Articles tagged with Uk

New Zealand Imposes 36th Sanctions Round Targeting Russia's War Supporters

10 hours ago | 54 views

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced a new sanctions package targeting 33 individuals and entities supporting Russia's illegal war against Ukraine, with a focus on cyber actors and those involved in the forced relocation and re-education of Ukrainian children. The sanctions also address malicious cyber activities, propaganda efforts, and support from actors in Russia’s military-industrial complex as well as from the DPRK and Iran. Since March 2022, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on over 2,000 targets across 36 rounds, reinforcing its commitment to oppose Russia's aggression.

Tags: Winston Peters Russia Ukraine New Zealand DPRK Iran Moscow cyber actors sanctions Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Saving New Zealand’s Rare Hamilton’s Frog and White-Bellied Skink from Extinction

4 days ago | 107 views

Conservation efforts are underway to save two critically endangered native New Zealand species, Hamilton’s frog and the white-bellied skink, by creating safe backup populations through captive breeding programs at Auckland Zoo and Orana Wildlife Park. Hamilton’s frog populations have declined by about 80%, with remaining wild frogs only on a few islands, while fewer than 100 white-bellied skinks survive in the wild in Canterbury’s high country. These initiatives aim to boost breeding success and eventually reintroduce these species into protected natural habitats to ensure their survival for future generations.

Tags: Tama Potaka Hamilton’s frog Auckland Zoo Orana Wildlife Park Takapourewa Motuara Island Zealandia sanctuary Nukuwaiata

Transpower Board Reappoints Directors Dewes and Coppage Through 2029

5 days ago | 125 views

Directors Whaimutu Dewes and Owen Coppage have been reappointed to the Transpower Board until 2029 to provide governance continuity during a $13 billion investment programme. Dewes offers expertise in governance, risk management, and stakeholder relations, while Coppage brings skills in energy utilities, technology, and digital transformation. Additionally, Rukumoana Schaafhausen was reappointed to Kiwi Group Capital’s board, bringing extensive commercial and Crown governance experience in the banking sector.

Tags: Whaimutu Dewes Owen Coppage Simeon Brown Rukumoana Schaafhausen Transpower Board Kiwi Group Capital Kiwibank State Owned Enterprises energy sector governance

Hauraki Gulf Shellfish Harvest Ban Extended for Two More Years to Protect Fisheries

5 days ago | 157 views

A two-year extension has been granted for shellfish harvesting bans at Umupuia Beach, Te Mātā and Waipatukahu, and Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf, requested by local iwi groups to help replenish marine resources. These closures support the Pou Rāhui Research Project, which combines mātauranga Māori and scientific methods to restore important species and train whānau in sustainable practices. The bans, effective from August 7, 2026, cover specific shellfish species and areas, aiming to ensure long-term sustainability and kaitiakitanga of customary fisheries.

Tags: Shane Jones Ngāi Tai Ki Tamaki Ngāti Tamaterā Ngāti Pāoa Pou Rāhui Research Project Hauraki Gulf Umupuia Beach Te Mātā Waipatukahu Waiheke Island

New Drury and Paerātā Stations Open, Boosting Auckland Rail Network Expansion

1 week ago | 186 views

The new Drury and Paerātā railway stations have officially opened, offering frequent weekday peak services and supporting growth in southern Auckland with modern facilities including parking and bus connections. The government has invested over $2.4 billion in Auckland’s rail network, completing major upgrades like electrification to Pukekohe, the Third Main Line, and preparing for the City Rail Link opening. These developments aim to provide efficient transport infrastructure ahead of projected population growth, enabling housing, business expansion, and improved productivity in the region.

Tags: Winston Peters Chris Bishop Drury Paerātā Auckland City Rail Link Ngākōroa Pukekohe Franklin Third Main Line

Auckland Launches Third Mental Health Co-Response Team to Improve Crisis Support

1 week ago | 161 views

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey launched Auckland's third mental health co-response team to provide timely, appropriate support for people in mental distress, reducing reliance on criminal justice responses. These teams, comprising police and mental health workers, operate during peak demand times and have already shown positive outcomes, including fewer emergency department referrals and increased wraparound support. Funded by a $28 million Budget 2025 investment, the initiative aims to roll out 10 such teams nationwide to improve crisis response for 111 mental health calls.

Tags: Matt Doocey Auckland Police Station Mental Health Minister Counties Manukau Waitematā Middlemore Hospital Wellington New Zealand Government Budget 2025 Mental Health Act

Government and Community Fund $950K to Boost Youth Education and Employment in Waikato

2 weeks ago | 205 views

The Waikato Region will benefit from joint Government and community funding initiatives to support over 400 young people in education, leadership, and employment pathways. The Hauraki Māori Trust Board received $316,000 (matched to $632,000) for a two-year early intervention program aiding 320 students' transition to high school, while the Raukawa Charitable Trust got $120,000 to run employability and education programs for 80 youth. Youth Minister James Meager emphasized that these partnerships leverage local knowledge to provide tailored support, align with government targets, and enhance opportunities without extra taxpayer cost.

Tags: James Meager Waikato Region Hauraki Māori Trust Board Youth Development Partnership Raukawa Charitable Trust Len Reynolds Trust Ministry of Youth Development Department of Internal Affairs youth employment education pathways

New Petroleum Exploration Permit Application Invites Investment in NZ Offshore Basin

3 weeks ago | 270 views

Resources Minister Shane Jones has welcomed Sunda Energy's new petroleum exploration permit application in the offshore northern Taranaki Basin, marking the sixth such application since the government lifted the offshore oil and gas exploration ban. Sunda Energy, having entered the New Zealand market through acquiring Matahio Energy’s assets, seeks to conduct geological and seismic studies over a 645 sq km area with known potential, aiming to evaluate drilling targets. The competitive application process, open until October 14, 2026, reflects growing investor interest that could enhance New Zealand’s energy security, create jobs, and boost economic resilience.

