Articles tagged with Ability
Dr Mark Hickford Appointed Law Commission Member & President, Paul Goldsmith Announces
4 hours ago | 25 viewsDr Mark Hickford has been appointed to the Law Commission for a five-year term and will serve as President for six months, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. Hickford's exceptional legal background and management skills make him a valuable addition to the Commission. He will initially work part-time while fulfilling a commitment with Te Puni Kōkiri, and will serve as President for six months until a new President is confirmed.
Tags: Dr Mark Hickford Law Commission President Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith legal credentials senior management experience organisation capability Te Puni Kōkiri Dr Kawharu Evidence Act 2006Government's Mandate on Structured Literacy and Math Improves Student Engagement and Ability, ERO Report Confirms
5 hours ago | 45 viewsThe Education Review Office (ERO) research confirms that the Government's decision to mandate structured literacy and mathematics has led to improved student engagement and ability. Teachers, parents, and students have reported better progress in English and maths, with new approaches like structured literacy improving attention and behavior in the classroom. The government's investment in teacher training and resources has resulted in 80% of teachers changing their teaching methods, with a focus on explicit teaching techniques benefiting all schools, particularly those in lower socio-economic communities.
Tags: Education Review Office Government structured literacy structured mathematics student engagement ability Education Minister Erica Stanford primary school teachers English mathsNew Zealand Defence Industry Strategy: Boosting Local Businesses and Resilience
1 week ago | 104 viewsNew Zealand's Defence Industry Strategy aims to support local businesses in delivering defence equipment and infrastructure, aligning with the 2025 Defence Capability Plan to double defence spending. The strategy emphasizes building a resilient industry to mitigate global tensions and enhance economic growth through collaboration with Kiwi innovators and major suppliers. Key actions include requiring multinational companies to partner with local businesses, establishing a Technology Accelerator, and creating offshore opportunities for showcasing New Zealand-made innovations to international partners.
Tags: Defence Minister Judith Collins Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk Defence Industry Strategy New Zealand industry Defence Capability Plan economy innovation technology suppliersSustainable Catch Limits Halved for Chatham Rise and NZ Orange Roughy
2 weeks ago | 121 viewsCatch limits for Chatham Rise and southern New Zealand orange roughy will be significantly reduced to promote sustainability, alongside other changes in catch limits for various fish stocks as part of a regular review process. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the need for these reductions based on scientific evidence indicating pressure on the orange roughy fishery. The adjustments aim to allow stocks to recover, with additional measures planned to protect spawning areas and ensure future decision-making is well-informed.
Tags: Shane Jones Chatham Rise New Zealand orange roughy blue cod gemfish snapper rig blue mackerel sustainabilityDefence Ministry Launches Major Housing Project for Military Families
3 weeks ago | 141 viewsThe largest Defence housing project in decades has begun, providing modern homes for military families and generating job growth in regional communities, as announced by Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk. The initiative aims to replace outdated homes at various NZDF camps and bases with modern two- and three-bedroom houses to support the wellbeing of military families. The Government plans to invest up to $600 million in the Homes for Families program, with construction already underway at several locations and future projects in the pipeline to improve housing for Defence personnel.
Tags: Defence housing project military families job growth Chris Penk Defence Minister NZDF Homes for Families programme Defence Capability Plan Linton Military Camp Royal New Zealand Air ForceSeafood Sustainability & Innovation Awards 2025: Winners Drive Marine Conservation & Market Growth
1 month ago | 183 viewsThe Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards recognized projects like re-seeding juvenile pāua and driving mussel farming innovation. Professor Kura Paul-Burke of the University of Waikato was celebrated for championing healthy oceans through community-based restoration efforts. Other winners included individuals and organizations contributing to sustainable practices and innovation in the seafood sector.
Tags: Seafood Sustainability Innovation Awards Shane Jones Māori knowledge marine science aquaculture industry John Young Clearwater Mussels Oceans and FisheriesMajor Transport Reforms in Auckland to Enhance Accountability and Governance
1 month ago | 235 viewsSignificant transport reforms in Auckland since 2010 aim to enhance democratic accountability and empower Aucklanders to influence transport policies, as stated by Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. The reforms involve shifting most transport functions from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council, establishing the Auckland Regional Transport Committee to create a 30-year transport plan, and granting local boards new powers for local road decisions. The changes, set to be in place by September 2026, prioritize public input, efficient governance, and improved transport outcomes for Auckland.
Tags: transport reforms Auckland democratic accountability elected representatives governance Auckland Transport Auckland Council Minister Chris Bishop Minister Simeon Brown Mayor Wayne BrownNew Zealand Immigration System Strengthened: Deportation Rules & Compliance Enhanced
1 month ago | 314 viewsThe Government is proposing changes to the Immigration Act to enhance deportation settings and immigration compliance in New Zealand, aiming to strengthen the integrity and trust in the immigration system. The Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill will expand deportation liability for serious criminal offenses, false information provision, and historic crimes, among other measures. Additionally, the Bill will increase penalties for migrant exploitation to combat this crime and improve compliance within the immigration framework.
