Articles tagged with Louise Upston
Showing 15 of 161 articles
Government Invests $835K to Enhance Kaikōura Cruise Visitor Experience and Tourism Growth
11 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 205 viewsThe Government is investing $835,000, funded by the International Visitor Levy, to enhance Kaikōura’s visitor facilities, especially for cruise arrivals, and improve public spaces for both tourists and locals. This investment aims to support tourism growth by creating a more welcoming experience, boosting the local economy, and addressing pressures on the small local community. By improving infrastructure in Kaikōura, the initiative seeks to increase visitor spending, job opportunities, and overall economic benefits for the region.
Tags: Kaikōura New Zealand tourism International Visitor Levy cruise visitors Louise Upston visitor experience tourism growth cruise facilities regional developmentGovernment Programmes Show Success in Preventing Family Violence Through Community Leadership
09 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 184 viewsIndependent evaluations of three government-funded programmes—E Tū Whānau, Pasefika Proud, and the Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention programme—show positive changes in attitudes and behaviours related to family violence. The findings highlight that community-led, locally informed approaches that build on community strengths are most effective in preventing family violence. These results support the Government’s National Strategy, Te Aorerekura, emphasizing prevention and empowering communities to create safer families and whānau.
Tags: Louise Upston Karen Chhour E Tū Whānau Pasefika Proud Ministry of Social Development Te Aorerekura National Strategy family violence sexual violence government programsGovernment Invests $405K to Upgrade Visitor Facilities at Horopito Great Ride
09 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 198 viewsThe Government is investing $405,000 to upgrade visitor facilities at Horopito on the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride, addressing the current lack of infrastructure with new toilets, shuttle access, and parking. This project aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and visitor satisfaction, benefiting both locals and the over 67,000 annual visitors while encouraging longer stays in the region. The investment supports sustainable tourism growth by ensuring the area can accommodate increasing visitor numbers and boost the local economy.
Tags: Horopito Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono Louise Upston Tongariro National Park Ohakune New Zealand Tourism Visitor Facilities Great RideNew Zealand Cuts Red Tape to Boost Hospitality Sector Growth and Recovery
09 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 223 viewsMinisters David Seymour and Louise Upston have announced the completion of the Ministry for Regulation’s Hospitality Sector Review, aiming to reduce red tape and simplify regulations to help hospitality businesses open and operate more easily. The review identified issues such as duplicated information requests, lengthy decision times, inefficient licensing processes, high fees, and disproportionate regulatory barriers, which have hindered the sector’s recovery post-Covid. Moving forward, the government will decide which recommendations to implement and develop a Hospitality Action Plan to coordinate efforts across agencies, supporting the $21.4 billion industry that employs over 193,000 people.
Tags: David Seymour Louise Upston Ministry for Regulation Hospitality Sector Review New Zealand Covid food truck alcohol licensing food safety Hospitality Action PlanWills Month: How Kiwis Can Leave a Charitable Legacy for Future Generations
08 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 197 viewsWills Month encourages New Zealanders to consider leaving charitable bequests as part of the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in the country’s history, estimated at $1.6 trillion by 2050. Research shows many Kiwis value generosity but few receive professional advice on charitable giving, highlighting an opportunity for collaboration between financial advisors and the charitable sector. Minister Louise Upston urges individuals to discuss charitable bequests with advisors to create lasting community legacies and emphasizes New Zealand’s strong tradition of giving, with charities receiving $5.16 billion in 2024/2025.
Tags: Wills Month Louise Upston New Zealand charitable legacy intergenerational wealth transfer Community Foundations of Aotearoa NZ bequests professional financial advice Community Law Citizen’s Advice BureauAuckland to Host 2028 PSA Squash World Championships with $1M Boost
07 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 239 viewsThe 2028 PSA Squash World Championships will be held in Auckland, supported by a $1 million investment from New Zealand's Major Events Fund, showcasing top international players at the New Zealand International Convention Centre. This prestigious event, occurring just before squash's Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, aims to boost the sport's profile, inspire local athletes, and enhance New Zealand's reputation as a host for major international sporting events. The championships are expected to attract visitors, stimulate economic activity, and create a lasting legacy for squash in New Zealand.
Tags: Louise Upston PSA Squash World Championships Auckland New Zealand Major Events Fund New Zealand International Convention Centre squash Los Angeles 2028 Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Auckland Council EventsGovernment Invests $5M to Boost Regional Tourism and Attract Global Visitors to NZ
07 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 254 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $5 million to support six regional tourism initiatives aimed at attracting international visitors during the quieter months of spring 2026 and early summer 2027. These campaigns target tourists from Australia, North America, and China, promoting regional food, wine, hospitality, and outdoor experiences to encourage longer stays and travel beyond main gateways. The funding is allocated to specific projects led by regional organizations to boost local economies and spread tourism benefits across the country.
Tags: Louise Upston RotoruaNZ Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Visit Hurunui WellingtonNZ ChristchurchNZ Destination Great Lake Taupo MBIE New Zealand TourismNZ Tourism Minister Welcomes New Hospitality Report to Boost Sector Success
02 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 250 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston welcomes a new industry report outlining 48 practical recommendations to support New Zealand's hospitality sector, acknowledging progress made since the 2024 Hospitality Summit. The Government has collaborated closely with the sector through various initiatives and will develop a Hospitality Action Plan to coordinate priority efforts across multiple agencies and portfolios. This plan aims to remove growth barriers, support businesses and workers, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy through ongoing partnership with industry stakeholders.
