Articles tagged with Chris Bishop
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New District Court Judges Leighvi Maynard and Nicola Graham Appointed in NZ
09 Oct 2026, 11:50 AM | 3 days ago | 128 viewsAttorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has appointed Leighvi Maynard of Gisborne and Nicola Graham of Napier as District Court Judges. Mr Maynard has extensive experience in criminal law, prosecution, and defense, having worked in various legal roles since 2006 and co-founded Rāwhiti Legal in 2024, while Ms Graham has a strong background as a crown prosecutor, sole practitioner, and Youth Advocate. Judge Maynard will serve at Napier District Court, sworn in on 21 November 2026, and Judge Graham will serve at Hamilton District Court, sworn in on 14 December 2026.
Tags: Chris Bishop Leighvi Maynard Nicola Graham Riki Donnelly Simpson Grierson Burnard Bull & Co Rāwhiti Legal Elvidge and Partners Gisborne NapierInvestigation Launched to Review Christchurch Planning Rules for Apollo Stadium Site Redevelopment
09 Oct 2026, 8:44 AM | 3 days ago | 164 viewsAn investigation has been initiated to assess whether Christchurch planning rules hinder new housing, economic growth, and redevelopment of the former Apollo Projects Stadium site. This follows a request from Christchurch City Council Mayor Phil Mauger to amend the District Plan for the 4.93-hectare site now that the new stadium, Te Kaha, is operational. The investigation, using powers under the Resource Management Act, aims to ensure planning rules support city growth by removing provisions that negatively impact development and employment.
Tags: Chris Bishop Phil Mauger Christchurch Apollo Projects Stadium RMA Reform Christchurch City Council Resource Management Act One New Zealand Stadium Eden Park Jack Hinton DriveGovernment Overhauls Resource Management Act to Boost NZ Electricity and Telecom Networks
08 Oct 2026, 12:10 PM | 4 days ago | 156 viewsThe Government has completed the largest overhaul of national direction under the Resource Management Act, introducing new National Environmental Standards for Electricity Network Activities (NES-ENA) and Telecommunication Facilities (NES-TF) to streamline and standardize rules, making it faster and more affordable to build and upgrade infrastructure. These reforms replace outdated, inconsistent planning requirements with clearer, nationally consistent rules that facilitate routine maintenance, upgrades, and the rollout of modern technologies like 5G, while reducing unnecessary consenting costs and delays. The changes, informed by extensive consultation, serve as a bridge to the new planning system and aim to support housing, infrastructure, energy, and primary sectors with improved environmental and development outcomes.
Tags: Resource Management Act Chris Bishop National Environmental Standards Electricity Network Activities Telecommunication Facilities New Zealand Government Transpower 5GWaikare Gorge SH2 Realignment Starts to Boost Safety and Economic Growth
07 Oct 2026, 11:15 AM | 5 days ago | 160 viewsThe Waikare Gorge realignment project on State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier aims to create a safer, more resilient highway supporting economic growth and community connectivity. The nearly 4km realignment includes a 260-metre bridge spanning 65 meters above the river, with construction starting next month and expected to take 3-4 years, minimizing traffic disruption. Initially estimated at $350-425 million, the project cost has reduced to $275-325 million due to competitive tendering and design innovations, forming part of a nearly $1 billion regional road infrastructure investment.
Tags: Waikare Gorge Wairoa Napier State Highway 2 Chris Bishop Cyclone Gabrielle Hawke’s Bay East Coast NZTA Hawke’s Bay ExpresswayOtago Central Lakes Deal: 10-Year Plan for Housing, Infrastructure & Growth
06 Oct 2026, 2:34 PM | 6 days ago | 208 viewsThe Government has signed a 10-year City and Regional Deal with Otago Central Lakes councils to support housing, infrastructure, and economic growth, guided by a 30-year vision to diversify the region’s economy beyond tourism. The Deal includes commitments to improve housing affordability, transport infrastructure, energy capacity, health services, and rural economic development through coordinated central and local government efforts. An Oversight Board will monitor progress, with an Implementation Plan to be completed within six months, ensuring the region’s growth benefits residents and attracts investment.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Watts Otago Central Lakes Queenstown Lakes District Council Central Otago District Council Otago Regional Council New Zealand Government NZTA Queenstown Electrification Accelerator Otago Central Lakes DealGovernment Funds 12 New Classrooms to Expand Wakatipu High School in Queenstown
06 Oct 2026, 1:55 PM | 6 days ago | 175 viewsThe Government is investing in 12 new permanent classrooms at Wakatipu High School to address Queenstown’s rapidly growing secondary education demand, with construction starting in early 2027 and completion by mid-2028. The expansion includes specialist and general teaching spaces and supports future growth alongside plans for a second secondary school, reflecting a broader commitment to upgrading school infrastructure across New Zealand. Additionally, funding is allocated for a pilot project converting open plan classrooms into enclosed learning spaces at Wakatipu and five other schools to enhance learning environments.
