Articles tagged with Pacific
New Zealand Unveils Stronger 5-Year Plan to Combat Organised Crime and Harm
5 days ago | 94 viewsAssociate Police Minister Casey Costello announced a new all-of-government strategy and action plan to combat Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) in New Zealand, aiming to make the country the hardest place for organised criminal groups to operate. The plan focuses on improving cross-agency coordination, information sharing, addressing methamphetamine harm, and strengthening community resilience through initiatives like ROCC. This five-year strategy responds to increasing organised crime threats, including drug trade and money laundering, and is informed by expert advice to enhance governance, accountability, and resource use across government agencies.
Tags: Casey Costello New Zealand TSOC Organised Crime Methamphetamine Ministerial Advisory Group Resilience to Organised Crime Transnational Crime Money Laundering Pacific NeighboursNew Zealand Sees Faster Access and Shorter ED Stays in Mental Health Services Q1 2025
1 week ago | 81 viewsNew data for Q1 2025/26 shows significant improvements in New Zealand’s mental health and addiction access targets, with faster access to primary and specialist services and shorter emergency department stays compared to Q1 2024/25. Progress is evident nationally and across Māori, Pacific, and Asian communities, though shorter ED stays remain the biggest challenge, with efforts focused on supporting under-performing health districts. Minister Matt Doocey emphasizes the goal of equitable access to mental health support nationwide, crediting frontline workers for these advancements.
Tags: Matt Doocey New Zealand mental health addiction support emergency departments primary mental health specialist services Māori Pacific peoples Asian communitiesNew Zealand Invests $13.3M to Boost Aviation Security Across Pacific Airports
1 week ago | 108 viewsNew Zealand will invest an additional $13.3 million over five years to enhance aviation security at 11 Pacific airports through new equipment, technical support, and training. This initiative aims to improve transport security, help Pacific states meet international aviation standards, and address trans-national crime and security threats. The Civil Aviation Authority will collaborate with regional aviation regulators and airport authorities to implement the program, reinforcing safe and secure air travel in the Pacific.
Tags: Winston Peters James Meager New Zealand Pacific region aviation security Civil Aviation Authority airport security Pacific airports aviation regulatorsNew Visa-Free Pathway Boosts New Zealand Tourism with 13,000+ Visitors
2 weeks ago | 86 viewsNew Zealand’s new visa-free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers with eligible Australian visas has attracted over 13,000 visitors in just one month, boosting the economy and benefiting Kiwi businesses. Tourism Minister Louise Upston highlights the positive impact on regional tourism, especially in Christchurch and Queenstown, with increased bookings and job opportunities. The initiative supports New Zealand’s vital tourism sector, encouraging more visitors to experience the country’s hospitality and attractions, particularly during the Chinese New Year.
Tags: New Zealand Chinese travellers Pacific travellers Australian visas Erica Stanford Louise Upston NZeTA tourism Christchurch QueenstownOur Whare Our Fale: Affordable Homes and Jobs Boost in Eastern Porirua
2 weeks ago | 154 viewsThe Our Whare Our Fale housing programme in Eastern Porirua has completed its first stage, delivering 18 affordable, energy-efficient homes and a communal fale, with plans for up to 300 homes by 2034. The initiative, supported by a $114.6 million government investment and partnerships with local iwi and community groups, creates local jobs and offers financial support measures like shared equity and perpetual land leases to keep homes affordable. This programme aims to strengthen the local economy, promote multigenerational living, and provide families with stable, healthy housing and improved financial security.
Tags: Shane Reti Tama Potaka Central Pacific Collective Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Ministry for Pacific Peoples Ngāti Toa Our Whare Our Fale Pacific Peoples Minister Associate Housing Minister Eastern PoriruaAustralia-New Zealand 2+2 Dialogue: Advancing Climate Action and Renewable Energy Cooperation
2 weeks ago | 108 viewsOn 5 December 2025, Australia and New Zealand held their third Climate and Finance Ministers’ 2+2 Dialogue, emphasizing collaboration on climate action, renewable energy investment, and regulatory alignment to lower energy costs, enhance security, and capitalize on economic opportunities from the net zero transition. They committed to joint initiatives including upgrading energy efficiency programs, aligning EV and battery standards, supporting sustainable aviation fuel development, and advancing sustainable finance frameworks to boost trade and investment. Additionally, the ministers reinforced their partnership in supporting Pacific resilience, coordinating economic reforms, and fostering regional cooperation to address climate impacts and promote long-term prosperity.
Tags: Nicola Willis Simon Watts Jim Chalmers Chris Bowen Climate Change Renewable Energy Net Zero Sustainable Finance Pacific PartnershipNew Zealand and Australia Boost PACER Plus with $10M Support for Pacific Trade Growth
3 weeks ago | 173 viewsNew Zealand and Australia have committed $10 million over five years to support PACER Plus, aiming to enhance export capabilities, diversify trade, attract investment, and boost labor mobility in Pacific countries. This new investment, announced five years after the agreement took effect, underscores ongoing commitment to regional trade growth, economic integration, and prosperity. The PACER Plus Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme facilitates implementation, harmonizes trade infrastructure, and maximizes business opportunities across member nations.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Scott Simpson New Zealand Australia PACER Plus Pacific Islands Solomon Islands Minister of State for Trade and Investment Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Pacific regionNew Zealand Minister Scott Simpson to Attend 2025 PACER Plus Meeting in Solomon Islands
1 month ago | 151 viewsMinister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson is traveling to the Solomon Islands to attend the 2025 PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting, emphasizing the agreement's role in strengthening economic growth and trade in the Pacific. Since PACER Plus began, New Zealand's trade with member countries has increased by 47 percent, highlighting the success of this partnership. During his visit, Simpson will also engage with the Solomon Islands–New Zealand Business Community and regional counterparts before returning to New Zealand on 28 November.
