Articles tagged with Chris Penk
Stats NZ Moves Over 60 Business Surveys Online to Ease Burden by 2026
9 hours ago | 57 viewsStats NZ is transitioning over 60 business surveys to an online platform starting August 2026 to reduce the administrative burden on businesses and modernize data collection. This shift, praised by Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti and Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk, particularly benefits small businesses by making survey completion faster, more convenient, and less disruptive. The move aims to improve response rates and ensure timely, accurate insights for policymaking while allowing businesses to focus on growth.
Tags: Stats NZ Dr Shane Reti Chris Penk business surveys online surveys small business manufacturing New Zealand Labour Cost Index Business Price IndexGovernment Launches Inquiry into Fatal Tauranga Landslides and Safety Measures
1 week ago | 96 viewsThe Cabinet has approved the Terms of Reference and membership for a Government Inquiry into the fatal landslides in Tauranga that killed eight people on 22 January 2026, aiming to determine how the events occurred, assess agency responses, and identify lessons to prevent future tragedies. The Inquiry will be led by retired Supreme Court Judge Sir Mark O’Regan, with experts Dr Helen Anderson and Steve Symon supporting, and will maintain respectful communication with victims' families throughout the process. It will begin gathering evidence on 30 March and must deliver its final report with recommendations by 3 December 2026.
Tags: Chris Penk Sir Mark O’Regan Helen Anderson Steve Symon Tauranga Mauao Pāpāmoa Mount Maunganui WorkSafe New ZealandNew Zealand Welcomes Second Private Building Consent Authority to Boost Efficiency
3 weeks ago | 350 viewsNew Zealand has approved its second private Building Consent Authority (BCA), Farsight NZ Limited Partnership, to increase competition and capacity in the building consent system, aiming to reduce paperwork and speed up approvals. Farsight will manage key building control tasks for Summerset, a major residential builder, which will help alleviate pressure on council BCAs and improve consistency in applying the Building Code. All BCAs, including private ones, must meet strict accreditation and legal requirements to ensure strong consumer protections and efficient service delivery.
Tags: Chris Penk Farsight NZ Limited Partnership Building Consent Authority Building Consent Approvals Limited Summerset Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Kāinga Ora International Accreditation New Zealand Building Code New ZealandGovernment Boosts Mayoral Relief Funds to Support Communities After Severe Weather
3 weeks ago | 184 viewsThe Government is providing additional funding to Mayoral Relief Funds across several districts to support communities affected by recent severe weather events, supplementing initial contributions made earlier this year. These funds enable local authorities to address urgent needs such as cleaning, debris removal, and supporting families and community organizations while broader recovery efforts are coordinated nationally. A National Recovery Office has been established to ensure a coordinated government response, with various agencies assisting in areas like agriculture, marae resilience, and emergency waste management.
Tags: Mark Mitchell Chris Penk Mayoral Relief Funds Whangārei District Council Gisborne District Council Tauranga City Council Western Bay of Plenty District Council Ōpōtiki District Council Ōtorohanga District CouncilGovernment Expands Digital Manufacturing Light Program to Boost NZ Manufacturers
1 month ago | 233 viewsThe New Zealand Government is expanding the University of Auckland’s Digital Manufacturing Light programme to help at least 180 small and medium-sized manufacturers in key regions adopt affordable digital technologies, boosting productivity and workforce skills. The programme provides tailored assessments, installation support, and training to integrate low-cost, off-the-shelf technologies without major capital investment, enabling manufacturers to modernize operations and gain real-time insights. This initiative aims to enhance competitiveness, drive innovation, and contribute significantly to the national economy, with potential GDP growth of $8.6 billion from faster digital adoption.
Tags: Chris Penk University of Auckland Auckland Council Xero New Zealand Institute of Economic Research Institute for Manufacturing University of Cambridge Digital Manufacturing Light Small Business and Manufacturing Minister New Zealand GovernmentNew Military Health and Performance Centre Opens at Burnham Camp for NZDF
1 month ago | 234 viewsA new Military Health and Performance Centre, Tû Manawa Ora, has opened at Burnham Military Camp to enhance the health, wellbeing, and operational readiness of New Zealand Defence Force personnel by providing comprehensive medical, rehabilitation, psychological, and training services under one roof. The $22 million facility, completed in 18 months, aims to set a new standard for military healthcare infrastructure, supporting both prevention and treatment to improve retention and performance. Strategically located at the largest South Island military base, the centre reflects a strong commitment to caring for Defence personnel throughout their service and beyond.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Burnham Military Camp Tû Manawa Ora Hawkins New Zealand Ernst & Young GHD NZ Beca Defence Estate and Infrastructure Associate Defence MinisterNew Zealand Updates Anzac Day Law to Honor All War Service Personnel
1 month ago | 263 viewsNew Zealand's Parliament has passed legislation updating the Anzac Day Act to formally recognize all service personnel who have served in times of war, including conflicts after 1966 and allied forces involved in the Gallipoli landing. The updated law broadens commemoration to include those who served in various roles, such as United Nations missions, medical units, the Merchant Navy, and those who died during training. This change strengthens the significance of Anzac Day as a national tradition that honors the courage and sacrifice of all who defended New Zealand and its allies.
Tags: Anzac Day New Zealand Paul Goldsmith Chris Penk Anzac Day Act Gallipoli Veterans World Wars Allied Forces LegislationGovernment Allocates Land for New Kumeū Secondary School in North-West Auckland
1 month ago | 390 viewsThe Government is prioritizing land for a new secondary school in Kumeū, North-West Auckland, to support the rapidly growing community, with the Notice of Requirement now lodged with Auckland Council. Education Minister Erica Stanford highlighted the government's efforts to deliver more school property efficiently, including halving classroom construction costs, funding new schools, and investing heavily in maintenance. Local MP Chris Penk welcomed the move as a vital step for families, and further school property announcements are expected this year to meet future educational needs.
