Articles tagged with Cco

New Zealand Tourism Hits $46.6B in Spending, Boosts Jobs and Economy

2 weeks ago | 162 views

New Zealand’s tourism sector continues to grow, with total expenditure reaching $46.6 billion for the year ending March 2025, driven by a 7% increase in overseas visitor spending and arrivals. Tourism employment rose by 2.8% to 327,888 people, representing one in nine jobs, and tourism contributes 7.7% of GDP as the country's second highest export. The Government supports this growth through initiatives like the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package and easing visitor visa requirements, aiming to boost regional economies and sustain long-term development.

Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Stats NZ Tourism Satellite Account NZeTA Government Tourism and Hospitality Minister Tourism sector Overseas visitors Major Events and Tourism Package

Regulatory Standards Act: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Local Government

3 weeks ago | 187 views

The Regulatory Standards Act, coming into law by July 1, mandates councils to publish Consistency Accountability Statements (CAS) explaining the impact, costs, and benefits of new bylaws, promoting transparency and accountability in local regulation. This legislation aims to curb poor regulation that burdens ratepayers and stifles productivity by requiring councils to justify and regularly review their secondary legislation, ensuring laws are proportionate and evidence-based. The Act supports better governance by helping councils avoid kneejerk regulations, improve decision-making quality, and ultimately deliver greater value to taxpayers and communities.

Tags: Regulatory Standards Act Consistency Accountability Statement LGNZ councils local government Ministry for Regulation New Zealand ratepayers secondary legislation

Temporary Accommodation and Marae Support Aid Severe Weather Recovery in NZ

1 month ago | 294 views

Minister Tama Potaka announced that temporary accommodation, including motorhomes, and marae-led welfare support are being provided to those displaced by recent severe weather, with rapid assessments and placements through the Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service. Marae have played a crucial role in offering shelter and kai, supported by a $1 million Marae Emergency Response Fund to acknowledge their leadership and cover associated costs. People needing accommodation or insurance claim support are encouraged to register with the relevant services, and marae or organizations can seek reimbursement through Te Puni Kōkiri.

Tags: Tama Potaka Te Puni Kōkiri Marae Emergency Response Fund Temporary Accommodation Service New Zealand Claims Resolution Service Māori Development Associate Minister of Housing Northland marae whānau

Government Deploys Motorhomes for Temporary Housing After Severe Weather Crisis

1 month ago | 269 views

The Government is deploying motorhomes through the Temporary Accommodation Service to provide immediate housing for people displaced by severe weather in regions including Northland, East Coast, and Bay of Plenty. Agencies are collaborating with local councils, Iwi, and community groups to ensure affected individuals can access accommodation and support, with registration encouraged for those needing temporary housing. Additionally, the Government has allocated funding to support relief efforts, including Mayoral Relief Funds and reimbursements to marae providing welfare services.

Tags: Tama Potaka Temporary Accommodation Service Northland Te Tai Tokerau East Coast Tairāwhiti Government motorhomes Iwi marae Mayoral Relief Funds Coromandel

Government Activates Temporary Accommodation Service for North Island Weather Victims

1 month ago | 314 views

The 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 Tairāwhiti

Government Report Shows Progress and Accountability in Treaty Settlement Delivery 2025

3 months ago | 469 views

The Government's Whole of System Report on Treaty Settlement Delivery 2025 highlights increased progress, with 83.3% of commitments complete or on track and reduced delivery issues. The report includes new insights from post-settlement governance entities (PSGEs), revealing that successful Treaty relationships rely on reciprocal engagement, timely delivery, and adequate resourcing. Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka emphasizes the importance of accountability, trust, and partnership to strengthen Treaty relationships and ensure commitments are met.

Tags: Tama Potaka Māori Crown Relations Treaty Settlement Core Crown Report PSGEs Government Accountability Treaty Relationships Treaty Delivery Crown Agencies

New Zealand Introduces Safe Harbour Laws to Combat Online Scams Faster

4 months ago | 441 views

The New Zealand Government is introducing safe harbour legal protections to enable banks, telecommunications providers, and digital platforms to act swiftly and confidently in blocking suspected online scams without fear of prosecution. These protections require reasonable grounds for suspicion, proportional action, and correction of any unintended disruption, supporting a prevention-first approach against scams that caused $265 million in losses last year. Complementing this, the New Zealand Anti Scam Alliance is developing a trusted flagger system and new fraud intelligence tools to identify and freeze suspicious accounts, enhancing cross-sector collaboration to combat evolving scam threats.

