Articles tagged with Chris Pen
Seven NZ Postgraduate Students Win 2026 Space Scholarship to Intern at NASA JPL
6 days ago | 132 viewsSeven postgraduate students from New Zealand have been awarded the 2026 New Zealand Space Scholarship to intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, working on advanced space technology projects. Their studies cover diverse fields such as physics, engineering, chemistry, and microbiology, contributing to missions like astrovirology and telemetry analysis. This initiative supports the growth of New Zealand’s rapidly expanding space sector and aims to build a skilled workforce aligned with the country's Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy.
Tags: Chris Penk Alexander Wiseman Angela Xue Laura Doyle Zhen Hong Chai Laura Franssen Kyja McCabe Thomas Phillips New Zealand Space Scholarship NASA Jet Propulsion LaboratoryGovernment Cuts Council PIM Processing Time from 20 to 10 Days to Speed Up Building Projects
1 week ago | 137 viewsThe New Zealand Government is reducing the processing time for Project Information Memorandums (PIMs) from 20 to 10 working days to speed up building projects and reduce costs. This change aims to improve productivity, enhance competition in the building consent market, and support key sectors like housing, agriculture, and infrastructure. Ministers emphasize that efficient council processes are essential for timely development, benefiting homeowners, businesses, and rural communities.
Tags: Chris Penk Simon Watts Project Information Memorandums PIMs New Zealand building consent councils local government agriculture sector building processNZ Approves Two-Year Extension for Key NZDF International Peacekeeping Missions
1 week ago | 156 viewsThe New Zealand Government has approved two-year extensions for five international NZDF deployments, involving over 100 personnel in peacekeeping, monitoring, and security missions across the Middle East and North Asia. These deployments include contributions to the United Nations Command in Korea, the Multinational Force and Observers in Egypt, Middle East maritime security, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, and North Korea sanctions monitoring. The extensions reflect New Zealand’s commitment to global security, regional stability, and ongoing collaboration with international partners.
Tags: Winston Peters Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force United Nations Command Multinational Force and Observers United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation New Zealand Middle East North Korea EgyptKiwi Space Activator Funds University of Auckland’s Rakiraki CubeSat Project
1 week ago | 198 viewsSpace Minister Chris Penk announced that the University of Auckland received $300,000 from the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme to develop the Rakiraki CubeSat, a satellite aimed at improving space object tracking to protect essential satellite services. The programme supports New Zealand innovators in advancing space technology from concept to launch, fostering sovereign space capability, commercialisation, and global market access. With $1.78 million awarded across two rounds to four projects, the initiative reflects the growing and high-quality space innovation sector in New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Penk Kiwi Space Activator University of Auckland Rakiraki CubeSat Auckland University of Technology Space Operations New Zealand MBIE New Zealand space sector Kiwi businesses space technologyNew Zealand and Timor-Leste Strengthen Defence Cooperation with Updated Agreement
1 week ago | 195 viewsNew Zealand and Timor-Leste have signed an updated Defence Cooperation Arrangement to strengthen their longstanding defence relationship, last reviewed 15 years ago. The agreement focuses on training, education, capacity building, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, maritime security, and expertise exchange. This updated arrangement reflects their shared commitment to ongoing cooperation and supports Timor-Leste's role as the newest ASEAN member.
Tags: New Zealand Chris Penk Donaciano do Rosario da Costa Gomes Defence Cooperation Arrangement ASEAN Defence Minister Rear Admiral Peacekeepers Maritime SecurityDefence Minister Chris Penk to Attend Indo-Pacific Security Talks in Singapore
4 weeks ago | 275 viewsDefence Minister Chris Penk will attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to engage in defence diplomacy and address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. He plans to meet international counterparts and discuss enhancing collective efforts for regional security, stability, and prosperity. Emphasizing New Zealand’s commitment to a combat-capable defence force interoperable with partners, Penk highlights the importance of collaboration on issues like drug smuggling, illegal fishing, and climate-related disasters.
Tags: Chris Penk Defence Minister New Zealand Defence Force international security geostrategic challenges regional security diplomacy transnational securityNew Zealand Joins Multi-National Training Mission for Ukraine in Poland
1 month ago | 312 viewsThe New Zealand Defence Force has joined Operation LEGIO, a Norway-led multinational initiative in Poland to train Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, demonstrating steadfast support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. This effort builds on New Zealand’s earlier involvement in Operation INTERFLEX and adapts to Ukraine’s evolving training needs near its borders. By collaborating with international partners, New Zealand aims to provide effective, high-quality training that significantly contributes to Ukraine’s defense and regional security.
