Articles tagged with National
One Year of NZ Fast-Track Approvals: Faster Projects, Jobs, and Growth
2 days ago | 51 viewsOne year after New Zealand's Fast-track approvals system launched, it has accelerated infrastructure project approvals from years to months, reducing costs and enabling timely economic growth and job creation. The system streamlines multiple approval processes into one efficient pathway while maintaining environmental safeguards, with nine projects approved and dozens more progressing, expected to deliver thousands of homes, jobs, and significant economic contributions. The Coalition Government highlights Fast-track's success in overcoming criticism, positioning New Zealand as a global leader in efficient, rigorous infrastructure development.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones New Zealand Ports of Auckland Drury Metropolitan Centre Tekapo Power Scheme Bledisloe North Wharf Southland Wind Farm Wellington International AirportNew Zealand and French Agencies Seize 4.24 Tonnes of Cocaine in Pacific Operation
3 days ago | 71 viewsNew Zealand agencies, including Customs, Defence Force, and GCSB, collaborated with French authorities and the US DEA to intercept 4.24 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia as part of Operation Kiwa. This operation is the first major success of the Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Action Plan aimed at targeting maritime transnational crime networks in the Pacific. The campaign emphasizes international cooperation and enhanced intelligence and surveillance to protect New Zealand and its Pacific partners from organised crime.
Tags: Casey Costello New Zealand Customs Service New Zealand Defence Force Government Communications Security Bureau United States Drug Enforcement Agency French authorities Operation Kiwa Transnational Serious and Organised Crime French Polynesia New ZealandWaitangi Treaty Grounds Road Upgrade Enhances Access Ahead of Waitangi Day
5 days ago | 65 viewsRoad access to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in New Zealand has been improved with a $1.57 million upgrade to Haruru Falls Road, sealing the remaining 3.7 km to ensure safer and more resilient access for visitors. The project, completed just before Waitangi Day, included drainage, paving, earthworks, and guardrails, with contributions from the Regional Infrastructure Fund and Far North District Council. Additionally, a larger $10.2 million infrastructure upgrade is underway at the Treaty Grounds to protect historic buildings and enhance facilities, expected to finish by the end of 2026.
Tags: Waitangi Treaty Grounds Shane Jones Haruru Falls Rd Waitangi Day Regional Infrastructure Fund Te Rau Aroha Māori Battalion Museum Moko Tepania Far North District Council Waitangi National TrustNew Rural Health Training Program Boosts West Coast Workforce and Care
1 week ago | 98 viewsA new coordinated rural hospital medicine and specialist GP training programme has launched on the West Coast to strengthen the home-grown rural health workforce by increasing registrar numbers from two to three to eight to ten. The programme, accredited to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine training, offers six to twelve-month placements with strong supervision, support, and aims to retain trainees long-term by fostering community connections. This initiative aligns with the National Rural Health Strategy’s goal of ensuring accessible healthcare for all New Zealanders, particularly those in rural areas.
Tags: Simeon Brown Matt Doocey West Coast rural health workforce rural hospital medicine specialist GP training New Zealand Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine National Rural Health Strategy rural generalistsHealth Services and Mental Health Support Mobilized for Storm-Affected Communities
1 week ago | 139 viewsHealth and Mental Health Ministers Simeon Brown and Matt Doocey report ongoing efforts to support storm-affected communities through coordinated health services, including a recovery team and targeted mental health support embedded in local emergency groups. Health New Zealand is collaborating with local authorities to manage environmental health risks and monitor vulnerable, isolated populations, while government agencies oversee essential infrastructure to maintain access to care. Despite the challenges, health services remain operational, with a strong commitment to providing care, addressing emerging risks, and supporting those grieving from the disaster.
Tags: Simeon Brown Matt Doocey Health New Zealand Mental Health Civil Defence Emergency Management District Psychosocial Coordinators National Public Health Service frontline staff health workers local iwiJudith Collins Appointed President of NZ Law Commission, Will Leave Parliament in 2026
1 week ago | 99 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that Hon Judith Collins KC will be appointed President of the New Zealand Law Commission and will not stand as an MP in the 2026 election. Luxon praised Collins for her over two decades of dedicated public service, legal expertise, and leadership in various government roles. Collins will continue as an MP until her new position begins in mid-2026.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Judith Collins New Zealand Law Commission Sir Geoffrey Palmer New Zealand Parliament Minister Leader of the Opposition National Party Member of Parliament Hon Collins KCGovernment Activates Temporary Accommodation Service for North Island Weather Victims
1 week ago | 143 viewsThe Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) has been activated to support people displaced by recent severe weather in parts of the North Island. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is coordinating with emergency agencies, local councils, and communities to provide safe accommodation and additional support services, including social, mental health, and financial assistance. Those affected are encouraged to register for temporary accommodation through the TAS website or phone line, though registration numbers are not yet confirmed.
