Articles tagged with App
New Zealand Food and Fibre Exports to Hit Record $64.3B by 2026
1 week ago | 130 viewsNew Zealand’s food and fibre sector is driving strong economic growth, with exports forecast to reach a record $64.3 billion by June 2026 and $70.1 billion by 2030, supported by high demand for dairy, red meat, and horticulture products. The government, led by Minister Todd McClay, is committed to backing farmers through trade expansion, reducing barriers, and implementing reforms in freshwater, resource management, and agricultural emissions. This support aims to boost rural communities, create jobs, and help achieve the goal of doubling export value within ten years.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi farmers dairy red meat kiwifruit apple crops food and fibre sector SOPI reportNew Zealand Doubles Trades Academy Places to 20,000 Boosting Vocational Education
2 weeks ago | 233 viewsThe New Zealand Government is doubling trades academy places from 10,000 to 20,000 with a $69 million investment to provide more young people with practical skills and industry experience while still at school. Additionally, $15 million is allocated to Industry Skills Boards to develop new vocational subjects integrated into the national qualification system, ensuring alignment with industry needs. These initiatives aim to elevate vocational pathways to the same status as other educational routes, offering diverse opportunities for youth to succeed in skilled careers.
Tags: New Zealand Nicola Willis Erica Stanford trades academy vocational education Budget 2026 Industry Skills Boards apprenticeships qualifications reforms vocational pathwaysNew Zealand Invests $57.7M to Upgrade Largest Research Database for Smarter Decisions
2 weeks ago | 164 viewsNew Zealand is investing $57.7 million over four years to modernize its Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), the country's largest research database, to support smarter, evidence-based government decisions. The IDI connects data from various government agencies and organizations to reveal the long-term impacts of policies on New Zealanders, ensuring resources are allocated effectively. Upgrading the outdated technology will enhance data accuracy and accessibility, enabling better social services and outcomes for current and future generations.
Tags: Scott Simpson New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure IDI Budget 2026 Government agencies Stats NZ social investment data infrastructure apprenticeshipsMaritime NZ Announces New Chair Kevin Short and Deputy Chair Charles Finny
3 weeks ago | 211 viewsAssociate Transport Minister James Meager announced new appointments to Maritime New Zealand's board, with Kevin Short becoming Chair and Charles Finny appointed Deputy Chair starting 1 July 2026. New members Charles Finny and Belinda Clark bring extensive governance, regulatory, and maritime experience to the board. Dame Jo Brosnahan, who has served as Chair since 2018, will conclude her term on 30 June 2026 and was acknowledged for her dedicated service during a challenging period.
Tags: James Meager Kevin Short Charles Finny Belinda Clark Dame Jo Brosnahan Maritime New Zealand Associate Transport Minister Chair Deputy Chair Board appointmentsNew Free Mental Health Toolkit Boosts Workplace Productivity for Businesses
1 month ago | 202 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey launched a free Business Mental Health Toolkit to help small and medium-sized businesses improve workplace productivity by addressing mental health. The toolkit offers confidential support through the Groov app, 24/7 counselling via text or call, and in-person services, aiming to reduce barriers like cost associated with Employee Assistance Programmes. This initiative is part of the Government’s broader mental health plan to enhance access to support, increase frontline workers, and improve crisis response.
Tags: mental health workplace productivity Matt Doocey Employee Assistance Programmes EAP Groov app mental health toolkit Access and Choice mental health supportNZ Citizenship Processing Hits Target After Six Years of Delays, Minister Says
1 month ago | 314 viewsAfter six years of delays, New Zealand's citizenship by grant processing has met timeliness targets for six consecutive months, with 94.6% of applications processed within 75 days in 2025. This improvement results from a focus on efficiency, prioritizing older applications, and has coincided with a 12% increase in applications and record processing volumes. Minister Brooke van Velden praised staff efforts and emphasized the importance of granting citizenship to those contributing to the country, while applications can be submitted online or by post.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Department of Internal Affairs citizenship processing New Zealand citizenship applications timeliness targets citizenship by grant citizenship office application backlog citizenship outcomesKing’s Counsel Appointment Round Announced for 2026 – Apply by June
1 month ago | 314 viewsAttorney-General Hon Chris Bishop announced that the next appointment round for King’s Counsel will occur in 2026, with applications opening on May 25 and closing on June 22. The Solicitor-General will consult with the New Zealand Law Society and the New Zealand Bar Association to inform recommendations made to the Governor-General, who has the final discretion in appointments. Guidelines and application details are available on the Crown Law website, and appointments are expected to be announced in October 2026.
Tags: Chris Bishop King’s Counsel Chief Justice New Zealand Law Society New Zealand Bar Association Crown Law Office 2026 appointmentsNew Zealand Boosts Primary Care with Overseas-Trained Doctors Program
1 month ago | 317 viewsThe New Zealand Government is advancing a programme to integrate overseas-trained doctors already residing in the country into the primary care workforce, with nearly half of the planned placements underway. This initiative supports international doctors in gaining registration and experience in general practice, addressing the key barrier of appointment availability for Kiwis. Alongside expanded digital and after-hours services, the programme aims to strengthen healthcare access nationwide by building a sustainable future medical workforce.
