Articles tagged with International

New Zealand Releases Oil Tickets to Support Global Supply Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure

2 days ago | 144 views

New Zealand will release 1.577 million barrels of crude oil purchase options, known as oil tickets, to support the International Energy Agency’s collective response to oil supply disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. This contribution, part of a larger IEA release of 400 million barrels, aims to ease global refinery pressure and stabilize markets without affecting New Zealand’s domestic fuel security. The released tickets pertain to crude oil and fuels incompatible with New Zealand’s system, meaning no physical oil supply will be directly released.

Tags: New Zealand International Energy Agency Shane Jones Strait of Hormuz oil tickets crude oil fuel security Middle East Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment

Energy Minister Simon Watts to Attend Indo-Pacific Energy Security Forum 2026

6 days ago | 71 views

Energy Minister Simon Watts is traveling to Japan to participate in the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum, emphasizing the importance of energy security amid Middle East conflicts and geopolitical uncertainty. New Zealand is committed to securing global energy supply chains, particularly for liquid fuels, and remains prepared with resilient fuel systems and healthy stockpiles. The forum provides a key opportunity for New Zealand to collaborate with Indo-Pacific partners and support the International Energy Agency’s collective actions.

Tags: Simon Watts Energy Minister New Zealand International Energy Agency energy security fuel supply Middle East conflict international collaboration

New Zealand and Cambodia Strengthen Ties with High-Level Diplomatic Visit

1 week ago | 93 views

Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn to New Zealand, marking the first high-level Cambodian visit since 2019 and highlighting the strengthening bilateral relationship. They discussed collaboration on development, regional security, and shared commitment to a rules-based international system, with Peters announcing NZ$7.5 million in additional support for mine clearance and victim assistance in Cambodia. This visit follows New Zealand’s recent trip to Cambodia, underscoring mutual dedication to deepening ties in the Indo-Pacific region.

Tags: Winston Peters Prak Sokhonn New Zealand Cambodia Foreign Minister Deputy Prime Minister mine clearance regional peace international cooperation

New Zealand Welcomes Second Private Building Consent Authority to Boost Efficiency

2 weeks ago | 323 views

New Zealand has approved its second private Building Consent Authority (BCA), Farsight NZ Limited Partnership, to increase competition and capacity in the building consent system, aiming to reduce paperwork and speed up approvals. Farsight will manage key building control tasks for Summerset, a major residential builder, which will help alleviate pressure on council BCAs and improve consistency in applying the Building Code. All BCAs, including private ones, must meet strict accreditation and legal requirements to ensure strong consumer protections and efficient service delivery.

Tags: Chris Penk Farsight NZ Limited Partnership Building Consent Authority Building Consent Approvals Limited Summerset Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Kāinga Ora International Accreditation New Zealand Building Code New Zealand

New BoardConnector Database Boosts Women’s Leadership Roles in NZ

2 weeks ago | 296 views

A new database called BoardConnector has been launched to support women's progress into leadership and governance roles in New Zealand, providing access to training and a pool of governance-ready leaders. Minister Nicola Grigg emphasizes that increasing female representation on boards strengthens decision-making and economic growth, while addressing gender pay and retirement savings gaps. Despite progress, women hold only 31 percent of private-sector director positions, highlighting the need for tools that drive meaningful change and economic empowerment for women.

Tags: Nicola Grigg International Women’s Day women’s leadership BoardConnector governance female directors economic empowerment gender pay gap New Zealand women in business

New Zealand’s Trade Hits $61.2B in Q4 with Strong Export Growth

2 weeks ago | 172 views

New Zealand's international trade statistics reveal strong export growth, reaching $29.2 billion in the December quarter, driven by key sectors like dairy, tourism, and meat. Trade and Investment Minister Hon Todd McClay highlights the importance of open markets, strong trading relationships, and government support in sustaining this success amid global economic uncertainty. The government remains committed to enhancing trade by reducing barriers, expanding free trade agreements, and empowering exporters to drive economic growth and job creation.

Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi exporters international trade dairy exports tourism meat exports trade statistics free trade agreements New Zealand economy

International Visitors Boost New Zealand Tourism with $12.5B Spend in 2025

2 weeks ago | 165 views

International visitors to New Zealand are rapidly returning, with tourism contributing $12.5 billion to the economy for the year ending December 2025, a 3% increase from the previous year. Visitor numbers have reached 90% of 2019 levels, with spending per visitor and daily spending both rising, boosting local businesses and jobs. The government aims to double the value of tourism exports by 2034, highlighting the sector’s importance as New Zealand’s second-largest export earner.

Tags: New Zealand international visitors tourism visitor spend Louise Upston Australia United States hospitality MBIE tourism exports

New Appointments to University of Otago Council Strengthen Governance and Leadership

2 weeks ago | 184 views

Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti announced the appointment of Chris Hopkins and Dr Peter Bramley to the University of Otago Council, emphasizing the importance of strong governance in supporting universities' roles in workforce education and economic growth. Hopkins brings extensive leadership and financial management experience, while Bramley offers expertise in health management and academic lecturing. Dr Reti also thanked outgoing members Malcolm Wong and Hon Clare Curran for their service, highlighting the council's role in developing New Zealand's future skills and leadership.

