Articles tagged with Rig
New $5.3M Porirua Facility Boosts Construction Waste Reduction and Sustainability
1 day ago | 75 viewsA new $5.3 million construction and demolition waste processing facility has opened in Porirua, supported by government and local councils to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainability. Environment Minister Nicola Grigg highlighted the project as a collaborative effort that will divert waste, lower emissions, and strengthen the local economy. The initiative exemplifies the government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that improves waste management and supports environmental and economic goals.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Porirua Wellington Waste Minimisation Fund Ministry for the Environment Porirua City Council Hutt City Council Kāpiti Coast District Council Waste Co construction and demolition wasteGovernment Enhances Plant Variety Rights to Boost NZ Exports and Growers' Income
1 week ago | 106 viewsThe New Zealand Government is strengthening the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 to better protect investments in high-value horticulture, support growers, and boost export returns, particularly for kiwifruit and apples. Key changes include extending the PVR term by five years and restoring provisional protection to allow breeders immediate legal action against exploitation during the application process. These measures aim to encourage innovation, secure jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness in global markets.
Tags: Todd McClay Cameron Brewer New Zealand Plant Variety Rights Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit horticulture Biosecurity Science Institute kiwifruit industryNZ Government Amends Hazardous Substances Act to Boost Agri-Product Access
1 week ago | 111 viewsThe Government is amending the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act to accelerate access to new agricultural and horticultural products, enabling New Zealand farmers to more easily obtain overseas-available pest control and crop protection solutions. The changes, based on a 2024 Ministry for Regulation review, aim to streamline approval processes by reducing complexity, costs, and duplication through greater reliance on overseas regulatory assessments while maintaining local protections. These amendments will enhance regulatory efficiency, support the primary sector's global competitiveness, and uphold environmental and public safety standards.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act Ministry for Regulation Environmental Protection Authority New Zealand farmers agrichemical companies crop protection regulatory pathways invasive species primary sectorNew Zealand Advances Plan to Replace Aging Frigates and Boost Maritime Security
2 weeks ago | 190 viewsThe New Zealand Government is advancing plans to replace its aging Anzac-class frigates by the mid-2030s to maintain and enhance maritime security vital to the nation's economy and safety. As part of the Maritime Fleet Renewal programme, discussions are underway with the Royal Australian and United Kingdom navies to consider interoperable, combat-capable vessels like the Japanese Mogami-class and UK Type 31 frigates, with a final decision expected by 2027. Meanwhile, efforts continue to keep the current fleet operational, ensuring the Defence Force remains equipped to protect New Zealand’s interests, support partners, and respond to maritime challenges.
Tags: Chris Penk Royal New Zealand Navy New Zealand Defence Force Maritime Fleet Renewal Royal Australian Navy United Kingdom Royal Navy Type 31 frigates HMNZS Te KahaNew Zealand Launches Little Matters Initiative to Prevent Child Sexual Harm
2 weeks ago | 264 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched the Little Matters initiative, a set of 10 everyday actions for parents and caregivers to help prevent sexual harm and build safer environments for children. This evidence-based program aims to shift responsibility from children to adults, integrating its messaging into prevention services and community programs, with effectiveness tracked through independent research. ACC reports over 14,000 new sensitive claims annually, highlighting the urgent need for multi-faceted prevention efforts like Little Matters to foster healthier, safer future relationships.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Little Matters ACC New Zealand sexual harm prevention parents caregivers whānau Hikitia! child safetyNew Zealand to Introduce Citizenship Test for Grant Applicants from Late 2027
2 weeks ago | 209 viewsMinister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced that from late 2027, a multi-choice test will be introduced to ensure citizenship applicants understand the responsibilities and privileges of New Zealand citizenship. The test will cover topics such as the Bill of Rights Act, human rights, democratic principles, and government structure, requiring a 75% pass mark. This measure aims to strengthen the value of citizenship by grant and will be supported by guidance resources to help applicants prepare.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Minister of Internal Affairs New Zealand Citizenship Act Department of Internal Affairs Bill of Rights Act human rights citizenship by grant democratic principles New Zealand citizenshipNew ACC Board Appoints Keys, Wright & Playford to Drive Turnaround Plan Success
2 weeks ago | 191 viewsRichard Keys, Lindsay Wright, and Michael Playford have been appointed to the ACC Board, starting 11 May 2026, to support the organisation's Turnaround Plan aimed at improving outcomes for injured New Zealanders. Each appointee brings specialized expertise: Keys in health and corporate governance, Wright in financial services and investment management, and Playford in actuarial assessments and financial sustainability. Their combined skills are expected to enhance the Board's leadership and accountability, ensuring ACC delivers better client-focused services and long-term financial stability.
Tags: Richard Keys Lindsay Wright Michael Playford Scott Simpson Accident Compensation Corporation ACC Board Turnaround Plan Abano Healthcare Group Spark New Zealand Guardians of New Zealand SuperannuationNew EPA Board Appointments Announced by Minister Nicola Grigg
2 weeks ago | 182 viewsMinister for the Environment Nicola Grigg has appointed Lisa Tumahai and Professor Nicola Shadbolt to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board for three-year terms, bringing extensive governance, climate, and regulatory expertise. Lisa Tumahai, Deputy Chair of the Climate Change Commission, and Professor Shadbolt, a former Climate Change Commissioner with over 30 years of governance experience, will strengthen the board's capabilities. Additionally, Mary Anne Macleod has been reappointed for one year and will serve as Deputy Chair from July 2026, succeeding outgoing Deputy Chair Paul Connell.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Lisa Tumahai Nicola Shadbolt Mary Anne Macleod Paul Connell Environmental Protection Authority Climate Change Commission Treaty of Waitangi governance EPA boardDavid Boyle Appointed New Retirement Commissioner to Enhance KiwiSaver and Retirement Savings
1 month ago | 251 viewsDavid Boyle has been appointed as New Zealand's Retirement Commissioner for a three-year term starting May 18, announced by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer. Boyle brings extensive experience in retirement savings, having played a key role in establishing KiwiSaver and previously worked on financial wellbeing initiatives and education programs at the Retirement Commission. Brewer also thanked outgoing commissioner Jane Wrightson for her six years of leadership in improving financial capability and retirement outcomes.
