Articles tagged with New Zealand
New Legislation Enhances Defence Force Workforce Management for National Security
3 days ago | 119 viewsNew legislation introduced by Defence Minister Judith Collins allows the Chief of Defence Force to redeploy uniformed personnel to fill roles of striking civilian staff, ensuring national security during industrial action. The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill expands the Minister's authority to include instances where national security and core defence functions are at risk, such as security at military bases and aircraft maintenance. The bill aims to address challenges faced during previous industrial actions and will be open for public submissions when referred to a select committee in September 2025.
Tags: Chief of Defence Force CDF workforce national security industrial action Defence Minister Judith Collins Defence Act New Zealand Defence Force civilian staffLandmark Agreement Enhances NZ Poultry Industry Biosecurity
3 days ago | 91 viewsThe Government and poultry industry have reached a significant agreement to jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). The agreement involves cost-sharing arrangements, with industry contributing to readiness and response costs, and industry bodies being recognized as decision-makers alongside the Government. The focus is on ensuring a unified response to diseases like H5N1 to protect the industry, domestic food supply, and international trade, with the agreement set to take effect on 1 September 2025.
Tags: Government poultry industry landmark deal exotic poultry diseases high pathogenicity avian influenza Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard Egg Producers Federation Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand H5N1 strain Michael BrooksAmplify: New Zealand Government Strategy for Arts, Culture & Jobs Growth
3 days ago | 97 viewsThe Government has released the Amplify strategy to enhance Kiwis' involvement in the arts, boost the sector's economic impact, and generate more jobs. The strategy aims for New Zealand to be globally recognized for its arts and creativity, with specific goals set for economic growth, increased engagement with arts and culture, and more jobs in the sector by 2030. Amplify focuses on three strategic pillars: maximizing value from creative sectors, nurturing talent and career opportunities, and updating regulations to support cultural sector growth, with plans for ongoing updates based on industry feedback.
Tags: Arts Culture Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith Amplify New Zealand GDP Tourism StrategyEmpowering Intelligence Professionals for National Security
3 days ago | 76 viewsThe content emphasizes gratitude for the opportunity to address intelligence professionals, highlighting the importance of their work in providing crucial insights for decision-makers. It discusses the evolving landscape of intelligence work, including the need to expand the reach of intelligence services to support a wider range of stakeholders and adapt to technological advancements. Additionally, it touches on the importance of early action, collaboration domestically and internationally, and adopting an integrated approach to national security to ensure New Zealand's safety and prosperity.
Tags: Dan Wildy New Zealand Police intelligence professionals New Zealanders national security GCSB NZSIS Five Eyes artificial intelligence security provisionsRestoring History: Mataura Railway Station Transfer Ceremony
3 days ago | 100 viewsDignitaries, including Mayor Ben Bell and Minister Mark Patterson, gathered at Mataura Railway Station for its ownership transfer to the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand. The historic station, designed by Sir George Troup, holds significance in New Zealand's rail heritage and industrial development. KiwiRail's increased funding commitment will aid in the restoration of the station, emphasizing the importance of preserving heritage for community identity and future generations.
Tags: Mayor Ben Bell Honourable Mark Patterson Vanessa Oakley Duncan Roy Dr Murray King Sir Julius Vogel Sir George Troup Sue Tindal KiwiRail Rail Heritage Trust of New ZealandNew Zealand Rail Heritage Trust Receives Boost for Restoration Efforts
3 days ago | 109 viewsRail Minister Winston Peters announced an increased annual contribution to the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand for restoring rail heritage buildings and structures. The Trust has restored various railway sites, including the Cass railway station, and aims to support more with local financial and volunteer help. KiwiRail is also repairing the historic rail footbridge at Moana and considering transferring ownership of the Mataura Railway Station to the Trust for restoration.
Tags: Rail Heritage Trust New Zealand annual contribution restoration efforts Rail Minister Winston Peters industrial heritage volunteer power engineering pride KiwiRail Sue TindalNew Zealand–UAE Trade Agreement Brings Major Benefits and Opportunities
3 days ago | 140 viewsThe New Zealand–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has come into effect, offering significant tariff savings and market access for Kiwi exporters. Key goods like dairy, red meat, and fruit will now enter the UAE duty-free, with the agreement aiming to enhance trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. The CEPA also paves the way for increased bilateral trade, job creation, and economic growth, aligning with New Zealand's export expansion goals.
Tags: New Zealand United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Todd McClay Agriculture Trade Investment Minister CEPA Kiwi exporters tariff savingsNew Zealand's Gender Pay Gap Shrinks to 5.2% - Historic Low
4 days ago | 127 viewsNew Zealand's gender pay gap decreased from 8.2% to 5.2% in the June 2025 quarter, the lowest since data collection began in 1998, as reported by Stats NZ. Minister for Women, Nicola Grigg, hailed the improvement as positive news for women in the country. The government is dedicated to economic growth, with efforts to reduce pay gaps, increase wages, and create more job opportunities, though challenges persist in addressing ethnic pay gaps.