Tags: Erica Stanford Immigration Minister deportation settings immigration compliance New Zealand Immigration Act deportation liability migrant exploitation residence class visa holders compliance frameworkLocal Water Done Well: Councils Deliver Plans for Quality, Cost-Effective Water Services
1 month ago | 206 viewsCouncils have submitted water services delivery plans under the Local Water Done Well initiative to ensure quality and cost-effective water services for ratepayers. The government aims to address water services challenges by enabling councils to collaborate on financial sustainability and infrastructure development. Plans will be reviewed and considered for acceptance, with a focus on financial sustainability to ensure safe and resilient water services for communities.
Tags: Councils Local Water Done Well Water services delivery plans Local Government Minister Simon Watts Financial sustainability Infrastructure New housing Joint arrangements Ratepayers Legislation.Empowering Choice & Control: New Flexible Funding System for Disabled Community
1 month ago | 213 viewsImprovements to the disability support system will provide disabled individuals, families, and carers with more choice and control over flexible funding starting early next year. The changes aim to address feedback for greater autonomy in decision-making and to create a more transparent and sustainable system. These adjustments, informed by extensive community consultations, will standardize assessment processes, develop personalized support plans through NASCs, and offer more clarity and certainty to users of flexible funding.
Tags: Disabled people families carers flexible funding disability support system Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston Independent Review NASCs Enabling Good LivesTransforming New Zealand's Universities for Future Success: Government Initiatives to Enhance Education & Innovation
1 month ago | 247 viewsThe New Zealand Government is implementing initiatives to modernize universities, aligning teaching and research with the country's future skills and innovation needs. The reforms aim to strengthen collaboration between universities, government, industry, and global experts, while simplifying funding mechanisms and enhancing quality assurance systems. Led by Universities Minister Dr. Shane Reti, these changes are designed to ensure universities remain competitive globally, support economic growth, and deliver benefits for New Zealand.
Tags: Government New Zealand Universities Shane Reti Tertiary Education Strategy University Strategy Group Tertiary Research Excellence Fund Quality Assurance Governance AccountabilityGovernment Initiatives to Boost Banking Competition Unveiled by Finance Minister Nicola Willis
1 month ago | 272 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the release of the Finance and Expenditure Committee (FEC) Inquiry into banking competition, focusing on business, rural banking, and lending to Māori entities. The inquiry supports the Government's efforts to enhance competition in the banking sector for better services for Kiwis. The report, based on submissions from 148 stakeholders and public hearings, will be reviewed by the Government for proposed action items by November 2025.
Tags: Finance Minister Nicola Willis FEC Inquiry banking competition Government Commerce Commission Kiwis Kiwibank Reserve Bank financial stabilityNew Zealand Defence Force Announces $2.7 Billion Investment in Seahawk Helicopters and Airbus Planes
1 month ago | 388 viewsSeahawk helicopters and Airbus planes are set to replace aging New Zealand Defence Force aircraft as part of the Government’s Defence Capability Plan, with a $2.7 billion investment announced by Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters. The MH-60R Seahawk will replace maritime helicopters, while the Airbus A321XLR will replace the aging 757 fleet, aiming to enhance combat capability and respond to international events. These investments are part of the $12 billion planned commitments outlined in the 2025 DCP, reflecting the Government's response to the deteriorating security environment and the need for reliable aircraft for military operations and humanitarian aid.
Tags: Seahawk helicopters Airbus planes New Zealand Defence Force Defence Capability Plan Judith Collins Winston Peters Airbus A321XLR maritime helicopters Anzac forceNew Zealand Disability Strategy: Public Consultation Open for Feedback on Draft 2026-2030 Vision
1 month ago | 342 viewsPublic consultation has opened on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy, aiming to improve lives and uphold rights of disabled people in key areas like education, employment, health, housing, and justice. The strategy, developed through targeted engagement with disabled individuals and organizations, seeks feedback from the wider disability community and the public to make a positive impact. Interested parties, including disabled individuals, carers, families, and employers, are encouraged to provide feedback through various formats until September 28, 2025, with the refreshed strategy set to run from 2026 to 2030.
Tags: New Zealand Disability Strategy public consultation Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston disabled people employment education housing community participation WhaikahaGovernment Announces Major Changes to Building Consent System for Economic Growth
1 month ago | 260 viewsThe Government is planning significant changes to the building consent system to boost productivity and reduce costs in the construction sector. Measures include shifting from joint and several liability to proportionate liability, enabling voluntary consolidation of Building Consent Authorities, and exploring options like professional indemnity insurance and home warranties. These changes aim to streamline processes, reduce delays, and make building more affordable, with a Bill expected to be introduced to Parliament in early 2026.
Tags: Government Building consent system Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk New Zealand Building sector Building owners Councils Liability settings BCA consolidation