Tags: Erica Stanford Chris Penk Kumeū Huapai District School Kaipara ki Mahurangi Education Minister Government Resource Management Act 1991 Auckland CouncilCenturies-Old Gallipoli Friendship Strengthened by Turkish Delegation Visit to NZ
1 month ago | 291 viewsA senior Turkish delegation recently visited New Zealand, reinforcing the enduring friendship forged during the Gallipoli campaign over a century ago, as highlighted by Veterans Minister Chris Penk. The visit included meetings with officials, commemorative events, and recognition of the strong bond and mutual respect between Türkiye and New Zealand, rooted in shared sacrifice and ongoing collaboration. Both nations emphasize the importance of honoring history while working together to promote peace, understanding, and cultural exchange amid global instability.
Tags: Chris Penk Ömer Toraman İsmail Kaşdemir Kerem Yenigün Winston Peters Gallipoli Çanakkale Eceabat New Zealand TürkiyeKiwi Tradies Gain Easier Access to Thousands of Australian Plumbing Products
1 month ago | 266 viewsNew Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has expanded recognition of thousands of Australian WaterMark-certified plumbing and drainage products, simplifying their use by Kiwi tradies and homeowners. This change, enabled by the Overseas Building Products Amendment Bill, reduces red tape by allowing Building Consent Authorities to accept these products as compliant without individual assessments, improving supply chain resilience and lowering costs. MBIE plans to continue reviewing overseas products, enhancing access to essential building materials like plasterboard, cladding, windows, and doors to support housing affordability and construction efficiency.
Tags: Chris Penk Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE WaterMark Building Act Overseas Building Products Amendment Bill Building Consent Authorities New Zealand Australia tradiesNZ Government Launches $1.2M Support for Recovery After Severe Weather Impact
1 month ago | 303 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon announced initial government support for recovery efforts following severe weather, including temporary housing for around 500 displaced people and $1.2 million in immediate relief funds, with additional funding available from various agencies. The government is prioritizing infrastructure repairs, health and mental support, and reimbursing marae that provided community welfare, while Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell emphasized ongoing assessments and future support. Luxon also appointed Hon Chris Penk as Associate Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery to coordinate the response and advise on a potential independent inquiry into the Mount Maunganui tragedy.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Mark Mitchell Chris Penk Mount Maunganui Welcome Bay Warkworth Natural Hazards Commission New Zealand Transport Agency Ministry for the Environment Ministry of Primary IndustriesNew Zealand Manufacturing Hits Highest Activity Since 2021 with Growth and Awards
2 months ago | 544 viewsNew Zealand manufacturing activity reached its highest level since December 2021, with the seasonally adjusted PMI rising to 56.1, indicating industry expansion and outperforming major global economies. Manufacturing is vital to New Zealand’s economy, employing over 220,000 people, contributing 8% of GDP, and accounting for 60% of exports, with recent growth signaling a positive outlook. To celebrate this success, the government announced the second annual Minister for Manufacturing Awards, introducing new categories to recognize small businesses, emerging leaders, and lifetime contributions, with entries opening from 23 February to 31 March 2026.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Manufacturing Small Business BNZ BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index Minister for Manufacturing Awards Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Auckland ShowgroundsNew Zealand Allows Granny Flats Without Building or Resource Consents for Affordable Housing
2 months ago | 362 viewsNew Zealand has removed the need for building and resource consents for granny flats up to 70 square metres, simplifying the process and reducing costs by up to $5,650 and 14 weeks. This change, part of the Coalition Government’s housing reforms, aims to increase affordable and diverse housing options while boosting construction jobs and easing council workloads. Homeowners must ensure their granny flats meet Building Code standards and local council rules, with guidance and templates available from government websites.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Chris Penk New Zealand Coalition Government RMA Reform Building Act National Direction Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Ministry for the EnvironmentNew Zealand Launches AI Advisory Pilot to Boost Small Business Productivity
2 months ago | 500 viewsThe New Zealand government is launching an AI Advisory Pilot programme to help small businesses access and confidently use artificial intelligence tools, providing up to $15,000 in co-funding and expert support tailored to their needs. This initiative, running for at least six months through the Regional Business Partner Network, aims to boost productivity, economic growth, and responsible AI adoption while addressing challenges like privacy and data management. Additionally, the government is investing $70 million over seven years in AI research and innovation to strengthen New Zealand’s competitive edge and support long-term economic benefits.
Tags: Chris Penk Shane Reti Small Business Artificial Intelligence AI Advisory Pilot New Zealand Regional Business Partner Network AI Strategy MBIE New Zealand Institute for Advanced TechnologyNew Earthquake-Prone Building Law Brings $8.2B Relief for NZ Owners
3 months ago | 588 viewsNew legislation refocuses New Zealand's earthquake-prone building system to target only the highest-risk buildings, easing financial burdens on many owners by removing low-risk areas and smaller buildings from mandatory remediation. This approach is expected to save over $8.2 billion nationwide, preserve heritage buildings, and revitalize communities by allowing longer remediation deadlines and reducing unnecessary costs. The Bill, now with the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee, aims to balance safety with affordability while addressing regional seismic risks more appropriately.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Building and Construction Minister seismic risk unreinforced masonry Auckland Northland Chatham Islands Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee