects on the West Coast through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, allocating up to $50 million to Tāiko Critical Minerals and Westland Mineral Sands. These projects aim to add value to exported minerals like titanium, zirconium, and rare earths by establishing domestic processing facilities, creating skilled jobs, and strengthening regional and national economies. The investments support long-term economic activity and contribute to a secure, diversified critical minerals supply chain essential for modern technologies and clean energy systems.
24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
830 views
The inaugural New Zealand Education Excellence Awards, hosted by Education Minister Erica Stanford, celebrated outstanding schools, teachers, and leaders driving progress in student engagement, achievement, teaching quality, and educational leadership. Winners and finalists were selected through a rigorous process involving community nominations and expert assessment, with awards highlighting innovative practices that improve attendance, literacy, and numeracy. The awards aim not only to recognize excellence with prizes and certificates but also to inspire systemic improvement by sharing successful approaches across the education sector.
24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
751 views
The Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill now allows successful charter school sponsors in New Zealand to open multiple schools, expanding proven education models to more students and addressing high demand. Evidence from both international and local charter schools shows significant improvements in student attendance, engagement, and achievement, especially for those previously disengaged or behind academically. While charter schools gain greater autonomy, they will face increased accountability and rigorous targets to ensure continued success and positive outcomes for students.
04 Jun 2026
5 months ago
936 views
The South Island’s first Rural Training Hub will be established on the West Coast to train and retain doctors, nurses, and midwives for rural New Zealand, addressing workforce shortages and improving local healthcare access. This hub, the third of four nationwide, aims to support clinical placements, strengthen training pathways, and align workforce planning with community needs. A dedicated Programme Lead will collaborate with local partners to enhance education and training opportunities, ensuring rural communities receive timely, quality care.