Articles tagged with Minister
Health New Zealand's $65M Plan to Slash Diagnostic Wait Times by 75,000 Procedures
14 hours ago | 61 viewsHealth New Zealand's $65 million Diagnostic Improvement Plan aims to reduce wait times for critical diagnostic procedures like MRI scans and colonoscopies, with an additional 75,000 procedures to be delivered this year. The initiative, supported by targeted workforce growth, will expand access, reduce delays, and improve patient outcomes by ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment. The investment will increase in-house delivery and outsourcing of diagnostic services, complementing the $30 million investment in community-referred radiology to streamline patient access and alleviate pressure on hospitals.
Tags: Health Minister Simeon Brown Health New Zealand diagnostic procedures MRI scans colonoscopies colposcopies radiology procedures cardiac tests workforce growthNew Zealand Army Enhances Combat Capability with $104M Investment in Hi-Tech Communications Systems
19 hours ago | 62 viewsThe New Zealand Army is receiving a $104 million investment in modern digital communications devices and systems to enhance combat capability and interoperability with international partners. Defence Minister Judith Collins emphasized the importance of equipping soldiers with up-to-date technology in a rapidly changing global environment. The investment, part of the Network Enabled Army programme, will provide military grade radio systems, deployable network infrastructure, and specialized communications devices to support real-time decision-making and information sharing among personnel.
Tags: New Zealand Army digital communications devices Defence Minister Judith Collins military grade radio systems deployable network infrastructure Network Enabled Army programme secure voice data communicationsŌ2NL Expressway: Transforming Transport and Boosting Economy in Horowhenua
2 days ago | 61 viewsConstruction has begun on the new 24-kilometre Ō2NL expressway from Ōtaki to north of Levin, aiming to enhance economic benefits, safety, and reliability in the region, according to Transport Minister Chris Bishop. The project addresses long-standing issues of crashes, delays, and resilience on the current Kāpiti highway, with expectations of reducing travel times and improving efficiency for both commuters and freight transport. Part of the Wellington northern corridor initiated in 2013, Ō2NL follows the success of previous expressways and is anticipated to be finished by the end of 2029, contributing to economic growth and development opportunities in the Horowhenua region.
Tags: Transport Minister Chris Bishop Horowhenua North Island Wellington National Government Transmission Gully Mackays Peka Peka Kāpiti highway OtakiNew Employment Leave Act: Simplified Leave Payments for Employers and Employees
2 days ago | 81 viewsCabinet has approved the repeal of the Holidays Act 2003 and its replacement with the Employment Leave Act, aiming to simplify leave entitlements for both employers and employees. The key changes include a shift to hours-based accrual for annual and sick leave, pro rata sick leave entitlements, and a Leave Compensation Payment system for casual employees and additional hours worked. The reforms also address issues related to parental leave, family violence leave, mandatory pay statements, and cashing up annual leave, with a 24-month implementation period planned post-legislation passage.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Employment Leave Act Workplace Relations Safety Minister annual leave sick leave parental leave Holidays Act reform casual employees leave entitlementsDefence Ministry Launches Major Housing Project for Military Families
2 days ago | 45 viewsThe largest Defence housing project in decades has begun, providing modern homes for military families and generating job growth in regional communities, as announced by Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk. The initiative aims to replace outdated homes at various NZDF camps and bases with modern two- and three-bedroom houses to support the wellbeing of military families. The Government plans to invest up to $600 million in the Homes for Families program, with construction already underway at several locations and future projects in the pipeline to improve housing for Defence personnel.
Tags: Defence housing project military families job growth Chris Penk Defence Minister NZDF Homes for Families programme Defence Capability Plan Linton Military Camp Royal New Zealand Air ForceNew Skilled Migrant Residence Pathways to Boost Kiwi Businesses
2 days ago | 149 viewsThe New Zealand Government is introducing two new skilled migrant residence pathways to help businesses attract and retain the workforce they need. These pathways include the Skilled Work Experience pathway for migrants with at least five years of relevant work experience and the Trades and Technician pathway for migrants with specified qualifications and work experience. The government aims to balance attracting higher-skilled workers with managing migration levels responsibly, prioritizing New Zealanders for jobs, and ensuring that skilled and experienced migrants are placed in occupations where they are most needed.
Tags: Kiwi businesses Government Nicola Willis skilled migrant residence pathways Economic Growth Minister Immigration Minister Erica Stanford skilled workers New Zealanders immigration solutionsTrade Minister Todd McClay Strengthens ASEAN Ties for NZ's Economic Growth
2 days ago | 51 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is heading to Kuala Lumpur for high-level ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meetings, marking the 50th anniversary of New Zealand’s Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN and emphasizing the commitment to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. With ASEAN being New Zealand’s fourth-largest trading partner, valued at over $29 billion annually, the focus is on strengthening ties to double export value in a decade. Trade with ASEAN has doubled under AANZFTA in the past 15 years, with potential for further growth, and Mr. McClay aims to advance New Zealand’s priorities, support Kiwi businesses, and foster strong trade relationships during his visit.
