Articles tagged with Amp

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

3 days ago | 81 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 weeks ago | 429 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

2 months ago | 406 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

2 months ago | 355 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

2 months ago | 310 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

2 months ago | 307 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

New Appointments Announced to New Zealand Public Health Advisory Committee 2025

2 months ago | 332 views

Health Minister Simeon Brown announced new appointments to the Public Health Advisory Committee, including Dr. Caroline McElnay as Chair and Professor Peter Crampton as Deputy Chair, along with new members Professor Paula Lorgelly, Associate Professor Kaaren Mathias, and Professor Matire Harwood. The Committee provides independent advice to the Government on public health issues and strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders. Members will serve two- or three-year terms starting 1 December 2025, supporting the Government's commitment to accessible, quality public health services and prevention-focused care.

Tags: Simeon Brown Caroline McElnay Peter Crampton Paula Lorgelly Kaaren Mathias Matire Harwood

Top Up Campaign Empowers Over 3 Million Kiwis to Boost Mental Wellbeing

2 months ago | 337 views

The nationwide Top Up campaign, launched in August to promote the Five Ways to Wellbeing, has reached over 3.2 million New Zealanders and attracted 115,000 website visitors in four months, exceeding expectations. The campaign encourages simple, evidence-based daily actions to boost mental health and aims to shift the focus from crisis to prevention, supported by government funding for community initiatives. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey highlights the strong public engagement as a positive step toward reducing stigma and fostering proactive mental wellbeing across all communities.

Tags: Matt Doocey Top Up campaign Mental Health Minister New Zealand Mental Health Foundation VML Five Ways to Wellbeing Mental Health Targets Community Grants Scheme Kiwis

Defence Minister Opens $58M Burnham Army Maintenance Facility and Logistics Hub

2 months ago | 287 views

Defence Minister Judith Collins inaugurated a $58 million Army maintenance support facility at Burnham Military Camp, enhancing equipment repair capacity and safety, delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. Construction also began on an $82.7 million multi-functional regional supply facility at Burnham, which will serve as a modern logistics hub and provide around 600 jobs during its development. Both facilities are part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s Consolidated Logistics Project, aimed at upgrading logistics infrastructure across Burnham and Linton Military Camps to support operational readiness and personnel.

Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Defence Force Burnham Military Camp Linton Military Camp Defence Capability Plan Consolidated Logistics Project Regional Logistics Centre Army maintenance support facility Defence Minister Defence logistics

New Proposals Seek Feedback to Protect Hoiho from Commercial Fishing Risks

3 months ago | 382 views

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is seeking public feedback on proposals to reduce commercial fishing risks to the northern hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) population, following an emergency three-month set-net fishing closure around Otago Peninsula. Proposed measures include extending the closure long-term, banning set-netting between Karitāne and Hampden, and implementing a Fishing-Related Mortality Limit with an escalating response framework to minimize bycatch. The consultation, open until 12 December 2025, aims to balance hoiho conservation with the interests of commercial fishers and other stakeholders.

Tags: Shane Jones hoiho Otago Peninsula Karitāne Hampden New Zealand MPI commercial fishing yellow eyed penguins Stewart Island

Discover the Southern Way: $393K Campaign to Showcase Authentic Hospitality in Lower South Island

3 months ago | 446 views

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced that Great South will receive $393,000 to launch a campaign promoting the Southern Way and the region's hospitality to international visitors. The investment aims to showcase the lower South Island's unique experiences, wild beauty, rich flavors, and warm hospitality to new audiences. Led by Great South and regional partners, the campaign will target Australian travelers, particularly those from the Gold Coast, encouraging them to explore iconic destinations like Milford Sound, the Catlins coastline, and Dunedin, while highlighting the region's local events and genuine southern hospitality.

Tags: Great South campaign Southern Way international visitors Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston lower South Island regional partners Australian travellers Gold Coast

New Zealand Tourism Soars: Record International Visitor Arrivals in 2025

3 months ago | 888 views

Tourism Minister Louise Upston is pleased with the growth in New Zealand's overseas visitor numbers, particularly from Australia, which saw a 12% increase in arrivals in September 2025 compared to the previous year. Overall, New Zealand welcomed 248,600 international visitors in September 2025, with significant increases also seen from the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan. The government's efforts to attract more international visitors and boost the tourism industry are reflected in the record-high arrivals in Queenstown and Christchurch, as well as the initiatives such as the Tourism Boost package and the $70 million events and tourism investment package.

Tags: Louise Upston Tourism Minister Australia New Zealand Overseas visitors Stats NZ International visitors Tourism industry Everyone Must Go campaign

Boosting School Attendance: Insights from Education Minister David Seymour

3 months ago | 397 views

Associate Education Minister David Seymour expressed disappointment over a drop in attendance rates in the last week of Term 3, attributing it to strike action disrupting learning. The decline in attendance was significant, with almost 20,000 students leaving early, prompting the need for schools to have an attendance management plan in place. Interventions outlined in the plan include escalating responses for declining attendance, with a focus on improving data monitoring and case management to ensure all students have the opportunity for positive educational outcomes.

Tags: David Seymour Education Minister Attendance Term 3 Strike action AMP Education and Training Amendment Bill Daily attendance reporting Frontline attendance services

New Zealand to Introduce Tougher Drug Testing for Drivers: Key Drugs and Procedures Revealed

3 months ago | 449 views

New Zealand is implementing tougher enforcement against drug-impaired drivers by introducing roadside drug testing for THC, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine using oral-fluid devices. The initiative aims to reduce the 30% of road deaths involving impairing drugs and improve road safety. Police will conduct quick roadside screening tests, followed by laboratory analysis for positive results, leading to driving prohibitions and infringement notices for non-compliance.

Tags: New Zealand Roads Government Transport Minister Chris Bishop Police Minister Mark Mitchell Road Safety Roadside Drug Testing THC Methamphetamine

Government Targets Meth Epidemic with Seized Funds: A Nationwide Campaign Against Drug Use and Gang Profits

3 months ago | 411 views

The Government is using seized criminal money to fund a nationwide anti-methamphetamine campaign, aiming to reduce violent crime and support victims. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee emphasizes the destructive impact of meth on families and communities, highlighting the importance of providing help for recovery. The campaign, led by Health New Zealand, is part of a broader effort to combat organized crime, with a focus on cutting off illegal profits and making communities safer.

Tags: Government criminals campaign methamphetamine gangs Nicole McKee Proceeds of Crime Fund Health New Zealand organised crime