Articles tagged with Commission
Rev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew Appointed to Independent Children’s Monitor Board
4 days ago | 59 viewsRev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew have been appointed to join Dr Ang Jury on the Independent Children’s Monitor Board, which oversees the Oranga Tamariki system along with the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman. The appointments bring a wealth of expertise to ensure strong governance for monitoring child safety independently, as stated by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. These appointments reflect legislative changes aimed at creating an independent oversight agency for Oranga Tamariki, marking a significant step in the government's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children.
Tags: Rev. Murray Edridge Hon Jo Goodhew Dr Ang Jury Louise Upston Oranga Tamariki system Children’s Commissioner Ombudsman Wellington City Missioner Presbyterian Support South CanterburyWhanganui Barrister Bernadette Arapere Appointed as District Court Judge by Attorney-General Judith Collins
1 week ago | 124 viewsAttorney-General Judith Collins appointed Bernadette Arapere, a barrister from Whanganui, as a District Court Judge. Judge Arapere, admitted to the bar in 2005, previously worked as a Crown Counsel and has a diverse legal background in public law and litigation. She will be based at the Hastings District Court, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 29 November.
Tags: Judith Collins Bernadette Arapere District Court Judge Ngāti Raukawa Ngāti Tūwharetoa Ngāti Maniapoto Crown Law Office Treaty of Waitangi Transport Accident Investigation Commission Teachers’ Disciplinary TribunalEU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič Visits NZ for Business Summit and Trade Committee Meeting
2 weeks ago | 161 viewsEuropean Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will visit New Zealand for the European Union-New Zealand Business Summit and first NZ-EU Trade Committee meeting, marking the first visit by an EU Trade Commissioner since 2018. The summit in Auckland will involve over 400 businesses and representatives from various sectors, aiming to boost trade and investment opportunities. The meeting will focus on maximizing the benefits of the Free Trade Agreement to enhance trade, investment, and partnership between New Zealand and the European Union.
Tags: Maroš Šefčovič Todd McClay European Union New Zealand Trade Commissioner Trade Committee Business Summit Free Trade Agreement Trade InvestmentNew Zealand Minister for Children Achieves Historic Reduction of Harm in State Care Residences
2 weeks ago | 133 viewsMinister for Children Karen Chhour announced a historic 14% reduction in harm within Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences in New Zealand, attributing the achievement to investments and practice changes. The focus on safety and well-being, including enhanced training, recruitment, and facility improvements, has been a priority for Oranga Tamariki under her leadership. These efforts align with the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, reflecting a commitment to preventing harm and prioritizing the safety of children and young people in state care.
Tags: Minister for Children Karen Chhour harm reduction state care residences Youth Justice Care and Protection Oranga Tamariki safety improvements training initiatives Royal Commission of Inquiry children's system.Unlocking Opportunities: New Zealand's Southeast Asia Foreign Policy Reset
3 weeks ago | 124 viewsThe speech delivered to the ASEAN – NZ Business Council emphasized the importance of New Zealand's foreign policy reset, focusing on Southeast Asia as a key partner for trade, security, and resilience. The reset aims to deepen relationships through practical diplomacy, increased resources, and tangible outcomes such as strategic partnerships with countries like Viet Nam and Singapore. The plan for the year ahead includes turning upgraded agreements into results, building people-to-people ties, and deepening security cooperation to deliver security and prosperity for New Zealanders.
Tags: Simon Bridges Kathleen Morrison Ambassadors High Commissioners Viet Nam Singapore ASEAN Thailand Philippines MalaysiaDr Mark Hickford Appointed Law Commission Member & President, Paul Goldsmith Announces
3 weeks ago | 151 viewsDr Mark Hickford has been appointed to the Law Commission for a five-year term and will serve as President for six months, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. Hickford's exceptional legal background and management skills make him a valuable addition to the Commission. He will initially work part-time while fulfilling a commitment with Te Puni Kōkiri, and will serve as President for six months until a new President is confirmed.
Tags: Dr Mark Hickford Law Commission President Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith legal credentials senior management experience organisation capability Te Puni Kōkiri Dr Kawharu Evidence Act 2006Solicitor-General Una Jagose to Step Down After 10 Years of Service: Attorney-General Collins Expresses Gratitude
3 weeks ago | 185 viewsAttorney-General Judith Collins announced Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC will resign in February after 10 years, praising her service. Jagose, who took office in 2016 after a distinguished 35-year public service career, received recognition for her efforts. The Solicitor-General serves as the Junior Law Officer of the Crown and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office, with the Public Service Commission overseeing the selection of a successor.
Tags: Judith Collins Una Jagose KC Public Service Commission Crown Law Office Junior Law Officer appointment process lawyer leader public service.New Bill Bans Surcharges on Foreign and Commercial Cards for Easier Payments: Impact on Businesses and Consumers
1 month ago | 246 viewsThe Government, led by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson, is expanding the surcharge ban to include foreign-issued cards and commercial cards, aiming to simplify transactions for businesses and consumers. The Retail Payment System (Ban on Merchant Surcharges) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading, prohibiting surcharges on in-store EFTPOS, Visa, and Mastercard payments. The ban, set to be implemented within a month of passing the Bill, aims to save businesses up to $90 million annually and prevent surprise costs for Kiwi shoppers at payment terminals.
