Articles tagged with Bay Of Plenty
Civil Defence Payments Available for Severe Weather Relief in Northland and Bay of Plenty
1 day ago | 51 viewsCivil Defence payments are being made available to residents and non-residents affected by severe weather in specific areas of Northland, Bay of Plenty, and East Coast to help cover emergency costs such as food, clothing, and accommodation. Applicants do not need to be on a benefit to qualify and can apply through local Civil Defence centres or MSD’s general enquiries. The Ministry of Social Development is actively assessing ongoing needs and coordinating with regional agencies to continue supporting impacted communities.
Tags: Louise Upston Civil Defence Northland Bay of Plenty East Coast Rawhiti Ngaiotonga Bland Bay Mokau Work and IncomeNorth Island Storm Recovery: Rapid Repairs Restore Key Transport Links
1 day ago | 56 viewsSevere storms and flooding caused widespread damage to North Island’s transport infrastructure, leading to road closures and isolation of communities, with urgent restoration efforts underway. Significant progress has been made reopening state highways and rail lines, though some sections, particularly on SH25, SH2, and SH35, remain closed due to extensive slips and landslides, requiring ongoing repair and safety monitoring. The government emphasizes the importance of investing in transport resilience, highlighting recent successful upgrades that have withstood the severe weather and committing to continued support and improvements for future storm recovery.
Tags: Chris Bishop North Island Northland Waikato Tauranga Coromandel Bay of Plenty SH25 SH35 NZTAGovernment Boosts $200K Support for Farmers Affected by Severe Weather
2 days ago | 46 viewsThe Government is increasing support for farmers and growers affected by severe weather, providing an additional $200,000 to Rural Support Trusts in impacted regions. Ministry for Primary Industries staff are working with sector groups to identify where aid is most needed, complementing the $2.2 million previously announced for Mayoral Relief Funds and marae welfare reimbursements. Farmers and growers seeking help are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust for assistance.
Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Christopher Luxon Government Rural Support Trust Ministry for Primary Industries farmers growers Northland Bay of PlentyGovernment Launches $1M Marae Emergency Fund for Severe Weather Support
3 days ago | 70 viewsThe Government has established a $1 million Marae Emergency Response Fund to reimburse marae for welfare support provided during severe weather events in the Upper North Island in January 2026. At least 20 marae across five regions offered essential aid such as food, shelter, and power to evacuees and isolated residents, often being the first responders. The fund, administered by Te Puni Kōkiri, allows marae to recover costs and build resilience, with eligible organisations able to apply for reimbursement through their regional offices.
Tags: Mr Potaka Te Puni Kōkiri Māori Development Fund Marae Manaakitanga Upper North Island Northland Coromandel Bay of Plenty TairāwhitiMount Maunganui Landslide Tragedy: Honoring Lives Lost and Community Strength
3 days ago | 108 viewsA devastating landslide at Mount Maunganui following heavy rain resulted in six confirmed fatalities and a prolonged rescue and recovery operation, deeply affecting families and communities. Emergency services, local heroes, and volunteers have worked tirelessly amid widespread extreme weather events that have also caused other losses and states of emergency in multiple regions. The government and communities remain committed to recovery efforts, offering support and solidarity to those grieving and displaced, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Tags: Sharon Max Lisa Jacqualine Susan Måns FENZ Police Mount Maunganui Bay of PlentyGovernment Activates Temporary Accommodation Service for North Island Weather Victims
4 days ago | 80 viewsThe Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) has been activated to support people displaced by recent severe weather in parts of the North Island. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is coordinating with emergency agencies, local councils, and communities to provide safe accommodation and additional support services, including social, mental health, and financial assistance. Those affected are encouraged to register for temporary accommodation through the TAS website or phone line, though registration numbers are not yet confirmed.
Tags: Tama Potaka Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Temporary Accommodation Service Civil Defence Emergency Management National Emergency Management Agency Northland Coromandel Bay of Plenty TairāwhitiGovernment Invests $10M to Upgrade National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty
1 week ago | 164 viewsThe Government is investing over $10 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty, enhancing infrastructure resilience and creating 71 jobs, particularly for Māori youth. The new complex will serve as a cultural, educational, and civil defence hub, preserving the heritage of the Ringatū faith founded by Te Kooti and supporting the broader Māori community. This initiative follows similar investments in other significant marae and aims to strengthen rural marae as vital community assets.
Tags: Shane Jones Tama Potaka Te Kooti Ringatū Rātana Bay of Plenty Wainui Marae Māori Development Regional Infrastructure Fund Ringatū Church IncorporatedNew Mental Health Co-Response Teams Launched in Four NZ Regions for 111 Calls
1 week ago | 179 viewsMinister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced the launch of the first four mental health co-response teams in Canterbury, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Counties Manukau, pairing mental health workers with Police to better respond to 111 mental distress calls. These teams aim to provide immediate support and reduce reliance on criminal justice responses, improving outcomes by decreasing emergency department visits and use of Mental Health Act powers. Funded by a $28 million Budget 2025 investment, the initiative expands on previous pilots and is part of a broader government strategy to enhance crisis response and mental health services nationwide.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Police Budget 2025 Canterbury Auckland Bay of Plenty Counties Manukau Mental Health ActFarmers Urged to Stay Safe Amid Severe Weather Warnings and Support Available
1 week ago | 331 viewsAgriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay urges farmers and growers to stay informed about severe weather warnings and seek support if needed, as heavy rain and strong wind alerts affect many regions. The Ministry for Primary Industries is actively monitoring the situation, coordinating with emergency groups, and providing on-ground assistance while advising people to prioritize safety and avoid floodwaters. A precautionary state of emergency has been declared in Whangārei, and those needing help are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust.
