Articles tagged with Gold

Ngāti Ruapani Settlement Bill Passes First Reading After Deed Signing

1 week ago | 137 views

The Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Claims Settlement Bill has passed its first reading shortly after the Deed of Settlement was signed, marking a significant milestone after six years of negotiations. The settlement includes $24 million financial redress, shares in Patunamu Forest Ltd, several commercial and cultural properties, and approximately 12,000 hectares added to Te Urewera. While it cannot fully compensate past injustices, the settlement aims to support future generations of Ngāti Ruapani, who are based around south Waikaremoana.

Tags: Ngāti Ruapani Waikaremoana Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith Deed of Settlement Tūwai Patunamu Forest Ltd Te Urewera Ngāti Ruapani Claims Settlement Bill Te Tari Whakatau

New Zealand Boosts Economy with Faster Overseas Investment Approvals and New Visas

2 weeks ago | 172 views

The New Zealand Government has introduced a two-track system under the Overseas Investment Act to speed up investment decisions, aiming to process most applications within five to 15 working days, significantly faster than before. This reform, along with increased Active Investor Plus visa applications, is expected to bring billions in overseas capital, supporting economic growth, productivity, and high-paying jobs by providing access to international capital, expertise, and technology. The Government emphasizes that attracting foreign investment is essential for New Zealand’s future as a high-income economy and is committed to removing barriers to help businesses grow and create opportunities for Kiwis.

Tags: David Seymour Erica Stanford Overseas Investment Act New Zealand Active Investor Plus golden visa overseas investment Kiwi businesses economic growth investment applications

New Zealand Passes Bill for Annual Census and Timelier Population Data

2 weeks ago | 182 views

New Zealand has passed the Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill to transition from a five-yearly census to an annual approach using existing government data, a smaller survey, and targeted collection, starting in 2030. This change addresses rising costs, declining response rates, and disruptions, ensuring more timely and accurate population data essential for planning public services. Additionally, the legislation modifies electoral boundary reviews to occur after every second general election instead of after every census, maintaining regularity while reflecting population changes.

Tags: Shane Reti Paul Goldsmith New Zealand Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill Stats NZ census electoral boundary reviews annual census population data government legislation

Violent Crime Drops by 49,000 in NZ with Increased Police Patrols and Reforms

3 weeks ago | 243 views

Since the Government was elected, a tough on crime approach and nearly doubling police foot patrols have led to 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime in New Zealand by October 2025. Key reforms include tougher sentencing, enhanced police powers, and coordinated efforts to reduce youth reoffending, resulting in significant drops in serious youth offenses and ram raids. Despite this progress, the Government remains committed to further law and order improvements, including new legislation to address disorderly behavior and strengthen trespass laws.

Tags: Paul Goldsmith Mark Mitchell Karen Chhour New Zealand violent crime Police Oranga Tamariki Crimes Amendment Bill Three Strikes youth offending

Crown Signs Historic Deed of Settlement with Ngāti Ruapani for Te Urewera

3 weeks ago | 209 views

The Crown and Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana have signed a Deed of Settlement after six years of negotiations, acknowledging historical Treaty of Waitangi breaches and aiming to restore Ngāti Ruapani’s connection with Te Urewera. The settlement includes a Crown apology, $24 million in financial redress, shares in Patunamu Forestry Ltd, multiple commercial and cultural properties, and approximately 12,000 hectares of land added to Te Urewera. This agreement marks a significant step toward supporting Ngāti Ruapani’s cultural and economic aspirations and concludes settlement negotiations in the Te Urewera region.

Tags: Ngāti Ruapani Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith Crown Te Urewera Waikaremoana Tuai Patunamu Forestry Ltd Deed of Settlement Te Tari Whakatau

Golden Bay Air Secures $1.1M Loan to Support Vital Regional Flights

3 weeks ago | 190 views

Golden Bay Air will be the first airline to receive a $1.1 million loan from the $30 million Regional Infrastructure Fund to refinance aircraft debt and maintain essential regional flights. This support aims to ensure connectivity, economic resilience, and access to health care and tourism for isolated communities like Golden Bay. Additionally, the fund includes initiatives to help regional airlines integrate bookings with larger carriers, enhancing commercial sustainability and travel accessibility.

Tags: Golden Bay Air James Meager Maureen Pugh Regional Infrastructure Fund Kānoa Coalition Government Tākaka Heaphy Track Abel Tasman Track

New Zealand Government Empowers Police with Move-On Orders to Curb Public Disorder

3 weeks ago | 168 views

The New Zealand Government is amending the Summary Offences Act to grant police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals exhibiting disorderly or disruptive behavior, obstructing access to businesses, begging, or rough sleeping in public places. These orders will require individuals aged 14 or older to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours and move a reasonable distance away, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce disturbances in city centers. Police will assess each situation individually and collaborate with social and housing services to provide support where necessary.

Tags: Paul Goldsmith Mark Mitchell New Zealand Government police powers Summary Offences Act public safety disorderly behaviour law and order police enforcement

New Zealand Updates Anzac Day Law to Honor All War Service Personnel

1 month ago | 224 views

New Zealand's Parliament has passed legislation updating the Anzac Day Act to formally recognize all service personnel who have served in times of war, including conflicts after 1966 and allied forces involved in the Gallipoli landing. The updated law broadens commemoration to include those who served in various roles, such as United Nations missions, medical units, the Merchant Navy, and those who died during training. This change strengthens the significance of Anzac Day as a national tradition that honors the courage and sacrifice of all who defended New Zealand and its allies.