Tags: Todd McClay Trade Investment Minister ASEAN New Zealand AANZFTA Kuala Lumpur exports partnerships MalaysiaGovernment Accelerates $413 Million School Infrastructure Investment to Enhance Learning Environments and Boost Economy in New Zealand
3 days ago | 159 viewsThe Government is accelerating $413 million investment in school infrastructure to improve classrooms, boost builders and tradies in New Zealand, and ensure all children have access to safe learning environments. This investment includes $58 million for maintenance work, $255 million for improvements in isolated and rural schools, and $100 million for urgent infrastructure projects over five years. The aim is to support schools, stimulate the economy, and drive efficiencies in school property management to benefit students, teachers, and communities.
Tags: Government investment school infrastructure classrooms builders tradies New Zealand Education Minister Erica Stanford maintenanceNew Zealand's Cruise Season 2025-2026: Minister Upston Welcomes Strong Opening
3 days ago | 126 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston is pleased with the start of New Zealand's cruise season, expecting 177,000 visitors from nearly 40 ships for the 2025-2026 season. Efforts have been made to address operational concerns of cruise operators, including managing biofouling, clarifying regulatory costs, and streamlining infrastructure approvals. Upston is leading initiatives to support innovation and growth in the cruise sector, aiming to maximize its economic impact and maintain positive relationships with international cruise lines.
Tags: Louise Upston Tourism Hospitality Minister New Zealand Cruise season Government Industry Biofouling Port of Auckland Innovation.New Zealand Boosts Energy Resilience with Locally Sourced Coal Supply Deal
3 days ago | 140 viewsNew Zealand's Resources Minister Shane Jones praises the reintroduction of domestically sourced coal as a backup fuel for electricity generation, citing benefits for energy resilience and the Waikato regional economy. Genesis Energy's agreement with BT Mining to supply 240,000 tonnes of locally sourced coal to the Huntly Power Station diversifies fuel supply and reduces reliance on imported coal due to tightening gas supply. Mr. Jones emphasizes the importance of sourcing coal locally to safeguard against global disruptions, strengthen the fuel supply chain, and provide economic benefits for the Waikato region.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Energy resilience Waikato Genesis Energy Huntly Power Station Coal Electricity generation Resources Minister BT MiningHealth Minister Announces $20 Million Boost to Emergency Departments Nationwide
4 days ago | 82 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown has announced a $20 million boost for emergency departments nationwide to increase frontline staffing over the next nine months, aiming to reduce wait times and improve patient care. The investment will allow hospitals to recruit more doctors, nurses, and support staff, with a focus on hospitals facing the greatest challenges. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen healthcare services, improve workforce capacity, and enhance patient access to timely and quality care.
Tags: Emergency departments frontline staffing hospitals Health Minister Simeon Brown New Zealanders doctors nurses support staff Health New Zealand patient careGovernment's $100 Million Investment to Upgrade NZ Hospitals for Better Healthcare
4 days ago | 52 viewsThe Government is investing $100 million to upgrade hospital facilities in New Zealand, focusing on modernizing and expanding clinical spaces to improve healthcare quality and access. The funding, part of Budget 2025, aims to address neglected infrastructure and ensure timely, quality care for all citizens. The program includes local projects nationwide and remediation efforts to strengthen essential hospital infrastructure, creating jobs and supporting frontline staff while enhancing patient care and hospital resilience.
Tags: Government investment hospital facilities Health Minister Simeon Brown Budget 2025 public services healthcare clinical spaces infrastructure New ZealandersMinister of Internal Affairs Achieves Shortest Citizenship Wait Times in Five Years
5 days ago | 81 viewsMinister Brooke van Velden highlights significant improvements in citizenship application processing, with wait times reduced from 180 to 69 days, the shortest in five years. The Department of Internal Affairs prioritized clearing the backlog, resulting in a 70% decrease in the number of people waiting for a decision. Van Velden emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of those applying for citizenship, acknowledging the efforts and sacrifices made by new Kiwis.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Minister of Internal Affairs citizenship government services efficiency Labour Department of Internal Affairs New Zealand economy cultureMajor Nelson Hospital Redevelopment: Enhancing Care for Growing Community
5 days ago | 91 viewsEnabling works for the Nelson Hospital Redevelopment are underway, with preparations being made for major construction, according to Health Minister Simeon Brown. The project, part of a $1 billion investment in hospital infrastructure, aims to provide modern facilities to meet the needs of a growing population. The redevelopment will include increasing points of care by 44, adding a new inpatient building with 128 beds, and expanding the Emergency Department to support urgent care services.
Tags: Nelson Hospital Redevelopment Health Minister Simeon Brown hospital infrastructure modern facilities inpatient building temporary inpatient unit Emergency Department expansion acute care Energy Centre refurbishment.New Teacher Bonding Scheme: Incentives to Support School Recruitment Challenges
6 days ago | 154 viewsThe new Teacher Bonding Scheme, announced by Minister of Education Hon Erica Stanford, aims to support schools facing recruitment challenges by offering incentives of up to $40,000 over five years for teachers who remain at eligible schools. This initiative will help attract and retain great teachers, ensuring all children receive quality education. The scheme, set to start in October, will replace the existing Voluntary Bonding Scheme and BeTTER Jobs Programme, with a focus on addressing regional and urban recruitment disparities.
Tags: Teacher Bonding Scheme teachers incentives schools recruitment challenges Minister of Education Erica Stanford students education investment