Tags: Todd McClay Ministry for Primary Industries MPI Agriculture and Forestry MetService Rural Support Trust Northland Whangārei Bay of Plenty Hawke’s BayNew Two-Lane Pekatahi Bridge Planned for SH2 in Eastern Bay of Plenty
1 month ago | 204 viewsTransport Minister Chris Bishop announced the construction of a new two-lane bridge on SH2 near Tāneatua to replace the inadequate one-lane Pekatahi Bridge, with design and consenting funded at $5 million and construction expected to start in mid-2027 at a total cost of $64-69 million. The new bridge will be built adjacent to the existing one to minimize disruption, feature earthquake-resilient foundations, flood protection, and accommodate High Productivity Motor Vehicles, thereby supporting regional economic growth and improving freight reliability. Meanwhile, NZTA will maintain the current bridge with steel plate installations and ongoing monitoring until the new bridge is completed, addressing safety and community concerns in the interim.
Tags: Chris Bishop Dana Kirkpatrick NZ Transport Agency Pekatahi Bridge State Highway 2 Tāneatua Eastern Bay of Plenty Tairāwhiti Bay of Plenty Port of TaurangaCrown Reaches Agreement in Principle to Settle Ngai Tai Treaty Claims
1 month ago | 233 viewsThe Crown has signed an agreement in principle to settle the historical Treaty claims of Ngai Tai, marking a significant step after claims were first submitted over 150 years ago. The settlement includes conservation land, $12 million in financial and commercial redress, and reserved marine space for aquaculture consents. This agreement acknowledges the Crown's past wrongs and initiates negotiations toward a comprehensive deed of settlement for Ngai Tai, an iwi based in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Tags: Ngai Tai Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith The Crown Whakaaetanga Matua Tōrere Bay of Plenty Treaty claims aquaculture deed of settlementŌpōtiki Harbour Complete: Boosting Bay of Plenty Aquaculture and Jobs Growth
2 months ago | 222 viewsThe completion of the new Ōpōtiki Harbour, featuring two 350m harbour walls and dredged channels, has created safe access for marine activities and unlocked opportunities for aquaculture and regional economic growth. The project, funded by government and regional councils with significant local collaboration, generated around 200 construction jobs and supports the expanding mussel industry, which employs over 200 full-time staff. This major infrastructure investment aims to boost local incomes and contribute to the government's goal of increasing aquaculture sector sales from $750 million to $3 billion by 2035.
Tags: Shane Jones Ōpōtiki Harbour Bay of Plenty Whakatōhea Mussels Regional Development Minister New Zealand aquaculture Provincial Growth Fund Bay of Plenty Regional Council Ōpōtiki District CouncilMidland Region Health Targets Hit Milestone: Faster Treatment & Shorter Waits in Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, Waikato,
4 months ago | 338 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown notes improved healthcare performance in the Midland region, with focus on prioritizing patient care and achieving timely, quality services. Key improvements in the region include faster cancer treatment, increased childhood immunizations, and shorter stays in emergency departments. Despite progress, efforts continue to reduce waitlists for elective procedures and specialist assessments, supported by a significant government investment in healthcare to drive better outcomes and accountability.
Tags: Gisborne Bay of Plenty Waikato Lakes Taranaki Simeon Brown healthcare patients Midland region elective proceduresTauranga Hospital Enhances Critical Care Services with New ICU and HDU Expansion
5 months ago | 852 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown opened Tauranga Hospital's new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU), completing a $21 million upgrade of critical care services for the Bay of Plenty. The upgrade increases ICU and HDU capacity from 10 to 16 beds on a dedicated floor, while the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) now has its own floor with potential to expand to 20 beds. The upgraded facilities aim to improve patient flow, reduce surgery delays, enhance coordination of cardiology services, and provide additional protection with negative pressure rooms.
Tags: Simeon Brown Tauranga Hospital Intensive Care Unit High Dependency Unit Critical Care Services Bay of Plenty Coronary Care Unit Cardiology Services Emergency Department Health InfrastructureActing Prime Minister Congratulates Hugh Jackson, 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year
6 months ago | 1155 viewsThe Acting Prime Minister has extended warm congratulations to Hugh Jackson on being crowned the 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year. “Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Young Farmer of the Year grand final in Invercargill. It was a brilliant event, celebrating the future of farming and showcasing their expertise, leadership, and passion for agriculture,” says Mr Seymour.
Tags: Hugh Jackson Seymour Young Farmer of the Year Invercargill Waikato Bay of Plenty Epsom New Zealand agriculture farming export revenue