Articles tagged with Paul
New Zealand Social Housing Reform: Progress, Challenges, and Future Plans 2026
17 hours ago | 62 viewsThe Government acknowledges the broken social housing system and housing crisis driven by unaffordable housing and planning barriers, committing to reforms focused on building the right homes for those most in need through initiatives like the Housing Investment System, Kāinga Ora Turnaround Plan, and Flexible Fund. Significant progress includes stabilizing house prices and rents, reducing Kāinga Ora's debt, increasing social housing stock, lowering financing barriers for Community Housing Providers, and establishing a data-driven Housing Investment Plan to target resources effectively. The ongoing Review of Social Housing aims to create a fairer, more efficient system by refocusing support on those most in need, improving incentives for tenant independence, and working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop sustainable, long-term solutions.
Tags: Paul Gilberd Damon Salesa James Palmer Kāinga Ora Ngāti Whātua Orakei Community Housing Aotearoa Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Ministry of Social Development Social Investment Agency Social Housing ReviewNew Chair Matt Clarke and Members Appointed to Game Animal Council from July 2026
1 week ago | 164 viewsHunting and Fishing Minister James Meager announced four new appointments to the Game Animal Council, including Matt Clarke as Chair for a two-year term starting 1 July 2026, alongside members Paula Bennett, Bruce McKenzie, Jim Goodall, and the reappointment of Callum Sheridan for three-year terms. The appointees bring diverse expertise in governance, conservation, hunting, and sector leadership, enhancing the Council's role in advising on sustainable hunting and collaboration with stakeholders. The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Chair Grant Dodson and members John Cook and Andrew Simpson.
Tags: James Meager Matthew Clarke Paula Bennett Bruce McKenzie Jim Goodall Callum Sheridan Grant Dodson John Cook Andrew Simpson Game Animal CouncilKing’s Birthday Honours 2026: NZ’s Knights, Dames & Outstanding Achievers Recognized
3 weeks ago | 449 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the 178 recipients of the King’s Birthday Honours 2026 for their significant contributions to New Zealand, highlighting six individuals appointed as Knights and Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Notable honorees include Sir Paul Baker for his expertise in paediatric anaesthesia, Sir Peter Boshier for his work in law and government transparency, Sir James Chapman for advancing literacy education, Sir David Ellis for contributions to the thoroughbred industry and philanthropy, Dame Susan Hassall for her impact in education and community development, and Dame Elizabeth Rata for her research in ethnic politics and bilingual curriculum. Luxon emphasized that these achievements have strengthened the nation and expressed pride and gratitude on behalf of New Zealand.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Paul Baker Peter Boshier James Chapman David Ellis Susan Hassall Elizabeth Rata King’s Birthday Honours 2026 New Zealand Order of Merit New ZealandBrent Impey Named New Chair of Radio New Zealand with Two New Governors
3 weeks ago | 209 viewsBrent Impey has been appointed chair of Radio New Zealand, joined by new governors Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca, to strengthen the board's leadership and governance. Impey brings extensive media sector experience and a commitment to journalistic independence, while Browning and Dellabarca contribute expertise in digital technology, financial oversight, and legal disciplines. These appointments aim to support RNZ’s financial sustainability and adaptability in the evolving media landscape over the next three years.
Tags: Brent Impey Paula Browning Richard Dellabarca Jim Mather Jane Wrightson Irene Gardiner Minister for Media and Communications Radio New Zealand WeCreate Inc Epic CharNew Zealand Extends Copyright Protection for Iconic Songs and Kiwi Artists
4 weeks ago | 252 viewsThe New Zealand Government is extending copyright protection for music recordings from 50 to 70 years after publication to support Kiwi artists and align with international standards. This change, prioritized during New Zealand Music Month, ensures artists can continue earning from their work and protects both iconic classics and future creations. The updates, part of trade agreements with the UK and EU, must be implemented by May 2028, with further Copyright Act changes to be announced soon.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Cameron Brewer New Zealand Copyright Act Kiwi artists New Zealand Music Month I See Red April Sun in Cuba Gutter Black music recordingsNew Zealand Criminalizes Stalking with Up to 5 Years Prison Starting Tonight
1 month ago | 278 viewsStarting tonight, stalking becomes a criminal offense in New Zealand, punishable by up to five years in prison, signaling the government's commitment to addressing this harmful behavior. The new law defines stalking as a pattern of behavior likely to cause fear or distress, including acts such as following, contacting, damaging property, and doxing, with legal mechanisms like police notices and sentencing limits in place. This legislation responds to widespread advocacy and aims to protect victims, particularly women, from the serious emotional, psychological, and economic harm caused by stalking and harassment.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Justice Minister stalking harassment Crimes Legislation Amendment Act New Zealand victims sexual violence Justice Committee doxingNew Move-On Orders Give Police Power to Tackle Disorderly Public Behavior
1 month ago | 330 viewsLegislation granting Police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals displaying disorderly behaviour in public places has passed its first reading in Parliament, aiming to address disruptions in city centres. These orders target behaviours such as threatening conduct, obstructing business access, begging, and rough sleeping, requiring individuals to leave specified areas for up to 24 hours without criminalizing homelessness. The government emphasizes this measure is to restore safety and enjoyment in public spaces while maintaining support for those in need.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Police disorderly behaviour Parliament homelessness law and order public places city centres legislationRevolutionizing NZ Regulation: Mapping for Smarter Reform and Economic Growth
1 month ago | 316 viewsThe New Zealand Government is undertaking a groundbreaking project led by the Ministry for Regulation to map the country’s complex regulatory environment, which has grown increasingly fragmented and inefficient over the past two decades, hindering economic productivity and wage growth. This mapping reveals a vast network of 259 regulators and overlapping regulatory systems, exemplified by the complicated dog control system involving multiple ministries and laws, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated reform and simplification. Leveraging data and AI, the Ministry aims to identify redundancies and promote continuous regulatory review, encouraging public sector leaders to collaborate on consolidating regulations to improve efficiency, accountability, and New Zealand’s economic competitiveness.