Tags: Shane Reti Chris Hopkins Peter Bramley Malcolm Wong Clare Curran University of Otago University of Canterbury Dunedin International Airport Universities Minister New Zealand

New Zealand Expands RNZAF Ohakea as 24/7 Alternate Runway for Wide-Body Aircraft

3 weeks ago | 214 views

New Zealand will enhance its international aviation resilience by enabling RNZAF Base Ohakea to operate as a 24/7 alternate runway for wide-body aircraft, supported by government funding for round-the-clock air traffic control. This upgrade, part of the Aviation Action Plan, improves flight viability by allowing aircraft to carry less fuel and operate at full capacity, benefiting tourism, exports, and regional economies. Additionally, the government and industry have collaborated on multiple initiatives to address workforce challenges, infrastructure needs, and sustainable aviation, signaling a strong commitment to future-proofing the sector.

Tags: James Meager Airways New Zealand RNZAF Base Ohakea Aviation Council Associate Transport Minister Aviation Action Plan International Civil Aviation Organization New Zealand Government Aviation sector Advanced aviation

RNZAF Base Ohakea to Support 24/7 Wide Body Aircraft Landings Boosting NZ Aviation

3 weeks ago | 227 views

New Zealand is enhancing its international aviation resilience by funding 24/7 air traffic control at RNZAF Base Ohakea, allowing it to serve as an alternate runway for wide-body aircraft overnight, which improves flight viability and benefits tourism and regional economies. This initiative completes a key action of the Aviation Action Plan, which includes 25 measures to grow and future-proof the sector, with significant progress made through government and industry collaboration. Additional efforts include supporting regional routes, updating pilot training, promoting sustainable aviation, and addressing workforce and infrastructure needs to reduce barriers and foster long-term growth.

Tags: James Meager RNZAF Base Ohakea Airways New Zealand Aviation Council Associate Transport Minister Aviation Action Plan International Civil Aviation Organization New Zealand government Aviation sector Air traffic control

New Police Move-On Powers Boost Safety in Auckland City Centre

3 weeks ago | 171 views

The Government has introduced new move-on powers for Police as part of its Auckland city centre action plan to address antisocial behaviour and enhance safety, making the CBD a welcoming place for residents, workers, and visitors. Progress includes housing 146 people through the Housing First initiative, a significant drop in crime victimisations, improved police presence, and infrastructure upgrades like better lighting and cameras. With major developments like the International Convention Centre and City Rail Link underway, the Government emphasizes a balanced approach of support and accountability to ensure Auckland’s city centre remains safe and vibrant.

Tags: Simeon Brown Auckland Police Housing First Auckland Council City Rail Link International Convention Centre Government CBD Tourism

Government Invests $3.5M to Restore Tongariro National Park After Fires

4 weeks ago | 213 views

The Government is investing $3.5 million over five years to restore over 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park damaged by major fires, focusing on weed control, pest management, and biodiversity monitoring. This effort, supported by the International Visitor Levy, aims to protect the park’s ecological resilience and sustain the local economy and communities dependent on it. Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and the Department of Conservation are collaborating on the Maunga Ora restoration plan, integrating science and Māori knowledge to revive the sacred landscape.

Tags: Tongariro National Park Tama Potaka Ruapehu District Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro Department of Conservation Maunga Ora International Visitor Levy biodiversity pest management ecological restoration

New Zealand Joins Global Effort to Secure Critical Minerals for Energy Future

4 weeks ago | 226 views

New Zealand has joined 32 member countries at the 2026 International Energy Agency Ministerial meeting in endorsing a Declaration to strengthen global cooperation on critical minerals essential for the clean energy transition and long-term energy security. The Declaration directs the IEA to enhance data collection, market monitoring, emergency preparedness, and innovation in recycling and recovery, while New Zealand aims to leverage its mineral resources and strong environmental standards to become a reliable supplier in global critical mineral supply chains. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasized that responsible development of these minerals will boost economic resilience, create skilled jobs, and strengthen international partnerships.

Tags: New Zealand Simon Watts Shane Jones International Energy Agency critical minerals energy security clean energy transition lithium rare earth elements vanadium

New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa Attracts $3.39B in Global Investments

1 month ago | 321 views

Since its refresh in April 2025, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa has attracted $3.39 billion from 573 applicants, significantly surpassing previous investment levels and supporting sectors like tech, healthcare, and horticulture. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford highlights that this influx of international capital and expertise is driving productivity, job creation, and business expansion, aligning with the Government’s economic growth goals. Additionally, new visa settings allow investor visa holders to purchase or build high-value homes, fostering deeper connections to New Zealand.

Tags: Erica Stanford Active Investor Plus Hectre New Zealand Immigration Minister Going for Growth AIP visa international investment investor visa Growth Category

Government Investment Boost Drives Early, Larger Investments and Economic Growth

1 month ago | 279 views

The Government’s Investment Boost is effectively encouraging firms to increase, accelerate, and scale up their investments, thereby enhancing productivity and economic growth. Survey data shows that a significant portion of companies have raised their investment spending and shifted toward productivity-enhancing assets due to the policy, with Inland Revenue modeling indicating a reduction in the effective marginal tax rate on new capital investment. These positive impacts align with projections of GDP, wage, and capital stock growth over the next 20 years, demonstrating the importance of stable, supportive tax policy for long-term economic development.

Tags: Nicola Willis Investment Boost Inland Revenue New Zealand Economic Growth United Machinists Foot Science International Vynco Government Policy Productivity