Articles tagged with Safety
Modernizing New Zealand's Land Transport Rules: Public Consultation on Key Reforms Begins Today
1 week ago | 154 viewsThe New Zealand Government is starting public consultation on modernizing land transport rules to improve productivity and safety, focusing on reviewing vehicle inspection frequency, simplifying heavy vehicle permitting, and considering additional safety requirements for vehicles entering the fleet. The aim is to reduce unnecessary costs and time pressures on Kiwis while ensuring road safety, looking at international practices for guidance. The reforms also include simplifying heavy vehicle requirements and potentially mandating additional safety features in vehicles to bring land transport regulation up to date and boost the economy.
Tags: Government progress modernise land transport rules public consultation Transport Minister Chris Bishop safety vehicle inspection Associate Transport Minister James Meager safety requirements.WorkSafe Board Appoints New Members for Enhanced Governance and Safety Focus
1 week ago | 96 viewsWorkSafe Board, led by new Chair Murray Jagger, welcomes new members Brett O’Riley and Christopher Alderson. Jagger, with expertise in high-risk industries, brings strong governance and strategic skills. O’Riley, former CEO of Employers and Manufacturers Association, offers education and engagement expertise, while Alderson, a health and safety professional, brings construction sector networks and advocacy experience. All appointments are for three years, aiming to enhance early engagement for improved health and safety outcomes nationwide.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Murray Jagger Brett O'Riley Christopher Alderson WorkSafe Board health and safety governance early engagement workplace relations safety ministerNew Zealand Boosts Air Ambulance Fleet with Seven Emergency Helicopters Investment
2 weeks ago | 134 viewsThe Government of New Zealand is investing $12.6 million to replace ageing air ambulance helicopters with newer aircraft, with $7.3 million from Health New Zealand and $5.3 million from ACC. This investment aims to address the issue of New Zealand having the oldest helicopter fleet in the developed world by 2024. The new helicopters will enhance safety, reliability, weather response capabilities, maintenance efficiency, fuel efficiency, and operational performance, while also supporting standardization for improved maintenance and workforce efficiency.
Tags: Government emergency helicopters air ambulance fleet Casey Costello New Zealand Health New Zealand ACC aircraft safety maintenance.Minister Urges Farmers and Growers to Prioritize Safety During Severe Weather Warnings
2 weeks ago | 160 viewsAgriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay advises farmers, growers, and foresters to prioritize safety and heed weather warnings, especially in the Canterbury region under a red level strong wind warning. The warning indicates potential dangers such as flying debris, fallen trees, and powerline hazards, urging caution and avoiding unnecessary risks. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with civil defence teams, while affected individuals are advised to stay indoors, prepare for power cuts, and seek support from the Rural Support Trust if needed.
Tags: Farmers growers foresters weather warnings Agriculture Minister Todd McClay local emergency wind warning human safety power cutsConstruction Industry Embraces Health and Safety Reforms: Survey Shows Overwhelming Support
2 weeks ago | 123 viewsThe construction industry overwhelmingly supports key Health and Safety reforms, with a focus on guidance and critical risks, according to a Site Safe survey welcomed by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. The survey results indicate strong backing for clearer guidance, increased use of Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs), and a stronger emphasis on critical risks. Van Velden aims to improve guidance provision, clarify compliance with ACOPs, and involve industry stakeholders in developing ACOPs to enhance practicality and effectiveness in managing health and safety risks in the construction sector.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Health and Safety reforms Workplace Relations Safety Minister Site Safe survey construction industry health and safety WorkSafe Approved Codes of PracticeNew Zealand Minister for Children Achieves Historic Reduction of Harm in State Care Residences
2 weeks ago | 133 viewsMinister for Children Karen Chhour announced a historic 14% reduction in harm within Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences in New Zealand, attributing the achievement to investments and practice changes. The focus on safety and well-being, including enhanced training, recruitment, and facility improvements, has been a priority for Oranga Tamariki under her leadership. These efforts align with the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, reflecting a commitment to preventing harm and prioritizing the safety of children and young people in state care.
Tags: Minister for Children Karen Chhour harm reduction state care residences Youth Justice Care and Protection Oranga Tamariki safety improvements training initiatives Royal Commission of Inquiry children's system.Airways Corporation of New Zealand Announces New Leadership Appointments
2 weeks ago | 146 viewsState-Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown announced leadership changes at the Airways Corporation of New Zealand. Darin Cusack will become Chair effective October 31, 2025, succeeding Denise Church, with Danny Tuato’o appointed as Deputy Chair. Both Cusack and Tuato’o have been reappointed for extended terms, bringing valuable experience in aviation systems and safety, financial acumen, and risk management to help Airways navigate industry challenges.
Tags: Simeon Brown Darin Cusack Denise Church Danny Tuato'o Airways Corporation of New Zealand aviation sector leadership appointments air navigation services safety systems2025 Court User Survey: Minister Nicole McKee Applauds Positive Feedback & System Improvements
2 weeks ago | 169 viewsCourts Minister Nicole McKee praises the 2025 Court User Survey results, with 82% satisfaction, the highest since 2019, attributing it to staff efforts. Recent court improvements include reducing case backlogs, improving case age, and enhancing efficiency across various court jurisdictions. The focus is on enhancing safety, with high percentages feeling safe in courthouses, and upcoming plans include digital systems and expanded magistrate roles for faster justice delivery.
Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee Court User Survey Justice System Government District Court Disputes Tribunal Coroners Court Safety VictimsMinister Andrew Hoggard Represents NZ at World Dairy Summit and Visits South American Agribusinesses
3 weeks ago | 165 viewsNew Zealand's Biosecurity, Food Safety, and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard is representing the country at the World Dairy Summit in Chile, where global dairy industry stakeholders convene annually. Hoggard aims to showcase New Zealand's efficient farming practices and discuss the country's innovative, sustainable dairy products at the event. The dairy sector's crucial role in global nutrition, economic support, and New Zealand's export growth strategy is emphasized through Hoggard's participation and upcoming engagements in Argentina and Uruguay.
Tags: Biosecurity Food Safety Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard New Zealand World Dairy Summit farmers dairy products nutrition economyNew Zealand Achieves Safer Communities Through Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Milestones
3 weeks ago | 166 viewsMinister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence highlights achievements in reducing family and sexual violence in New Zealand, emphasizing the interconnectedness needed for effective responses. The second Te Aorerekura Action Plan has been successfully implemented ahead of schedule, leading to safer communities. Notable accomplishments include improved multi-agency responses in various regions, expanded safety programs for victims, and the successful reduction of family violence homicides in Canterbury through the Integrated Safety Response approach.
Tags: family violence sexual violence Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Te Aorerekura Action Plan Minister Chhour community partnerships safety programmes Integrated Safety ResponseKiwi Kids Learn Cycling Safety with Expanded Bikes In Schools Program
3 weeks ago | 140 viewsNew funding of up to $3.5 million from the NZ Transport Agency will support the Bikes in Schools programme, allowing primary and intermediate students to access bikes and tracks in their schools. The programme, aimed at teaching cycling safety skills to kids, is supported by the Bike On New Zealand Charitable Trust and helps build confidence and key biking skills in a safe school setting. Since 2010, over 400 schools have participated in Bikes in Schools, with the funding secured to continue the programme until June 2027.
Tags: Kiwi kids cycling safety skills bike tracks Bikes In Schools programme Transport Minister Chris Bishop NZ Transport Agency primary students intermediate students Bike On New Zealand Charitable Trust Paul McArdleGovernment Eases Regulations for Home-Based Cake Makers to Boost Innovation and Business Growth in Food Sector
3 weeks ago | 132 viewsThe Government is cutting red tape for home-based cake makers to reduce costs and simplify registration requirements under the Food Act, aiming to make it easier to operate and innovate in the food sector. The changes are part of a broader work program to address disproportionate regulation and provide more opportunities for individuals to turn their hobby into a business. The Red Tape Tipline is being utilized to gather feedback and make responsive changes, with further plans to reduce regulatory costs, assist businesses in innovation, and streamline processes across the food sector.
Tags: Government red tape cake makers food sector Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard Regulation Minister David Seymour compliance costs business consumers Red Tape Tipline.Government Decisions on Pharmacy Ownership and Medical Advertising in Upcoming Bill
3 weeks ago | 145 viewsCabinet papers reveal upcoming Medical Products Bill changes including the removal of pharmacy ownership restrictions to enhance access to healthcare. The bill will introduce a supervisory pharmacist role and allow advertising of unapproved medicines under certain conditions. Modernizing advertising regulations will provide better access to medical product information while ensuring consumer safety.
Tags: Casey Costello Government decisions Pharmacy ownership Medical Products Bill Advertising of medicines Supervisory pharmacist Patient safety Pharmacy standards Consumer safety Medical conferencesAmendments to Policing Act: Enhancing Police Powers for Public Safety & Crime Prevention
1 month ago | 167 viewsThe Cabinet has decided to amend the Policing Act to clarify Police's authority to gather intelligence in public places and expand their powers to temporarily close areas in response to antisocial behavior or safety risks. Recent court decisions have raised uncertainty about Police's ability to record images in public spaces, prompting the proposed amendments to reaffirm their authority for lawful purposes. These changes aim to restore Police's crime prevention capabilities, support prosecutions, respond to evolving threats like organized crime, and enhance interventions for public safety, youth offending, and family harm.
Tags: Police Mark Mitchell Policing Act intelligence gathering crime prevention organised crime gang activity public safety youth offending family harmNew Zealand Government Enhances Child Protection System to Prioritize Safety and Wellbeing
1 month ago | 156 viewsThe Government has accepted all recommendations from the Dame Karen Poutasi Review to enhance the children's system and prioritize child safety. Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston emphasizes the need to improve systems to better protect children from harm and ensure every child in New Zealand feels safe. The Government will implement an integrated response overseen by Child and Youth Ministers, focusing on information sharing, supporting children with incarcerated parents, and developing a mandatory reporting regime to enhance child safety.
Tags: children system Government response Dame Karen Poutasi Louise Upston child safety New Zealand child abuse agencies