Tags: Government payment pain point surcharge ban foreign cards Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson Retail Payment System Amendment Bill Commerce Commission banking fees merchant service fees interchange feesNew Commerce Act Amendments Boost Public Protection and Business Certainty
1 month ago | 208 viewsThe Government is updating the Commerce Act after nearly 20 years to enhance protection for the public and provide more certainty for businesses, focusing on promoting competition, innovation, and fair markets. Key changes include preventing unfair tactics, clearer merger rules, strengthening the Commerce Commission, and facilitating beneficial collaborations among businesses. The amendments aim to ensure the Commerce Commission is more effective, separate governance and regulatory functions, and give the Commission stronger tools to assess mergers and competition concerns, ultimately promoting fairer markets and consumer choice.
Tags: Government Commerce Act Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson Competition Innovation Commerce Commission Collaboration Mergers ConsumersTransforming New Zealand's Digital Infrastructure: Science, Innovation, and Technology Reforms
2 months ago | 339 viewsThe opening remarks express gratitude for the summit's organization and highlight the importance of digital infrastructure in supporting science and innovation. The reforms in the science, innovation, and technology system aim to drive economic growth and maximize government funding for research. Additionally, the AI Strategy focuses on regulating AI to enable innovation while building trust and social license, with a commitment to leveraging existing laws and global partnerships.
Tags: Craig TUANZ Digital Health Association Minister for Science Innovation and Technology Bioeconomy Science Institute Earth Sciences New Zealand New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology Prime Minister’s new Science Innovation and Technology Advisory Council Privacy CommissionerHave Your Say: Kiwis Invited to Shape Telecommunications Regulatory Changes
2 months ago | 353 viewsKiwis are encouraged to provide input on proposed regulatory changes in the telecommunications sector, as their feedback is crucial to the review process, according to Ministers David Seymour and Paul Goldsmith. The review focuses on key regulatory issues such as the Telecommunications Development Levy (TDL), shareholder caps, and service quality regulations. Proposed draft changes include implementing a consumer code, updating infrastructure obligations, eliminating outdated rules, and enhancing investor appeal for telecom companies to boost growth in the sector.
Tags: David Seymour Paul Goldsmith Telecommunications sector Regulatory change Telecommunications Development Levy Retail Service Quality Fibre Fixed Line Access Telecommunications service obligations Telecommunication services Commerce CommissionLocal Water Done Well: Government Legislation Benefits Communities Nationwide
2 months ago | 296 viewsThe Government's Local Water Done Well legislation aims to provide safe, reliable, and financially sustainable water services to local communities across the country. The legislation focuses on ensuring financial sustainability, oversight, and accountability in water service delivery, with the Commerce Commission overseeing economic regulation to ensure fair pricing and quality infrastructure. Councils are encouraged to submit water services delivery plans that meet the requirements and provide flexibility to make arrangements best-suited for their communities, ultimately benefiting Kiwis with improved water services.
Tags: Local Government Minister Simon Watts Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson Kiwis Watercare charter Three Waters policy Local Government (Water Services) Act Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act Commerce Commission councils water services delivery planNew Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline Surges to $237.1 Billion: Construction Sector Growth Ahead
2 months ago | 367 viewsThe latest quarterly update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission reveals that the value of infrastructure initiatives in the National Infrastructure Pipeline has increased to $237.1 billion, with a $30.2 billion growth from the previous quarter, as stated by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. The Pipeline, managed by the Commission, encompasses over 9,200 projects, aiding in planning for future infrastructure projects across various sectors and contributing to about 4% of the country's GDP. Efforts are being made to enhance transparency and data quality within the Pipeline, with ongoing collaboration from 121 organizations, and the final National Infrastructure Plan is expected to be released in December.
Tags: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission National Infrastructure Pipeline Chris Bishop construction sector infrastructure projects New Zealand Infrastructure Commission GDP NZTA highway maintenance programmes Christchurch Men’s Prison Hawkes Bay PrisonGovernment Initiatives to Boost Banking Competition Unveiled by Finance Minister Nicola Willis
2 months ago | 329 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the release of the Finance and Expenditure Committee (FEC) Inquiry into banking competition, focusing on business, rural banking, and lending to Māori entities. The inquiry supports the Government's efforts to enhance competition in the banking sector for better services for Kiwis. The report, based on submissions from 148 stakeholders and public hearings, will be reviewed by the Government for proposed action items by November 2025.
Tags: Finance Minister Nicola Willis FEC Inquiry banking competition Government Commerce Commission Kiwis Kiwibank Reserve Bank financial stabilityForeign Minister Winston Peters Announces New Diplomatic Appointments
2 months ago | 390 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced three new diplomatic appointments: Joanna Kempkers as Ambassador to France, Greg Andrews as High Commissioner to Fiji, and Angela Hassan-Sharp as Ambassador to Ireland. Peters made the appointments to strengthen diplomatic relations with these countries. The new ambassadors will represent New Zealand's interests and foster positive relationships in their respective postings.
Tags: Foreign Minister Winston Peters Joanna Kempkers Greg Andrews Ambassador France High Commissioner Fiji Ireland