Articles tagged with Emerge

New Zealand Government Announces Targeted Housing Investment Plan to Address Social Housing Needs

1 day ago | 34 views

The Government has introduced a new Housing Investment Plan focused on delivering the right type of homes in the right locations for those in high housing need, based on detailed data analysis and community engagement. Key reforms include fixing Kāinga Ora’s financial and operational inefficiencies, leveling the playing field for Community Housing Providers through reduced borrowing costs, and establishing a Flexible Fund to support diverse housing interventions including affordable rentals. This plan emphasizes targeted investment, competitive procurement, and robust monitoring to improve housing outcomes and ensure effective use of resources in addressing New Zealand’s housing crisis.

Tags: Kāinga Ora Emerge Community Housing Providers Housing Investment Plan Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Housing Register South Auckland Māori providers Flexible Fund Housing Register

150+ New Social Homes to Be Delivered in Hawke’s Bay by 2026

1 day ago | 60 views

Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced that over 150 new social homes will be delivered by Community Housing Providers (CHPs) in Hawke’s Bay, targeting one and two-bedroom units to meet the region's greatest demand. The government is investing in a new housing system focused on building the right homes in the right places with appropriate support, backed by funding for more than 2,000 additional homes nationwide over the next two years. These efforts, supported by simplified funding and partnerships with local organizations, aim to address housing shortages efficiently, with some homes already delivered and more expected by mid-2026.

Tags: Chris Bishop Kāinga Ora Emerge Aotearoa Habitat for Humanity Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Ka Uruora Whatever It Takes Trust Hawke’s Bay Matariki Housing Leadership Group Community Housing Providers Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

Rotorua Ends Contracted Emergency Housing Motels, Rehomes All Families

2 days ago | 51 views

The Government has ended the use of Contracted Emergency Housing motels in Rotorua, reducing households in CEH from over 240 to zero through coordinated efforts with local partners. This marks a significant turnaround from a previously broken emergency housing system that caused social and economic harm, restoring safety and stability to the city. Ongoing initiatives, including new affordable rental homes, aim to strengthen Rotorua’s housing supply and support its economic growth.

Tags: Tama Potaka Rotorua HUD MSD Ngāti Whakaue Te Arawa Visions of a Helping Hand WERA Aotearoa Emerge Aotearoa Rotorua Lakes Council

Government Boosts Crisis Response with $61.6M Investment in Mental Health Services

2 weeks ago | 138 views

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has announced a $61.6 million funding boost to improve crisis response services, including adding 40 frontline clinical staff for crisis assessment teams nationwide, establishing two new peer-led acute alternative services, and expanding peer support in emergency departments and Crisis Recovery Cafés. The initiative aims to reduce wait times for crisis assessment and inpatient beds, provide more choice and quicker support for those in mental health distress, and enhance the peer support workforce. This investment complements previous efforts, such as the roll-out of mental health co-response teams and improving crisis helpline capacity, to ensure timely and effective support for individuals reaching out for help.

Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Crisis Response Peer Support Frontline Workers Crisis Recovery Cafés Budget 2025 Clinical Staff Emergency Departments Crisis Assessment Teams

New Zealand Government's Fast-Tracked Hospital Wards Programme Boosts Capacity at 5 Busiest Hospitals in 2026

2 weeks ago | 123 views

Five busy hospitals in New Zealand, including Middlemore, Waikato, Wellington Regional, Nelson, and Hawke’s Bay, will receive a total of 140 new beds through the Government’s fast-tracked hospital wards programme by 2026, Health Minister Simeon Brown announces. The wards will be constructed off-site and installed on hospital grounds to quickly boost capacity, improve patient flow, and support faster admissions and discharges. Each hospital's new ward will serve specific roles, such as expanding general medicine capacity, providing assessment and diagnostic services, supporting acute flow, enabling services relocation during seismic work, and streamlining care for short-stay surgical patients.

Tags: Simeon Brown Middlemore Hospital Waikato Hospital Wellington Regional Hospital Nelson Hospital Hawke’s Bay Hospital Health Minister hospital wards programme patient care emergency department

Government Announces $100,000 Aid for Kaikōura and Hurunui Communities

3 weeks ago | 149 views

The Government is providing an additional $100,000 to Mayoral Relief Funds for Kaikōura and Hurunui communities affected by severe weather, in addition to a $150,000 contribution to Southland and Clutha funds. Each of the Kaikōura and Hurunui districts will receive $25,000 to aid in response and recovery efforts. The Ministry for Primary Industries is also contributing $25,000 to each district to support rural sector recovery efforts.

Tags: Government Mayoral Relief Funds Kaikōura Hurunui Mark Mitchell Emergency Management Recovery Ministry for Primary Industries Rural sector Communities

Government's $150,000 Aid for Clutha and Southland Severe Weather Impacts

3 weeks ago | 144 views

The Government is providing $150,000 in total to assist Clutha and Southland communities affected by severe weather, with $75,000 allocated to Southland and $25,000 to the Clutha District Council Mayoral Relief Fund for immediate needs. The Ministry for Primary Industries is contributing an additional $50,000 through the Mayoral Relief Fund to aid the rural sector in recovery efforts. The medium scale adverse event classification allows for further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief, Rural Assistance Payments, and activation of Enhanced Taskforce Green, with affected individuals encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust for assistance.

