Articles tagged with Collins

Updated Public Sector Code of Conduct Enhances Integrity and Accountability

5 days ago | 110 views

Public Service Minister Judith Collins announced an updated Code of Conduct to enhance integrity, accountability, and professionalism across New Zealand's Public Sector. The new Code, based on public service values and informed by the 2025 Public Service Census, introduces standards on merit-based appointments, workplace culture, and respectful behavior, supported by mandatory training and election guidance. The Code will take effect in March 2026, with resources available on the Public Service Commission website and the Leadership Development Centre.

Tags: Judith Collins Public Sector Public Service Commission Code of Conduct Integrity Public Service Census Leadership Development Centre Workplace Culture General Election Guidance

NZ Extends Defence Liaison Officer Deployment in Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

1 week ago | 121 views

New Zealand has extended the deployment of its Defence Force liaison officer to Israel by three months, until May 3, 2026. The extension aims to enhance understanding of the evolving and complex situation in Gaza as the peace plan progresses. The liaison officer will remain based in the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre to inform future decisions on New Zealand’s contributions.

Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Defence Force Gaza Israel NZDF liaison officer Defence Minister Civil Military Coordination Centre peace plan deployment extension New Zealand

Judith Collins Appointed President of NZ Law Commission, Will Leave Parliament in 2026

1 week ago | 99 views

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that Hon Judith Collins KC will be appointed President of the New Zealand Law Commission and will not stand as an MP in the 2026 election. Luxon praised Collins for her over two decades of dedicated public service, legal expertise, and leadership in various government roles. Collins will continue as an MP until her new position begins in mid-2026.

Tags: Christopher Luxon Judith Collins New Zealand Law Commission Sir Geoffrey Palmer New Zealand Parliament Minister Leader of the Opposition National Party Member of Parliament Hon Collins KC

New Zealand and Japan Strengthen Defence Ties with New Security Agreements

1 month ago | 379 views

New Zealand and Japan have signed two key defence and security agreements to enhance logistical support and secure information sharing between their forces. The Defence Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement facilitates cooperation in areas like refuelling and humanitarian aid, while the Information Security Agreement establishes protocols for handling classified information. These agreements strengthen bilateral security cooperation, improve interoperability, and support regional stability amid rising international tensions.

Tags: New Zealand Japan Winston Peters Judith Collins Toshimitsu Motegi HMNZS Aotearoa Defence Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement Information Security Agreement New Zealand Defence Force

Victoria Louise Heine Appointed High Court Judge in Wellington Starting 2026

1 month ago | 301 views

Attorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of Victoria Louise Heine as a High Court Judge, effective 16 February 2026, in Wellington. Justice Heine has a distinguished legal career, including roles as a partner at Chen Palmer and Chapman Tripp, a barrister sole, and an Adjunct Law Lecturer, with expertise in civil remedies, regulatory disputes, and arbitration. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University, a Master of Laws from the University of Chicago, and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2021.

Tags: Judith Collins Victoria Louise Heine Wellington Victoria University of Wellington Russell McVeagh Chen Palmer Chapman Tripp Thorndon Chambers Singapore International Arbitration Centre Equestrian Sports New Zealand

Defence Minister Judith Collins to Visit Japan for Key Security Talks

1 month ago | 343 views

Defence Minister Judith Collins will visit Japan tomorrow to engage in defence and security discussions with Japanese officials, including Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. She emphasized the importance of Japan as a key partner for New Zealand, both committed to international order and stability. Collins aims to strengthen the close relationship between the two countries during her visit, returning to New Zealand on 20 December.

Tags: Judith Collins Shinjiro Koizumi Toshimitsu Motegi Defence Minister Japan New Zealand Tokyo regional security international order stability

Top of the South Land Returned to Māori Descendants with Public Access Secured

1 month ago | 265 views

Approximately 7,583 acres of Top of the South land will be returned to descendants of its original Te Tauihu Māori owners following a private litigation dating back to the 1840s, with the Crown acknowledging its legal duty and agreeing to a $420 million payment. Despite the land transfer, public access to key areas like the Abel Tasman Coast Track and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve will continue uninterrupted under a 25-year agreement, ensuring ongoing use by visitors, schools, and local communities. This resolution differs from Treaty settlements as it involves returning land to rightful owners based on private property law, balancing legal ownership with current public and conservation uses.

Tags: Judith Collins Tama Potaka Rore Stafford Te Tauihu Māori Crown New Zealand Company Abel Tasman Great Walk Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Supreme Court High Court

New Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) Launches in NZ

1 month ago | 299 views

The Government has established the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) by merging four agencies to streamline housing, transport, urban development, and environmental reforms. MCERT aims to address New Zealand’s economic and environmental challenges through integrated planning, clearer accountability, and coordinated policy advice, improving outcomes for local government and communities. The new Ministry will be fully operational by July 2026, with a Chief Executive appointed earlier that year, enhancing efficiency and supporting ambitious reform agendas.

