Articles tagged with Gold
New Zealand Expands Urgent Rural Healthcare with Improved Local Services
17 hours ago | 37 viewsThe 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 DistrictCrown and Ngāti Hāua Finalize Historic Treaty Settlement with $19M Redress
5 days ago | 93 viewsThe 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 settlementWaihi North Mining Project Approved to Expand Operations Until 2043
1 month ago | 275 viewsThe 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 exportsNew Zealand Passes Legislation to Speed Up Courts and Add High Court Judges
1 month ago | 312 viewsParliament 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 systemCrown Returns Historic Kororipo Pā to Ngāpuhi in Landmark Treaty Settlement
1 month ago | 356 viewsLegislation 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 CrownNew Election Laws Boost Efficiency with Early Enrolment and Digital Updates
1 month ago | 290 viewsThe 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 votingKermadec Arc Mineral Reservation Extended Two Years to Protect Marine Ecosystems
1 month ago | 282 viewsThe Kermadec Arc north of New Zealand will remain under a two-year reservation, continuing restrictions on mineral permitting to protect its unique marine ecosystems and potential critical mineral deposits. Established under the Crown Minerals Act 1991, the reservation covers 412,690 km² and aims to support informed, strategic management aligned with New Zealand’s Minerals Strategy to 2040. The extension, effective from January 2026 to January 2028, allows time for improved research and data collection before future decisions on mineral development are made.
Tags: Kermadec Arc New Zealand Shane Jones mineral permitting Crown Minerals Act Kermadec Ridge copper zinc gold Minerals Strategy 2040Crown Reaches Agreement in Principle to Settle Ngai Tai Treaty Claims
1 month ago | 251 viewsThe Crown has signed an agreement in principle to settle the historical Treaty claims of Ngai Tai, marking a significant step after claims were first submitted over 150 years ago. The settlement includes conservation land, $12 million in financial and commercial redress, and reserved marine space for aquaculture consents. This agreement acknowledges the Crown's past wrongs and initiates negotiations toward a comprehensive deed of settlement for Ngai Tai, an iwi based in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Tags: Ngai Tai Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith The Crown Whakaaetanga Matua Tōrere Bay of Plenty Treaty claims aquaculture deed of settlementNgāti Whātua Ōrākei to Host Matariki 2026 with Theme "For Everyone
2 months ago | 293 viewsThe Government has announced Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in Auckland as the host iwi for next year’s national Matariki broadcast, with the theme "Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone." This event aims to unite all people in celebrating the Māori New Year, highlighting the unique cultural significance of the Auckland region. Matariki remains a time for reflection, celebration, and preparation, honoring loved ones and looking forward to the new year.
Tags: Matariki Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Paul Goldsmith Auckland Māori New Year Matariki Herenga Waka Arts Culture and Heritage New Zealand whānau$20.7M Investment Boosts Youth Development Programs for 60,000 At-Risk Kiwis
2 months ago | 243 viewsThe New Zealand government is investing $20.7 million into youth development programmes aimed at supporting over 60,000 at-risk young people through early intervention and prevention. Funding will be allocated to 53 organisations via two main funds—the Place-Based Youth Development Fund for community-led, long-term programmes, and the Youth Development Contributory Fund for shorter-term initiatives—tailored to regional needs. These programmes focus on education re-engagement, skill development, and personal growth, aiming to improve life outcomes, reduce long-term social costs, and align with government targets on school attendance, youth employment, and offending.
Tags: James Meager Youth Minister New Zealand Youth Development The Y Central South Island Golden Bay Workcentre Trust Youth Programmes Education EmploymentTasman's Port Tarakohe Upgrade Boosts Economy, Aquaculture & Regional Resilience
2 months ago | 233 viewsThe $12.7 million upgrade of Port Tarakohe in Tasman District has transformed it into the region's only all-tide, all-weather, deep-water port, enhancing economic development and resilience. The improvements, including new wharves and facilities, support the growing aquaculture industry, marine tourism, and provide a crucial alternative route during highway closures. Funded jointly by the government and Tasman District Council, the project is expected to unlock nearly a billion dollars in value over 25 years and ensure vital access to Golden Bay during emergencies.
Tags: Shane Jones Jenny Marcroft Port Tarakohe Tasman District Golden Bay aquaculture infrastructure upgrade Provincial Growth Fund mussel farming Regional Development MinisterGovernment Introduces Stronger Penalties for Assaults, Coward Punches, and Retail Crime
2 months ago | 243 viewsThe Government’s Crimes Amendment Bill introduces stronger penalties for assaults on first responders, coward punches, human trafficking, and retail crime to ensure criminals face real consequences and protect victims. It establishes new specific offences, enhances citizen’s arrest powers, and implements a new shoplifting infringement regime to address ongoing challenges in law and order. The legislation aims to be passed before the next election, fulfilling commitments made in the National-New Zealand First coalition agreement.
Tags: Crimes Amendment Bill Paul Goldsmith first responders coward punches human trafficking retail crime citizen’s arrest shoplifting infringement prison officersLieutenant General Rhys Jones Appointed Chair of National War Memorial Advisory Council
2 months ago | 316 viewsLieutenant General Rhys Jones has been appointed chair of the National War Memorial Advisory Council, bringing extensive military and governance experience from his 35-year Defence Force career and leadership roles in various organizations. He succeeds Fiona Cassidy and will serve until November 30, 2028. Additionally, Staff Sergeant Tina Grant and Colonel (Retired) Roger Howard have been reappointed as Council members with terms ending in 2028 and 2026, respectively.
Tags: Rhys Jones Paul Goldsmith Fiona Cassidy Tina Grant Roger Howard New Zealand Defence Force National War Memorial Advisory Council Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association Great War Exhibition Australasian Fire Authorities CouncilChristina Barton and Jamie Tuuta Appointed to Te Papa Board by Minister Goldsmith
2 months ago | 289 viewsChristina Barton and Jamie Tuuta have been appointed to the Te Papa Board, bringing extensive expertise in art history, curation, and Māori leadership. Barton has held prominent roles in major New Zealand art institutions, while Tuuta has over 20 years of governance experience across various sectors related to Māori development. Additionally, David Wilks has been reappointed to the board, and outgoing members Jackie Lloyd and Tama Waipara were thanked for their service.
Tags: Christina Barton Jamie Tuuta Paul Goldsmith David Wilks Jackie Lloyd Tama Waipara Te Papa Board Adam Art Gallery Victoria University of Wellington Māori leaderBetter Later Life Action Plan 2025: Supporting Older New Zealanders' Wellbeing
2 months ago | 259 viewsThe Better Later Life Action Plan aims to support older New Zealanders in living well, maintaining independence, and staying connected by focusing on health, housing, and financial security. It builds on existing government services by introducing new initiatives such as expanding housing options, reviewing driver licensing, enhancing digital training, and strengthening protections against elder abuse. The plan involves a coordinated, cross-government approach to improve access to services and practical support, with details available on the Office for Seniors website.
Tags: Better Later Life Action Plan Casey Costello New Zealand seniors NZ Superannuation SuperGold Card elder abuse driver licensing housing for elderly digital training Office for Seniors