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New Zealand International Visitor Numbers Near Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2026
14 Oct 2026, 3:19 PM | 1 day ago | 66 viewsInternational visitor numbers to New Zealand in August 2026 reached 99% of pre-pandemic levels, signaling strong progress toward the government's goal of matching 2019 figures by year-end. Significant growth was seen particularly from China, Australia, and other key markets, reflecting successful government and industry efforts to boost tourism. As tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export earner and a major employer, this recovery supports economic growth, jobs, and opportunities for Kiwis.
Tags: Louise Upston Tourism NZ Stats NZ New Zealand Australia China Taiwan Singapore United States MalaysiaGovernment Launches Final Round of $820K Survivor Support and Recognition Fund
14 Oct 2026, 10:41 AM | 1 day ago | 88 viewsThe Government has approved a third and final $820,000 round of the Survivor Support and Recognition Fund (SSRF) to support community-led services for survivors of abuse and neglect in care, with applications opening in February 2027. The SSRF, administered by the Department of Internal Affairs, was established in 2025 following recommendations from the Abuse in Care Royal Commission and has previously allocated $4.2 million to 68 organisations for survivor-focused initiatives such as healing, advocacy, and memorial projects. This final funding round aims to help organisations continue their survivor support services while seeking sustainable funding options.
Tags: Erica Stanford Department of Internal Affairs Survivor Support and Recognition Fund Abuse in Care Royal Commission Whanaketia report Rangitikei District Council National Day of Reflection community organisations survivor supportSimplified Food Safety Rules Proposed to Help NZ Food Businesses Cut Red Tape
09 Oct 2026, 10:52 AM | 6 days ago | 221 viewsThe Government is proposing updates to New Zealand's Simply Safe & Suitable food control plan to simplify food safety obligations by reducing paperwork, focusing on key risks, and using clearer, business-friendly language. Key changes include less testing and record-keeping, a modular template tailored to operations, and clearer links between hazards and corrective actions, alongside recent measures like free online training and eased rules for certain food businesses. Consultation on these proposals runs until 15 November 2026, with further reforms such as ongoing registration expected by mid-2025.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister New Zealand MPI Food Act Simply Safe & Suitable food safety food businesses food control plan food safety consultationsGovernment Invests $37M to Redevelop Four Schools and Expand Kōhanga Reo
08 Oct 2026, 6:13 PM | 1 week ago | 251 viewsThe Government is investing an additional $37 million to redevelop four schools, bringing this year's total school redevelopment funding to over $200 million, with projects starting within 12 months. Since taking office, the Government has revamped school property management by adopting cost-effective building methods, saving over $330 million and reinvesting in nearly 1,600 new classrooms and improved maintenance. Additionally, up to $3 million is allocated to support Kōhanga Reo to ease property pressures and expand capacity, ensuring greater access to immersion education.
Tags: Erica Stanford Lynfield College Whenuapai School Tawa College Māruawai College Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Ministry of Education Kōhanga Reo New Zealand Government Education MinisterNew Transnational Crime Chief Executive Board Launched to Boost NZ Organised Crime Fight
08 Oct 2026, 4:41 PM | 1 week ago | 251 viewsThe new Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Chief Executive Board (CEB) has convened to enhance government coordination and oversight in combating organised crime in New Zealand. The CEB, comprising senior officials from key agencies, aims to implement the TSOC Strategy and Action Plan, improve information sharing, and address system-wide challenges such as money laundering and migrant exploitation. Its initial focus will be on strengthening operational cohesion, particularly targeting the financial aspects of organised crime groups, while reviewing governance structures for increased effectiveness.
Tags: Casey Costello Christine Stevenson Richard Chambers Ben King Peter Mersi Paul James Nic Blakeley Transnational Serious Organised Crime Ministerial Advisory Group Chief Executive BoardGovernment Invests $20M to Boost Mental Health and Addiction Support in NZ Communities
07 Oct 2026, 10:27 AM | 1 week ago | 257 viewsThe Government is supporting 22 NGOs through the third round of the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund to enhance faster access to support, increase frontline workers, and improve crisis response. The fund, which has supported 39 initiatives so far, enables community organisations to test new approaches and expand successful programs, including addiction recovery, youth crisis services, and integrated mental health care. Various organisations across New Zealand are receiving funding to deliver targeted mental health and addiction support services, aiming to provide earlier and more effective assistance to those in need.
Tags: Mr Doocey Wellington City Mission Aroha ki te Tamariki Trust Hanmer Springs Community Trust Auckland City Mission Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support Services Trust Think and Be Me SchoolTV Korowai Aroha Trust Midlands Regional Health Network Charitable TrustGovernment Funds 12 New Classrooms to Expand Wakatipu High School in Queenstown
06 Oct 2026, 1:55 PM | 1 week ago | 220 viewsThe Government is investing in 12 new permanent classrooms at Wakatipu High School to address Queenstown’s rapidly growing secondary education demand, with construction starting in early 2027 and completion by mid-2028. The expansion includes specialist and general teaching spaces and supports future growth alongside plans for a second secondary school, reflecting a broader commitment to upgrading school infrastructure across New Zealand. Additionally, funding is allocated for a pilot project converting open plan classrooms into enclosed learning spaces at Wakatipu and five other schools to enhance learning environments.