Tags: Paul Conway Grainne Moss Ministry for Regulation New Zealand Government Regulatory reform Ministry for Cities Environment Regions and Transport MCERT Dog Control Act Public Service Commission Reserve BankBudget 2026: Transforming New Zealand’s Public Service for a More Affordable Future
1 month ago | 391 viewsThe Government Budget 2026 focuses on addressing New Zealand’s economic challenges through durable reforms aimed at affordability, fiscal responsibility, and improved public services rather than short-term spending. Key initiatives include streamlining government agencies, embracing digital and AI technologies, and reducing public service numbers to enhance efficiency and redirect savings toward health, education, infrastructure, and security. This strategic approach seeks to create a modern, productive public service, maintain balanced books, and build a resilient economy for a better and more affordable future.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Mark Carney Labour New Zealand Prime Minister Business North Harbour Kainga Ora Public Service Commission Ministry of Cities Government BudgetGovernment Overhauls Public Service to Boost Productivity and Save $2.4 Billion
1 month ago | 243 viewsThe New Zealand Government is undertaking a major public service overhaul to reduce the number of agencies, enhance digitisation including AI use, and restore public service numbers to historic levels, aiming to deliver $2.4 billion in savings over four years. This reform seeks to shift resources from administrative growth to frontline services, improve productivity, and provide better, more connected public services that avoid duplication and outdated processes. Savings from these changes will be reinvested in health, education, infrastructure, defence, and police, with progress monitored to ensure efficiency and value for money.
Tags: Nicola Willis Paul Goldsmith New Zealand public service government overhaul digitisation AI productivity public sector budget savingsGovernment to Amend 19 Laws for Clear, Consistent Treaty of Waitangi References
1 month ago | 317 viewsThe Government has agreed to amend 19 pieces of legislation to ensure clear and consistent references to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, replacing vague terms with specific language or repealing some references. Following a comprehensive review, the Government decided to standardize references to “take into account” as the highest requirement and prefers using both the Treaty of Waitangi and te Tiriti o Waitangi in relevant provisions. This initial step includes ongoing consultations with Iwi and a full select committee process to allow public input.
Tags: Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith Government Justice Minister Advisory Group Conservation Act Iwi legislation review te Tiriti o WaitangiNew Legislation Empowers Police with Move-On Orders to Tackle Disorderly Behaviour
1 month ago | 338 viewsThe Government has introduced legislation granting Police the power to issue move-on orders to address disorderly behaviour in public places, aiming to improve safety in central cities. These orders target disruptive actions such as threatening behaviour, obstructing access to businesses, begging, and rough sleeping, requiring individuals aged 14 or older to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours. The move-on orders are not criminal charges themselves, but breaching them can lead to prosecution, with the goal of reclaiming public spaces for residents, workers, and visitors.
Tags: Police disorderly behaviour legislation Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith public places law and order prosecution begging rough sleepingHauraki Iwi Treaty Settlements Passed: Historic Redress for Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui
1 month ago | 345 viewsAfter 15 years of negotiations, the New Zealand Parliament passed the Claims Settlement Bills for three Hauraki iwi—Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui, and Ngāti Hei—formally acknowledging the Crown's historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and providing financial, commercial, and cultural redress. These settlements include Crown apologies, agreed historical accounts, and protocols with government ministries, aiming to support the iwi’s economic, cultural, and environmental aspirations while fostering enduring relationships. The settlements allocate millions in financial redress and property rights specific to each iwi's region, marking a significant milestone in addressing past injustices and strengthening future partnerships.
Tags: Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Ngāti Tara Tokanui Ngāti Hei Paul Goldsmith Treaty of Waitangi Hauraki iwi Crown Pare Hauraki Collective Ministry for Culture and Heritage Department of ConservationNgā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui Claims Settlement Bill Passes First Reading
1 month ago | 307 viewsThe Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui Claims Settlement Bill has passed its first reading after nine years of negotiations, marking progress in addressing historical Treaty of Waitangi grievances related to 19th-century warfare, unfair land transactions, and land alienation. The settlement includes a Crown apology, $30 million in financial and commercial redress, and the return of 27 culturally significant sites, such as Pākaitore (Moutoa Gardens). This milestone establishes a new relationship between Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui and the Crown based on partnership, trust, and respect, covering a redress area centered on Whanganui city and surrounding regions.
Tags: Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith Whanganui Kaiwhaiki Pā Crown Pākaitore Moutoa Gardens Pipiriki Whangaehu RiverGovernment Clarifies Climate Change Laws to Boost Business Certainty and Investment
1 month ago | 286 viewsThe Government plans to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasizes that climate change responses should be managed nationally through existing frameworks like the Emissions Trading Scheme, rather than through court litigation. This amendment will not affect government responsibilities or businesses’ obligations under the ETS but will ensure a consistent regulatory approach.
Tags: climate change greenhouse gas emissions Climate Change Response Act 2002 Emissions Trading Scheme legal clarity business certainty Paul Goldsmith High Court litigation government regulation environmental law