Tags: David Boyle Cameron Brewer Jane Wrightson KiwiSaver Retirement Commissioner Fisher Funds Stand Tū Māia Ngāi Tahu Whai Rawa Funds Play it StrangeTukituki Water Security Project Begins Pre-Construction in Hawkes Bay with $18M Loan
1 month ago | 373 viewsThe Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawkes Bay will begin pre-construction work supported by an $18.13 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to enhance water storage and security. The project aims to enable irrigation of up to 22,000 hectares, create 300 construction jobs, and boost the region’s annual GDP by up to $693 million by supporting horticulture, seed production, and pastoral farming. By storing 104 million cubic meters of water, the facility will address water scarcity in one of New Zealand’s driest regions, promoting long-term economic growth and resilience.
Tags: Mark Patterson Tukituki Water Security Project Hawkes Bay Regional Infrastructure Fund water storage irrigation economic development food production water security Tukituki Water Limited PartnershipPrime Minister Luxon Announces New Cabinet Lineup to Strengthen NZ’s Future
1 month ago | 343 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a refreshed ministerial lineup to address economic challenges and enhance New Zealand's future, including key appointments such as Chris Penk to Defence and Penny Simmonds to Tertiary Education and Science. The reshuffle elevates the Energy portfolio due to recent security concerns and assigns new responsibilities to ministers like Chris Bishop as Attorney-General and Simon Watts as Minister for Auckland. Luxon also acknowledged the long service of Judith Collins and Shane Reti, who are leaving Parliament, and expressed gratitude for their contributions.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Chris Penk Penny Simmonds Simeon Brown Chris Bishop Paul Goldsmith Louise Upston Simon Watts Nicola Grigg Shane RetiNew BoardConnector Database Boosts Women’s Leadership Roles in NZ
2 months ago | 590 viewsA new database called BoardConnector has been launched to support women's progress into leadership and governance roles in New Zealand, providing access to training and a pool of governance-ready leaders. Minister Nicola Grigg emphasizes that increasing female representation on boards strengthens decision-making and economic growth, while addressing gender pay and retirement savings gaps. Despite progress, women hold only 31 percent of private-sector director positions, highlighting the need for tools that drive meaningful change and economic empowerment for women.
Tags: Nicola Grigg International Women’s Day women’s leadership BoardConnector governance female directors economic empowerment gender pay gap New Zealand women in businessGovernment Invests $2M in Central Otago’s Falls Dam Replacement Pre-Construction
3 months ago | 538 viewsThe Government is providing a $2 million loan through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support pre-construction work on replacing the aging Falls Dam near St Bathans, vital for irrigating 8,000 hectares of Central Otago farmland. The funding will help Manuherikia River Limited assess regulatory, engineering, and financial aspects to ensure a secure and sustainable water supply for horticulture, viticulture, and farming. This project aims to enhance the region’s economic and climate resilience by delivering reliable irrigation and supporting higher-value land uses, with pre-construction expected to take about two years.
Tags: Mark Patterson Falls Dam Central Otago Manuherikia River Limited Regional Infrastructure Fund irrigation horticulture viticulture sheep farming water infrastructureNZTA Seeks Approvals for Auckland Northwest Busway to Boost Public Transport
3 months ago | 533 viewsThe New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has applied for statutory approvals under the Fast-track Approvals Act for the Northwest Busway project, which will provide a dedicated busway along State Highway 16 with seven stations to improve public transport in Auckland’s rapidly growing northwest. This project aims to deliver faster, more frequent, and reliable service, easing congestion by moving up to 9,000 passengers per hour and reducing motorway traffic, supported by an investment of around $550 million for initial stages and further funding planned for subsequent phases. The busway is part of an integrated transport plan to support growth, enhance connectivity, and maximize benefits from other projects like the City Rail Link, with a strong benefit-cost ratio indicating high returns on investment.
Tags: NZTA Northwest Busway Chris Bishop Auckland State Highway 16 Brigham Creek Westgate Station Te Atatū Point Chevalier Western SpringsNew Zealand to Host Historic First State of Origin Match at Eden Park in 2027
3 months ago | 485 viewsNew Zealand will host its first-ever State of Origin rugby league match in 2027 at Eden Park, marking a historic milestone expected to attract over 10,000 Australian visitors and generate $17.4 million for Auckland's economy. The event, supported by the New Zealand Government, Auckland Council, and the Australian Rugby League Commission, aims to boost tourism and showcase Auckland as a premier destination for major international events. Recent changes to planning restrictions at Eden Park will facilitate hosting more large-scale events, further enhancing New Zealand's global sporting profile.
Tags: New Zealand Eden Park Auckland Louise Upston State of Origin Australian Rugby League Commission Blues Maroons Queensland New South Wales