Articles tagged with Gold
Waioweka Gorge SH2 Recovery Accelerates with $33M Investment in Resilience Works
2 days ago | 71 viewsRecovery efforts on State Highway 2’s Waioweka Gorge are accelerating following severe weather damage in January 2026, with contracts awarded for design, project management, and physical works to restore full road access and improve resilience. Key works include stabilizing the Goldsmith slip—where over 20,000 cubic meters of debris closed the route for weeks—installing rockfall barriers, upgrading culverts, and enhancing drainage to reduce future disruptions. The government has committed around $75 million in Budget 2026 for further resilience improvements along the corridor, targeting critical and high-risk sites identified through NZTA’s National Resilience Assessment Tool.
Tags: Chris Bishop Dana Kirkpatrick NZ Transport Agency Stellar Projects Beca Geovert Waiotahi Contractors Ltd Goldsmith slip Waioweka Gorge NZTA BoardNew Zealand Updates AML Identity Verification Code to Ease Customer Barriers by 2026
2 weeks ago | 235 viewsNew Zealand's refreshed anti-money laundering Identity Verification Code of Practice, effective from July 2026, aims to reduce unnecessary barriers by providing clearer guidance, greater consistency, and a risk-based approach to identity checks. The update simplifies verification processes, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and disabled, and introduces trusted referees and standardized exceptions to ease compliance for businesses. This reform, developed through public consultation, seeks to focus AML efforts on real financial crime while reducing costs, delays, and frustration for ordinary New Zealanders and businesses.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Nicole McKee New Zealand Identity Verification AML Code Māori Land Court SuperGold Cards Total Mobility Cards Omnibus BillNew Zealand Seniors to Get Photographic ID Option on SuperGold Card by 2028
3 weeks ago | 257 viewsNew Zealand’s SuperGold card will be upgraded to include a photographic ID option, allowing seniors to use it as an official form of identification for accessing essential services. The government is investing $42.9 million to modernize the card, which will be available in physical and digital forms and remain free for those aged 65 and over. The rollout is expected to begin in October 2028, with interim options for photo ID available at AA offices.
Tags: New Zealand SuperGold Card seniors Casey Costello Budget 2026 identification older New Zealanders AA office banking services legal servicesNew Zealand Extends Copyright Protection for Iconic Songs and Kiwi Artists
3 weeks ago | 210 viewsThe New Zealand Government is extending copyright protection for music recordings from 50 to 70 years after publication to support Kiwi artists and align with international standards. This change, prioritized during New Zealand Music Month, ensures artists can continue earning from their work and protects both iconic classics and future creations. The updates, part of trade agreements with the UK and EU, must be implemented by May 2028, with further Copyright Act changes to be announced soon.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Cameron Brewer New Zealand Copyright Act Kiwi artists New Zealand Music Month I See Red April Sun in Cuba Gutter Black music recordingsNew Zealand Criminalizes Stalking with Up to 5 Years Prison Starting Tonight
3 weeks ago | 257 viewsStarting tonight, stalking becomes a criminal offense in New Zealand, punishable by up to five years in prison, signaling the government's commitment to addressing this harmful behavior. The new law defines stalking as a pattern of behavior likely to cause fear or distress, including acts such as following, contacting, damaging property, and doxing, with legal mechanisms like police notices and sentencing limits in place. This legislation responds to widespread advocacy and aims to protect victims, particularly women, from the serious emotional, psychological, and economic harm caused by stalking and harassment.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Justice Minister stalking harassment Crimes Legislation Amendment Act New Zealand victims sexual violence Justice Committee doxingNew Move-On Orders Give Police Power to Tackle Disorderly Public Behavior
4 weeks ago | 306 viewsLegislation granting Police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals displaying disorderly behaviour in public places has passed its first reading in Parliament, aiming to address disruptions in city centres. These orders target behaviours such as threatening conduct, obstructing business access, begging, and rough sleeping, requiring individuals to leave specified areas for up to 24 hours without criminalizing homelessness. The government emphasizes this measure is to restore safety and enjoyment in public spaces while maintaining support for those in need.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Police disorderly behaviour Parliament homelessness law and order public places city centres legislationBudget 2026: Transforming New Zealand’s Public Service for a More Affordable Future
1 month ago | 349 viewsThe Government Budget 2026 focuses on addressing New Zealand’s economic challenges through durable reforms aimed at affordability, fiscal responsibility, and improved public services rather than short-term spending. Key initiatives include streamlining government agencies, embracing digital and AI technologies, and reducing public service numbers to enhance efficiency and redirect savings toward health, education, infrastructure, and security. This strategic approach seeks to create a modern, productive public service, maintain balanced books, and build a resilient economy for a better and more affordable future.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Mark Carney Labour New Zealand Prime Minister Business North Harbour Kainga Ora Public Service Commission Ministry of Cities Government BudgetGovernment Overhauls Public Service to Boost Productivity and Save $2.4 Billion
1 month ago | 216 viewsThe New Zealand Government is undertaking a major public service overhaul to reduce the number of agencies, enhance digitisation including AI use, and restore public service numbers to historic levels, aiming to deliver $2.4 billion in savings over four years. This reform seeks to shift resources from administrative growth to frontline services, improve productivity, and provide better, more connected public services that avoid duplication and outdated processes. Savings from these changes will be reinvested in health, education, infrastructure, defence, and police, with progress monitored to ensure efficiency and value for money.