Tags: Shane Jones Sunda Energy New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals Matahio Energy Taranaki Basin Cheal Sidewinder Puka Awakino Crown Minerals Act

Innovative Submersible Dredge Planer Tackles Invasive Caulerpa Seaweed in NZ

3 weeks ago | 285 views

The submersible dredge planer (SDP), a remotely operated device developed by Northland Regional Council and Johnson Brothers Ltd, has successfully passed recent tests for removing invasive caulerpa seaweed in Omākiwi Cove. This custom-designed equipment, part of a $10 million initiative including UV-C light treatment and a chlorine sealing system, features unique screw propulsion for effective operation on sandy seabeds and is ready for deployment despite current low seaweed presence. The SDP represents a significant advancement in New Zealand’s biosecurity efforts, offering scalable mechanical removal capabilities adaptable to other invasive species in various aquatic environments.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Johnson Brothers Ltd Northland Regional Council Biosecurity New Zealand Cawthron Institute Ngāti Kuta Patukeha Omākiwi Cove Bay of Islands Number 8 wire

Fast-Track Approval Granted for Māhinerangi Wind Farm Expansion in Otago

1 month ago | 366 views

The Māhinerangi Wind Farm project in Otago has received Fast-track approval to expand with 44 additional turbines, a new transmission line, substation, and a 60MW battery system, increasing its capacity to 190MW and generating enough electricity for about 68,000 homes. This approval, part of New Zealand’s broader Fast-track process to accelerate infrastructure development, supports regional economic growth and the country’s transition to secure, sustainable energy. The government emphasizes that fast-tracking renewable projects like this is crucial for enhancing energy security, affordability, and reliability nationwide.

Tags: Māhinerangi Wind Farm Otago Tararua Wind Power Limited Mr Bishop Mr Jones Mr Brown New Zealand Puke Kapo Hau renewable energy

2025 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes Honor Life-Saving Neonatal Research and Innovation

1 month ago | 297 views

The 2025 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes honoured groundbreaking neonatal research by Professors Alistair Gunn, Laura Bennett, and Joanne Davidson, which established therapeutic hypothermia as a global standard for treating newborn brain injury. Other winners included researchers and educators advancing climate science, science communication, education innovation, and driver safety technology, highlighting the broad impact of science on society. From 2026, a new Innovation Prize will recognize efforts to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions, reflecting the government’s focus on commercializing Kiwi science.

Tags: Alistair Gunn Laura Bennett Joanne Davidson Penny Simmonds Luke Harrington Nic Rawlence Tania Gunn

Te Here ā Nuku Bill Returns 3000 Hectares of Land to Original Owners in NZ

1 month ago | 354 views

The Te Here ā Nuku (Nelson Tenths) Bill is being introduced to Parliament to return approximately 3,000 hectares of land in the South Island to its rightful owners, resolving a historic trust law issue dating back to the 1840s. The Bill enables the legal transfer of land held by the Crown in trust to the Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust, while allowing the Crown to lease back some land for public use, including key conservation areas. This resolution, distinct from Treaty settlements, addresses a private law matter and corrects a longstanding injustice over land ownership.

Tags: Te Here ā Nuku Nelson Tenths Chris Bishop Tama Potaka Crown Department of Conservation Abel Tasman Great Walk Kaiteretere Treaty of Waitangi

$5.3M Māori Development Fund Boosts Businesses, Jobs & Exports in NZ

1 month ago | 431 views

The Māori Development Fund has invested over $5.3 million to support Māori-owned businesses in horticulture, aquaculture, and renewable energy, aiming to create jobs, boost regional economies, and expand exports in line with the Government's growth framework. Key investments include $2.6 million for Hineuru Orchards in Hawke's Bay to enhance crop protection and export capacity, and $1.5 million for Akaroa King Salmon to upgrade infrastructure and increase production, generating approximately 50 new jobs. These initiatives promote sustainable development, energy transition, and long-term prosperity for Māori communities while strengthening New Zealand's overall economic success.

Tags: Tama Potaka Parininihi ki Waitōtara Hineuru Orchards Akaroa King Salmon Ōnuku Rūnanga Ngāti Porou Māori Development Fund Māori businesses New Zealand economy Māori Development Minister

New Zealand Protects 308 sq km with Five New Otago Marine Reserves

2 months ago | 497 views

New Zealand has established five new marine reserves along the Otago coast, protecting 308 square kilometres of diverse marine habitats and species, marking a nearly 50% increase in protected marine areas around the mainland. This initiative, developed in partnership with Kāi Tahu after over a decade of collaboration, aims to preserve biodiversity, support ecosystem recovery, and ensure long-term ocean health. The reserves, effective from July 1, will be jointly managed by DOC and Kāi Tahu, with ongoing monitoring and further review of a sixth proposed reserve's boundaries.

Tags: New Zealand Otago coast Tama Potaka marine reserves Kāi Tahu hoiho pakake toroa Te Umukōau

New Zealand Joins Multi-National Training Mission for Ukraine in Poland

2 months ago | 564 views

The New Zealand Defence Force has joined Operation LEGIO, a Norway-led multinational initiative in Poland to train Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, demonstrating steadfast support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. This effort builds on New Zealand’s earlier involvement in Operation INTERFLEX and adapts to Ukraine’s evolving training needs near its borders. By collaborating with international partners, New Zealand aims to provide effective, high-quality training that significantly contributes to Ukraine’s defense and regional security.

Tags: New Zealand Defence Force Chris Penk Ukraine Poland Operation LEGIO Norway Operation INTERFLEX Operation TĪEKE NATO Armed Forces of Ukraine