Articles tagged with Iwi
Employment Leave Bill Passes Final Reading: New Simple Leave System Introduced
21 hours ago | 53 viewsThe Employment Leave Bill has passed its final reading, replacing the outdated Holidays Act with a simpler, hours-based leave system that improves accuracy and transparency for both employers and employees. Key reforms include hourly accrual of annual and sick leave, leave available from day one, a single hourly pay rate for all leave types, and greater flexibility in cashing up annual leave, with a 24-month transition period for implementation. The government aims to provide clear guidance and support to ensure a smooth shift to this streamlined system, addressing long-standing calls for reform.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Employment Leave Bill Holidays Act Workplace Relations and Safety MBIE Government Kiwis Employment New Zealand annual leave sick leaveNew Zealand Seeks Local Industry for Long-Range Strike Drone Acquisition
1 day ago | 50 viewsThe New Zealand Government, led by Defence Minister Chris Penk, is initiating the purchase of long-range one-way strike drones, prioritizing local industry innovation and capability. These human-operated, non-autonomous drones offer a cost-effective alternative to missiles and align with efforts to modernize Defence amid an unpredictable security environment. Additionally, Defence plans to research unarmed long-range drones for maritime surveillance, encouraging domestic businesses to participate, with investments outlined in the Defence Capability Plan totaling $100 million to $300 million.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Kiwi industry Defence Capability Plan uncrewed aircraft systems Defence Minister advanced manufacturing drone technology maritime surveillanceNew Amendments Boost NZ Infrastructure Funding to Support Housing Growth
2 days ago | 86 viewsThe Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill passed today enhances the existing Act by simplifying processes, broadening eligible projects, and allowing operational costs to be funded through levies, addressing previous barriers that limited its use. This legislation enables private investment to fund essential infrastructure, such as roads and water services, with repayments made via levies on benefiting properties, thereby supporting housing growth and economic development. The changes aim to accelerate infrastructure delivery, provide greater certainty for developers, and ensure that growth is sustainably funded, aligning with the Government’s broader Going for Housing Growth programme.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill New Zealand Housing Growth Milldale development New Zealand Transport Agency KiwiRail National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Environment CommitteeKiwiRail to Operate New Cook Strait Ferries Kupe and Cook from 2029
1 week ago | 162 viewsThe New Zealand Government has confirmed KiwiRail will operate two new Cook Strait rail ferries, named Kupe and Cook, arriving in 2029 with a 30-year operational plan to ensure a practical and affordable ferry service. The project, capped at $1.7 billion, saves $2.3 billion compared to previous estimates and includes commercial arrangements protecting taxpayers while supporting critical freight routes between Auckland and Christchurch. The programme also features new marine infrastructure, strict project management, and a long-term strategy to maintain rail ferry services for future generations.
Tags: Winston Peters KiwiRail Kupe Cook Cook Strait CentrePort Port Marlborough Ferry Holdings Guangzhou Shipyard International InterislanderNew Zealand Declares First North Island Sika Deer Herd of Special Interest
2 weeks ago | 180 viewsNew Zealand has designated the sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks as the North Island’s first Herd of Special Interest (HOSI), establishing a coordinated management framework to enhance hunting opportunities and conservation outcomes. The Central North Island Sika Foundation, alongside DOC, iwi, hapū, and other partners, will assist in managing the herd to reduce browsing pressure on young trees and improve forest regeneration without increasing animal numbers. The decision follows extensive consultation and aims to balance hunting values with environmental protection, featuring ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews to ensure accountability.
Tags: James Meager New Zealand sika deer Kaimanawa Forest Park Kaweka Forest Park Central North Island Sika Foundation Game Animal Council DOC iwi hapūGovernment Seeks Feedback on Capital Market Reforms to Boost Kiwi Business Growth
2 weeks ago | 152 viewsThe Government is seeking feedback on the next phase of capital market reforms aimed at lowering the cost of raising capital for Kiwi businesses and improving returns for investors, with a focus on modernizing rules to keep pace with innovation and maintain investor protections. This phase follows last year’s reforms that reduced compliance costs and barriers to listing on the NZX, and now targets eight specific areas including product disclosure, director liability, crowdfunding limits, and broker activity. The consultation, open for six weeks, invites input from businesses, investors, and financial advisers to help create dynamic, competitive markets that support economic growth.
Tags: Cameron Brewer Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister KiwiSaver MBIE NZX New Zealand Government capital market reforms economic growth crowdfundingInnovative Submersible Dredge Planer Tackles Invasive Caulerpa Seaweed in NZ
2 weeks ago | 222 viewsThe submersible dredge planer (SDP), a remotely operated device developed by Northland Regional Council and Johnson Brothers Ltd, has successfully passed recent tests for removing invasive caulerpa seaweed in Omākiwi Cove. This custom-designed equipment, part of a $10 million initiative including UV-C light treatment and a chlorine sealing system, features unique screw propulsion for effective operation on sandy seabeds and is ready for deployment despite current low seaweed presence. The SDP represents a significant advancement in New Zealand’s biosecurity efforts, offering scalable mechanical removal capabilities adaptable to other invasive species in various aquatic environments.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Johnson Brothers Ltd Northland Regional Council Biosecurity New Zealand Cawthron Institute Ngāti Kuta Patukeha Omākiwi Cove Bay of Islands Number 8 wireFiordland Wapiti Deer Named NZ’s First Hunter-Led Herd of Special Interest
2 weeks ago | 189 viewsFiordland wapiti deer have been designated New Zealand’s first Herd of Special Interest (HOSI), enabling sustainable hunter-led management to balance hunting values with conservation goals. The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, in partnership with DOC and iwi, will implement the Herd Management Plan focused on maintaining sustainable deer numbers, protecting biodiversity, and allowing native vegetation recovery. This designation follows extensive consultation, includes strong environmental oversight with public reporting, and aims to improve ecological outcomes while preserving Fiordland National Park’s World Heritage values.