Tags: Nicola Willis Paul Goldsmith New Zealand public service government overhaul digitisation AI productivity public sector budget savingsGovernment Enhances Plant Variety Rights to Boost NZ Exports and Growers' Income
1 month ago | 268 viewsThe New Zealand Government is strengthening the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 to better protect investments in high-value horticulture, support growers, and boost export returns, particularly for kiwifruit and apples. Key changes include extending the PVR term by five years and restoring provisional protection to allow breeders immediate legal action against exploitation during the application process. These measures aim to encourage innovation, secure jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness in global markets.
Tags: Todd McClay Cameron Brewer New Zealand Plant Variety Rights Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit horticulture Biosecurity Science Institute kiwifruit industryGovernment to Amend 19 Laws for Clear, Consistent Treaty of Waitangi References
1 month ago | 281 viewsThe Government has agreed to amend 19 pieces of legislation to ensure clear and consistent references to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, replacing vague terms with specific language or repealing some references. Following a comprehensive review, the Government decided to standardize references to “take into account” as the highest requirement and prefers using both the Treaty of Waitangi and te Tiriti o Waitangi in relevant provisions. This initial step includes ongoing consultations with Iwi and a full select committee process to allow public input.
Tags: Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith Government Justice Minister Advisory Group Conservation Act Iwi legislation review te Tiriti o WaitangiNew Legislation Empowers Police with Move-On Orders to Tackle Disorderly Behaviour
1 month ago | 314 viewsThe Government has introduced legislation granting Police the power to issue move-on orders to address disorderly behaviour in public places, aiming to improve safety in central cities. These orders target disruptive actions such as threatening behaviour, obstructing access to businesses, begging, and rough sleeping, requiring individuals aged 14 or older to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours. The move-on orders are not criminal charges themselves, but breaching them can lead to prosecution, with the goal of reclaiming public spaces for residents, workers, and visitors.
Tags: Police disorderly behaviour legislation Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith public places law and order prosecution begging rough sleepingHauraki Iwi Treaty Settlements Passed: Historic Redress for Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui
1 month ago | 321 viewsAfter 15 years of negotiations, the New Zealand Parliament passed the Claims Settlement Bills for three Hauraki iwi—Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui, and Ngāti Hei—formally acknowledging the Crown's historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and providing financial, commercial, and cultural redress. These settlements include Crown apologies, agreed historical accounts, and protocols with government ministries, aiming to support the iwi’s economic, cultural, and environmental aspirations while fostering enduring relationships. The settlements allocate millions in financial redress and property rights specific to each iwi's region, marking a significant milestone in addressing past injustices and strengthening future partnerships.
Tags: Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Ngāti Tara Tokanui Ngāti Hei Paul Goldsmith Treaty of Waitangi Hauraki iwi Crown Pare Hauraki Collective Ministry for Culture and Heritage Department of ConservationNgā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui Claims Settlement Bill Passes First Reading
1 month ago | 277 viewsThe Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui Claims Settlement Bill has passed its first reading after nine years of negotiations, marking progress in addressing historical Treaty of Waitangi grievances related to 19th-century warfare, unfair land transactions, and land alienation. The settlement includes a Crown apology, $30 million in financial and commercial redress, and the return of 27 culturally significant sites, such as Pākaitore (Moutoa Gardens). This milestone establishes a new relationship between Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui and the Crown based on partnership, trust, and respect, covering a redress area centered on Whanganui city and surrounding regions.
Tags: Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith Whanganui Kaiwhaiki Pā Crown Pākaitore Moutoa Gardens Pipiriki Whangaehu RiverGovernment Clarifies Climate Change Laws to Boost Business Certainty and Investment
1 month ago | 268 viewsThe Government plans to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasizes that climate change responses should be managed nationally through existing frameworks like the Emissions Trading Scheme, rather than through court litigation. This amendment will not affect government responsibilities or businesses’ obligations under the ETS but will ensure a consistent regulatory approach.
Tags: climate change greenhouse gas emissions Climate Change Response Act 2002 Emissions Trading Scheme legal clarity business certainty Paul Goldsmith High Court litigation government regulation environmental lawGovernment Increases Rates Rebate and Sets Rates Cap to Ease Cost of Living in 2026
1 month ago | 369 viewsThe Government will increase the Rates Rebate Scheme from July 2026, raising the maximum rebate and income thresholds to provide targeted support for low-income ratepayers and SuperGold Cardholders, helping seniors on fixed incomes manage rising rates. New application forms will be available through councils and online, ensuring eligible households receive assistance amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Additionally, a rates cap will be introduced to control council spending and prevent unsustainable rate increases, with details to be announced later this year.
Tags: Simon Watts Casey Costello Rates Rebate Scheme SuperGold Cardholders Local Government New Zealand Government cost of living income abatement threshold rates cap NZ Superannuation