Articles tagged with International
Victoria Louise Heine Appointed High Court Judge in Wellington Starting 2026
21 hours ago | 37 viewsAttorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of Victoria Louise Heine as a High Court Judge, effective 16 February 2026, in Wellington. Justice Heine has a distinguished legal career, including roles as a partner at Chen Palmer and Chapman Tripp, a barrister sole, and an Adjunct Law Lecturer, with expertise in civil remedies, regulatory disputes, and arbitration. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University, a Master of Laws from the University of Chicago, and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2021.
Tags: Judith Collins Victoria Louise Heine Wellington Victoria University of Wellington Russell McVeagh Chen Palmer Chapman Tripp Thorndon Chambers Singapore International Arbitration Centre Equestrian Sports New ZealandDefence Minister Judith Collins to Visit Japan for Key Security Talks
2 days ago | 52 viewsDefence Minister Judith Collins will visit Japan tomorrow to engage in defence and security discussions with Japanese officials, including Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. She emphasized the importance of Japan as a key partner for New Zealand, both committed to international order and stability. Collins aims to strengthen the close relationship between the two countries during her visit, returning to New Zealand on 20 December.
Tags: Judith Collins Shinjiro Koizumi Toshimitsu Motegi Defence Minister Japan New Zealand Tokyo regional security international order stabilityDuane Kale Appointed Chair of Sport New Zealand to Lead High Performance Sport
1 week ago | 80 viewsDuane Kale ONZM has been appointed Chair of Sport and Recreation New Zealand, bringing extensive experience in sports administration and Paralympic leadership. He has served as Deputy Chair of Sport NZ and High Performance Sport New Zealand since 2023, and as Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee since 2017. Kale is a decorated Paralympian and recognized leader, recently awarded the Paralympic Order, and will succeed Raewyn Lovett as Chair.
Tags: Duane Kale Mark Mitchell Raewyn Lovett Sport NZ Paralympics New Zealand International Paralympic Committee High Performance Sport New Zealand New Zealand Paralympian Paralympic Order Chef de MissionNew Zealand Government Advances Disability Inclusion with New Strategy and Funding
2 weeks ago | 108 viewsMinister Louise Upston reaffirmed the New Zealand Government’s commitment to improving the lives of disabled people, endorsing the 2025 international theme of fostering inclusive societies. The government recently launched the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030, focusing on education, employment, health, housing, and justice to address ongoing disadvantages faced by disabled individuals. Key initiatives include significant investments in learning support, enhanced Disability Support Services, increased funding for residential care, and the development of a new Carers’ Strategy Action Plan.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Government International Day of Persons with Disabilities New Zealand Disability Strategy Disability Support Services Early Intervention Service Carers’ Strategy Action Plan residential care providers disabled people disability communityNew Zealand Tourism Booms with 6% More Visitors and $12.3B Spend in 2025
2 weeks ago | 93 viewsInternational visitors to New Zealand are increasing in number and spending more, driving significant growth in the tourism sector and economy, with total spending reaching $12.3 billion for the year ending September 2025. Visitor numbers rose to 3.43 million, reaching 88% of pre-pandemic levels, boosted by higher-spending travelers, especially from the USA. The government supports this growth through the Tourism Growth Roadmap, aiming to double tourism export value by 2034 while enhancing visitor experiences and regional opportunities.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Tourism International Visitors USA MBIE Tourism Growth Roadmap Hospitality Economy Visitor SurveyAuckland City Centre Action Plan Boosts Safety, Support, and Vibrancy for All
3 weeks ago | 121 viewsA new action plan led by Auckland’s government and council aims to make the city centre safe, welcoming, and vibrant by supporting vulnerable populations, increasing police presence, and improving public spaces and services. Key initiatives include adding social housing, outreach for rough sleepers, enhanced enforcement against criminal behavior, and regular maintenance of cleanliness and safety in public areas. The plan emphasizes collaboration among multiple agencies to boost confidence, economic activity, and community well-being as major projects and tourism increase in Auckland.
Tags: Simeon Brown Wayne Brown Auckland Ministry for Housing and Urban Development Ministry for Social Development Health New Zealand Auckland Council Minister of Justice City Rail Link New Zealand International Convention CentreNew Zealand Joins Global Minerals Security Partnership to Boost Critical Minerals Sector
3 weeks ago | 123 viewsNew Zealand has joined the international Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) to attract investment and support its Minerals Strategy, which aims to double mineral export value by 2035 and enhance sustainable global supply chains. The partnership aligns with New Zealand’s strengths in critical minerals essential for modern technologies and will help create high-paying jobs while strengthening international relationships. Several countries have benefited from MSP membership through financing commitments, and New Zealand expects similar opportunities to develop its critical minerals sector.
Tags: New Zealand Minerals Security Partnership Shane Jones Winston Peters critical minerals Minerals Strategy renewable energy international supply chains clean energy technologies minerals exportsHow New Zealand Saved $2.3B with a Smart, No-Nonsense Ferry Solution
1 month ago | 160 viewsThe speech highlights the shift from the failed, wasteful iReX ferry project to a fiscally disciplined, pragmatic approach that saves taxpayers $2.3 billion by focusing on essential infrastructure upgrades and acquiring two new ferries within a $1.7 billion budget. The new plan maintains support for rail, keeps costs low to benefit consumers, and involves collaboration with experienced industry partners, including a reputable Chinese shipbuilder, ensuring timely and efficient delivery by 2029. Emphasizing commonsense and practical expertise over costly overreach, the project is already underway with strong leadership and community support, promising a sustainable future for New Zealand’s Interislander ferry services.