Tags: Scott Simpson PACER Plus Solomon Islands New Zealand Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Commerce Consumer Affairs Pacific Islands Australia TradeNew Zealand’s Commitment to Climate Action and COP30 Leadership in the Pacific
1 month ago | 179 viewsNew Zealand reaffirms its commitment to the Paris Agreement by submitting an ambitious second Nationally Determined Contribution, prioritizing transparency, climate support, and adaptation, while urging all Parties to act urgently. The country highlights its progress in renewable energy, agricultural innovation, and pioneering climate adaptation legislation, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive, collaborative response that incorporates diverse voices, including young Māori leaders. New Zealand supports hosting COP31 in the Pacific to advance global climate solutions and calls for collective partnership to maintain momentum toward a low-emissions, climate-resilient future.
Tags: New Zealand Paris Agreement COP31 Pacific climate change Nationally Determined Contribution Emissions Trading Scheme renewable energy Māori leaders Blue Pacific ContinentNZ Climate Change Minister Attends COP30 in Brazil to Drive Global Climate Action
1 month ago | 187 viewsClimate Change Minister Simon Watts will attend COP30 in Belém, Brazil, emphasizing the need for all countries to take meaningful climate action in line with the Paris Agreement. He aims to deepen cooperation for New Zealand's transition to a low-emission economy through innovation and investment. Additionally, Mr Watts will meet with global counterparts and promote New Zealand companies in São Paulo before returning on November 21.
Tags: Simon Watts Climate Change Minister COP30 United Nations Belém Brazil Paris Agreement New Zealand economy Pacific regionPrime Ministers of New Zealand and Niue Forge Foundational Political Declaration for Enduring Partnership
1 month ago | 178 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi met in Auckland to establish a foundational Political Declaration, emphasizing their close partnership as part of the Realm of New Zealand. The declaration marks 50 years of self-government in free association between Niue and New Zealand, highlighting mutual respect and shared goals for deeper cooperation in key areas. The annual New Zealand and Niue Leaders’ meeting was initiated, covering discussions on Pacific regionalism, national security, climate priorities, and governance issues, showcasing the broad scope of their bilateral relationship.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Dalton Tagelagi Niue New Zealand Political Declaration Pacific Realm of New Zealand Cindy Kiro Winston Peters Simeon BrownNZ-UK Foreign Ministers Strengthen Partnership in London Dialogue
2 months ago | 246 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met in London for the second annual NZ-UK Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, highlighting the importance of their longstanding partnership. They discussed enhancing cooperation in bilateral security, economics, and addressing global challenges, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Peters emphasized the shared values and commitment to upholding the international rules-based order, inviting Cooper to the next dialogue in New Zealand in 2026, as part of his broader European trip to countries like Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
Tags: Winston Peters Yvette Cooper New Zealand UK Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue Russia Ukraine PacificNew Charter Schools Announced for 2026: Aotearoa Infinite Academy, Te Aratika High School, and Altum Academic
2 months ago | 546 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour has announced the opening of Aotearoa Infinite Academy, Te Aratika High School, and Altum Academic as charter schools in Term 1 2026, emphasizing the importance of providing tailored education opportunities. Aotearoa Infinite Academy offers online education to overcome barriers to attendance, while Te Aratika High School in Hawkes Bay focuses on vocational training for disengaged Māori and Pacific students. Altum Academy in Wellington aims to address the equity gap by offering a Classical Education approach based on the Trivium method, preparing students for critical thinking and communication skills.
Tags: David Seymour Aotearoa Infinite Academy Te Aratika High School Altum Academic charter schools education students innovation Māori PacificStructured Literacy Mandate Boosting Reading Success Nationwide, Education Minister Reports
2 months ago | 250 viewsThe Government's mandate of structured literacy is positively impacting reading achievement nationwide, according to Education Minister Erica Stanford. All primary schools now teach structured literacy and the new English curriculum, with new entrants undergoing a phonics check after 20 weeks to assess reading progress. Phonics data shows a significant increase in reading success, with improvements seen across the country, leading to a reduction in students needing targeted support and notable advancements in Māori and Pacific student achievement.
Tags: structured literacy reading achievement Education Minister Erica Stanford phonics data student achievement literacy reforms Māori students Pacific students equity decilesNew Zealand's Sport Diplomacy Strategy: Strengthening Ties and Boosting Trade on the World Stage
3 months ago | 324 viewsThe New Zealand Government launched a Sport Diplomacy Strategy aiming to strengthen international ties, boost trade, and showcase the country globally through sports. The strategy leverages the universal language of sport to connect people, build trust, and create lasting bonds between nations. With a focus on India, the Pacific, and the United States, the initiative aims to use New Zealand's sporting reputation to enhance diplomatic and economic relations, with upcoming centenary celebrations with India set to further deepen ties through sports, culture, and business.
Tags: Sport New Zealand Government Strategy Chris Bishop India Pacific United States Trade Diplomacy