Articles tagged with Amp

New Quality Homes Delivered Early for NZ Military Families Under Budget

4 days ago | 101 views

Defence Minister Chris Penk announced the early and under-budget completion of 23 new, high-quality homes for military families across New Zealand Defence Force bases as part of the Homes for Families programme. This $7.8 million development addresses decades of underinvestment in outdated military housing, providing safe, modern living spaces that support personnel wellbeing and ease housing affordability pressures. The government plans to invest up to $600 million through the 2025 Defence Capability Plan to continue delivering these homes, boosting regional economic activity and improving conditions for Defence personnel and their families.

Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Homes for Families Linton Military Camp Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea Burnham Military Camp Defence Minister Penny Homes Devonport Trentham

$11.9M Reinvested to Combat Meth and Gang Harm in NZ Communities

1 week ago | 108 views

New Zealand's government will reinvest $11.9 million seized from criminals into the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme to combat methamphetamine and gang-related harm. ROCC collaborates with police and community groups across seven regions to prevent gang recruitment, support offenders, and aid communities affected by drug and gang activity through practical initiatives with measurable outcomes. This funding, sourced from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, underscores the government's commitment to reducing organized crime and its impact on vulnerable populations without relying solely on enforcement.

Tags: Nicole McKee Casey Costello ROCC Proceeds of Crime Fund New Zealand methamphetamine gangs organised crime Police WELLfed

Defence Minister Honors NZ Businesses Boosting National Security and Innovation

1 week ago | 140 views

Defence Minister Chris Penk highlighted the vital role New Zealand businesses play in supporting national security by providing essential equipment, services, and infrastructure to the Defence Force. This year’s award recipients contribute to regional growth, innovation, and the Defence Capability Plan’s goals, which include doubling defence spending by 2025. Additionally, the Defence Industry Advisory Council has been revitalized with updated membership and terms to better align with government defence and economic priorities.

Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Ministry of Defence Defence Industry Advisory Council Defence Capability Plan Burnham Military Camp Minister of Defence Awards Defence spending Defence procurement Defence Industry

Chelsea F.C. Women to Play Auckland FC at International Football Festival in NZ

1 week ago | 264 views

Chelsea F.C. Women will play Auckland FC Women’s Invitational XI at Eden Park on August 8, marking the first time a Women’s Super League club competes in New Zealand, supported by the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. This event, part of the International Football Festival, aims to boost Auckland’s economy, create jobs, and showcase New Zealand globally as a premier destination for sport and entertainment. The Government’s investment also supports other major events like concerts and sports tournaments, enhancing tourism and cultural offerings nationwide.

Tags: Chelsea F. C. Women Louise Upston Auckland FC Women’s Invitational XI Tottenham Hotspur FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Linkin Park Robbie Williams Ultra Music Festival FIFA World Series World Surf League Championship Tour

James McDonald Becomes Australasia’s Most Successful Group 1 Jockey at 34

2 months ago | 337 views

Minister for Racing Winston Peters congratulated James McDonald for becoming Australasia’s most successful Group 1 jockey with 130 victories, surpassing Damien Oliver's record. At just 34, McDonald's achievement highlights his exceptional talent, professionalism, and dedication to the sport. Peters emphasized McDonald's status as a global superstar and ambassador for Australasian racing through his strong public connection and partnerships with top trainers.

Tags: Winston Peters James McDonald Damien Oliver Chris Waller Australasian Group 1 champion jockey Minister for Racing world’s best jockey award racing community Group 1 rider

Fast-Track Approval Granted for New Zealand’s Green Steel Manufacturing Plant

2 months ago | 602 views

National Green Steel Limited’s structural steel manufacturing plant in Hampton Downs, Waikato, has been approved through the Fast-track process, aiming to produce 200,000 tonnes of recycled steel annually using low-carbon electric arc furnace technology. The project will reduce steel imports, enable local recycling of scrap metal, create about 200 skilled jobs, and support New Zealand’s infrastructure development by strengthening supply chains. This is the 13th project approved under Fast-track and the first infrastructure project involving steel manufacturing, reflecting industry readiness to invest in sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Tags: Mr Bishop Mr Jones Mr Watts National Green Steel Limited New Zealand Green Steel Hampton Downs Waikato Auckland

New Zealand Invests $20M to Support Families and Prevent Addiction Harm by 2029

2 months ago | 310 views

The New Zealand government is investing nearly $20 million annually in a new Action Plan to improve addiction support, focusing on early intervention, expanded pregnancy and parenting services, and community-based follow-up for those affected by substance use. Emphasizing the critical first 1000 days of a child's life, the plan aims to prevent harm through early identification and enhanced support for families experiencing alcohol or drug issues. Progress includes a growing addiction workforce and reduced counselor vacancies, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing addiction comprehensively across all stages.

Tags: Matt Doocey New Zealand addiction substance harm mental health fetal alcohol spectrum disorder methamphetamine parenting support drug and alcohol counsellors Action Plan

Government Boosts Funding for Smokefree Youth Music Programs to Promote Health

2 months ago | 477 views

The Government is increasing funding to $550,000 per year for the next three years to support Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats, youth music programs promoting smokefree and vapefree lifestyles. These events have been instrumental in encouraging creativity and wellbeing among young people for 36 years, contributing to a significant decline in smoking and vaping rates among youth. The 2025 editions achieved record participation and audience engagement, highlighting their effectiveness in reaching and influencing young people.