Tags: Lachie Nadine Taylor Andrew Little Daran Ponter Chris Mackenzie Heather Simpson Greg Lowe Katherine Rich Iain McLeod Guangzhou Shipyard InternationalGovernment Saves $2.3 Billion with New Interislander Ferries and Infrastructure
1 month ago | 139 viewsThe Government has secured two new Interislander ferries from Guangzhou Shipyard International under a $596 million fixed-price contract, with the total program costing less than $2 billion and saving taxpayers $2.3 billion by cutting expensive consultancy and excessive infrastructure. Funding for the infrastructure will be recovered through port fees and Interislander is expected to build reserves for future ferry replacements, operating like a normal business. The project is managed by Ferry Holdings with support from CentrePort, Port Marlborough, and KiwiRail, emphasizing fiscal discipline and minimizing disruption, while also strengthening economic ties with China.
Tags: Winston Peters Guangzhou Shipyard International Ferry Holdings CentrePort Port Marlborough KiwiRail Interislander Bluebridge Rail Minister Cook StraitNew Zealand’s Great Rides Boost Local Economy by $1.28 Billion in 2025
1 month ago | 163 viewsNew Zealand’s 23 Great Rides contribute $1.28 billion annually to local economies, with visitor spending rising 35% from 2021 to 2025, according to the latest evaluation report. Visitor nights and trail usage have also increased significantly, boosting accommodation and hospitality sectors and supporting regional jobs. The Government invests $8 million yearly from the International Visitor Levy and additional funds into trail infrastructure to sustain growth and economic benefits.
Tags: Louise Upston Sir John Key New Zealand Great Rides Tourism Hospitality Ruapehu Dunedin International Visitor LevyDiscover the Southern Way: $393K Campaign to Showcase Authentic Hospitality in Lower South Island
1 month ago | 197 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced that Great South will receive $393,000 to launch a campaign promoting the Southern Way and the region's hospitality to international visitors. The investment aims to showcase the lower South Island's unique experiences, wild beauty, rich flavors, and warm hospitality to new audiences. Led by Great South and regional partners, the campaign will target Australian travelers, particularly those from the Gold Coast, encouraging them to explore iconic destinations like Milford Sound, the Catlins coastline, and Dunedin, while highlighting the region's local events and genuine southern hospitality.
Tags: Great South campaign Southern Way international visitors Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston lower South Island regional partners Australian travellers Gold CoastNew Zealand Tourism Soars: Record International Visitor Arrivals in 2025
1 month ago | 273 viewsTourism Minister Louise Upston is pleased with the growth in New Zealand's overseas visitor numbers, particularly from Australia, which saw a 12% increase in arrivals in September 2025 compared to the previous year. Overall, New Zealand welcomed 248,600 international visitors in September 2025, with significant increases also seen from the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan. The government's efforts to attract more international visitors and boost the tourism industry are reflected in the record-high arrivals in Queenstown and Christchurch, as well as the initiatives such as the Tourism Boost package and the $70 million events and tourism investment package.
Tags: Louise Upston Tourism Minister Australia New Zealand Overseas visitors Stats NZ International visitors Tourism industry Everyone Must Go campaignNew Zealand Enhances Screen Production Rebate to Boost Global Competitiveness
1 month ago | 211 viewsThe Government of New Zealand is updating the International Screen Production Rebate to enhance the country's competitiveness in the global film and television industry, responding to industry feedback and increasing incentives to attract screen investment. Changes include lowering the minimum qualifying spend for feature films, reducing thresholds for incentives, expanding eligibility for post-production projects, and removing caps on certain costs. These updates aim to diversify the screen economy, strengthen partnerships in growing markets, and support the local industry while attracting new investment and technology.
Tags: Government International Screen Production Rebate New Zealand Nicola Willis film television streaming productions economic growth incentives global competitionNew Zealand Welcomes Michelin Guide, Showcasing Culinary Excellence and Boosting Tourism Growth
1 month ago | 203 viewsNew Zealand is excited to welcome the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing the country's food and wine to an international audience and expecting an increase in visitor numbers and economic growth, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Michelin Guide inspectors are already dining anonymously in top New Zealand restaurants, with the first selections and potential star ratings expected next year. The arrival of Michelin is seen as a prestigious accolade that will boost tourism, with an estimated 36,000 more international visitors expected and a focus on promoting New Zealand's culinary excellence on a global stage.
Tags: New Zealand Michelin Guide Tourism Hospitality Minister Louise Upston Oceania Cuisine International visitors Culinary centers Hospitality sectorGovernment Initiatives to Improve Teacher Education Quality and Governance
1 month ago | 236 viewsThe Government is addressing issues in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) to improve teacher quality and restore trust. Recent reports have highlighted deficiencies in teacher training, with many new teachers lacking confidence in subject content and teaching approaches. Legislative changes will transfer professional standard setting functions from the Teaching Council to the Ministry of Education to ensure stronger oversight and clearer policy direction in ITE.
Tags: Government Initial Teacher Education Education Minister Erica Stanford OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey Education Review Office Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Ministry of Education Teaching Council Education and Training Amendment Bill.