Articles tagged with Nz First

New Zealand Boosts Ambulance Services with $35M Investment for Faster Emergency Care

4 weeks ago | 291 views

New Zealand's government is investing $35 million over four years, alongside increased funding from Health New Zealand and ACC, to enhance ambulance services by expanding crews, upgrading technology, and improving frontline support. Key initiatives include establishing ambulance hubs in Auckland, deploying electronic patient records, boosting training, and strengthening recruitment and retention of volunteers, particularly in rural areas. This funding aims to meet rising emergency demand, reduce avoidable emergency department transports, and ensure timely, high-quality care for communities nationwide.

Tags: Simeon Brown Casey Costello Health Minister Associate Health Minister Health New Zealand ACC National–NZ First Coalition ambulance services Budget 2026 ambulance volunteers

New Zealand Minimum Wage to Rise 2% to $23.95 from April 2026

6 months ago | 3496 views

The adult minimum wage in New Zealand will increase by 2% to $23.95 per hour from 1 April 2026, benefiting around 122,500 workers while balancing cost-of-living pressures and business costs. The government aims to moderate wage increases to address wage compression and support youth employment, with starting-out and training wages set at 80% of the adult rate. This change reflects the NZ First-National coalition’s commitment to responsible economic management, boosting incomes, and fostering job opportunities.

Tags: Brooke van Velden NZ First National coalition New Zealand minimum wage Workplace Relations and Safety youth unemployment wage compression Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment inflation