Articles tagged with Iwi

Kiwi Space Activator Funds University of Auckland’s Rakiraki CubeSat Project

3 days ago | 90 views

Space Minister Chris Penk announced that the University of Auckland received $300,000 from the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme to develop the Rakiraki CubeSat, a satellite aimed at improving space object tracking to protect essential satellite services. The programme supports New Zealand innovators in advancing space technology from concept to launch, fostering sovereign space capability, commercialisation, and global market access. With $1.78 million awarded across two rounds to four projects, the initiative reflects the growing and high-quality space innovation sector in New Zealand.

Tags: Chris Penk Kiwi Space Activator University of Auckland Rakiraki CubeSat Auckland University of Technology Space Operations New Zealand MBIE New Zealand space sector Kiwi businesses space technology

New Zealand Food and Fibre Exports to Hit Record $64.3B by 2026

4 days ago | 100 views

New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is driving strong economic growth, with exports forecast to reach a record $64.3 billion by June 2026 and $70.1 billion by 2030, supported by high demand for dairy, red meat, and horticulture products. The government, led by Minister Todd McClay, is committed to backing farmers through trade expansion, reducing barriers, and implementing reforms in freshwater, resource management, and agricultural emissions. This support aims to boost rural communities, create jobs, and help achieve the goal of doubling export value within ten years.

Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi farmers dairy red meat kiwifruit apple crops food and fibre sector SOPI report

New Zealand Boosts Horticulture with Land Use Flexibility and Innovation

4 days ago | 89 views

The New Zealand Government is enhancing the horticulture sector by providing greater land use flexibility and investing $19.14 million in a five-year project to boost kiwifruit orchard productivity, quality, and environmental sustainability. This initiative, supported by Zespri and New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, aims to increase kiwifruit export sales to $7.9 billion by 2035/36 and generate an economic impact of $15.8 billion. By reducing regulatory burdens and leveraging science and technology, the Government seeks to support farmers and growers, strengthen regional economies, and ensure a productive, sustainable primary industry sector.

Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand horticulture kiwifruit Zespri Agriculture Minister New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated farmers growers

Government Invests $260K to Boost Rural NZ Resilience and Preparedness

5 days ago | 85 views

The Government has launched three initiatives totaling $260,000 to enhance the preparedness and resilience of rural communities through strengthening Rural Advisory Groups, supporting Taskforce Kiwi volunteers, and developing rural leadership skills. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson emphasized the importance of proactive investment in capacity-building to help rural areas effectively respond to and recover from adverse events. These efforts aim to support farmers, protect food supplies, and foster stronger, well-prepared rural communities before crises occur.

Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Regional community resilience Rural Advisory Groups Taskforce Kiwi Agriculture Minister Rural Communities Minister Federated Farmers Beef + Lamb New Zealand DairyNZ

KiwiRail Selects Three Partners for Cost-Effective Marsden Point Rail Link Design Sprint

1 week ago | 268 views

Minister for Rail Winston Peters has welcomed KiwiRail's identification of three potential construction partners—Acciona, Downer/HEB joint venture, and Martinus Rail—to conduct a design sprint for a cost-effective Marsden Point Rail Link. This 19-kilometre railway is deemed essential for Northport, a key port for New Zealand’s export future, and aims to provide a more accurate and lower-cost estimate than previous government allocations. The companies will refine designs focusing on reducing earthworks, optimizing construction, and exploring various technical options to enable confident government funding decisions.

Tags: Winston Peters KiwiRail Marsden Point Rail Link Acciona Downer HEB Martinus Rail Northport New Zealand Minister for Rail

Budget 2026 Boosts Auckland’s Growth with Health, Housing, Transport & Education Investments

2 weeks ago | 248 views

Budget 2026 invests in Auckland’s health, housing, transport, and education to support its role as New Zealand’s economic engine. Key initiatives include funding for a South Auckland Hospital, a $400 million housing growth fund, over $1 billion for KiwiRail improvements, and $1.6 billion for schools. These investments aim to create a thriving, resilient city that drives national growth and fiscal responsibility.

