Articles tagged with Efficiency
New Zealand Cuts Clean Vehicle Standard Charges to Lower Car Costs in 2026
1 week ago | 95 viewsThe Government has passed legislation to temporarily reduce charges under the Clean Vehicle Standard by nearly 80% starting January 2026, aiming to prevent an estimated $264 million in extra costs being passed to consumers. The Standard, which sets progressively tighter CO₂ emission targets for vehicle imports, currently causes most importers to incur charges, risking higher vehicle prices. The changes include protecting credits until 2028 and launching a full review by June 2026 to ensure the Standard remains effective and sustainable for New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Bishop Clean Vehicle Standard New Zealand Transport Minister vehicle emissions legislation CO2 emissions fuel efficiency import charges emission targetsNew Zealand's Wood Energy and Biogas Strategy for Sustainable Energy Future
1 month ago | 195 viewsThe Government of New Zealand has shown strong support for the bioenergy sector by releasing the Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan, as well as a Government Statement on Biogas. These initiatives aim to diversify the country's energy mix, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and cut down on emissions by promoting wood energy and biogas as sustainable alternatives. The plans include clear objectives, co-funding opportunities, and regulatory support to accelerate the growth of the bioenergy industry, create new jobs, enhance energy security, and contribute to achieving climate goals.
Tags: Government Wood Energy Strategy Action Plan Biogas New Zealand Energy Security Mr Watts Forestry Minister Todd McClay Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Renewable EnergyGovernment's Efficient School Property Investment: $100M for New Classrooms
1 month ago | 180 viewsThe Government's focus on efficiency in school property has freed up $100 million for reinvestment in new classrooms. By utilizing offsite manufacturing and repeatable designs, the cost of delivering new classrooms has been halved. This investment includes new classrooms and learning support spaces in various schools, as well as funding for repairs and upgrades in schools nationwide.
Tags: Erica Stanford Education Minister school property classrooms new school learning support classrooms infrastructure efficiency value for money fundingGovernment Updates Law for Court Technology Efficiency & Access
1 month ago | 209 viewsCourts Minister Nicole McKee is updating the law to encourage the use of audio and audio-visual links (AVL) in courts for increased efficiency and improved access to justice. The new law will establish default appearance types for court events, promoting consistency in the use of remote participation. Additionally, the legislation will introduce new offences and penalties for unauthorized recordings of court proceedings to protect safety and fair trial rights.
Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee Government law court efficiency remote participation justice system Court Rules technology judiciaryMinister Brooke van Velden: Passport Processing Efficiency Soars, Wait Times Slashed by 18 Days
1 month ago | 247 viewsMinister Brooke van Velden announces an 18-day reduction in passport processing wait times under the current government, with standard applications now taking 7 days instead of 25. The Department of Internal Affairs has achieved this efficiency through digital processes, staff training, and identity verification automation. Van Velden emphasizes the government's commitment to improving services for New Zealanders and ensuring timely passport delivery as application volumes are expected to rise.
Tags: Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden passport processing efficiency New Zealanders Government Kiwis families Department of Internal Affairs processing timesNew Board Members Appointed to Strengthen Civil Aviation Authority Leadership
2 months ago | 271 viewsAssociate Transport Minister James Meager has appointed Mike Schubert and Peter O’Regan for three-year terms starting in October 2025, along with Mel Templeton whose term begins in May 2026. The new board members bring extensive experience in aviation and governance to strengthen the Civil Aviation Authority's focus on efficiency, performance, and innovation. The Government aims to support sector growth through strong governance, with the refreshed board expected to enhance safety, deliver better outcomes, and provide leadership for the aviation industry.
Tags: James Meager Mike Schubert Peter O’Regan Mel Templeton Jill Hatchwell Charles Spillane CAA Aviation Governance EfficiencyMinister of Internal Affairs Achieves Shortest Citizenship Wait Times in Five Years
2 months ago | 297 viewsMinister Brooke van Velden highlights significant improvements in citizenship application processing, with wait times reduced from 180 to 69 days, the shortest in five years. The Department of Internal Affairs prioritized clearing the backlog, resulting in a 70% decrease in the number of people waiting for a decision. Van Velden emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of those applying for citizenship, acknowledging the efforts and sacrifices made by new Kiwis.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Minister of Internal Affairs citizenship government services efficiency Labour Department of Internal Affairs New Zealand economy cultureGovernment Invests $300 Million in School Infrastructure Upgrades
2 months ago | 330 viewsThe Government is investing approximately $300 million to repair and upgrade 33 schools with challenging property conditions, aiming to provide safe and improved learning environments for children. The initial $87 million investment will address urgent needs in seven schools, with construction set to begin within the next 12 months. Efforts include cost-saving measures, such as modular construction and standardized designs, to deliver efficient and quality solutions, with further tranches of funding planned for future projects.
Tags: Government school infrastructure investment Education Minister Erica Stanford classrooms refurbishment construction efficiency transparency childrenNew Capital Settings Proposals Aim to Boost Competition in New Zealand Banking Sector
3 months ago | 537 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis supports the Reserve Bank's consultation on reviewing capital settings for banks and deposit takers to address concerns about impacts on competition, lending costs, and economic growth. The Minister's Financial Policy Remit emphasized the need to balance financial stability with competition, prompting the Bank to consider changes like aligning capital requirements with risk and adjusting overall capital ratio requirements to lower lending rates. The proposed changes aim to benefit smaller players in the market, reduce barriers for new entrants, and create a more competitive environment in the New Zealand banking sector.
Tags: Finance Minister Nicola Willis consultation Reserve Bank capital settings banking industry lending New Zealanders competition efficiencyNew Flexible Insulation Rules to Cut Costs for Designers, Builders, and Homeowners
5 months ago | 1067 viewsOverly rigid insulation rules are being removed to ease costs for designers, builders and homeowners, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced. “I’ve heard clearly from the industry that the current one-size-fits-all approach to insulation requirements is needlessly driving-up costs. “The most prescriptive compliance pathway currently available for insulation – known as the Schedule Method – doesn’t allow for design trade-offs that can affect a home’s energy efficiency, like adjusting window size.
Tags: insulation rules designers builders homeowners Chris Penk energy efficiency Building Code Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Far North