Articles tagged with Kiwis
Ministry for Regulation Launches Sector Review to Streamline Product Labelling Regulations
4 days ago | 235 viewsMinisters Seymour and Simpson have announced a Ministry for Regulation review to address the high costs and complexities of New Zealand's product labelling regulations, which hinder affordability and global competitiveness. The current system, comprising over 30 codes and standards, imposes unnecessary compliance burdens on businesses, leading to increased prices and limited wage growth. The review aims to streamline regulations, reduce compliance costs, and enhance Kiwi goods' competitiveness internationally, with a focus on benefiting both businesses and consumers by simplifying the labelling process.
Tags: David Seymour Scott Simpson Minister for Regulation Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kiwis New Zealand labelling regulations businesses consumers compliance costsNew Zealand to Host World Triathlon Events in Tauranga 2026-2028
5 days ago | 231 viewsTauranga will host a series of World Triathlon events over three years starting in 2026, including the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Finals, with an expected 6000 international visitors generating $25 million in tourism revenue. The Government is investing $2.65 million to support Tri NZ in hosting these events, aiming to attract over 4500 international competitors for the 2028 World Championship final. These events will be broadcast live to a global audience, showcasing New Zealand's strong history in triathlon and promoting sport tourism.
Tags: New Zealand Tauranga World Triathlon events 2028 World Triathlon Championship Finals Louise Upston Tourism and Hospitality Minister Major Events Fund Tri NZ Ironman 70.3 World Championship KiwisGovernment Raises Probate Threshold to $40,000 for Faster Asset Access | 2025 Update
1 week ago | 382 viewsThe Government has agreed to raise the probate threshold from $15,000 to $40,000 to make it easier and cheaper for families to access assets of deceased loved ones, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. The current threshold set in 2009 no longer reflects the value of estates, especially with KiwiSaver balances, leading to smaller estates being burdened by court costs and legal fees. The increase aims to allow executors to distribute lower-value assets more efficiently, ensuring more of the estate goes to beneficiaries, while still maintaining oversight through the High Court for higher value assets to prevent fraud or non-compliance with the deceased's wishes.
Tags: Government probate threshold assets deceased loved ones Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith KiwiSaver High Court legal fees beneficiariesKiwibank Empowered to Challenge Big Four Aussie Banks with $500M Capital Boost
1 week ago | 270 viewsKiwibank has been authorized to enhance its competition with the dominant Australian-owned banks in New Zealand's banking sector by raising up to $500 million in capital for growth. This move is aimed at enabling Kiwibank to better compete with the big four Australian banks while preserving its New Zealand identity. The government has approved measures to ensure Kiwibank's New Zealand identity, including maintaining majority government ownership and requiring key operational aspects to remain in New Zealand.
Tags: Kiwibank Nicola Willis Finance Minister Commerce Commission New Zealand Kiwi Group Capital Māori institutions New Zealand KiwiSaver funds stock marketPrime Minister and Finance Minister Unveil Plans to Boost Economy, Jobs, and Income for Kiwis
2 weeks ago | 275 viewsThe Government, led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Finance Nicola Willis, is prioritizing economic growth to create jobs, raise incomes, and assist New Zealanders with the cost of living. Initiatives such as scrapping surcharges, tax relief, and the introduction of FamilyBoost aim to alleviate financial burdens for families. By focusing on key areas like talent development, competitive business settings, global trade, innovation, and infrastructure, the Government aims to boost wages by growing the economy in the long term.
Tags: Government economy jobs Kiwis Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Minister of Finance Nicola Willis tax relief FamilyBoost inflationNew Zealand Bans Surcharges to Save Millions: Commerce Minister's Decision
2 weeks ago | 526 viewsCommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announced the axing of surcharges to benefit New Zealanders financially. The move aims to eliminate the hassle and unexpected costs shoppers face at the checkout. By banning surcharges for in-store payments by May 2026, consumers can shop confidently without being penalized for their payment method choice.
Tags: surcharges money Kiwis Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson New Zealanders ban payments fees Commerce CommissionEnhancing GP Funding and Access for Kiwis: Government's New Health Initiatives
2 weeks ago | 432 viewsThe Government, led by Health Minister Simeon Brown, is enhancing access to healthcare for New Zealanders by focusing on improved funding for rural practices, faster GP access, and bolstering the GP workforce through training and retention initiatives. Changes to GP funding will better reflect patient needs by updating the capitation model to include factors like multimorbidity and socioeconomic deprivation, effective from July 1, 2026. A new national health target aims to ensure over 80% of people can see a primary care provider within one week, aligning with efforts to improve access to mental health services, while targeted investments in GP training seek to attract and retain more doctors, especially in rural and high-needs areas.
Tags: Government Kiwis doctor funding rural practices primary care GPs Simeon Brown health target GP accessPharmac Innovations: Driving Access to Life-saving Medicines for Kiwis
3 weeks ago | 436 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has outlined clear expectations for Pharmac to enhance innovation and optimize services for better healthcare delivery to New Zealanders. Pharmac has made improvements in consultation processes, funding criteria adjustments, and appointed new leadership to drive positive change. The focus is on modernizing Pharmac, adopting AI technologies, engaging stakeholders proactively, and increasing transparency to ensure timely access to medicines and medical devices for all Kiwis.
Tags: David Seymour Natalie McMurtry Pharmac Kiwis New Zealanders Government AI Stakeholders Regulatory systemNew Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance: Fighting Online Financial Scams Together
1 month ago | 379 viewsImportant progress in the fight against online financial scams has been made with the launch of a new initiative between government, industry and consumer groups, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson says. “It is unacceptable that so many Kiwis are swindled by scammers every day,” Mr Simpson says. “Some reports suggest scams cost the economy up to $2 billion annually, and it is crucial we get on top of the problem.
Tags: online financial scams government industry consumer groups Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson Kiwis scams AlliancePharmac Improves Access to Asthma Inhalers and Contraceptives | Minister Seymour's Welcome
1 month ago | 520 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to improve access to asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August 2025. “For the first time, Pharmac has its own Minister. Last year I outlined in my letter of expectations that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines – this is committed to in the Act-National Coalition Agreement,” Mr Seymour says.
Tags: David Seymour Pharmac asthma inhalers contraceptives budesonide eformoterol Mirena Jaydess Kiwis New ZealandersBoosting Employment: Minister Louise Upston Leads Regional Events to Get Kiwis Into Jobs and Grow the Economy
1 month ago | 684 viewsSocial Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says a strong turnout for the first in a series of regional employment events reinforces a cross-sector commitment to get Kiwis into jobs, boost employment and grow the economy. Kicking off the MSD-led series in Levin, Minister Upston and officials met with representatives of around 30 employers and other stakeholders, reinforcing job opportunities across the Horowhenua and Kāpiti Coast regions. “It was great to attend this event, acknowledge the commitment of MSD and recognise the partnership with local employers,” Louise Upston says.
Tags: Louise Upston Social Development Employment Minister MSD Kiwis Jobseeker Benefit Horowhenua Kāpiti Coast New Zealanders Gisborne