Tags: Erica Stanford Chris Bishop Wakatipu High School Queenstown New Zealand School Property Agency Avonside Girls’ High School Haeata Community Campus Hobsonville Point Secondary School Rolleston College Shirley Boys’ High SchoolQueenstown Cable Car Project Secures $265M Funding via Active Investor Plus Visa
06 Oct 2026, 11:58 AM | 6 days ago | 239 viewsThe Queenstown Cable Car project by Southern Infrastructure Limited has secured an initial $265 million private lending agreement with Private Capital Group, funded partly through the Government’s Active Investor Plus visa program. This cable car aims to connect key areas in Queenstown, providing a rapid public transport solution to alleviate road congestion amid the region’s rapid growth. The project exemplifies the government’s strategy to attract international investment for infrastructure development, leveraging private capital and innovative funding to address New Zealand’s infrastructure challenges.
Tags: Queenstown Cable Car Southern Infrastructure Limited Chris Bishop Erica Stanford Private Capital Group Active Investor Plus visa New Zealand infrastructure Government funding Queenstown transport immigration investmentWaikato’s SH26 Bridge to Get $5M Upgrade for Safer, Resilient Transport
06 Oct 2026, 10:30 AM | 6 days ago | 171 viewsThe New Zealand government will allocate $5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to replace the nearly century-old Piraunui Stream Bridge on State Highway 26, a vital transport route in Waikato. This proactive investment aims to ensure resilient infrastructure, support economic growth, and maintain safe, reliable connections for communities and freight operators. Design and consenting work will start within six months, with construction planned for 2027, pending approvals.
Tags: Waikato Shane Jones Chris Bishop Piraunui Stream Bridge State Highway 26 Regional Infrastructure Fund transport infrastructure regional development economic growth New ZealandNew Plymouth District Plan Updates to Boost Housing, Growth, and Development
02 Oct 2026, 12:31 PM | 1 week ago | 230 viewsTargeted amendments to New Plymouth’s District Plan will simplify building and development processes by removing unnecessary consenting requirements and planning barriers, thereby supporting economic growth and reducing costs. Following an investigation under the Resource Management Act 1991, which included public consultation and feedback, the government identified provisions negatively impacting development and decided to proceed with practical changes to various planning controls. These changes aim to improve planning system efficiency, maintain environmental safeguards, and foster investment and employment, with regulations currently being drafted for Cabinet approval.
Tags: Chris Bishop New Plymouth Resource Management Act RMA Reform New Plymouth District Council Mayor of New Plymouth RMA 1991 New Plymouth District Plan Government CabinetNew Zealand Launches NZ School Property Agency to Boost School Infrastructure
01 Oct 2026, 8:33 AM | 1 week ago | 269 viewsThe New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) has officially begun operations to improve transparency, service quality, and commercial discipline in managing school property, separating these responsibilities from the Ministry of Education's policy and network decisions. The Government has invested $2.7 billion across three budgets to fund nearly 1,600 new classrooms, specialist schools, and maintenance upgrades, while adopting cost-saving measures like offsite construction to reduce classroom costs significantly. NZSPA, governed by a skilled board, aims to provide a clear, value-for-money investment pipeline and long-term infrastructure planning for school properties nationwide.
