Articles tagged with Services
Reliable Petrol Supply Restored in Marlborough Sounds with $350K Grant
1 week ago | 157 viewsElaine Bay Fuel Services has received a $350,000 grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to install a 20,000-litre petrol tank and dispensing infrastructure, restoring critical fuel access for communities, marine operators, and emergency services in the outer Marlborough Sounds. This investment supports key regional industries like aquaculture, tourism, and farming by reducing the need for a one-hour drive to Rai Valley for refuelling and enhancing resilience against road closures caused by extreme weather. The project, co-funded with $235,000 from EBFS, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Tags: Marlborough Sounds Elaine Bay Shane Jones Regional Infrastructure Fund Elaine Bay Fuel Services EBFS Rai Valley aquaculture tourism emergency servicesNew Zealand Boosts Mental Health Support with Funding for Community Programs
1 week ago | 162 viewsNew Zealand’s Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced increased funding for four grassroots organisations to improve early access to mental health support, focusing on prevention and removing barriers. The funded projects include expanded early intervention, digital support services, workplace mental health programs, and culturally tailored assistance for Asian communities, collectively reaching thousands nationwide. This initiative, supported by the Mental Health Innovation Fund, aims to reduce wait times and ensure timely, appropriate mental health care across diverse communities.
Tags: Matt Doocey Hearts and Minds The Loft MATES in Construction Asian Family Services Mental Health Innovation Fund New Zealand Mental Health Minister community organisations mental health supportStrong Q3 Economic Growth Boosts Confidence Ahead of Christmas, Says Finance Minister
1 month ago | 256 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed the strong 1.1% economic growth in the third quarter, driven by 14 of 16 sectors, signaling a positive turnaround after challenging years. Key job-rich sectors like manufacturing, construction, and business services showed significant growth, alongside increases in exports and investment, indicating promising future job prospects and higher incomes. With GDP per capita rising 0.9% and forecasts predicting accelerated growth and lower unemployment next year, the government’s strategy to strengthen the economy appears effective.
Tags: economy growth Nicola Willis Finance Minister Stats NZ Treasury Reserve Bank manufacturing sector construction business services GDP per capitaNew Zealand Sees Faster Access and Shorter ED Stays in Mental Health Services Q1 2025
1 month ago | 192 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 Government Launches Digital Agency to Boost Efficiency and Cut IT Costs
1 month ago | 194 viewsThe New Zealand Government is modernising digital services by simplifying and coordinating IT systems through logical groupings of agencies sharing common platforms to reduce duplication and improve efficiency. A new Government Digital Delivery Agency will be established under the Public Service Commission to centralise digital investment and procurement, potentially saving $3.9 billion over five years. These reforms aim to make government services simpler, faster, and more cost-effective, supporting fiscal discipline, productivity, and sustainable economic growth.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Government Digital Services Public Service Commission Government Digital Delivery Agency Government Chief Digital Officer IT Systems Digital Investment Public Sector Efficiency Technology SpendNew Zealand Government Advances Disability Inclusion with New Strategy and Funding
1 month ago | 204 viewsMinister Louise Upston reaffirmed the New Zealand Government’s commitment to improving the lives of disabled people, endorsing the 2025 international theme of fostering inclusive societies. The government recently launched the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030, focusing on education, employment, health, housing, and justice to address ongoing disadvantages faced by disabled individuals. Key initiatives include significant investments in learning support, enhanced Disability Support Services, increased funding for residential care, and the development of a new Carers’ Strategy Action Plan.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Government International Day of Persons with Disabilities New Zealand Disability Strategy Disability Support Services Early Intervention Service Carers’ Strategy Action Plan residential care providers disabled people disability communityLieutenant General Rhys Jones Appointed Chair of National War Memorial Advisory Council
1 month ago | 247 viewsLieutenant General Rhys Jones has been appointed chair of the National War Memorial Advisory Council, bringing extensive military and governance experience from his 35-year Defence Force career and leadership roles in various organizations. He succeeds Fiona Cassidy and will serve until November 30, 2028. Additionally, Staff Sergeant Tina Grant and Colonel (Retired) Roger Howard have been reappointed as Council members with terms ending in 2028 and 2026, respectively.
Tags: Rhys Jones Paul Goldsmith Fiona Cassidy Tina Grant Roger Howard New Zealand Defence Force National War Memorial Advisory Council Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association Great War Exhibition Australasian Fire Authorities CouncilPharmac Proposes Funding Seven Key Medicines to Improve Rural Emergency Care in NZ
1 month ago | 221 viewsAssociate Health Ministers David Seymour and Matt Doocey support Pharmac’s proposal to fund seven emergency medicines for rural care, aiming to improve timely access for rural GPs, nurses, and midwives by March 2026. The proposal includes medicines for PRIME services and home births, addressing delays in ambulance and hospital access in rural New Zealand, and is part of broader efforts to ensure equitable healthcare regardless of location. Public consultation on the proposal will run from December 1 to 19, with the goal of enhancing emergency and everyday care in rural communities while reducing hospital pressure.
