Articles tagged with Emergency
Government Urges North Island Residents to Prioritize Safety Amid Severe Weather Warnings
1 week ago | 130 viewsThe Government is urging North Island communities to prioritize safety amid severe weather warnings and recent flooding that has already caused a fatality. Emergency services and agencies, including the NZDF and local Civil Defence, are actively supporting response efforts and have resources pre-positioned in vulnerable areas. Authorities advise avoiding floodwaters, non-essential travel, and staying alert to landslide risks while following updates from official channels for safety guidance.
Tags: Government North Island Cyclone Gabrielle Mark Mitchell Emergency Management Civil Defence NZDF Severe Weather Flooding South WaikatoOranga Tamariki Staff to Administer Life-Saving Medicines and Expand Nurse Practitioner Access
1 week ago | 139 viewsOranga Tamariki staff will soon be trained and authorized to administer emergency injectable medications like EpiPens and Glucagon Pen Kits, improving response to severe medical reactions in residences. This change allows young people to access Nurse Practitioners' services while retaining the option to see Medical Practitioners and receive prescribed medications from authorized prescribers. Implementation is expected by mid-2026, with ongoing training and support to ensure staff confidence and competence in emergency situations.
Tags: Oranga Tamariki EpiPens Glucagon Pen Kits Nurse Practitioners Minister Chhour emergency injectable medications residence workers medical emergency young people training and authorisationPalmerston North Hospital Emergency Dept Expands with $14.5M Upgrade
1 week ago | 147 viewsConstruction is underway to expand and upgrade Palmerston North Hospital’s emergency department with a $14.455 million investment aimed at increasing capacity by 40 percent and improving patient flow, safety, and privacy. This project is part of the Government’s $100 million hospital infrastructure programme funded through Budget 2025, which supports 21 local projects nationwide to enhance clinical spaces and infrastructure. The emergency department, a key regional hub, will remain operational during redevelopment, expected to finish by June 2026, ensuring continuous patient care amid growing demand.
Tags: Palmerston North Hospital Simeon Brown emergency department Health Minister hospital redevelopment Budget 2025 MidCentral district Whanganui Hospital Dannevirke Community Hospital Horowhenua Health CentreTemporary Accommodation and Marae Support Aid Severe Weather Recovery in NZ
3 weeks ago | 171 viewsMinister Tama Potaka announced that temporary accommodation, including motorhomes, and marae-led welfare support are being provided to those displaced by recent severe weather, with rapid assessments and placements through the Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service. Marae have played a crucial role in offering shelter and kai, supported by a $1 million Marae Emergency Response Fund to acknowledge their leadership and cover associated costs. People needing accommodation or insurance claim support are encouraged to register with the relevant services, and marae or organizations can seek reimbursement through Te Puni Kōkiri.
Tags: Tama Potaka Te Puni Kōkiri Marae Emergency Response Fund Temporary Accommodation Service New Zealand Claims Resolution Service Māori Development Associate Minister of Housing Northland marae whānauHealth Services and Mental Health Support Mobilized for Storm-Affected Communities
3 weeks ago | 217 viewsHealth and Mental Health Ministers Simeon Brown and Matt Doocey report ongoing efforts to support storm-affected communities through coordinated health services, including a recovery team and targeted mental health support embedded in local emergency groups. Health New Zealand is collaborating with local authorities to manage environmental health risks and monitor vulnerable, isolated populations, while government agencies oversee essential infrastructure to maintain access to care. Despite the challenges, health services remain operational, with a strong commitment to providing care, addressing emerging risks, and supporting those grieving from the disaster.
Tags: Simeon Brown Matt Doocey Health New Zealand Mental Health Civil Defence Emergency Management District Psychosocial Coordinators National Public Health Service frontline staff health workers local iwiGovernment Activates Temporary Accommodation Service for North Island Weather Victims
3 weeks ago | 200 viewsThe Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) has been activated to support people displaced by recent severe weather in parts of the North Island. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is coordinating with emergency agencies, local councils, and communities to provide safe accommodation and additional support services, including social, mental health, and financial assistance. Those affected are encouraged to register for temporary accommodation through the TAS website or phone line, though registration numbers are not yet confirmed.
Tags: Tama Potaka Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Temporary Accommodation Service Civil Defence Emergency Management National Emergency Management Agency Northland Coromandel Bay of Plenty TairāwhitiReliable Petrol Supply Restored in Marlborough Sounds with $350K Grant
1 month ago | 295 viewsElaine Bay Fuel Services has received a $350,000 grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to install a 20,000-litre petrol tank and dispensing infrastructure, restoring critical fuel access for communities, marine operators, and emergency services in the outer Marlborough Sounds. This investment supports key regional industries like aquaculture, tourism, and farming by reducing the need for a one-hour drive to Rai Valley for refuelling and enhancing resilience against road closures caused by extreme weather. The project, co-funded with $235,000 from EBFS, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Tags: Marlborough Sounds Elaine Bay Shane Jones Regional Infrastructure Fund Elaine Bay Fuel Services EBFS Rai Valley aquaculture tourism emergency servicesGovernment Adds 31 Specialist Mental Health Beds at Manor Park Hospital
2 months ago | 447 viewsThe Government is enhancing mental health support by adding 31 specialist beds at Manor Park Private Hospital, including 15 for adults with complex long-term needs and 16 psychogeriatric beds for secure and transitional care. This expansion aims to provide faster access to appropriate care, reduce hospital stays, ease emergency department pressure, and improve patient outcomes in the Hutt Valley and Capital Coast regions. The initiative is part of a broader mental health plan focused on better infrastructure, more frontline workers, and improved crisis response to deliver compassionate, effective care.