Tags: Government Contribution Communities Clutha Southland Labour Weekend Severe Weather Emergency Management Mark Mitchell Mayoral Relief Fund

State of Local Emergency Declared in Southland Region by Minister Mark Mitchell

4 weeks ago | 165 views

Minister Mark Mitchell declared a state of local emergency in Southland due to potential impacts from power outages following a significant weather event, as the Southland Mayors have not been sworn in after local elections. This declaration grants local Civil Defence emergency powers to respond and support services, urging residents to prioritize safety, follow instructions, and stay informed about weather updates. The state of local emergency in Canterbury continues, with the Minister empowered to declare such emergencies when local representatives are unavailable due to election procedures.

Tags: Mark Mitchell Minister Emergency Management Recovery Southland Region local emergency Civil Defence MetService weather information Canterbury

New Zealand Boosts Air Ambulance Fleet with Seven Emergency Helicopters Investment

4 weeks ago | 161 views

The Government of New Zealand is investing $12.6 million to replace ageing air ambulance helicopters with newer aircraft, with $7.3 million from Health New Zealand and $5.3 million from ACC. This investment aims to address the issue of New Zealand having the oldest helicopter fleet in the developed world by 2024. The new helicopters will enhance safety, reliability, weather response capabilities, maintenance efficiency, fuel efficiency, and operational performance, while also supporting standardization for improved maintenance and workforce efficiency.

Tags: Government emergency helicopters air ambulance fleet Casey Costello New Zealand Health New Zealand ACC aircraft safety maintenance.

Minister Urges Farmers and Growers to Prioritize Safety During Severe Weather Warnings

4 weeks ago | 193 views

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay advises farmers, growers, and foresters to prioritize safety and heed weather warnings, especially in the Canterbury region under a red level strong wind warning. The warning indicates potential dangers such as flying debris, fallen trees, and powerline hazards, urging caution and avoiding unnecessary risks. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with civil defence teams, while affected individuals are advised to stay indoors, prepare for power cuts, and seek support from the Rural Support Trust if needed.

Tags: Farmers growers foresters weather warnings Agriculture Minister Todd McClay local emergency wind warning human safety power cuts

210+ New Social Homes to Address Housing Needs in Waikato

4 weeks ago | 198 views

More than 210 new social homes will be provided in Waikato by Community Housing Providers, supported by Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. The Government's commitment to delivering social housing includes funding for over 2,000 additional homes nationwide, with Waikato benefiting from this initiative. The allocation of social homes in Waikato is based on regional need, with a focus on addressing the demand for one- and two-bedroom properties to better match the needs of individuals and families seeking affordable housing.

Tags: Chris Bishop Tama Potaka Waikato social homes Community Housing Providers Kāinga Ora Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa The Salvation Army Emerge Aotearoa

Canterbury Region Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Weather

1 month ago | 244 views

Minister Mark Mitchell has declared a state of local emergency for Canterbury due to severe weather, as the mayors have not been sworn in after recent elections. The declaration grants local Civil Defence emergency powers to respond effectively. Mitchell urges residents to heed advice from local authorities, prioritize safety, and stay informed through official channels like MetService.

Tags: Minister Mark Mitchell Emergency Management Recovery Canterbury Region State of Emergency Civil Defence Weather Event National Emergency Management Agency MetService Local Government

Government Awards $129,000 for Seaweed Removal in Northland After Cyclone Tam

1 month ago | 163 views

The Government awarded $129,000 to Northland Regional Council to assist in removing caulerpa seaweed washed up on beaches after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam in April, using emergency waste funding. Local hapū, volunteers, and council staff swiftly removed over 100 tonnes of the invasive seaweed to prevent harm to coastlines and marine ecosystems. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds commended the efforts and highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Exotic Caulerpa Elimination Project supported by $6.2 million to address the issue at its source.

Tags: Government Northland Regional Council Environment Minister Penny Simmonds emergency waste funding caulerpa seaweed local hapū marine ecosystems Tasman District Council Ministry for Primary Industries

Canterbury to Receive 65+ New Social Homes from Community Housing Providers, Housing Minister Announces

1 month ago | 173 views

The Housing Minister announced that more than 65 new social homes will be built in Canterbury by Community Housing Providers (CHPs) as part of the government's commitment to social housing. These homes are part of over 6,800 net new social homes delivered nationwide since November 2023, with 837 in Canterbury, and funding for an additional 2,000 homes over the next two years. The homes in Canterbury will be located in various suburbs and will primarily consist of one- and two-bedroom units to address the high demand for such properties in the region.

Tags: social homes Canterbury Community Housing Providers Housing Minister Chris Bishop Kāinga Ora Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Christchurch Methodist Mission Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust housing register emergency housing.

Peer Support Workers Enhance Mental Health Crisis Response in Auckland Hospitals

1 month ago | 200 views

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey celebrates the inclusion of peer support workers in North Shore Hospital's Emergency Department, marking the completion of the service's implementation in all major Auckland hospitals. The initiative aims to provide timely and tailored support for individuals in mental distress, enhancing their experience in busy emergency settings. The positive impact of peer support specialists is recognized nationwide, leading to plans for expanding the service across the country to improve mental health outcomes and crisis responses.

Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Minister peer support workers North Shore Hospital Emergency Department Auckland hospitals mental distress peer support specialist mental health crisis New Zealand's first Minister for Mental Health