Articles tagged with Ai

Empowering Sexual Harassment Complainants in Public Service: Strengthened Support and Dignity Standards Released by Minister Judith Collins

1 hour ago | 37 views

Public Service Minister Judith Collins announces strengthened standards to support sexual harassment complainants in the public service, emphasizing dignity and rights. The new guidelines, titled "Your Complaint, Your Rights," outline the support and rights available to complainants when reporting harassment. The improvements aim to enhance the handling of complaints and ensure that individuals who come forward are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, drawing on feedback from the Public Service Commission and the recent Public Service Census.

Tags: sexual harassment public service standards Judith Collins complainants dignity support bullying discrimination speaking up

Te Waihekeora Reservoir: Boosting Horticulture & Jobs in Northland

19 hours ago | 46 views

The completion of Te Waihekeora Reservoir in Northland, managed by Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust, will significantly boost horticulture and job opportunities in the region. The reservoir, opened by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, will unlock over 1000ha of land for horticulture, with potential for expansion through the Kaipara pipeline. This water infrastructure project aims to enhance water security, support horticultural development, stimulate economic growth, and supply water to key local users, contributing to the region's economic prosperity and the government's goals for sustainable growth in food and fibre exports.

Tags: Horticulture job opportunities Northland Te Waihekeora Reservoir Christopher Luxon Shane Jones water infrastructure horticultural development economic growth

Health Minister Announces Key Appointments to Health Regulatory Authorities

1 day ago | 62 views

Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced appointments and reappointments to four health regulatory authorities, including the Midwifery Council, Nursing Council of New Zealand, New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board, and Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand. The appointees bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective councils and boards, ensuring the protection of the health and safety of New Zealanders. All terms of office for the appointees will commence on 29 September 2025, with each individual possessing unique qualifications and backgrounds in their fields.

Tags: Simeon Brown Melanie Tarrant Suzanne MacIntosh Laura López Iosefa Paituli Tiata Sharon Brownie Frances Hughes Anthony Hill Tony Ward Peter Dooley

New Zealand's First Rural Training Hub Announced in South Taranaki

2 days ago | 103 views

Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson announced the establishment of New Zealand's first Rural Training Hub in South Taranaki, aiming to strengthen rural healthcare by linking local services, universities, and training providers. The hub will facilitate the education and training of healthcare workers in rural areas, ensuring timely access to care for all New Zealanders. Four hubs will be established across Health NZ regions, with the South Taranaki Hub involving community input to coordinate placements, training pathways, and pastoral support for healthcare professionals.

Tags: Matt Doocey Mark Patterson Rural Health Rural Communities South Taranaki Health Workforce Rural Training Hub Healthcare Rural Medical Immersion Programme Rural Health Strategy

Defence Ministry Launches Major Housing Project for Military Families

2 days ago | 45 views

The 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 Force

Government Accelerates $413 Million School Infrastructure Investment to Enhance Learning Environments and Boost Economy in New Zealand

3 days ago | 159 views

The Government is accelerating $413 million investment in school infrastructure to improve classrooms, boost builders and tradies in New Zealand, and ensure all children have access to safe learning environments. This investment includes $58 million for maintenance work, $255 million for improvements in isolated and rural schools, and $100 million for urgent infrastructure projects over five years. The aim is to support schools, stimulate the economy, and drive efficiencies in school property management to benefit students, teachers, and communities.

Tags: Government investment school infrastructure classrooms builders tradies New Zealand Education Minister Erica Stanford maintenance

New Zealand Boosts Energy Resilience with Locally Sourced Coal Supply Deal

3 days ago | 140 views

New Zealand's Resources Minister Shane Jones praises the reintroduction of domestically sourced coal as a backup fuel for electricity generation, citing benefits for energy resilience and the Waikato regional economy. Genesis Energy's agreement with BT Mining to supply 240,000 tonnes of locally sourced coal to the Huntly Power Station diversifies fuel supply and reduces reliance on imported coal due to tightening gas supply. Mr. Jones emphasizes the importance of sourcing coal locally to safeguard against global disruptions, strengthen the fuel supply chain, and provide economic benefits for the Waikato region.

Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Energy resilience Waikato Genesis Energy Huntly Power Station Coal Electricity generation Resources Minister BT Mining

Minister of Internal Affairs Achieves Shortest Citizenship Wait Times in Five Years

5 days ago | 81 views

Minister Brooke van Velden highlights significant improvements in citizenship application processing, with wait times reduced from 180 to 69 days, the shortest in five years. The Department of Internal Affairs prioritized clearing the backlog, resulting in a 70% decrease in the number of people waiting for a decision. Van Velden emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of those applying for citizenship, acknowledging the efforts and sacrifices made by new Kiwis.