Tags: Budget 2026 Auckland Simon Watts New Zealand health funding housing growth KiwiRail education investment economic growth infrastructure

Government Commits $1.18B to KiwiRail Network and Metro Rail Renewals 2027-2030

2 weeks ago | 209 views

The New Zealand Government has committed $1.075 billion for KiwiRail’s network investments from 2027-2030 and $106.9 million to continue critical renewals on Auckland and Wellington metropolitan rail networks, aiming to improve reliability and address historic under-investment. This funding supports a fully funded three-year Rail Network Investment Programme, emphasizing maintenance, renewals, and efficient operations to enhance rail freight performance and passenger services. Additionally, fiscal responsibility guides the government’s approach to maintaining transport assets, ensuring value for money and sustainable, reliable rail infrastructure for New Zealanders.

Tags: Winston Peters Chris Bishop KiwiRail New Zealand Government Rail Network Investment Programme Auckland Wellington Hillside Workshops Rail infrastructure Transport Minister

$2.1B Mahere Pūtea 2026: Whakawhanake Mātauranga Kura Tuarua Aotearoa

2 weeks ago | 192 views

The 2026 Budget allocates $2.1 billion to continue building a world-leading education system in New Zealand, focusing on enhancing secondary curriculum development, professional learning for teachers, and expanding industry-aligned vocational pathways. Significant investments include $90 million for updating national qualifications through NZQA, $559 million for school infrastructure, and targeted funding for supporting diverse learner needs such as health, language, and special education. These initiatives build on prior reforms to improve literacy and numeracy, aiming to raise achievement, close equity gaps, and prepare students with skills aligned to the future workforce.

Tags: Erica Stanford Mahere Pūtea 2026 Mātauranga NZQA Poari Pūmanawa Ahumahi Kura Ringarehe Kiwisaver Whakaako Kairangi Te Marautanga o Aotearoa Kāwanatanga

New Zealand Extends Copyright Protection for Iconic Songs and Kiwi Artists

2 weeks ago | 192 views

The 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 recordings

Government Enhances Plant Variety Rights to Boost NZ Exports and Growers' Income

1 month ago | 250 views

The 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 industry

Government to Amend 19 Laws for Clear, Consistent Treaty of Waitangi References

1 month ago | 272 views

The 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 Waitangi

Kiwi Space Activator Funds $1.48M to Boost NZ Space Innovation Projects

1 month ago | 299 views

Space Minister Chris Penk announced the first recipients of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme, awarding $1.48 million to Dawn Aerospace, the University of Canterbury, and the University of Auckland for innovative space technology projects. These initiatives address government-identified challenges, enhance New Zealand’s space innovation reputation, and include educational components to inspire future innovators. The programme aims to reduce barriers for testing new space technologies, with funding increased to $2.08 million for rounds one and two, and applications for round two closing on May 25, 2026.

Tags: Chris Penk Dawn Aerospace University of Canterbury University of Auckland Kiwi Space Activator Hōpara MBIE New Zealand space innovation

Navigating New Zealand’s Future: Security, Resilience, and Prosperity in a Volatile World

1 month ago | 256 views

The speech addresses New Zealand’s need to adapt to a rapidly changing, multipolar world marked by shifting power dynamics, increased security threats, and challenges to the rules-based international order. It emphasizes strengthening national security through enhanced defense capabilities, energy independence, social cohesion, and fiscal responsibility, while maintaining and evolving international relationships and trade partnerships. The speaker calls for a collective effort to prepare New Zealand for future uncertainties by investing in resilience, unity, and prudent governance to secure the nation’s prosperity and values.

Tags: New Zealand Russia China United States National Party Erica Stanford Lawrence Wong Pericles KiwiSaver

Hauraki Iwi Treaty Settlements Passed: Historic Redress for Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui

1 month ago | 297 views

After 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 Conservation

Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui Claims Settlement Bill Passes First Reading

1 month ago | 259 views

The 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 River