Tags: New Zealand Defence Force Chris Penk Ukraine Poland Operation LEGIO Norway Operation INTERFLEX Operation TĪEKE NATO Armed Forces of UkraineNew Quality Homes Delivered Early for NZ Military Families Under Budget
1 month ago | 320 viewsDefence Minister Chris Penk announced the early and under-budget completion of 23 new, high-quality homes for military families across New Zealand Defence Force bases as part of the Homes for Families programme. This $7.8 million development addresses decades of underinvestment in outdated military housing, providing safe, modern living spaces that support personnel wellbeing and ease housing affordability pressures. The government plans to invest up to $600 million through the 2025 Defence Capability Plan to continue delivering these homes, boosting regional economic activity and improving conditions for Defence personnel and their families.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Homes for Families Linton Military Camp Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea Burnham Military Camp Defence Minister Penny Homes Devonport TrenthamKiwi Space Activator Funds $1.48M to Boost NZ Space Innovation Projects
1 month ago | 365 viewsSpace Minister Chris Penk announced the first recipients of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme, awarding $1.48 million to Dawn Aerospace, the University of Canterbury, and the University of Auckland for innovative space technology projects. These initiatives address government-identified challenges, enhance New Zealand’s space innovation reputation, and include educational components to inspire future innovators. The programme aims to reduce barriers for testing new space technologies, with funding increased to $2.08 million for rounds one and two, and applications for round two closing on May 25, 2026.
Tags: Chris Penk Dawn Aerospace University of Canterbury University of Auckland Kiwi Space Activator Hōpara MBIE New Zealand space innovationDefence Minister Honors NZ Businesses Boosting National Security and Innovation
1 month ago | 320 viewsDefence Minister Chris Penk highlighted the vital role New Zealand businesses play in supporting national security by providing essential equipment, services, and infrastructure to the Defence Force. This year’s award recipients contribute to regional growth, innovation, and the Defence Capability Plan’s goals, which include doubling defence spending by 2025. Additionally, the Defence Industry Advisory Council has been revitalized with updated membership and terms to better align with government defence and economic priorities.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Ministry of Defence Defence Industry Advisory Council Defence Capability Plan Burnham Military Camp Minister of Defence Awards Defence spending Defence procurement Defence IndustryNew Zealand Advances Plan to Replace Aging Frigates and Boost Maritime Security
1 month ago | 394 viewsThe New Zealand Government is advancing plans to replace its aging Anzac-class frigates by the mid-2030s to maintain and enhance maritime security vital to the nation's economy and safety. As part of the Maritime Fleet Renewal programme, discussions are underway with the Royal Australian and United Kingdom navies to consider interoperable, combat-capable vessels like the Japanese Mogami-class and UK Type 31 frigates, with a final decision expected by 2027. Meanwhile, efforts continue to keep the current fleet operational, ensuring the Defence Force remains equipped to protect New Zealand’s interests, support partners, and respond to maritime challenges.
Tags: Chris Penk Royal New Zealand Navy New Zealand Defence Force Maritime Fleet Renewal Royal Australian Navy United Kingdom Royal Navy Type 31 frigates HMNZS Te KahaNew Lead-Free Plumbing Rules to Protect Drinking Water Quality from May 2
1 month ago | 357 viewsNew rules effective from May 2 mandate that all plumbing products in new buildings or renovations must be lead-free and resistant to dezincification to protect drinking water quality. The regulation aims to reduce health risks associated with lead exposure and has been supported by the plumbing industry, with minimal expected cost increases. Existing plumbing does not require replacement, but residents are advised to flush taps regularly to ensure water safety.
Tags: Chris Penk Taumata Arowai MBIE lead plumbing drinking water plumbing products building consents dezincification New Zealand Water Services AuthorityCoalition Expands Granny Flat Consent Exemptions for Faster, Flexible Builds
1 month ago | 382 viewsThe Coalition Government is expanding the granny flat building consent exemption to enable faster construction, more homeowner choices, and inclusion of off-site building methods, while maintaining safety and quality standards. Key changes include allowing off-site construction of consent-exempt granny flats before a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) is issued and expanding exemptions to include Structural Insulated Panels with CodeMark certification. These reforms, supported by multiple ministers, aim to cut red tape, reduce costs, and boost productivity in the housing sector, with new rules expected by Q3 2026.
Tags: Chris Bishop Chris Penk Shane Jones Coalition Government granny flat building consent exemption Project Information MemorandumVeterans' Travel Reimbursement Increased 50% to Ease Fuel Cost Burdens
2 months ago | 377 viewsVeterans Affairs has increased private vehicle mileage reimbursement rates by 50 percent to help veterans manage rising fuel costs when traveling for treatment. This temporary measure, funded within the existing budget, applies until petrol prices drop below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks and aims to ensure veterans continue accessing essential care. The government emphasizes supporting veterans amid global fuel price volatility, prioritizing those with limited transport alternatives.
Tags: Chris Penk Veterans Minister Veterans Affairs fuel cost pressures mileage reimbursement treatment travel fuel price volatility New Zealand veterans private vehicle travel healthcare accessDefence Minister Chris Penk Strengthens NZ-Australia Military Alliance on First Overseas Trip
2 months ago | 365 viewsDefence Minister Chris Penk is visiting Australia to strengthen defence cooperation with New Zealand’s military ally and discuss developing a more integrated Anzac force. During his trip, he will meet with Australian Defence officials, visit New Zealand Defence personnel, and participate in Anzac commemorations marking 75 years of the alliance. The visit underscores the ongoing collaboration between the two militaries and the commitment to enhancing their partnership as outlined in the Anzac 2035 agreement.
Tags: Chris Penk Richard Marles New Zealand Australia Defence Minister Anzac New Zealand Defence Force Anzac Day Gallipoli Anzac 2035