Tags: Brooke van Velden Minister of Internal Affairs citizenship government services efficiency Labour Department of Internal Affairs New Zealand economy culture

Local Government Minister Simon Watts: 20% of Councils' Water Plans Approved, Benefitting 2.5M Kiwis

6 days ago | 81 views

Twenty percent of councils have had their water services delivery plans approved, benefiting over 2.5 million New Zealanders with financially sustainable approaches for the next decade under the Local Water Done Well initiative. The collaborative effort in the Waikato Water Done Well plan covers multiple districts and aims to achieve efficiencies for over 170,000 people. By utilizing shared services and lower-cost finance, councils can manage water plan costs effectively, easing financial burdens on communities and ensuring prudent investments in water infrastructure.

Tags: Simon Watts Taupō District Council Hurunui District Council Kaikōura District Council Waikato Water Done Well Local Government Minister Watercare Charter CCO New Zealanders Local Water Done Well.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters Heads to UN General Assembly for Key Discussions

6 days ago | 101 views

Foreign Minister Winston Peters is attending the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to reflect on the international rules-based system and advocate for reforms to address global challenges. He will participate in the Two State Solution conference, hold bilateral meetings, and deliver New Zealand’s national statement to the UN General Assembly. Peters will also gather information on conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, South Sudan, and Myanmar, including finalizing New Zealand’s position on the recognition of Palestine during his visit from September 21 to September 30.

Tags: Winston Peters New Zealand United Nations Foreign Minister New York Two State Solution conference France Saudi Arabia Ukraine Gaza

Up to $300,000 Available for Waitangi Day Events - Apply Now!

6 days ago | 147 views

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith announces up to $300,000 in contestable funding available for community events celebrating Waitangi Day and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund aims to support events that reflect on New Zealand's shared history and cultural contributions, bringing communities together to recognize all aspects of national identity. The Fund encourages new applicants to propose innovative ways for communities to participate in Waitangi Day events, with applications closing on October 20, 2025.

Tags: Waitangi Day Treaty of Waitangi Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund Paul Goldsmith Arts Culture Heritage Minister New Zealand community events funding

Transformative Rail Investment in Auckland: Unveiling the Third Main Line Project and Future Upgrades

1 week ago | 98 views

The Minister of Transport highlighted the Government's significant investment in Auckland's passenger rail system, including projects like the Third Main Line and extending the electrified network. These investments aim to improve both commuter services and freight operations, benefiting the economy and reducing road congestion. Future plans include expanding rail capacity in Auckland's Southern Corridor and developing the Avondale-Southdown corridor to enhance freight connections and regional economic growth.

Tags: David Gordon Mayor of Auckland Minister of Transport New Zealand KiwiRail Wellington Northland Marsden Point Rail Link Fonterra

First Fast-track Housing Development Approved in Nelson: Maitahi Village Project

1 week ago | 91 views

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones are pleased with the approval of the Maitahi Village housing development in Nelson under the Fast-track Approvals Act. The project, expected to deliver 180 homes and various amenities, represents a significant investment in Nelson's future. Minister Jones is focused on expediting regional projects and legislative changes to streamline the approval process for infrastructure developments.

Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Maitahi Village housing development Nelson infrastructure Ngāti Koata regional development expert panel

Global Uncertainty Impacts Economy: Minister Willis on Latest Stats NZ Data

1 week ago | 107 views

Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlighted the impact of global uncertainty on consumers and businesses based on released economic data. Stats NZ reported a 0.9% decline in real Gross Domestic Product in the second quarter following an initial increase. Willis attributed this downturn to international turmoil and tariffs affecting investment decisions. Looking ahead, there are positive signs of economic recovery, with lower interest rates, increased mortgage lending, and a forecasted strengthening of economic growth as tariff-related uncertainty diminishes.

Tags: Economic data global uncertainty consumers businesses Finance Minister Nicola Willis Gross Domestic Product tariffs investment decisions interest rates

Unlocking New Zealand's AI Potential for Sustainable Growth and Innovation

1 week ago | 128 views

The content discusses the importance of AI in driving innovation, productivity, and economic growth in New Zealand. It highlights the government's commitment to AI through policies, infrastructure development, and investments in research and education. The focus is on fostering responsible AI use, building a skilled workforce, and collaborating internationally to leverage AI opportunities for economic advancement. The government's initiatives aim to position New Zealand as a leader in AI technology and drive sustainable growth through innovation.

Tags: AI Forum Executive Council New Zealand Government AI Strategy technology innovation AI science economy AI R&D