Articles tagged with Ability
Government Boosts Advanced Technology Funding to Drive NZ Science Innovation
2 weeks ago | 136 viewsThe New Zealand Government is redirecting science funding towards areas with the greatest national impact, emphasizing advanced technology to boost productivity and international competitiveness. The Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council identifies four priority areas: primary industries and bioeconomy, technology for prosperity, environmental sustainability, and healthy people. By reallocating $122 million annually over three years, the Government aims to build a future-ready science workforce and strengthen the country’s research system through a carefully managed funding reset.
Tags: Shane Reti New Zealand Science Investment Plan Research Funding New Zealand Prime Minister’s Science Advisory Council advanced technology bioeconomy environmental sustainability science system innovationDisabled People Gain More Choice and Control as Flexible Funding Rules Are Removed
2 weeks ago | 166 viewsFrom April 1, 2026, disabled people with flexible funding will have more choice and control as purchasing rules are removed, while budgets remain at current levels and spending must align with individual funding plans. This change follows significant government investment and reforms since 2024 that stabilized the disability support system, ensuring fairer, more consistent access and stronger financial controls. Additional guidance will be provided to help manage budgets, with certain purchases requiring pre-approval, aiming to support disabled people, their families, and carers more effectively.
Tags: disability support flexible funding Louise Upston Minister for Disability Issues Independent Review 2024 whānau carers DSS Enabling Good Lives purchasing rulesSpiny Rock Lobster Catch Limits Updated for Gisborne and Otago from April 2026
3 weeks ago | 309 viewsCatch limits for spiny rock lobster have been reduced in Gisborne (CRA 3) due to ongoing pressure and cyclone impacts, with a 49-tonne reduction in commercial catch and efforts to spread fishing activity for stock recovery. Conversely, the Otago fishery (CRA 7) shows positive signs, prompting a 21.9-tonne increase in commercial catch limits to support the local economy. The review also confirmed current catch settings for Southern blue whiting remain appropriate, with changes effective from April 1, 2026, following consultation with stakeholders.
Tags: spiny rock lobster Gisborne Otago Shane Jones CRA 3 CRA 7 catch limits sustainability commercial fishers Southern blue whitingNew Government Framework to Regulate Residential Property Managers for Better Rental Outcomes
3 weeks ago | 197 viewsThe Government is introducing a new regulatory framework for residential property managers to improve accountability, consistency, and trust in the rental sector. This regime will establish a public register, set clear standards for financial management and conduct, and create a formal complaints and disciplinary process supported by dedicated authorities. The changes aim to protect client funds, ensure proper training and eligibility, and foster a stable housing market benefiting both landlords and tenants.
Tags: Tama Potaka residential property managers landlords tenants registration system complaints process financial management rental market housing stabilityNew Zealand Maintains Ban on Retaining North Island Reef Fish Bycatch
4 weeks ago | 201 viewsThe proposal to allow commercial fishers in northern North Island to retain and sell certain reef fish caught as bycatch will not proceed, according to Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. After considering over 22,000 public submissions and sustainability concerns, the historic ban protecting these species since 1993 will remain. The decision is part of a broader consultation on commercial fishing regulations, with further announcements forthcoming.
Tags: Shane Jones Oceans and Fisheries Minister North Island reef fish bycatch commercial fishers fishing regulations sustainability public consultation Quota Management speciesMore Choice and Control for Disabled People’s Flexible Funding from April 2026
1 month ago | 226 viewsFrom April 2026, disabled people will have greater choice and control over their flexible funding without changes to their current budget allocations, as purchasing rules will be removed while still requiring spending to align with individual plans. These changes follow successful efforts since 2024 to stabilize the disability support system, including strengthened financial controls, improved needs assessments, and significant new funding to ensure sustainability and consistency. Support will be provided to help individuals manage their budgets, with some high-cost or specific purchases requiring pre-approval, reflecting feedback from the disability community and recommendations from the 2024 Independent Review.
Tags: Louise Upston disability support flexible funding Independent Review 2024 DSS NASCs Enabling Good Lives Budget 2025 residential care carersErin James Appointed New Aged Care Commissioner to Enhance Quality Care
1 month ago | 268 viewsAssociate Minister of Health Casey Costello announced Ms Erin James as the new Aged Care Commissioner, a role within the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner focused on advocating for quality health services for older people. Ms James, currently Director of the OPCAT team at the Office of the Ombudsman, will serve a five-year term starting 7 April 2026. Her appointment aligns with ongoing efforts to improve the aged care system by ensuring timely, appropriate, and sustainable care.
Tags: Casey Costello Erin James Aged Care Commissioner Health and Disability Commissioner Office of the Ombudsman Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture OPCAT Associate Minister of Health aged care system health systemMorag McDowell Reappointed as Health and Disability Commissioner for Two Years
1 month ago | 278 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown has announced the reappointment of Ms Morag McDowell as Health and Disability Commissioner for a two-year term starting 7 March 2026. Ms McDowell brings extensive legal expertise and health sector experience, which will help the organization deliver fair and effective services. The Government aims to keep patients central to the health system and improve healthcare quality for all New Zealanders.