Tags: Casey Costello Smokefreerockquest Smokefree Tangata Beats Health NZ Associate Health Minister youth music programmes smokefree lifestyle vapefree lifestyle quit smoking campaigns government investment

New Methamphetamine Contamination Rules for Rental Properties Effective April 2026

2 months ago | 614 views

New regulations addressing methamphetamine contamination in rental properties will take effect from 16 April 2026, establishing clear, evidence-based thresholds and processes to ensure consistency for landlords and tenants. Properties with residue above 15µg/100cm² must be decontaminated, and if levels exceed 30µg/100cm², tenancy termination options become available, with professional testing aligned to New Zealand Standard 8510:2017 required in certain cases. Developed with expert advice, these rules aim to protect tenant health while minimizing landlord costs, with guidance provided through MBIE’s Tenancy Services website.

Tags: Tama Potaka Peter Gluckman methamphetamine contamination rental properties New Zealand Standard 8510:2017 Ministry of Housing and Urban Development MBIE Tenancy Services New Zealand Institute for Public Health Forensic Science

New Military Health and Performance Centre Opens at Burnham Camp for NZDF

3 months ago | 477 views

A new Military Health and Performance Centre, Tû Manawa Ora, has opened at Burnham Military Camp to enhance the health, wellbeing, and operational readiness of New Zealand Defence Force personnel by providing comprehensive medical, rehabilitation, psychological, and training services under one roof. The $22 million facility, completed in 18 months, aims to set a new standard for military healthcare infrastructure, supporting both prevention and treatment to improve retention and performance. Strategically located at the largest South Island military base, the centre reflects a strong commitment to caring for Defence personnel throughout their service and beyond.

Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Burnham Military Camp Tû Manawa Ora Hawkins New Zealand Ernst & Young GHD NZ Beca Defence Estate and Infrastructure Associate Defence Minister

WSL Championship Tour Comes to Raglan, New Zealand in May 2026

3 months ago | 2967 views

The World Surf League (WSL) will host its 2026 Championship Tour event, the New Zealand Pro, in Raglan, marking the first combined men’s and women’s WSL event in the country. Scheduled for May 15-25, the competition will feature top surfers at Raglan’s renowned left-hand point break, boosting local tourism and showcasing New Zealand as a premier surf destination. Supported by the Government’s Events Attraction Package, the event aims to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s global reputation for major cultural and sporting events.

Tags: World Surf League WSL Raglan New Zealand Pro Louise Upston Waikato Championship Tour Tourism Surfing Events Attraction Package

New Zealand Unveils Stronger 5-Year Plan to Combat Organised Crime and Harm

5 months ago | 817 views

Associate Police Minister Casey Costello announced a new all-of-government strategy and action plan to combat Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) in New Zealand, aiming to make the country the hardest place for organised criminal groups to operate. The plan focuses on improving cross-agency coordination, information sharing, addressing methamphetamine harm, and strengthening community resilience through initiatives like ROCC. This five-year strategy responds to increasing organised crime threats, including drug trade and money laundering, and is informed by expert advice to enhance governance, accountability, and resource use across government agencies.

Tags: Casey Costello New Zealand TSOC Organised Crime Methamphetamine Ministerial Advisory Group Resilience to Organised Crime Transnational Crime Money Laundering Pacific Neighbours

Wellington Launches Roadside Drug Testing to Crack Down on Drug-Impaired Driving

5 months ago | 679 views

Roadside drug testing has begun in the Wellington District as part of a nationwide rollout by mid-2026 to deter drug-impaired driving, targeting substances like cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine. Police will use saliva-based screening devices at the roadside, with positive tests leading to laboratory analysis and potential penalties including fines, demerit points, and driving prohibitions. Drivers refusing tests face immediate penalties, and prescription or medical notes cannot prevent testing, though medical defenses may be applied after infringement.

Tags: Chris Bishop Mark Mitchell Wellington District New Zealand roadside drug testing THC methamphetamine MDMA cocaine

New Zealand’s New Planning System to Boost Growth, Simplify Consents & Protect Environment

5 months ago | 517 views

New Zealand is overhauling its Resource Management Act 1991 with a new planning system designed to simplify consents, speed up infrastructure and housing development, and strengthen property rights while protecting the environment. The reforms include fewer, faster plans, clearer national direction, mandatory regional spatial plans, and a new Planning Tribunal to reduce red tape and improve accountability, aiming to boost GDP by up to $3.1 billion annually by 2050. The government plans to introduce the bills to Parliament soon, with national policy direction and standards to follow, inviting public consultation through the Select Committee process.

Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court Janette Campbell New Zealand Resource Management Act RMA Reform Planning Tribunal Environmental Defence Society Expert Advisory Group

New Food Safety Rules Help Small-Scale Meat Processors Save Costs and Boost Local Food

5 months ago | 568 views

New rule changes reduce sampling and testing requirements for small-scale meat processors, lowering costs while maintaining high food safety standards. These adjustments, developed after consultation with micro operators, aim to ease barriers for small businesses and support local food supplies without compromising safety. The government is committed to balancing oversight with practicality to foster innovation and help primary industries succeed.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister micro abattoirs food safety rule changes sampling requirements small businesses primary industries compliance