Tags: Scott Simpson New Zealand Anti Scam Alliance Payments NZ New Zealand Banking Association Commerce and Consumer Affairs safe harbour fraud intelligence tool mule accounts online scams trusted flagger system

Vocational Education Minister Announces New TEC Board Members to Drive Priorities and Innovation

4 months ago | 490 views

Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has appointed four new members to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Board: Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM, Dr Uluomato'otua Saulaulu Aiono ONZM, Mr Simon Flood, and Mr Michael Chapman. These appointments aim to enhance the TEC Board's capabilities in driving the Government's priorities for the tertiary education system, including regional polytechnic re-establishment and skills-focused investment. The new Board members, appointed for a three-year term, bring diverse expertise to guide the TEC's strategic direction under the continued leadership of Dr Alan Bollard CNZM and Robin Hapi CNZM.

Tags: Penny Simmonds Sally Davenport Uluomato'otua Saulaulu Aiono Simon Flood Michael Chapman Alan Bollard Robin Hapi Alastair MacCormick Deidre Shea Kirk Hope

New Non-Financial Sanctions Launch in Traffic Light System for Job Seekers

5 months ago | 435 views

The Traffic Light System is expanding with two new non-financial sanctions related to job searches and upskilling, aimed at increasing accountability for beneficiaries. These sanctions require reporting job search activities and attending employment-related training courses. The government is focused on reducing benefit dependency, offering support services and incentives to help individuals transition into employment and meet their obligations. The goal is to have fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030 by proactively preparing individuals for employment opportunities.

Tags: Traffic Light System job searches upskilling Social Development Employment Minister Louise Upston beneficiaries accountability benefit dependency

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

6 months ago | 504 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.

New Zealand Tourism Minister Leads Trade Mission to Strengthen China Relations

6 months ago | 558 views

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston will lead an industry delegation on a tourism-focused trade mission to China, visiting Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing to meet with Chinese airlines, e-commerce platforms, and tourism professionals. The mission aims to promote New Zealand's tourism sector, understand the Chinese market, and strengthen the relationship with China as it is New Zealand's third largest tourism market. Efforts include facilitating Chinese visitors' entry to New Zealand and fostering economic growth through tourism, friendship connections, and trade relationships.

Tags: Louise Upston China Tourism Hospitality Minister of Culture and Tourism New Zealand Trade mission Chinese market Aviation Accommodation

New FIT Partnership Boosts Trade and Investment Opportunities

6 months ago | 518 views

New Zealand, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland have formed the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership to enhance trade and investment opportunities and support economic growth. The partnership includes several other countries like Brunei, Costa Rica, and Iceland, among others. Discussions on establishing the FIT Partnership began a year ago, with a focus on practical initiatives to open markets, attract investment, and remove barriers to benefit businesses and strengthen supply chains.

Tags: New Zealand Singapore United Arab Emirates Switzerland Todd McClay Brunei Costa Rica Iceland Liechtenstein Morocco

Community Partnership Boosts Local Economy with New Accommodation in Buller

6 months ago | 591 views

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones praised the collaborative effort between Buller District Council, Development West Coast, and Endura in building 10 new units at Reefton Campground using local labor and businesses. The project aims to enhance accommodation options for both locals and tourists. The initiative not only provided employment for 50 local workers but also boosted the local economy, with Endura leasing the units initially for its staff before repurposing them for visitor accommodation.

Tags: Shane Jones Buller accommodation local labour local procurement local businesses Reefton Campground Development West Coast Endura tourism industry

Major Transport Reforms in Auckland to Enhance Accountability and Governance

6 months ago | 760 views

Significant transport reforms in Auckland since 2010 aim to enhance democratic accountability and empower Aucklanders to influence transport policies, as stated by Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. The reforms involve shifting most transport functions from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council, establishing the Auckland Regional Transport Committee to create a 30-year transport plan, and granting local boards new powers for local road decisions. The changes, set to be in place by September 2026, prioritize public input, efficient governance, and improved transport outcomes for Auckland.

Tags: transport reforms Auckland democratic accountability elected representatives governance Auckland Transport Auckland Council Minister Chris Bishop Minister Simeon Brown Mayor Wayne Brown

Transforming New Zealand's Universities for Future Success: Government Initiatives to Enhance Education & Innovation

6 months ago | 619 views

The New Zealand Government is implementing initiatives to modernize universities, aligning teaching and research with the country's future skills and innovation needs. The reforms aim to strengthen collaboration between universities, government, industry, and global experts, while simplifying funding mechanisms and enhancing quality assurance systems. Led by Universities Minister Dr. Shane Reti, these changes are designed to ensure universities remain competitive globally, support economic growth, and deliver benefits for New Zealand.

Tags: Government New Zealand Universities Shane Reti Tertiary Education Strategy University Strategy Group Tertiary Research Excellence Fund Quality Assurance Governance Accountability