Tags: James Meager Fiordland Wapiti Foundation Fiordland wapiti deer New Zealand Fiordland National Park Herd of Special Interest DOC iwi hapū Game Animal CouncilKiwi Businesses Boost Productivity with $800M Gains from eInvoicing Adoption
3 weeks ago | 257 viewsKiwi businesses are projected to gain up to $800 million annually in productivity through full eInvoicing adoption, which has more than doubled in uptake recently, enabling faster payments and reduced paperwork. The government leads by example with prompt payments, achieving over 95% of invoices paid within 10 working days, and will require large businesses to send eInvoices to government agencies from January 2027. This initiative aims to improve cashflow, cut administrative costs, reduce invoice fraud, and create a more efficient business environment in New Zealand.
Tags: eInvoicing productivity gains Kiwi businesses Cameron Brewer NZIER Small Business Manufacturing Minister government payments invoice fraud cloud accountingNew Zealand Exporters Gain Big as India FTA Boosts Trade Before Launch
3 weeks ago | 280 viewsNew Zealand exporters are experiencing significant growth in India ahead of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) coming into force, with export volumes rising due to increased demand for high-quality products like apples and kiwifruit. The FTA will immediately eliminate tariffs on 57% of exports, providing substantial financial benefits to growers and expanding opportunities in forestry, wool, wine, services, and tourism sectors. Trade Minister Todd McClay emphasizes that early exporter engagement and timely ratification of the FTA will enhance access and boost New Zealand’s trade success with India.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand India Free Trade Agreement apples kiwifruit Matariki Forests Air New Zealand Air India wineNew Regulatory Standards Act Empowers Kiwis to Challenge Bad Regulations
4 weeks ago | 264 viewsThe Regulatory Standards Act (2025) establishes the Regulatory Standards Board to protect New Zealanders by increasing transparency around the costs and impacts of regulations on property rights and personal liberties. The Board reviews Consistency Accountability Statements, handles public complaints about bad regulations, and can assess existing laws to ensure accountability and inform voters. With over 260 regulators in New Zealand, this Act aims to provide clearer information on regulatory costs and empower citizens to hold policymakers responsible.
Tags: Regulatory Standards Act Regulatory Standards Board David Seymour New Zealand Public Finance Act Reserve Bank Act Bill of Rights Act Consistency Accountability Statements Ministry for Regulation KiwisNew Appointments Strengthen New Zealand Infrastructure Commission Leadership
1 month ago | 284 viewsInfrastructure Minister Chris Bishop announced the reappointment of Sue Tindal as Deputy Chair and the appointment of Natasha Possenniskie as a new director to the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission board. Tindal’s extensive financial and governance experience, along with Possenniskie’s 25 years in infrastructure planning and delivery, will enhance the Commission’s capacity to provide strategic oversight and robust project assurance. These appointments demonstrate the Government’s commitment to strengthening leadership and expertise to fulfill the Commission’s expanded mandate and improve infrastructure outcomes in New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Bishop Sue Tindal Natasha Possenniskie New Zealand Infrastructure Commission KiwiRail Auckland Council PwC Commonwealth Bank of Australia Urban Outcomes Limited Massey UniversityGovernment Approves $22.4M Funding for Te Utanganui Freight Rail Hub in PN
1 month ago | 319 viewsThe Government has approved up to $22.4 million to support the rail component of Te Utanganui, a major intermodal freight hub in Palmerston North linking rail, road, air, and sea. This funding, delivered in stages, will aid pre-construction and construction of the Bunnythorpe Regional Freight Hub, aiming to improve supply chain efficiency, drive economic growth, and create hundreds of jobs. The project, led by local agencies and supported by government investment, seeks to unlock industrial land, build resilience, and attract private sector co-investment to boost the lower North Island's logistics and manufacturing sectors.
Tags: Winston Peters Shane Jones Te Utanganui Bunnythorpe Regional Freight Hub Manawatū Central Economic Development Agency KiwiRail Regional Infrastructure Fund Palmerston North New Zealand GovernmentKiwiSaver Contribution Increase Boosts Retirement Savings for 1.8 Million Kiwis
1 month ago | 335 viewsNearly 99.5% of KiwiSaver contributors have accepted the increased default contribution rate from 3% to 3.5%, enhancing their retirement savings and financial security. This change affects about 1.8 million employees, with contributions rising from 6% to 7% of wages when including employer matches, and will increase further in 2028. The higher contributions are projected to significantly boost retirement funds, helping young New Zealanders both in retirement and in purchasing their first homes.
Tags: KiwiSaver Nicola Willis New Zealand retirement contribution rates financial security superannuation wages property ladder employee deductionsNZ Economy Grows Strongly in Q1 2026 with GDP Up 0.8% Amid Global Uncertainty
1 month ago | 449 viewsNew Zealand's economy showed strong momentum in the March 2026 quarter, growing 0.8%, nearly three times faster than Australia and twice as fast as the US, with GDP per capita and real purchasing power also rising. This growth reflects the resilience of New Zealanders amid challenging conditions and was supported by business investment and government policies, though uncertainty from the Middle East conflict may impact future growth. Despite short-term caution, the government remains focused on fiscal responsibility and expects economic growth to strengthen over time, leading to more jobs and higher incomes.
Tags: Nicola Willis Stats NZ New Zealand Australia United States Treasury Budget 2026 Middle East Kiwis Investment Boost