19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1115 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour highlights that Term 4 2025 saw the highest regular school attendance rates since 2022, with 57.3% of students attending at least 90% of the term, reflecting a steady upward trend driven by government initiatives and increased parental involvement. Regional attendance rates were highest in Central and East Auckland at 62.6%, and schools are now required to implement attendance management plans with escalating interventions for absences, supported by improved frontline services and $140 million in additional funding over four years. Seymour emphasizes that regular attendance is crucial for positive educational and life outcomes, and early Term 1 data indicates the positive trend is continuing.
19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
3208 views
The Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) opening on 19 March 2026 to find experienced operators to restore and manage the historic Chateau Tongariro and its associated buildings. The proposals must balance commercial viability with heritage conservation, respect for tangata whenua aspirations, and the cultural significance of Tongariro National Park. The selection panel will evaluate submissions to ensure the restoration supports tourism, local businesses, and aligns with the park's values, with no guarantee of concession awarded.
19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1172 views
The Mental Health and Addiction Innovation Fund in New Zealand has entered its third round with changes to increase access, including revising the requirement for an independent Social Return on Investment (SROI) report to a more flexible proposal-based approach. These adjustments respond to sector feedback by lowering barriers such as matched-funding thresholds and allowing community organizations to better demonstrate outcomes while maintaining robust evaluation. With $20 million allocated over two years, the Fund aims to support grassroots initiatives that improve timely access to mental health and addiction services, protect public specialist services, and deliver scalable, evidence-based solutions.
19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1353 views
New Zealand will release 1.577 million barrels of crude oil purchase options, known as oil tickets, to support the International Energy Agency’s collective response to oil supply disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. This contribution, part of a larger IEA release of 400 million barrels, aims to ease global refinery pressure and stabilize markets without affecting New Zealand’s domestic fuel security. The released tickets pertain to crude oil and fuels incompatible with New Zealand’s system, meaning no physical oil supply will be directly released.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1191 views
New Zealand and Ireland have signed a joint ministerial statement to advance agricultural climate research, building on a successful $34.5 million Joint Research Initiative launched in 2022. Both countries aim to develop tools that help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions without lowering production, focusing on pasture-based farming. Additionally, they launched the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan for the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases to enhance scientific research, collaboration, and resource mobilization worldwide.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1077 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will attend the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon as Vice Chair, playing a key role in facilitating negotiations. New Zealand emphasizes the importance of a rules-based global trade system and aims to uphold the WTO’s integrity amid rising protectionism and global economic challenges. The conference, attended by 166 member economies, will address issues including e-commerce, agricultural reform, and fisheries subsidies.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1159 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is attending the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon as Vice Chair, playing a key role in facilitating negotiations. New Zealand emphasizes the importance of a rules-based global trade system and aims to uphold the WTO’s integrity amid rising protectionism and global economic disruptions. The conference, attended by 166 member economies, will address issues including e-commerce, agriculture reform, and fisheries subsidies.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1138 views
The Ara Jobs and Skills Hub, supported by the Ministry of Social Development for 10 years, has helped over 1,440 people into jobs and provided training to thousands within the Auckland Airport precinct. This partnership coordinates workforce planning, recruitment, and training for 800 businesses across various sectors, addressing significant workforce demands. Minister Louise Upston emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in supporting job seekers and achieving the government’s goal of reducing Jobseeker Support recipients by 50,000 by 2030.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1928 views
National Green Steel Limited’s structural steel manufacturing plant in Hampton Downs, Waikato, has been approved through the Fast-track process, aiming to produce 200,000 tonnes of recycled steel annually using low-carbon electric arc furnace technology. The project will reduce steel imports, enable local recycling of scrap metal, create about 200 skilled jobs, and support New Zealand’s infrastructure development by strengthening supply chains. This is the 13th project approved under Fast-track and the first infrastructure project involving steel manufacturing, reflecting industry readiness to invest in sustainable infrastructure solutions.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1299 views
Health New Zealand is launching a two-year pilot program to provide faster, locally delivered genomic testing for cancer and rare disorders, reducing wait times by processing tests domestically rather than overseas. Partnering with Illumina, the pilot will use Whole Genome Sequencing and Comprehensive Genomic Profiling to improve diagnosis, treatment decisions, and build local expertise while managing genomic data securely. This initiative aims to enhance clinical outcomes, generate operational savings, and inform the development of a national genomics service focused on timely, patient-centered care.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1306 views
New Zealand currently maintains healthy fuel stocks, with about 49 days of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel supply available, including fuel in storage and shipments en route. The government is enhancing fuel data reporting and working closely with industry to monitor supply risks, ensuring readiness amid global uncertainties like the Strait of Hormuz closure. Authorities emphasize there is no need for fuel restrictions at this time, assuring the public that any changes will be communicated promptly with mitigation plans in place.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1169 views
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has granted $468,000 from the Lottery Minister’s Discretionary Fund to the SPCA for a targeted dog desexing program aimed at reducing irresponsible breeding and roaming dogs in Auckland and Northland. This initiative, totaling nearly $1.2 million with the SPCA’s contribution, seeks to improve public safety by preventing dog attacks and controlling the dog population, potentially stopping 7,500 puppies from being born in the first year. The program is part of a broader government effort to address dog-related harm, with progress monitored through quarterly reports and further measures to be announced.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1229 views
The Government is introducing the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill to strengthen New Zealand’s immigration system by improving tools to manage risks, including extending deportation liability for serious criminals from ten to twenty years. The Bill and accompanying Parliamentary paper propose changes to better handle asylum claims, such as considering serious crimes committed after arrival in refugee status determinations and addressing bad faith claims to maintain system integrity. These measures aim to balance attracting skilled migrants and protecting genuine refugees while ensuring consequences for those who abuse the system, with the Bill expected to begin parliamentary readings soon.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1042 views
The New Zealand government is investing nearly $20 million annually in a new Action Plan to improve addiction support, focusing on early intervention, expanded pregnancy and parenting services, and community-based follow-up for those affected by substance use. Emphasizing the critical first 1000 days of a child's life, the plan aims to prevent harm through early identification and enhanced support for families experiencing alcohol or drug issues. Progress includes a growing addiction workforce and reduced counselor vacancies, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing addiction comprehensively across all stages.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1130 views
The Government is extending the state redress scheme to cover survivors of abuse in State-run mental health inpatient facilities from 1 July 1993 to 30 June 2022, addressing gaps identified after Health New Zealand assumed responsibility in 2022. This change, prompted by survivors' difficulties in accessing recognition and redress, aims to provide consistent support and accountability regardless of when the abuse occurred. The amendment to the Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill is progressing through Parliament, reflecting the Government’s commitment to meaningful change and preventing future harm.