Tags: Erica Stanford Chris Bishop Murray McCully Sarah Petersen Mark Binns Rick Herd Sue McCormack Peter Alexander New Zealand School Property Agency NZSPAWellington District Plan Changes to Boost Housing, Jobs, and Investment
01 Oct 2026, 6:22 AM | 1 week ago | 302 viewsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced changes to Wellington’s district plan to remove heritage listings from the Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct, and Miramar oil tank, while modifying height limits in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area to enable increased development. These changes aim to support investment, housing, and job creation, potentially allowing 550 additional apartments, generating $200 million, and creating around 1,400 jobs through construction and commercial activities. The former General Headquarters Building’s heritage listing will remain, and the reforms follow extensive investigation, consultation, and consideration of economic and heritage impacts.
Tags: Chris Bishop RMA Reform Wellington Courtenay Place Heritage Area Karori Tunnel Kelburn Viaduct Miramar oil tank General Headquarters Building Wellington City Council Resource Management Act 1991New Zealand’s New Planning and Natural Environment Acts Now Law, Driving RMA Reform
30 Sep 2026, 2:10 PM | 1 week ago | 203 viewsNew Zealand's Planning Act and Natural Environment Act have received Royal assent, replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 and establishing a new planning system aimed at simplifying development, enhancing environmental management, and providing greater certainty for communities and investors. The new system emphasizes upfront decision-making through national policy direction, consistent standards, and long-term regional spatial planning to guide growth, protection, and infrastructure over the next 30 years. Implementation will involve collaboration with councils, iwi, and stakeholders, supported by digital tools and a dedicated website, with key milestones including finalizing policy direction by 2027 and full system operation by 2030.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court New Zealand Planning Act Natural Environment Act Resource Management Act RMA Reform National Policy Direction Regional Spatial Plans Planning TribunalAuckland Restores Transport Governance, Enhancing Local Accountability and Planning
30 Sep 2026, 1:52 PM | 1 week ago | 227 viewsAuckland’s new transport governance reforms, effective from tomorrow, restore democratic accountability by shifting most local transport functions from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council, enabling elected members to directly influence and be responsible for transport decisions. The changes also empower local boards with new responsibilities and establish the Auckland Regional Transport Committee to coordinate long-term planning between central and local government. Mayor Wayne Brown emphasizes that these reforms allow practical, accountable decision-making to improve transport efficiency and support the city’s growth, while Auckland Transport will focus on delivering public transport services.
Tags: Chris Bishop Wayne Brown Auckland Council Auckland Transport Auckland Regional Transport Committee City Rail Link Local Government Act transport governance transport planning Quick Fix campaignAuckland’s City Rail Link Hits Over 1 Million Rides in Two Weeks
30 Sep 2026, 1:40 PM | 1 week ago | 189 viewsIn the first two weeks since Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) opened, over one million train rides were recorded, breaking previous ridership records and significantly increasing trips between western suburbs and the city center. The new rail network has led to faster journey times, direct connections, and a shift in travel habits, with notable growth in boardings at city center stations and key interchanges, while some bus routes have seen reduced patronage. Overall, the CRL has transformed Auckland’s rail system by enabling new travel patterns across the city, encouraging more people to use integrated train and bus services.
Tags: Chris Bishop Wayne Brown Auckland City Rail Link CRL Te Waihorotiu Waitematā Panmure New LynnSH1 Papakura to Drury Upgrade: New Southbound Motorway Alignment Opens
29 Sep 2026, 12:46 PM | 1 week ago | 167 viewsTransport Minister Chris Bishop announced that southbound traffic on State Highway 1 between Papakura and Drury has shifted to a new motorway alignment and bridge, marking a major milestone in the project aimed at improving safety, resilience, and journey reliability. The project includes constructing five new bridges, widening the motorway, and future-proofing infrastructure against climate change, with completion expected by 2030 to provide three lanes each way, enhanced walking and cycling paths, and improved interchange facilities. These upgrades will support growth in South Auckland, strengthen freight and commuter connections, and incorporate features like wide shoulders for future bus services and comprehensive stormwater treatment.
Tags: Chris Bishop SH1 Papakura Drury Southern Motorway Auckland Bremner Road Great South Road Regional Significance Transport Minister