Tags: Simeon Brown Morag McDowell Health Minister Health and Disability Commissioner New Zealand Government healthcare patients legal expertise health sectorRegulatory Standards Act: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Local Government
1 month ago | 292 viewsThe Regulatory Standards Act, coming into law by July 1, mandates councils to publish Consistency Accountability Statements (CAS) explaining the impact, costs, and benefits of new bylaws, promoting transparency and accountability in local regulation. This legislation aims to curb poor regulation that burdens ratepayers and stifles productivity by requiring councils to justify and regularly review their secondary legislation, ensuring laws are proportionate and evidence-based. The Act supports better governance by helping councils avoid kneejerk regulations, improve decision-making quality, and ultimately deliver greater value to taxpayers and communities.
Tags: Regulatory Standards Act Consistency Accountability Statement LGNZ councils local government Ministry for Regulation New Zealand ratepayers secondary legislationFast-Track Approval for Arataki Subdivision to Deliver 200 New Homes in Hawke’s Bay
1 month ago | 364 viewsThe Arataki subdivision in Havelock North has received Fast-track approval to deliver up to 200 new homes, generating an estimated $78 million investment and creating approximately 629 jobs over five years. This development aims to address Hawke’s Bay’s housing affordability crisis, where prices have surged significantly, by increasing housing supply for locals and temporary workers. Arataki is the sixth housing project approved through the Fast-track process, which accelerates infrastructure and housing developments across New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Bishop CDL Land NZ Limited Arataki subdivision Hawke’s Bay Havelock North housing affordability infrastructure residential development expert panelsNew National Approach Streamlines Disability Support Services for All
2 months ago | 305 viewsA new nationally consistent approach to Disability Support Services (DSS) will standardize needs assessments and support allocations across New Zealand, ensuring fairness regardless of location. This change, informed by extensive consultation, includes personalized funding plans, consideration of families and carers, and greater choice for about 38,500 people with flexible funding. These improvements aim to simplify processes, enhance wellbeing, and provide a stable foundation for strengthening the disability support system long-term.
Tags: Louise Upston Disability Support Services NASC Enabling Good Lives Independent Review My DSS families carers disabled people flexible fundingNew National Approach Improves Disability Support Services for All
2 months ago | 353 viewsA new nationally consistent approach to Disability Support Services (DSS) will standardize needs assessment and support allocation across New Zealand, ensuring fairness regardless of location. This includes personalized funding plans, consideration of families and carers in assessments, and greater choice and control for around 38,500 people with flexible funding. The changes, informed by extensive consultation, aim to simplify processes, improve wellbeing, and provide a stable foundation for the disability support system's future.
Tags: Louise Upston Disability Support Services NASCs Enabling Good Lives Independent Review My DSS Minister for Disability Issues disability community families and carers flexible fundingMinister Jones Considers New Rules to Protect Rockpools and Marine Life Sustainability
2 months ago | 356 viewsOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is considering new restrictions and public education measures to address concerns about marine life depletion in rockpools around Whangaparāoa Peninsula and other areas. Fishery Officers are actively patrolling beaches to enforce current rules, with recent inspections revealing significant non-compliance, prompting a commitment to hold offenders accountable. Alongside potential rule changes, community engagement and education are emphasized to support the protection and sustainability of marine ecosystems for future generations.
Tags: Shane Jones Marcroft Fisheries New Zealand Fishery Officers Whangaparāoa Peninsula Clevedon Auckland marine life rockpools sustainabilityNew Zealand Updates Land Use and Natural Hazard Policies to Boost Development and Resilience
3 months ago | 474 viewsThe Government’s new reforms, effective today, aim to balance enabling urban development with protecting New Zealand’s most productive land, particularly by providing more flexible use of moderately productive Land Use Capability Class 3 land. Additionally, a new National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards introduces a consistent, risk-based approach for councils to manage natural hazard risks, enhancing community resilience amid climate change. These changes, part of the first tranche of national direction instruments under the RMA, support streamlined planning, safer communities, and will integrate with the upcoming modern planning system.
Tags: Chris Bishop Todd McClay RMA Reform National Policy Statement Land Use Capability Class 3 Natural Hazards New Zealand Government Agricultural Areas Climate Change Planning BillGovernment Report Shows Progress and Accountability in Treaty Settlement Delivery 2025
3 months ago | 580 viewsThe Government's Whole of System Report on Treaty Settlement Delivery 2025 highlights increased progress, with 83.3% of commitments complete or on track and reduced delivery issues. The report includes new insights from post-settlement governance entities (PSGEs), revealing that successful Treaty relationships rely on reciprocal engagement, timely delivery, and adequate resourcing. Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka emphasizes the importance of accountability, trust, and partnership to strengthen Treaty relationships and ensure commitments are met.
Tags: Tama Potaka Māori Crown Relations Treaty Settlement Core Crown Report PSGEs Government Accountability Treaty Relationships Treaty Delivery Crown Agencies