Tags: New Zealand gender pay gap Stats NZ Nicola Grigg Minister for Women wages inflation interest rates economic empowerment ethnic groupsNew Zealand Government Initiates Breakthrough Measures to Boost Supermarket Competition
4 days ago | 146 viewsThe Government plans urgent legislative and policy changes to remove barriers for competitor supermarkets in New Zealand, aiming to boost competition and offer better deals for consumers. These changes include fast-track approvals for new supermarkets, streamlining building consent processes, and amending regulations to combat predatory pricing. The initiative aims to encourage new domestic competitors and potential international retailers like Costco to expand in New Zealand, with further considerations on potentially restructuring major supermarket players Foodstuffs and Woolworths to enhance market competition.
Tags: Government supermarkets New Zealand legislative changes Nicola Willis competition Kiwi shoppers zoning regulations grocery sectorNew Zealand Introduces Business Investor Visa to Boost Economy
4 days ago | 134 viewsThe Government of New Zealand is modernizing visa settings to attract experienced businesspeople through the new Business Investor Visa, aiming to stimulate economic growth and job creation. The visa offers two investment options: a $1 million investment with a three-year work-to-residence pathway and a $2 million investment with a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway. This initiative replaces the Entrepreneur Category, aims to deliver real economic benefits, and is part of a broader refresh of business visa settings to support the country's economy.
Tags: Government modernising visa settings businesspeople New Zealand Business Investor Visa Erica Stanford investment Immigration New Zealand economic benefitsForestry Industry Launches Approved Code of Practice for Workplace Safety
5 days ago | 93 viewsWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden launched the Approved Code of Practice for Forestry and Harvesting Operations to improve health and safety compliance in the forestry industry. The ACOPs are sector-specific guidelines developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders to reduce deaths and serious injuries in forestry operations. This initiative is part of broader health and safety reforms aiming to provide clear and practical guidelines for high-risk sectors, with plans to extend ACOPs to other industries like agriculture and construction.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Workplace Relations Safety Minister ACOP Forestry WorkSafe Health and Safety New Zealand Industry RegulationsNew Tax Bill Boosts New Zealand Economy and Supports Skilled Migration
5 days ago | 143 viewsRevenue Minister Simon Watts has introduced a new tax bill in New Zealand to boost the economy, attract skilled individuals, and encourage investment. The bill aims to make the tax system fairer for migrants, digital nomads, and businesses by addressing issues like overseas income taxation and employee share schemes. These changes are designed to simplify the tax system, reduce compliance costs, and create a more conducive environment for economic growth and job creation in New Zealand.
Tags: Simon Watts New Zealand tax bill economy skilled migrants digital nomads employee share schemes tax compliance costs GST practices solar powerNew Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline Surges to $237.1 Billion: Construction Sector Growth Ahead
5 days ago | 148 viewsThe latest quarterly update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission reveals that the value of infrastructure initiatives in the National Infrastructure Pipeline has increased to $237.1 billion, with a $30.2 billion growth from the previous quarter, as stated by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. The Pipeline, managed by the Commission, encompasses over 9,200 projects, aiding in planning for future infrastructure projects across various sectors and contributing to about 4% of the country's GDP. Efforts are being made to enhance transparency and data quality within the Pipeline, with ongoing collaboration from 121 organizations, and the final National Infrastructure Plan is expected to be released in December.
Tags: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission National Infrastructure Pipeline Chris Bishop construction sector infrastructure projects New Zealand Infrastructure Commission GDP NZTA highway maintenance programmes Christchurch Men’s Prison Hawkes Bay PrisonEnergy Minister Simon Watts Joins APEC Leaders in Busan for Energy Security Discussions
5 days ago | 140 viewsEnergy Minister Simon Watts will attend the 15th APEC Energy Ministers Meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, focusing on energy security and affordability. He aims to collaborate internationally to build resilient and sustainable energy systems in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss harnessing energy innovation. Key topics at the meeting include electricity expansion, grid security, reliability, and AI-driven energy innovation, with a focus on connecting with counterparts to advance shared energy goals.
Tags: Simon Watts Energy Minister Busan Republic of Korea APEC Energy security International collaboration Sustainable energy systems Energy innovation New ZealandWhangārei Hospital Initiates Procurement for Expanded Carpark to Enhance Access
5 days ago | 173 viewsWhangārei Hospital is initiating a procurement process for additional and upgraded carparks to accommodate the ongoing redevelopment, addressing the current capacity challenges and growing demand. Health New Zealand is seeking a civil contractor to build a new carpark extension with 552 spaces to replace those lost due to construction and enhance overall capacity. Acting Health Minister Matt Doocey emphasizes the importance of easy access to health services and highlights the commitment to delivering a modern hospital for the community.
Tags: Matt Doocey Patients Families Whangārei Hospital Carpark Health New Zealand Construction Procurement Services Government