Articles tagged with International

New Zealand Government Unveils $70 Million Boost for Major Events and Tourism

10 hours ago | 41 views

The Government has unveiled a $70 million investment package to boost major events and tourism projects in New Zealand, aiming to stimulate economic growth and confidence. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasizes the importance of major events in supporting local economies, creating jobs, and attracting visitors. The package includes funding for securing international events, supporting existing events, promoting regional tourism, and upgrading tourism infrastructure to enhance New Zealand's competitiveness as a tourism destination.

Tags: Government Louise Upston Tourism Events Investment Economy New Zealand International Funding Infrastructure

International Visitor Arrivals and Spending on the Rise, Boosting New Zealand's Tourism Sector and Economy

1 week ago | 190 views

Fresh data released today indicates that international visitor arrivals and spending are on the rise, boosting New Zealand's tourism sector and economy, as highlighted by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. The year ending June 2025 saw international tourism contribute $12.1 billion to the economy, a 4.3% increase from the previous year, with a 5% rise in visitor arrivals totaling 3.38 million. Despite positive growth, Upston emphasizes the need for continued efforts to further enhance the tourism sector, referencing initiatives like the Tourism Growth Roadmap aimed at doubling tourism exports by 2034.

Tags: tourism economy international visitors Louise Upston spending tourism sector international tourism visitor arrivals New Zealand Tourism Growth Roadmap

Energy Minister Simon Watts Joins APEC Leaders in Busan for Energy Security Discussions

2 weeks ago | 191 views

Energy Minister Simon Watts will attend the 15th APEC Energy Ministers Meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, focusing on energy security and affordability. He aims to collaborate internationally to build resilient and sustainable energy systems in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss harnessing energy innovation. Key topics at the meeting include electricity expansion, grid security, reliability, and AI-driven energy innovation, with a focus on connecting with counterparts to advance shared energy goals.

Tags: Simon Watts Energy Minister Busan Republic of Korea APEC Energy security International collaboration Sustainable energy systems Energy innovation New Zealand

Minister Brooke van Velden Welcomes Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill for Improved Department of Internal Affairs Efficiency

1 month ago | 257 views

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden supports the Regulatory Systems (Internal Affairs) Amendment Bill, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the Department of Internal Affairs by streamlining relevant legislation. The Bill, which has passed its first reading and will now undergo public submissions, proposes changes such as age restrictions on Lotto sales, empowering the Department to combat objectionable online content, and improving the Classification Office's operations. Van Velden emphasizes the importance of these amendments in advancing the Department's capabilities and safeguarding against harmful online materials.

Tags: Brooke van Velden Minister of Internal Affairs Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill Department of Internal Affairs RealMe identity verification service Lotto product Classification Office fertility clinics objectionable content international law enforcement agencies

Whanganui Airport Invests in Safety and Connectivity Boost

1 month ago | 209 views

The Government will invest $3.35 million in Whanganui Airport to build a new sealed parallel taxiway, enhancing safety and regional connectivity. This investment aims to address safety concerns by reducing the risk of collisions and aircraft congestion, making flying safer for pilots and passengers. The taxpayer-funded project, supported by local MP Carl Bates, will improve resilience, support economic growth, and benefit the region's aviation industry and community.

Tags: Whanganui Airport safety regional connectivity economic growth James Meager investment taxpayer funding Carl Bates aviation New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy

Government Funding Boost to Combat Invasive Weeds in NZ Tourist Landscapes

1 month ago | 365 views

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka highlights the importance of eradicating invasive weeds to benefit tourism and rural businesses in New Zealand. The government is investing in early detection technology and allocating funds from the International Visitor Levy to protect iconic landscapes like Abel Tasman, Aoraki/Mt Cook, and Tongariro. Additional funding is directed towards combating wilding pines and other significant weeds, aiming to safeguard the environment, economy, and biodiversity of the country.

Tags: Tourism rural businesses Government action invasive weeds early detection technology Conservation Minister Tama Potaka Department of Conservation International Visitor Levy wilding pines Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard

Urgent Call for Ceasefire in Gaza: New Zealand's Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict

1 month ago | 606 views

On June 24, 2025, a Ministerial statement on the Middle East was delivered to address the Israel-Iran conflict, emphasizing de-escalation and ceasefire. Despite a ceasefire being brokered by the United States, ongoing suffering and conflict persist in Gaza, with calls for immediate action from the international community. New Zealand stands united with other countries in condemning actions that hinder a two-state solution and advocates for dialogue, diplomacy, and a permanent ceasefire to end the cycle of conflict for future generations.

Tags: Israel Iran New Zealand Hamas United States Gaza Palestinians ceasefire international community

New Zealand Government's Commitment to Disability Rights: UNCRPD Recommendations and Progress Updates

1 month ago | 738 views

The Government, led by Disability Minister Louise Upston, is taking steps to enhance the rights of disabled individuals in alignment with international obligations, as announced publicly. Cabinet in New Zealand has agreed on an approach to address 63 recommendations from the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with details on the recommendations, actions by government agencies, and progress tracking now accessible on the Human Rights Monitor. Multiple agencies are working on 30 recommendations, while 17 are under consideration by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha, and an additional 16 recommendations are noted for potential reconsideration by the Government, as efforts continue to drive tangible improvements for the disabled community.

Tags: Government disabled people international obligations human rights United Nations recommendations agencies Ministry of Disabled People New Zealand Disability Strategy Ministerial Disability Leadership Group

Boost in Great Walks Bookings Signals Conservation Success and Economic Growth

2 months ago | 520 views

A significant boost in the number of people booking bednights along the country’s Great Walks is a good sign for conservation tourism and local businesses, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. Opening day bookings for each of the Great Walks were up by over 10,000 bednights compared to last year, totalling more than 140,000 bednights and bringing in more than $9 million to the Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai, says Mr Potaka. “Booking system upgrades - including a new online lobby - successfully processed a peak of nearly 12,000 people waiting to book the Milford when it opened on 28 May in an hour.

Tags: Conservation Minister Tama Potaka Great Walks Conservation tourism Local businesses Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai International Visitor Levy National Parks Rakiura National Park International visitors

Backing biodiversity protection for Kaimai Mamaku

2 months ago | 629 views

A $750,000 investment into Iwi and community led biodiversity protection at Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park will benefit the environment and sustainable tourism, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “We’re backing much-needed protection for one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most unique conservation parks and southern-most kauri habitats through work to eradicate destructive wild goats, contributing to a healthier and scenic visitor experience near Tauranga,” Mr Potaka says. “Browsing animals, like wild goats affect forest regeneration significantly, and are considered a potential spreader of kauri dieback through soil they carry.

Tags: Aotearoa new Aotearoa new zealand Auckland International visitor levy Kaimai mamaku conservation park Kaimai mamaku restoration project Karangahake gorge Rotorua Tama potaka Tauranga Zealand

New Certification scheme unlocks $200M market for Kiwi cosmetics in China

2 months ago | 572 views

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson have welcomed a new certification scheme, announced by the Prime Minister in Shanghai today, that unlocks access to China’s $200 million cosmetics and skincare market — a move that will drive stronger returns for New Zealand exporters and boost the economy. “This is a smart, practical step that removes a long-standing trade barrier and opens up valuable new channels for our exporters,” McClay says. “It means more high-quality, innovative New Zealand products on shelves in China - not just online, but in stores across one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

Tags: Chinese Commerce and consumer affairs Good manufacturing practice Government International aitation new zealand Ministry of business innovation and employment New zealand Scott simpson Shanghai Simpson Todd mcclay Zealand