Articles tagged with Stem
New Pet-Friendly Rental Laws Enhacted for Tenants and Landlords
6 days ago | 89 viewsStarting from December 1, 2025, changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will provide tenants with pets more rental property options, as announced by Housing Minister Chris Bishop, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. The new policy introduces a pet bond system allowing landlords and tenants to lodge, top-up, or refund pet bonds, aiming to facilitate pet-friendly rentals and benefit both tenants and landlords. The reforms emphasize the importance of fairness, trust, and supporting a well-functioning rental property market, with a focus on practical solutions that cater to the needs of renters and property owners alike.
Tags: Government Residential Tenancies Act Housing Minister Chris Bishop Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka tenants landlords pet bonds system rental marketGovernment's Comprehensive Aged Care Reform to Enhance Health Outcomes and Sustainability
1 week ago | 86 viewsThe Government, led by Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and Health Minister Simeon Brown, has announced an integrated approach to reform the aged care system, establishing a Ministerial Advisory Group to recommend changes to the outdated funding model. The focus is on improving health outcomes for the aging population, creating a sustainable and cohesive system that allows for smooth transitions between different types of care. The expert Group will provide recommendations on the funding model, cost-sharing, and integration between aged care and health services, with the goal of implementing changes by 2027 to ensure all New Zealanders have access to the care they need as they age.
Tags: Government aged care system Ministerial Advisory Group funding model Casey Costello Simeon Brown New Zealand sustainable services health services bipartisan approachNew Zealand Minister for Children Achieves Historic Reduction of Harm in State Care Residences
1 week ago | 103 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
1 week ago | 125 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 | 133 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 VictimsNew Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill Advances: Key Features and Future Considerations
2 weeks ago | 86 viewsThe Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill passed its first reading, focusing on recognizing abuse in care experiences and providing redress through financial payments, apologies, access to care records, and counseling services. The Bill introduces a framework for independent consideration of financial redress for survivors who have committed serious offenses, aiming to prevent the scheme from being brought into disrepute. The Bill has been referred to the Social Services and Community Select Committee for further review, encouraging input from survivors, advocates, and other stakeholders.
Tags: Erica Stanford Redress System Abuse in Care Bill State redress scheme Financial payment Apology Care records Counselling Wellbeing services Independent decision makerNew Non-Financial Sanctions Launch in Traffic Light System for Job Seekers
2 weeks ago | 120 viewsThe Traffic Light System is expanding with two new non-financial sanctions related to job searches and upskilling, aimed at increasing accountability for beneficiaries. These sanctions require reporting job search activities and attending employment-related training courses. The government is focused on reducing benefit dependency, offering support services and incentives to help individuals transition into employment and meet their obligations. The goal is to have fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030 by proactively preparing individuals for employment opportunities.
Tags: Traffic Light System job searches upskilling Social Development Employment Minister Louise Upston beneficiaries accountability benefit dependencyMinister Attends Graduation of 10 New Fishery Officers Ensuring Sustainable Fisheries
2 weeks ago | 96 viewsOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones attended the graduation of 10 new Fishery Officers, emphasizing the importance of their work in ensuring fishers comply with regulations and protect fish stocks. The graduates unexpectedly encountered real poachers during a training exercise, highlighting the significance of their role in enforcing regulations. The Fishery Officers play a crucial role in maintaining sustainable fisheries, with over 11,000 Kiwis employed in the seafood sector and hundreds of thousands engaging in recreational fishing activities.
Tags: Shane Jones Fishery Officers New Zealand Fisheries Minister sustainability fish stocks poachers seafood sector fisheries management system KiwisGovernment Takes Action to Improve Underground Asset Management
2 weeks ago | 134 viewsThe Government aims to address delays and cost overruns in infrastructure projects caused by unknown underground pipes and cables. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop highlights the inefficiencies and disruptions resulting from inaccurate utility records, citing the Cameron Road redevelopment project in Tauranga as an example. A program has been initiated to enhance asset management systems and explore options for improving underground utility records to streamline projects and ensure accurate information is maintained whenever road corridors are opened.
Tags: Government delays cost blowouts pipes cables infrastructure projects Chris Bishop utilities asset management systems underground utility recordsReserve Bank Eases Lending Restrictions for First Home Buyers, Finance Minister Welcomes Move
3 weeks ago | 194 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis has praised the Reserve Bank's plan to relax lending restrictions, aiming to assist first home buyers in achieving home ownership. The Reserve Bank is considering increasing the limit on new lending to owner-occupiers with less than a 20% deposit to 25%, potentially aiding more first-time buyers. Additionally, the proposal includes raising the amount banks can lend to residential property investors with deposits under 30% from 5% to 10%, following the introduction of debt-to-income restrictions to enhance banking system resilience.
Tags: Finance Minister Nicola Willis Reserve Bank lending restrictions first home buyers property ladder Kiwis loan to value DTI restrictions banking systemGovernment Updates Law for Court Technology Efficiency & Access
3 weeks ago | 149 viewsCourts Minister Nicole McKee is updating the law to encourage the use of audio and audio-visual links (AVL) in courts for increased efficiency and improved access to justice. The new law will establish default appearance types for court events, promoting consistency in the use of remote participation. Additionally, the legislation will introduce new offences and penalties for unauthorized recordings of court proceedings to protect safety and fair trial rights.
Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee Government law court efficiency remote participation justice system Court Rules technology judiciaryGovernment Awards $129,000 for Seaweed Removal in Northland After Cyclone Tam
3 weeks ago | 112 viewsThe Government awarded $129,000 to Northland Regional Council to assist in removing caulerpa seaweed washed up on beaches after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam in April, using emergency waste funding. Local hapū, volunteers, and council staff swiftly removed over 100 tonnes of the invasive seaweed to prevent harm to coastlines and marine ecosystems. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds commended the efforts and highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Exotic Caulerpa Elimination Project supported by $6.2 million to address the issue at its source.
Tags: Government Northland Regional Council Environment Minister Penny Simmonds emergency waste funding caulerpa seaweed local hapū marine ecosystems Tasman District Council Ministry for Primary IndustriesNew Zealand Government Enhances Child Protection System to Prioritize Safety and Wellbeing
3 weeks ago | 135 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 agenciesMinister Celebrates Peer Support Workers in Dunedin Hospital to Enhance Mental Health Crisis Care
4 weeks ago | 137 viewsMinister for Mental Health Matt Doocey visited Dunedin Hospital to celebrate the addition of peer support workers in the Emergency Department, emphasizing the benefits of having individuals with lived experience to support those in mental health crisis. The service, already implemented in five other major hospitals, aims to provide individuals with a sense of connection, support, and improved access to ongoing care. The expansion of peer support services across New Zealand is part of the government's commitment to strengthening the mental health workforce and improving crisis response for individuals seeking help.
Tags: Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey peer support workers Dunedin Hospital Emergency Department Life Matters Suicide Trust mental health crisis peer support specialist community services mental health systemDriving Economic Growth: 3 Initiatives to Enhance Freight System
1 month ago | 169 viewsTransport Minister Chris Bishop highlights the importance of the freight system in driving New Zealand's economy and supporting job growth. To address the increasing demand for freight services due to population growth, the government is implementing three key initiatives: launching an Action Plan for Freight, updating the National Freight Demand Study, and establishing a Freight Advisory Council. These initiatives aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of the freight system by maximizing economic value, improving data-driven decision-making, and providing strategic insights and advice to support economic growth.
Tags: Transport Minister Chris Bishop freight system economic growth productivity resilience safety Action Plan for Freight National Freight Demand Study Freight Advisory Council