Tags: Chris Bishop Judith Collins Simon Watts Penny Simmonds Ministry of Cities Environment Regions and Transport New Zealand government housing reform urban development local government climate change

New Zealand Government Launches Digital Agency to Boost Efficiency and Cut IT Costs

1 month ago | 314 views

The New Zealand Government is modernising digital services by simplifying and coordinating IT systems through logical groupings of agencies sharing common platforms to reduce duplication and improve efficiency. A new Government Digital Delivery Agency will be established under the Public Service Commission to centralise digital investment and procurement, potentially saving $3.9 billion over five years. These reforms aim to make government services simpler, faster, and more cost-effective, supporting fiscal discipline, productivity, and sustainable economic growth.

Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Government Digital Services Public Service Commission Government Digital Delivery Agency Government Chief Digital Officer IT Systems Digital Investment Public Sector Efficiency Technology Spend

Kiwi Space Activator Launches $1.8M Pilot to Boost NZ Space Innovation

1 month ago | 319 views

New Zealand's Space Minister Judith Collins launched a $1.8 million Kiwi Space Activator pilot program to help local companies and universities develop space technologies for future national missions. The program, administered by the New Zealand Space Agency, offers up to $600,000 per project over two funding rounds, supporting innovations aligned with government challenges like maritime security and ecosystem health. Open to New Zealand-based organizations, the initiative aims to advance space technology readiness and maintain the country's leadership in global space innovation, with applications closing on March 1, 2026.

Tags: Judith Collins Kiwi Space Activator New Zealand Space Agency space technology national space mission satellite technology space innovation maritime security biosecurity ecosystem health

New Govt.nz App Launches for Secure, Easy Access to NZ Government Services

2 months ago | 269 views

The Government has launched the Govt. nz app to provide secure, convenient access to trusted government information and services via mobile phones. Initially offering customizable dashboards and emergency warnings, the app will soon include features like secure messaging and a digital wallet for identity credentials. Participation is optional, aiming to enhance a customer-focused, efficient, and future-ready digital public service while maintaining high safety standards.

Tags: Government app digital public service Judith Collins Govt. nz app National Emergency Management Agency NEMA Fire and Emergency New Zealand secure messaging

New Zealand Pledges $15M to NATO-US Initiative Supporting Ukraine Defense

2 months ago | 273 views

Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins announced New Zealand's $15 million contribution to the NATO and US-led Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) to supply Ukraine with critical weapons and equipment. They emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine’s defense for both European and Indo-Pacific security amid ongoing Russian aggression. New Zealand’s aid aligns with its international obligations and complements its broader diplomatic, military, humanitarian, and economic support efforts for Ukraine.

Tags: Winston Peters Judith Collins Ukraine NATO United States New Zealand Australia Russia PURL Armed Forces of Ukraine

New Zealand Extends Defence Liaison Officer Deployment to Israel for Gaza Peace Efforts

2 months ago | 304 views

New Zealand has extended the deployment of a Defence Force liaison officer to Israel for an additional eight weeks to enhance understanding of coordination efforts on the ground. The deployment aims to gather information to better assess future options for supporting sustained peace in Gaza. The liaison officer continues to operate within the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre, with no decisions made beyond this extension.

Tags: New Zealand Defence Force Israel Judith Collins Gaza Defence Minister liaison officer Civil Military Coordination Centre deployment peace government

Public Inquiry Announced into Disappearance of Phillips Children

2 months ago | 269 views

Attorney-General Judith Collins announced a Public Inquiry into whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the Phillips children during their nearly four-year disappearance. The Inquiry, led by Justice Simon Moore KC, will be conducted privately to protect the children's welfare and will exclude findings on judicial decisions. A final report with recommendations is expected by 21 July 2026.

Tags: Judith Collins Phillips children Simon Moore Public Inquiry High Court Electoral Commission Auckland judicial decisions Terms of Reference

New Zealand’s Advanced Aviation Rules Slash Red Tape and Boost Innovation

2 months ago | 266 views

New Zealand has introduced a pioneering advanced aviation rule enabling regulatory sandboxes for rapid, safe testing of new technologies without frequent Civil Aviation Authority approvals, benefiting innovators and the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre. Updated drone regulations simplify rules by clarifying permitted low-risk uses like surveying under Part 101 and transferring some higher-risk activities to clearer frameworks, reducing red tape while maintaining safety. These changes, effective December 22, 2025, aim to foster growth in the advanced aviation sector by balancing innovation with strong safeguards and responsiveness to technological advancements.

Tags: Judith Collins James Meager Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre Civil Aviation Authority advanced aviation drone rules Part 101 Part 102 Part 107 New Zealand