Articles tagged with Ministry For The Environment

New Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport Set to Launch in 2026

1 week ago | 151 views

The Government has introduced legislation to create the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), consolidating housing, transport, urban development, and environmental functions into one agency. This involves disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment and transferring its statutory responsibilities to MCERT, which will provide integrated advice to address economic and environmental challenges. MCERT is scheduled to be established by April 2026 and operational by July 2026, with a chief executive appointment forthcoming.

Tags: Chris Bishop Penny Simmonds Ministry for Cities Environment Regions and Transport MCERT Ministry for the Environment Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Ministry of Transport Department of Internal Affairs Environment Act RMA Reform

NZ Government Launches $1.2M Support for Recovery After Severe Weather Impact

1 month ago | 189 views

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced initial government support for recovery efforts following severe weather, including temporary housing for around 500 displaced people and $1.2 million in immediate relief funds, with additional funding available from various agencies. The government is prioritizing infrastructure repairs, health and mental support, and reimbursing marae that provided community welfare, while Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell emphasized ongoing assessments and future support. Luxon also appointed Hon Chris Penk as Associate Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery to coordinate the response and advise on a potential independent inquiry into the Mount Maunganui tragedy.

Tags: Christopher Luxon Mark Mitchell Chris Penk Mount Maunganui Welcome Bay Warkworth Natural Hazards Commission New Zealand Transport Agency Ministry for the Environment Ministry of Primary Industries

New Zealand Allows Granny Flats Without Building or Resource Consents for Affordable Housing

1 month ago | 281 views

New Zealand has removed the need for building and resource consents for granny flats up to 70 square metres, simplifying the process and reducing costs by up to $5,650 and 14 weeks. This change, part of the Coalition Government’s housing reforms, aims to increase affordable and diverse housing options while boosting construction jobs and easing council workloads. Homeowners must ensure their granny flats meet Building Code standards and local council rules, with guidance and templates available from government websites.

Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Chris Penk New Zealand Coalition Government RMA Reform Building Act National Direction Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Ministry for the Environment

New Zealand Launches National Rural Recycling Scheme for Farm Plastics and Agrichemicals

3 months ago | 302 views

New Zealand’s Government has approved regulations for a nationwide rural recycling scheme that consolidates existing agrichemical and farm plastics programs into a single, free-to-use system to support sustainable farming and environmental protection. This industry-led initiative establishes a consistent product stewardship framework, encouraging shared responsibility among producers, sellers, and users to reduce waste and environmental impact while improving productivity. The scheme also extends benefits beyond farming, providing national take-back services for forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and local authorities, promoting safer and cleaner rural communities.

Tags: Penny Simmonds New Zealand Agrecovery Plasback Ministry for the Environment Waste Minimisation Act farmers growers Environment Minister rural recycling scheme