Tags: Anzac Day New Zealand Paul Goldsmith Chris Penk Anzac Day Act Gallipoli Veterans World Wars Allied Forces Legislation

Record Mineral Permit Applications Boost New Zealand’s Gold Mining and Exploration in 2025

1 month ago | 229 views

New Zealand’s mineral exploration and mining sector is experiencing strong growth, with record permit applications and approvals in 2025, particularly for gold projects concentrated in the South Island’s West Coast. The diverse mix of prospecting, exploration, and mining permits, along with the conversion of small-scale permits to a more suitable regulatory class, indicates healthy progression and increased confidence in the sector. This momentum, driven by multiple mid-sized projects and active permit management, supports regional economic growth, job creation, and New Zealand’s broader resource development strategy.

Tags: New Zealand Shane Jones mining exploration mineral permits gold West Coast New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals regional economic growth mining projects

New Zealand Expands Urgent Rural Healthcare with Improved Local Services

1 month ago | 301 views

The first phase of delivering healthcare closer to home has been completed in six rural communities, improving urgent and after-hours care through initiatives like point-of-care testing, ultrasound, telehealth pharmacy services, and integrated paramedic support. Budget 2025 allocated $164 million to expand these improvements to 70 rural locations, ensuring 98% of New Zealanders can access urgent care within an hour’s drive. This approach emphasizes locally led solutions and workforce strengthening, including rural training hubs and a new medical school, to enhance healthcare access and outcomes in remote areas.

Tags: Matt Doocey Golden Bay Tūrangi Twizel Te Kūiti Coromandel Great Barrier Island Hato Hone St John University of Waikato Mackenzie District

Crown and Ngāti Hāua Finalize Historic Treaty Settlement with $19M Redress

1 month ago | 345 views

The Crown and Ngāti Hāua have concluded nine years of negotiations with settlement legislation passing in Parliament, acknowledging historical Treaty breaches and returning 64 culturally significant sites along with $19 million in financial redress. The legislation also provides statutory pardons for Te Rangiātea and Mātene Ruta Te Whareaitu, who were wrongfully tried under martial law in 1846, restoring their mana and honouring their legacy. This settlement aims to restore the relationship between the Crown and Ngāti Hāua and support the iwi’s economic, social, and cultural wellbeing for future generations.

Tags: Ngāti Hāua Crown Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith Te Rangiātea Mātene Ruta Te Whareaitu Taumarunui Te Pua o Te Riri Kore New Zealand Parliament Treaty settlement

Waihi North Mining Project Approved to Expand Operations Until 2043

3 months ago | 437 views

The Waihi North mining project has received fast-track consent to expand operations until 2043, significantly boosting New Zealand’s economy with an estimated $5.2 billion in silver and gold exports and supporting around 800 jobs. The expedited approval process took 112 working days, compared to the usual five years, and is expected to generate $422 million in Crown revenue for public services. Oceana Gold’s application includes new open pit and underground mines, extending mining beyond the original 2030 expiry and highlighting the Fast-track process’s role in accelerating major infrastructure projects.

Tags: Waihi North Chris Bishop Shane Jones Oceana Gold Waikato New Zealand Hauraki District mining project silver and gold exports

New Zealand Passes Legislation to Speed Up Courts and Add High Court Judges

3 months ago | 471 views

Parliament has passed legislation aimed at improving court timeliness by updating procedures and increasing the number of High Court Judges from 55 to 60 to expedite serious cases. The Judicature (Timeliness) Legislation Amendment Bill introduces measures to streamline case management, prevent abuse of court processes, and enhance judicial efficiency across various courts. These changes prioritize faster justice for victims and families, ensuring the justice system operates more effectively and responsively.

Tags: Paul Goldsmith Nicole McKee High Court Judges Judicature (Timeliness) Legislation Amendment Bill Senior Courts Act Criminal Procedure Act 2011 Court of Appeal Coroners Act 2006 New Zealand Justice system

Crown Returns Historic Kororipo Pā to Ngāpuhi in Landmark Treaty Settlement

3 months ago | 572 views

Legislation passed in Parliament returns the historic Kororipo Pā to Ngāpuhi, marking a significant step in advancing Treaty settlement negotiations and righting past wrongs. The pā, a vital site of learning, diplomacy, and trade, will transfer to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust in 2026, who will act as kaitiaki on behalf of Ngāpuhi while maintaining its historic reserve status and public access. This milestone reflects years of dedicated negotiations and honors the enduring relationships and shared history between the Crown and Ngāpuhi.

Tags: Ngāpuhi Kororipo Pā Paul Goldsmith Tama Potaka Ngāti Rēhia Treaty Negotiations Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust Treaty settlement New Zealand Crown

New Election Laws Boost Efficiency with Early Enrolment and Digital Updates

3 months ago | 464 views

The Government has passed legislation to improve election efficiency by closing enrolment 13 days before election day, allowing automatic enrolment updates, and removing postal requirements to better manage voter participation. Additional changes include extending advance voting to 12 days, reinstating a prisoner voting ban for certain sentences, adjusting donor reporting thresholds, and introducing penalties for providing inducements near polling places. The Bill also enhances Electoral Commission operations, modifies candidate and party registration rules, and supports a separate bill to ensure executive government continuity post-election.

Tags: Paul Goldsmith New Zealand Electoral Commission Government Justice Minister elections legislation Constitution Act 1986 prisoner voting ban advance voting