Tags: Matt Doocey Manor Park Private Hospital mental health support psychogeriatric beds Hutt Valley Capital Coast emergency departments mental health plan New Zealand GovernmentNew Zealand Sees Faster Access and Shorter ED Stays in Mental Health Services Q1 2025
2 months ago | 372 viewsNew data for Q1 2025/26 shows significant improvements in New Zealand’s mental health and addiction access targets, with faster access to primary and specialist services and shorter emergency department stays compared to Q1 2024/25. Progress is evident nationally and across Māori, Pacific, and Asian communities, though shorter ED stays remain the biggest challenge, with efforts focused on supporting under-performing health districts. Minister Matt Doocey emphasizes the goal of equitable access to mental health support nationwide, crediting frontline workers for these advancements.
Tags: Matt Doocey New Zealand mental health addiction support emergency departments primary mental health specialist services Māori Pacific peoples Asian communitiesNew Zealand Health Progress: Faster Cancer Care, Immunisations & Shorter Waits
2 months ago | 388 viewsNew Zealand has seen year-on-year improvements in healthcare access, including faster cancer treatment, higher childhood immunisation rates, and shorter waits for surgeries and specialist assessments, despite a busy winter and union strikes. The government’s investments, such as a $604 million boost to Pharmac and the Elective Boost program, have contributed to these gains by delivering new medicines and additional procedures. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes ongoing efforts to ensure timely, quality care for all Kiwis, supported by increased funding and frontline staff.
Tags: Simeon Brown Pharmac New Zealand healthcare workers cancer treatment childhood immunisations elective surgery emergency departments Elective Boost health targetsRotorua Ends Contracted Emergency Housing, Rehousing Families for Stability
2 months ago | 359 viewsThe Government has officially ended contracted emergency housing in Rotorua, reducing reliance on temporary motel accommodations by 85 percent and rehousing all families into permanent homes. This marks a significant improvement from the previous system, which trapped families in unstable living situations and damaged the city's reputation. While contracted emergency housing motels have closed, non-contracted emergency housing remains available as a last-resort option for those in genuine need.
Tags: Tama Potaka Todd McClay Rotorua Government Emergency Housing Housing Minister Labour Government Whānau Tourism HomelessnessGovernment Boosts Funding for New Plymouth Crisis Recovery Café
2 months ago | 313 viewsMinister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced increased government funding for New Plymouth's local crisis recovery café, run by Taranaki Retreat, to provide a calm, peer-led alternative to emergency departments for those in mental distress. This investment is part of a broader mental health plan that includes expanding peer support roles and establishing new crisis recovery cafés nationwide by June 2026. The initiative aims to deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers, and improved crisis response through community-based solutions.
Tags: Matt Doocey Taranaki Retreat New Plymouth New Zealand Minister for Mental Health peer support workers crisis recovery café emergency departments mental health GovernmentNew Govt.nz App Launches for Secure, Easy Access to NZ Government Services
2 months ago | 305 viewsThe 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 messagingOtago Peninsula Fishery Closure Extended to Protect Endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguins
2 months ago | 327 viewsAn emergency fishery closure around Otago Peninsula to protect the threatened northern hoiho population has been extended until 16 September 2026 to allow careful review of longer-term measures. The closure bans set-net fishing within eight nautical miles of the peninsula to reduce penguin bycatch, while consultations on future measures remain open until 12 December 2025. Delays caused by legal challenges have hindered progress, but officials aim to finalize longer-term protections early in 2026 to balance conservation efforts with the interests of local fishers.
Tags: Otago Peninsula hoiho Shane Jones emergency fishery closure Rakiura Stewart Island MPI fisheries bycatchAuckland City Hospital Upgrades $364M Infrastructure to Boost Resilience and Care
2 months ago | 297 viewsAuckland City Hospital has completed a $364.3 million upgrade to its critical infrastructure, including a new Central Plant Building and underground service tunnel designed to ensure resilience and continuous operation during major emergencies. This project, part of the Government’s $743 million remediation programme, protects essential systems like emergency generators and medical gas supplies, enabling the hospital to operate safely at normal capacity for three days during crises. Additionally, a further $73 million has been allocated for the next stage of upgrades to power, heating, and safety systems, reflecting a long-term commitment to modernizing Auckland’s health infrastructure.
Tags: Auckland City Hospital Simeon Brown Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme Central Plant Building Government emergency generators medical gas supplies Budget 2025 Greenlane Clinical Centre Auckland