Articles tagged with Community
Government Expands Community Magistrates' Role to Streamline District Court Process
1 week ago | 143 viewsThe Government, led by Associate Justice and Courts Minister Nicole McKee, plans to expand the jurisdiction of Community Magistrates in the District Court to enhance efficiency and reduce delays. This expansion will enable Community Magistrates to handle guilty pleas for most offenses, manage a broader range of cases, and issue community-based sentences. The initiative aims to streamline court processes, alleviate pressure on judges, and provide faster justice outcomes for victims, with budget support for additional Community Magistrates and training oversight.
Tags: Government Community Magistrates Justice System District Court Nicole McKee Legislation Judges Court Proceedings Victims Budget 2025New Zealand Disability Strategy: Public Consultation Open for Feedback on Draft 2026-2030 Vision
1 week ago | 198 viewsPublic consultation has opened on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy, aiming to improve lives and uphold rights of disabled people in key areas like education, employment, health, housing, and justice. The strategy, developed through targeted engagement with disabled individuals and organizations, seeks feedback from the wider disability community and the public to make a positive impact. Interested parties, including disabled individuals, carers, families, and employers, are encouraged to provide feedback through various formats until September 28, 2025, with the refreshed strategy set to run from 2026 to 2030.
Tags: New Zealand Disability Strategy public consultation Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston disabled people employment education housing community participation Whaikaha2025 Conservation Board and NZCA Appointments: Strengthening Environmental Efforts in New Zealand
1 week ago | 168 viewsThe latest appointments to New Zealand's 15 Conservation Boards aim to enhance environmental efforts in the country. Minister for Conservation Tama Potaka announced a total of 145 appointments, including 21 reappointments, 37 new appointments, and 87 continuing members, focusing on diversity and community representation. Additionally, two reappointments and four new appointments were confirmed for the New Zealand Conservation Authority to provide strategic policy advice for conservation efforts in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Tags: Conservation Board Conservation Authority Tama Potaka New Zealand Aotearoa Department of Conservation DOC appointments environmental efforts community interestsSuccessful Military-Style Academy Pilot Transforms Young Lives, Reducing Youth Offending
3 weeks ago | 232 viewsA 12-month Military-Style Academy pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga in Palmerston North has successfully supported youth offenders and their families, resulting in improved behavior and reduced re-offending rates. Minister for Children Karen Chhour received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the pilot's outcomes, with many participants showing promise and making positive life changes. The government's initiatives, including the pilot program, have contributed to a significant reduction in serious and persistent youth offending, leading to safer communities and increased opportunities for at-risk youth.
Tags: Karen Chhour Minister for Children Youth Justice Social Workers Te Au rere a te Tonga Palmerston North Youth Offenders Support Services Community SafetyUrgent Call for Ceasefire in Gaza: New Zealand's Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict
1 month ago | 522 viewsOn June 24, 2025, a Ministerial statement on the Middle East was delivered to address the Israel-Iran conflict, emphasizing de-escalation and ceasefire. Despite a ceasefire being brokered by the United States, ongoing suffering and conflict persist in Gaza, with calls for immediate action from the international community. New Zealand stands united with other countries in condemning actions that hinder a two-state solution and advocates for dialogue, diplomacy, and a permanent ceasefire to end the cycle of conflict for future generations.
Tags: Israel Iran New Zealand Hamas United States Gaza Palestinians ceasefire international communityStudent Volunteer Army Receives $50,000 Grant for Youth-Led Response to Nelson Tasman Weather Crisis
1 month ago | 412 viewsYouth Minister James Meager has announced a one-time $50,000 grant to the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) to mobilize young volunteers aged 12-24 to assist in response to severe weather events in Nelson Tasman. The SVA will coordinate region-wide activities for the next four-to-six weeks to provide valuable assistance to communities affected by recent flooding. The initiative aims to engage young people in disaster response, offering them a youth development opportunity while contributing to community recovery efforts.
Tags: Nelson Tasman Student Volunteer Army Youth Minister James Meager Foxhill Sam Johnson disaster response community leaders youth development extreme weather voluntary workNew Auckland Central Police Station Enhances Public Safety and Crime Reduction Efforts
1 month ago | 534 viewsThe new Auckland central police station enhances police visibility and accessibility to the public, retail sector, and business community in the city center, addressing community demands for a central police presence. Minister Mark Mitchell emphasizes the importance of public safety and highlights the positive impact of the 51 inner city beat officers in reducing crime rates, with notable decreases in victimizations, robbery, and theft. The collaboration between police officers, stakeholders, and volunteers has contributed to these results, and the central police base is expected to further improve crime response and community safety in Auckland.
Tags: Auckland central police station police visibility accessibility public safety Mark Mitchell law and order agenda police officers inner city beat officers crime reduction community involvementBoosting Sign Language in New Zealand: Funding for Families of Deaf Children
1 month ago | 424 viewsThe New Zealand government is funding 11 community projects, totaling nearly $250,000, to support and promote the use of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) among families of Deaf children and teenagers. Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston highlights the importance of these initiatives, including NZSL classes, community events, a directory website in NZSL, a code of ethics review, and skills development programs for interpreters. The NZSL Board, which advocates for NZSL use, invests approximately $1 million annually to enhance NZSL initiatives and projects.
Tags: Deaf children teenagers community projects sign language New Zealand Louise Upston NZSL Board Deaf community interpreter workforce Deaf clubsGovernment Strengthens Trespass Laws to Safeguard Businesses: Proposed Changes and Impact Explained
1 month ago | 551 viewsThe Government is strengthening trespass laws to make them more effective and practical for businesses, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. “We know our trespass laws are no longer fit for purpose. They’re difficult to enforce and often criminals take no notice.
Tags: Government trespass laws businesses Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee law and order community properties offenders Retail MAGGovernment Launches Southern Engagement Group for New Dunedin Hospital Project
1 month ago | 678 viewsThe Government is focused on the delivery of Dunedin’s new inpatient building, with the establishment of a local engagement group to support the next phase of the New Dunedin Hospital project, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “Work is back underway on the inpatient building at the former Cadbury site, marking a critical phase for this major health investment. I’m pleased to announce, alongside Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich, the formation of the Southern Engagement Group, which will help ensure the local community is kept well informed as this vital project progresses,” Mr Brown says.
Tags: Government Dunedin inpatient building local engagement group New Dunedin Hospital project Health Minister Simeon Brown Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich Southern Engagement Group Health New Zealand leaders community.Northland Communities Rebuild with $3.59 Million Cyclone Relief Grants from Special Lotto Draw
2 months ago | 601 viewsMinister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in Northland are benefitting from $3. 59 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief, two years later. “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on Northland, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts.
Tags: Auckland Bay of plenty Brooke van velden Cyclone gabrielle appeal trust East coast Gabrielle Hawke ’ s bay Northland Oakura beach reserve board Surf life saving baylys beach incorporated Tararua Waikato Waimamaku community civil defence groupNational Volunteer Week celebrates millions of volunteers
2 months ago | 485 viewsNational Volunteer Week kicks off today and is the biggest celebration of volunteering in New Zealand, says Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Louise Upston. “This week is an opportunity to thank the millions of volunteers who make a difference to our communities every day,” Ms Upston says. Over 53% of adult New Zealanders volunteer, either for organisations or directly helping others, and 89% of community organisations are volunteer run.
Tags: Community and voluntary sector Louise upston National volunteer week New zealand