Articles tagged with Act
Wellington Heritage Planning Review: RMA Reform to Boost Housing and Jobs
5 hours ago | 49 viewsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released a report and initiated consultation on modifying Wellington’s heritage planning rules for five key sites, following concerns from the Wellington City Council that current provisions hinder economic growth and development. The report suggests that removing or altering these heritage controls could enable around 770 new apartments, generate $280 million in construction activity, and support 300 jobs, with public and stakeholder feedback now being sought before any regulatory changes. The affected sites include the Courtenay Place Heritage Area, Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct, former General Headquarters Building, and Miramar oil tank, with consultation open to relevant authorities, iwi groups, and the public.
Tags: Chris Bishop Wellington City Council Karori Tunnel Kelburn Viaduct George A Hart Courtenay Place Heritage Area Miramar oil tank Resource Management Act Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga New Zealand Defense ForceHon Paul Davison Appointed Independent Redress Officer Under Abuse in Care Act
3 days ago | 94 viewsHon Paul Davison KC KSO has been appointed as the Independent Redress Officer for a five-year term starting 1 August 2026, tasked with determining financial redress applications from survivors of abuse in State care who are serious offenders, as well as exemption applications from terminally ill survivors. Hon Davison, a former High Court judge with extensive legal experience, has previously served in significant inquiry roles and developed a compassionate redress framework for survivors of abuse at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the importance of this independent role and thanked Hon Davison for accepting the position.
Tags: Paul Davison Erica Stanford Independent Redress Officer Redress System for Abuse in Care Act High Court judge Royal Commission of Inquiry Oakley Hospital Inquiry Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit financial redress applicationsNew Hazardous Substances Rules Improve Lab Safety and Cut Compliance Costs
4 days ago | 115 viewsWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced new hazardous substances regulations effective today that provide tailored safety requirements for laboratories, reducing unnecessary compliance costs while maintaining strong safety standards. The 2017 regulations had imposed industrial-level requirements on laboratories, leading to impractical and costly renovations estimated between $1.5 billion and $3 billion, with some rules potentially compromising safety. The updated regulations introduce a dedicated compliance pathway with risk management plans and an Approved Code of Practice developed with industry, supporting science and innovation while ensuring health and safety protections.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Universities New Zealand Independent Research Association of New Zealand Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment Health and Safety at Work Hazardous Substances Regulations Approved Code of Practice Workplace Relations and Safety Minister scientists laboratoriesEmployment Leave Bill Passes Final Reading: New Simple Leave System Introduced
4 days ago | 125 viewsThe Employment Leave Bill has passed its final reading, replacing the outdated Holidays Act with a simpler, hours-based leave system that improves accuracy and transparency for both employers and employees. Key reforms include hourly accrual of annual and sick leave, leave available from day one, a single hourly pay rate for all leave types, and greater flexibility in cashing up annual leave, with a 24-month transition period for implementation. The government aims to provide clear guidance and support to ensure a smooth shift to this streamlined system, addressing long-standing calls for reform.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Employment Leave Bill Holidays Act Workplace Relations and Safety MBIE Government Kiwis Employment New Zealand annual leave sick leaveNew Zealand Seeks Local Industry for Long-Range Strike Drone Acquisition
5 days ago | 107 viewsThe New Zealand Government, led by Defence Minister Chris Penk, is initiating the purchase of long-range one-way strike drones, prioritizing local industry innovation and capability. These human-operated, non-autonomous drones offer a cost-effective alternative to missiles and align with efforts to modernize Defence amid an unpredictable security environment. Additionally, Defence plans to research unarmed long-range drones for maritime surveillance, encouraging domestic businesses to participate, with investments outlined in the Defence Capability Plan totaling $100 million to $300 million.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Kiwi industry Defence Capability Plan uncrewed aircraft systems Defence Minister advanced manufacturing drone technology maritime surveillanceNew Zealand Government Responds to COVID-19 Inquiry with 63 Accepted Recommendations
5 days ago | 101 viewsThe Government has accepted all 63 recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19, aiming to provide timely, targeted support and release key pandemic advice within five working days in future crises. It acknowledges past mistakes, including prolonged restrictions and misallocated funds, and commits to restoring fiscal discipline while reviewing the Health Act to balance public health, the economy, and individual rights. Emphasizing transparency and trust, the Government has proactively released all COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group advice and pledges to strengthen New Zealand’s resilience to future shocks.
Tags: Simeon Brown Royal Commission New Zealand Ministry of Health Labour Government CV TAG Health Act Emergency supportAuckland Launches Third Mental Health Co-Response Team to Improve Crisis Support
5 days ago | 131 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey launched Auckland's third mental health co-response team to provide timely, appropriate support for people in mental distress, reducing reliance on criminal justice responses. These teams, comprising police and mental health workers, operate during peak demand times and have already shown positive outcomes, including fewer emergency department referrals and increased wraparound support. Funded by a $28 million Budget 2025 investment, the initiative aims to roll out 10 such teams nationwide to improve crisis response for 111 mental health calls.
Tags: Matt Doocey Auckland Police Station Mental Health Minister Counties Manukau Waitematā Middlemore Hospital Wellington New Zealand Government Budget 2025 Mental Health ActNew Biosecurity Regulations to Protect Poultry Farmers from H5 Bird Flu Risks
6 days ago | 98 viewsThe Government is introducing mandatory biosecurity regulations for poultry farms with over 100 birds to manage H5 bird flu, requiring farm-specific plans, record-keeping, and audits to protect livelihoods and food supply. These regulations, approved by Cabinet and developed with industry cooperation, aim to enhance on-farm readiness and provide flexibility in managing infection risks while ensuring humane practices. The new rules, supported by industry feedback, will be implemented by the end of 2026 to safeguard poultry, trade, wildlife, and public health.