Tags: Louise Upston Hospitality New Zealand Restaurant Association of New Zealand Tourism Policy Statement Hospitality Summit Michelin Guide Hospitality Action Plan New Zealand Government Hospitality Regulatory Review Tourism and HospitalityTrans-Tasman Trade and Tourism Ministers Meet to Boost NZ-Australia Partnership
02 Sep 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 272 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen economic ties. In 2025, two-way trade between New Zealand and Australia reached $35 billion, with Australia being New Zealand's largest export destination and international visitor market. The visit will also include talks on tourism growth, Māori tourism, and regional economic development to enhance collaboration between the two countries.
Tags: Todd McClay Don Farrell Louise Upston Trade Ministers Closer Economic Relations Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum tourism growth Māori tourism regional economic developmentTrans-Tasman Trade and Tourism Ministers Meet to Strengthen NZ-Australia Partnership
02 Sep 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 315 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen the partnership. Their 2025 two-way trade reached $35 billion, with Australia as New Zealand’s largest export destination and visitor market, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong economic and tourism links. Minister Farrell will also meet with Tourism Minister Louise Upston and participate in a Bay of Islands program focused on Māori tourism and regional economic development.
Tags: Todd McClay Don Farrell Louise Upston Closer Economic Relations trade ministers Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum tourism growth Māori tourism regional economic developmentNew Disability Support Services Legislation Passed to Enhance Support in NZ
01 Sep 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 266 viewsDisability Support Services legislation has passed its final reading in New Zealand Parliament, establishing a legal framework to improve support for disabled people and their families without changing current eligibility or entitlements. The legislation incorporates feedback from the disability community, clarifies the government's role in supporting families, ensures stronger consultation with disabled representatives, and aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Enabling Good Lives principles. The government has also committed $2.1 billion in additional funding and plans further consultations on a carers’ package to enhance consistency, fairness, and sustainability in disability support.
Tags: Louise Upston Disability Support Services New Zealand Social Services and Community Select Committee United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Enabling Good Lives Independent Review 2024 Government disabled people carers’ packageNew Disability Support Services Legislation Passes to Enhance Support and Choice
01 Sep 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 282 viewsDisability Support Services legislation, reflecting input from the disability community, was passed to provide a clearer, stronger legal framework that supports disabled people and their families while emphasizing choice, safety, and dignity. The law mandates formal consultation with disabled representatives, aligns with UNCRPD and Enabling Good Lives principles, and maintains current eligibility and entitlements without introducing new income or asset tests. The government has committed $2.1 billion in additional funding, improved service consistency and sustainability, and plans further consultations on a carers’ package to enhance support.
Tags: Louise Upston Disability Support Services New Zealand Social Services and Community Select Committee United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Enabling Good Lives Independent Review 2024 Minister for Disability Issues disabled people carers’ packageGovernment Invests $400K to Repair Hauraki Rail Trail After Storm Damage
01 Sep 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 258 viewsThe Government is investing an additional $400,000, building on a prior $300,000, to repair the Hauraki Rail Trail after severe storm damage, ensuring it remains a key tourism asset supporting local jobs and economic growth. Funded by the International Visitor Levy and the New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund, with contributions from the Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust, the repairs focus on damaged surfaces and structures, especially in the Karangahake Gorge. The trail attracts over 32,000 visitors annually, contributing about $12 million to the local economy, and its recovery is vital for sustaining regional tourism and associated businesses.
Tags: Louise Upston Hauraki Rail Trail Ohinemuri River Karangahake Gorge New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund International Visitor Levy Ngā Haerenga Tourism Minister New Zealand Government Great RidesNew Zealand Welcomes 200,000 Cruise Passengers Boosting Tourism and Jobs
28 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 301 viewsNearly 200,000 cruise ship passengers are expected to visit New Zealand this season, boosting regional tourism, jobs, and businesses, according to Tourism Minister Louise Upston. The government has collaborated closely with the cruise sector to enhance New Zealand's appeal as a must-dock destination, implementing practical measures and hosting industry forums to strengthen its global cruise position. These efforts, alongside infrastructure developments and policy support, aim to build a sustainable cruise industry and contribute to doubling the value of international tourism by 2034.
Tags: Louise Upston Crown Princess Tourism Policy Statement Auckland Seatrade Cruise Forum New Zealand Bledisloe North Wharf City of Sails Tourism and Hospitality MinisterNew Social Security Bill Tightens Jobseeker Support and Housing Subsidies
28 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 383 viewsThe Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill, passed in Parliament, tightens eligibility for Jobseeker Support and adjusts the Accommodation Supplement to better target financial assistance. It requires 18- and 19-year-olds to meet the Parental Assistance Test before receiving benefits and increases the homeowner contribution threshold for housing subsidies from 30% to 40% of income. The legislation aims to reduce benefit dependency, encourage work, and ensures certain groups, like pension recipients, are exempt from the new Accommodation Supplement changes.
Tags: Louise Upston Social Security Jobseeker Support Accommodation Supplement Welfare System Budget 2025 Parental Assistance Test New Zealand Government Social Development Employment Minister