Tags: Simeon Brown New Zealand primary care workforce general practice government training programme healthcare workforce GP appointments hospital experienceNew Diplomatic Appointments: Carolyn Schwalger to Japan, Anais Kedgley Laidlaw to Italy
1 month ago | 312 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters announced two new diplomatic appointments. Carolyn Schwalger has been appointed Ambassador to Japan. Anais Kedgley Laidlaw will serve as Ambassador to Italy.
Tags: Winston Peters Carolyn Schwalger Anais Kedgley Laidlaw Foreign Minister Ambassador Japan Italy diplomatic appointments diplomacy international relationsEasier, Affordable Kids’ Health Treatment via Community Pharmacies in NZ from June
2 months ago | 476 viewsFrom June, New Zealand will expand funded treatment services through community pharmacies to provide easier and more affordable care for children’s common health conditions, reducing reliance on GP appointments. Pharmacists will be authorized to assess patients and supply subsidized medicines for issues like pain, fever, scabies, and urinary tract infections, supported by a $5 million annual fund to ensure nationwide availability. This initiative aims to improve timely access to healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas, by leveraging pharmacists as accessible and trusted health professionals.
Tags: Simeon Brown David Seymour Health New Zealand Pharmacists community pharmacies GP appointments Extended Pharmacy Services Fund Pharmaceutical Schedule New Zealand health children's healthcareDunedin Hospital’s New Surgical Assessment Unit Cuts Wait Times & Speeds Care
2 months ago | 524 viewsDunedin Hospital’s new $2.4 million Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) is now fully operational, providing faster assessment and earlier treatment for patients with acute surgical conditions, thereby reducing emergency department wait times. The SAU, staffed by experienced nurses and supported by surgical specialists, operates 24/7 and enables prompt interventions, improving patient flow by admitting directly to surgical wards or discharging with clear plans. Since its trial in December 2025, the unit has treated over 630 patients, demonstrating significant improvements in timely care and receiving positive feedback.
Tags: Simeon Brown Dunedin Hospital Otago Southland Surgical Assessment Unit SAU emergency department appendicitis Clinical Nurse Specialists surgical nursesNew Zealand Speeds Up Medicinal Cannabis Export Licensing to Boost Industry Growth
2 months ago | 361 viewsNew Zealand has significantly reduced medicinal cannabis export licensing times, with average processing dropping from 22.5 working days in 2022/2023 to 6.4 days in 2026, boosting export volumes and improving cashflow for exporters. The government is modernizing the licensing process by introducing electronic applications and considering more permanent licenses to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, legislation changes now allow growers to cultivate low-THC hemp without a license, expanding opportunities in the medicinal cannabis industry.
Tags: David Seymour Medsafe medicinal cannabis New Zealand export licensing cannabis export cannabis industry hemp cultivation cannabis regulation export applicationsGovt.nz App Update: New Digital Wallet and Secure Messaging Features Coming Soon
3 months ago | 540 viewsThe Govt. nz app will soon offer new digital features, including a digital wallet for storing accredited credentials from government and private sectors, supported by the Government Credential Issuance Platform. Hospitality New Zealand is collaborating to introduce a digital Kiwi Access Card for age verification, enhancing convenience and security without physical cards. By July 2026, secure messaging will enable direct communication from government agencies, while app use remains voluntary alongside existing service channels.
Tags: Govt. nz app Judith Collins digital identity digital wallet Government Credential Issuance Platform Hospitality New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act Kiwi Access Card New Zealand government servicesGovernment Amends Law to Ensure Fair Treatment of ACC and Welfare Payments
3 months ago | 545 viewsThe Government has passed legislation to clarify the impact of ACC payments on welfare entitlements, addressing an unfair discrepancy between those receiving weekly ACC payments and those receiving lump sum payments while their ACC claims are considered. The Social Security Amendment Act ensures equal treatment for all ACC recipients, correcting a court-interpreted anomaly that previously favored one group over another. This change aims to create a fair and equitable process, with transitional provisions for individuals seeking review before the Bill's introduction.
Tags: Government legislation ACC payments welfare entitlement Social Development Employment Minister Louise Upston Social Security Amendment Act MSD benefit Appeal AuthorityNew Zealand Boosts Economy with Faster Overseas Investment Approvals and New Visas
3 months ago | 544 viewsThe New Zealand Government has introduced a two-track system under the Overseas Investment Act to speed up investment decisions, aiming to process most applications within five to 15 working days, significantly faster than before. This reform, along with increased Active Investor Plus visa applications, is expected to bring billions in overseas capital, supporting economic growth, productivity, and high-paying jobs by providing access to international capital, expertise, and technology. The Government emphasizes that attracting foreign investment is essential for New Zealand’s future as a high-income economy and is committed to removing barriers to help businesses grow and create opportunities for Kiwis.
Tags: David Seymour Erica Stanford Overseas Investment Act New Zealand Active Investor Plus golden visa overseas investment Kiwi businesses economic growth investment applications