Tags: David Seymour Matt Doocey Pharmac Health NZ ACC rural health emergency care PRIME services intravenous tranexamic acid rural GPsNew ECE Licensing Criteria Reform to Boost Quality, Cut Costs from 2026
1 month ago | 220 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour announced the completion of reforms to Early Childhood Education (ECE) licensing criteria, reducing and simplifying requirements by nearly 20% to lower compliance costs while maintaining child safety. The changes, based on sector feedback, aim to remove unnecessary red tape, improve clarity, and introduce a new Director of Regulation to oversee licensing, enforcement, and support with a collaborative approach. These reforms, effective April 2026, are designed to make it easier to open and operate high-quality ECE centers, increasing parental choice and access.
Tags: David Seymour Early Childhood Education ECE licensing criteria Ministry of Education ECE Sector Review Director of Regulation compliance costs child safety early learning services Government reform$50M Social Investment Fund Supports 1,600+ Children of Incarcerated Parents
1 month ago | 189 viewsThe Social Investment Fund has allocated $50 million in its first round to seven projects supporting over 1,600 children affected by parental incarceration, care system experience, or early school suspension. These initiatives, selected for their measurable impact, aim to improve health, safety, housing stability, skills, income, and family support, with ongoing monitoring of outcomes. The government has committed $190 million for the fund in Budget 2025, with another funding round planned for early next year.
Tags: Nicola Willis Te Hou Ora Whānau Services Tākiri Mai te Ata Trust Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Ngāti Awa Social and Health Services Barnardos New Zealand Horowhenua New Zealand Trust Kaikaranga Holding Social Investment Fund Social Investment MinisterNew Zealand Unifies Weather Services to Enhance Forecasting and Climate Safety
1 month ago | 238 viewsLegislation has passed its first reading to enable Earth Sciences New Zealand to acquire MetService, uniting the country’s key meteorological agencies to improve climate understanding and natural hazard response. The bill removes MetService from the State-Owned Enterprises Act, mandates data access policies, and exempts the acquisition from certain commerce regulations to prioritize public benefits over competition concerns. This integration aims to provide clearer climate insights, more accurate forecasts, faster warnings, and enhanced scientific collaboration while maintaining MetService’s trusted brand and authoritative public safety role.
Tags: Shane Reti Simeon Brown Earth Sciences New Zealand MetService Meteorological Services Legislation Amendment Bill New Zealand weather forecasting climate expertise Commerce ActNew Zealand Unites Weather Agencies for Better Forecasting and Climate Insights
1 month ago | 283 viewsLegislation has passed its first reading to enable Earth Sciences New Zealand to acquire MetService, uniting the country’s key meteorological agencies to improve climate understanding and response to natural hazards. The bill removes MetService from the State-Owned Enterprises Act, mandates data access policies, and exempts the acquisition from certain competition laws to prioritize public benefits. This integration aims to provide clearer climate insights, more accurate forecasts, faster warnings, and enhanced collaboration using expanded infrastructure and technology.
Tags: Shane Reti Simeon Brown Earth Sciences New Zealand MetService Meteorological Services Legislation New Zealand weather forecasting climate expertise Commerce ActTogether Against Family Violence: How Communities Can Support Healing and Safety
2 months ago | 207 viewsMinister Karen Chhour emphasizes the collective responsibility of individuals and communities to prevent and respond to family violence by recognizing signs, offering support, and encouraging those affected to seek help. While the government leads legal actions, community education and intervention are crucial for ensuring safety and healing. She highlights that help is available nationwide, urging people to overcome shame and access support services regardless of the abuse's severity or duration.
Tags: family violence Karen Chhour prevention support services community healing safety legal response education courageNew Zealand Launches Secure Digital Credential Platform for Government Agencies
2 months ago | 275 viewsNew Zealand company MATTR will develop a shared digital credential platform managed by the Department of Internal Affairs to enable government agencies to issue secure digital identities through a Government App. This initiative aims to simplify identity verification, reduce paperwork, enhance privacy and security, and improve convenience for users, with agencies like MBIE trialing the system for business credentials. By standardizing digital identity services across agencies, the government expects cost savings, greater efficiency, and a more consistent experience for citizens.
Tags: Judith Collins MATTR Department of Internal Affairs Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment New Zealand Government App digital credentials digital identity services New Zealand Business Number public sectorWhangārei Hospital Redevelopment: New Car Park Expansion On Track for Increased Capacity by May 2026
2 months ago | 223 viewsA major on-grade car parking extension has been initiated at Whangārei Hospital to support the construction of a new acute services building, marking a significant milestone in the hospital's redevelopment. The new Car Park 14 will provide 583 additional parking spaces by May 2026, ensuring continued access to hospital services during construction. The project, supported by Health Minister Simeon Brown and Whangārei MP Dr. Shane Reti, aims to enhance hospital infrastructure and increase parking capacity to improve the overall healthcare experience for the community.
Tags: Whangārei Hospital Simeon Brown Health Minister Car Park 14 Shane Reti hospital infrastructure acute services building child health centre parking capacity Northlanders.