Tags: Tama Potaka Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Temporary Accommodation Service Civil Defence Emergency Management National Emergency Management Agency Northland Coromandel Bay of Plenty TairāwhitiNew Zealand 2026 General Election Set for November 7, PM Luxon Announces
2 weeks ago | 220 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday, 7 November, providing certainty to New Zealanders and emphasizing the government's ongoing commitment to economic management and improving public services. He highlighted achievements such as reduced inflation, increased business confidence, improved law and order, and better educational outcomes under the National-led Government. The election timeline includes Parliament rising on 24 September, dissolution on 1 October, nominations closing on 8 October, advance voting starting 26 October, and writ return by 3 December.
Tags: Christopher Luxon New Zealand 2026 General Election Prime Minister National Party Free Trade Agreement India inflation law and orderMilford Sound Tourism Gets Long-Term Concession to 2050 for Sustainable Management
2 weeks ago | 150 viewsConservation Minister Tama Potaka has approved a long-term concession for Milford Sound Tourism Limited to operate key visitor infrastructure at Milford Sound Piopiotahi until 2050, providing certainty for essential facilities in this important conservation area. The decision emphasizes balancing conservation, safe visitor access, and support for regional economies, while recognizing the cultural significance of the site through a partnership with Ngāi Tahu. Officials will now negotiate terms to ensure statutory obligations, capital investment, and broader tourism interests are addressed, supported by government funding for the Milford corridor.
Tags: Tama Potaka Milford Sound Piopiotahi Milford Sound Tourism Limited Ngāi Tahu Conservation Minister Aotearoa New Zealand International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy Tangata Whenua Department of Conservation New Zealand GovernmentGovernment Eases Mining and Quarry Consents to Boost Infrastructure and Economy
3 weeks ago | 216 viewsThe New Zealand Government has enacted amendments to five major National Direction instruments under the Resource Management Act to simplify consenting for mines, quarries, and coastal activities, aiming to support infrastructure development and economic growth. These changes streamline the planning system by reducing duplication and conflicting language, enabling more efficient resource development while maintaining environmental safeguards and supporting sectors like renewable energy and aquaculture. The reforms, effective January 2026, represent the first tranche of RMA national direction updates designed to integrate smoothly with the forthcoming new planning system, with further instruments planned for future consideration.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Tama Potaka RMA Reform National Policy Statement New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement aquaculture Resource Management Act infrastructure Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement ActNew Zealand Boosts Infrastructure and Renewables with Key RMA Reforms 2026
3 weeks ago | 228 viewsThe New Zealand Government has introduced a new National Policy Statement for Infrastructure and amended two others to streamline resource consenting, reduce costs, and accelerate renewable energy and infrastructure projects under the Resource Management Act (RMA). These changes aim to address the infrastructure deficit by providing clear, consistent direction to councils and developers, cutting red tape, and supporting the country’s economic growth, climate adaptation, and energy security goals. The updated national direction instruments, effective from January 2026, will integrate with the forthcoming modern planning system to ensure smoother implementation and continued progress.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Watts Simon Court RMA Reform National Policy Statement Infrastructure Renewable Electricity Generation Electricity Networks New Zealand Government Infrastructure CommissionNew Zealand Updates Land Use and Natural Hazard Policies to Boost Development and Resilience
3 weeks ago | 165 viewsThe Government’s new reforms, effective today, aim to balance enabling urban development with protecting New Zealand’s most productive land, particularly by providing more flexible use of moderately productive Land Use Capability Class 3 land. Additionally, a new National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards introduces a consistent, risk-based approach for councils to manage natural hazard risks, enhancing community resilience amid climate change. These changes, part of the first tranche of national direction instruments under the RMA, support streamlined planning, safer communities, and will integrate with the upcoming modern planning system.
Tags: Chris Bishop Todd McClay RMA Reform National Policy Statement Land Use Capability Class 3 Natural Hazards New Zealand Government Agricultural Areas Climate Change Planning BillNew Zealand Allows Granny Flats Without Building or Resource Consents for Affordable Housing
3 weeks ago | 188 viewsNew 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 EnvironmentHealth Minister Orders Review of ManageMyHealth Cybersecurity Breach in NZ
1 month ago | 369 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown has commissioned the Ministry of Health to review the response to a ManageMyHealth cybersecurity breach involving patient information, aiming to assess causes, data protections, and recommend improvements. ManageMyHealth, a private patient portal used by some New Zealand general practices, holds sensitive medical data, prompting concerns about data security and the need for high protection standards. While the review will start by January 30, an Incident Management Team is actively coordinating the immediate response, with Health New Zealand confirming no impact on its systems and general practices continuing to operate.
Tags: Simeon Brown Ministry of Health ManageMyHealth Health New Zealand Government Chief Digital Officer National Cyber Security Centre General Practice New Zealand Incident Management Team Health MinisterDrive Safe This Summer: NZ Government and Police Boost Road Safety Measures
1 month ago | 339 viewsThe New Zealand Government urges all drivers to prioritize road safety this summer, with Police actively enforcing laws against speeding, impaired driving, and seatbelt non-compliance. Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights the introduction of roadside drug testing and investments in major transport projects to improve holiday travel conditions and reduce accidents. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to plan their trips using updated traffic prediction tools and to drive responsibly during the official Christmas–New Year holiday period.
Tags: Chris Bishop New Zealand Police road safety Transport Minister NZTA Ōtaki Takitimu North Link Hawke’s Bay Expressway Roads of National Significance