Tags: biosecurity H5 bird flu poultry farmers Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister MPI poultry sector farm biosecurity plan Biosecurity Act 1993 wild birdsNew Biosecurity Rules to Help Poultry Farmers Manage H5 Bird Flu Risks
6 days ago | 103 viewsThe Government is introducing mandatory biosecurity regulations for poultry operators with over 100 birds to manage H5 bird flu, requiring farm biosecurity plans, record-keeping, audits, and clear response strategies. These regulations aim to enhance on-farm readiness, protect farmers' livelihoods, secure the domestic food supply, and mitigate risks from widespread infection in wild birds. Developed in collaboration with industry and supported by MPI, the regulations will be finalized and implemented by the end of 2026.
Tags: biosecurity H5 bird flu poultry farmers Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister MPI poultry sector farm biosecurity plan Biosecurity Act 1993 wild birdsAttorney-General Extends Deadline for Phillips Children Inquiry Final Report
6 days ago | 90 viewsThe Attorney-General has extended the deadline for the Public Inquiry into the disappearance of the Phillips children by one month to clarify a specific matter, without changing other terms of reference. The Inquiry, praised for its thorough report and careful consideration of the children’s welfare, submitted its initial findings on 21 July. The Attorney-General will review the final report for potential redactions before presenting it to the House of Representatives.
Tags: Public Inquiry Phillips children Judith Collins Simon Moore Mr Bishop Inquiries Act Terms of Reference House of RepresentativesTe Taura Whiri Reappoints Dr Jeremy MacLeod and Jennifer Ward-Lealand for Leadership
1 week ago | 185 viewsMāori Development Minister Tama Potaka has reappointed Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod as Deputy Chair and Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand as Board members of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori for a three-year term starting September 2026, ensuring experienced leadership in the organisation's efforts to revitalise te reo Māori. Dr MacLeod brings over 15 years of governance and language revitalisation expertise, while Ward-Lealand is a respected actor and advocate with extensive governance experience and a strong commitment to promoting te reo Māori. Their continued roles will support Te Taura Whiri’s mission to grow, normalise, and promote the Māori language across Aotearoa.
Tags: Tama Potaka Jeremy Tātere MacLeod Te Taura Whiri Te Wharehuia Milroy Tā Timoti Kāretu Ngāti Kahungunu Te Panekiretanga o te Reo Watershed Theatre The Actors' ProgrammeNew Workplace Guide Empowers Employers to Support Employees Facing Stalking
1 week ago | 172 viewsMinister for Women Nicola Grigg has launched a new guide to help workplaces support employees experiencing stalking, emphasizing the serious impact stalking has on victims' health and safety. Developed by the Ministry for Women in collaboration with Shine and Human Resources New Zealand, the guide offers practical steps for employers to recognize stalking behaviors, respond to disclosures, manage risks, and provide specialist support. This initiative complements recent legal changes criminalizing stalking, aiming to create safer workplace environments and hold perpetrators accountable.
Tags: Nicola Grigg stalking workplaces Ministry for Women Shine Human Resources New Zealand family violence harassment Crimes Act victimsNew Planning System Reforms Boost NZ Economy and Simplify Resource Management
2 weeks ago | 186 viewsResource Management Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court welcome the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill amendments that improve New Zealand's new planning system by enhancing workability while retaining its core design. The reforms aim to replace the Resource Management Act with a more efficient system that supports food production, housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy development, projecting significant economic benefits and reduced compliance costs. Key changes include refined iwi participation agreements, extended implementation timelines, strengthened safeguards on resource levies, and streamlined environmental regulations to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court Catherine Wedd Resource Management Act Mana Whakahono ā Rohe Waikato Environment Committee New Zealand Government Planning Bill Natural Environment BillGovernment Grants $60M to Secure New Zealand’s Domestic Cement Manufacturing Through 2040
2 weeks ago | 201 viewsThe New Zealand Government has agreed to provide up to $60 million to Golden Bay Cement (GBC) to maintain domestic cement manufacturing at its Whangarei plant and support at least $150 million in investments through 2040, ensuring economic resilience against global supply disruptions. This decision follows concerns that rising costs and emissions expenses threatened the closure of the country's only fully integrated cement facility, which is vital for essential infrastructure construction. The support is conditional, includes strict oversight, and aims to preserve strategic domestic capability without undermining the Emissions Trading Scheme or setting a broad precedent for taxpayer funding.
Tags: Golden Bay Cement GBC New Zealand Government Whangarei plant Fletcher Building Limited Emissions Trading Scheme domestic cement production cement manufacturing infrastructure development supply chain resilienceNew Canterbury Mental Health Co-Response Team Shows Positive Early Results
2 weeks ago | 208 viewsA new mental health co-response team in Canterbury, combining mental health professionals and Police, has supported 35 people since May, showing positive early outcomes. This initiative addresses previous shortcomings where mental health distress calls received a criminal justice response, aiming to provide more appropriate and compassionate care. The model, proven effective in Wellington, reduces emergency department visits and police interventions, improving crisis support for those in mental distress.
Tags: Canterbury mental health Matt Doocey Police New Zealand crisis response Specialist Mental Health Services Mental Health Act Wellington