Tags: Erica Stanford Chris Bishop Wakatipu High School Queenstown New Zealand School Property Agency Avonside Girls’ High School Haeata Community Campus Hobsonville Point Secondary School Rolleston College Shirley Boys’ High SchoolQueenstown Cable Car Project Secures $265M Funding via Active Investor Plus Visa
06 Oct 2026, 11:58 AM | 1 week ago | 284 viewsThe Queenstown Cable Car project by Southern Infrastructure Limited has secured an initial $265 million private lending agreement with Private Capital Group, funded partly through the Government’s Active Investor Plus visa program. This cable car aims to connect key areas in Queenstown, providing a rapid public transport solution to alleviate road congestion amid the region’s rapid growth. The project exemplifies the government’s strategy to attract international investment for infrastructure development, leveraging private capital and innovative funding to address New Zealand’s infrastructure challenges.
Tags: Queenstown Cable Car Southern Infrastructure Limited Chris Bishop Erica Stanford Private Capital Group Active Investor Plus visa New Zealand infrastructure Government funding Queenstown transport immigration investmentNZ Government Launches Regulatory Review to Simplify Building and Construction Rules
06 Oct 2026, 9:05 AM | 1 week ago | 312 viewsRegulation Minister David Seymour and Building and Construction Minister Simon Watts have announced a Regulatory Review focused on simplifying building consent rules to reduce unnecessary red tape for low-risk home improvements. The review aims to address inconsistencies and confusion in the current exemption framework, making it easier for homeowners and builders to undertake minor building work without costly delays or consent requirements. Stakeholders are being consulted, with recommendations expected by early 2027 to support clearer, more logical, and affordable building regulations.
Tags: David Seymour Simon Watts Ministry for Regulation building consent building exemptions regulatory review building system reforms New Zealand housing market property developmentCriminal Proceeds Fund $14.6M to Cut Violence and Support Victims in NZ
05 Oct 2026, 5:30 PM | 1 week ago | 171 viewsThe Proceeds of Crime Fund, managed by the Ministry of Justice, is allocating $14.587 million seized from criminals to nine initiatives aimed at reducing violence, preventing reoffending, and disrupting the drug trade in New Zealand. These initiatives focus on early intervention for at-risk youth, victim support, violence prevention, and enhancing Customs' drug detection capabilities. The funding reflects the government's commitment to exceeding targets for reducing violent crime victims and ensuring criminal proceeds are used to protect communities.
Tags: Nicole McKee Kura Cares Charity Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust St John of God Pivot Support Services YMCA Taranaki Netsafe Pet Refuge Ministry of Justice Associate Justice MinisterSouthland and Clutha Severe Weather Declared Medium-Scale Adverse Event for Farmers
01 Oct 2026, 11:50 AM | 2 weeks ago | 245 viewsAgriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have classified the extreme wet and cold conditions in Southland and the Clutha District as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking up to $50,000 in support for local Rural Support Trusts and tax relief for affected farmers. The ongoing harsh weather, linked to El Niño, has severely impacted farmers during critical periods like calving and lambing, prompting coordinated efforts by MPI, regional councils, and farming organizations to provide assistance. Farmers and growers are encouraged to seek help through various support services, including the Rural Support Trust and MPI, with multiple contact numbers provided for immediate aid.
Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Southland Clutha District Ministry for Primary Industries DairyNZ Beef + Lamb New Zealand Federated Farmers Rural Support Trust Ministry of Social DevelopmentNew Zealand Lowers Free Bowel Screening Age to 56 to Save More Lives
30 Sep 2026, 5:30 PM | 2 weeks ago | 210 viewsNew Zealand is lowering the starting age for free bowel screening from 58 to 56, expanding access to over 200,000 additional people and funding more colonoscopies to detect bowel cancer early. This $45.6 million investment aims to prevent 638 cancers and save 522 lives over 25 years, with staged program expansion ensuring adequate workforce and endoscopy capacity. The initiative, aligned with Australia’s standards, includes new pathways like the FIT for Symptomatic test to prioritize urgent cases and improve screening efficiency.
Tags: Simeon Brown Health Minister New Zealand bowel screening Budget 2026 colonoscopy National Bowel Screening Programme FIT for Symptomatic pathway Australia bowel cancerNew Hawke’s Bay Crisis Recovery Café Opens to Boost Mental Health Support
30 Sep 2026, 10:29 AM | 2 weeks ago | 206 viewsThe new Hawke’s Bay Crisis Recovery Café, Te Wāhi Poutoko Hūmārie, will offer a calm, peer-led community space for people needing mental health and addiction support, complementing upcoming peer support services in the Emergency Department. Led by Connect Community Trust and local providers, the café aims to provide faster, more compassionate access to support outside clinical settings, operating initially on weekend evenings. These initiatives build on broader government investments to enhance mental health crisis response, increase frontline workers, and expand support services in Hawke’s Bay.
Tags: Matt Doocey Hawke’s Bay Connect Community Trust Crisis Recovery Café Mental Health Minister Peers in ED Youth Mental Health and Addictions Hub Reducing Demand for Methamphetamine Programme Emergency DepartmentPM Christopher Luxon Honors Late MP Adrian Rurawhe's Legacy and Life
30 Sep 2026, 9:41 AM | 2 weeks ago | 224 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed deep sadness over the death of former Labour MP and Speaker Adrian Rurawhe, highlighting his significant mana and respect across the House. He praised Rurawhe's fairness, calmness, warmth, humility, and personal kindness. Luxon extended his condolences to Rurawhe's family, acknowledging their loss and celebrating his contributions to New Zealand and the community.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Adrian Rurawhe Prime Minister Labour MP Speaker of the House New Zealand Parliament mana Speaker community$1.7M Funding Boosts 3 Projects to Cut Food Waste Across New Zealand
29 Sep 2026, 4:16 PM | 2 weeks ago | 268 viewsThe New Zealand government has announced $1.7 million in funding for three projects aimed at reducing food waste across households, food production, hospitality, and other businesses over the next three years. These initiatives, including programs led by WasteMINZ, NZ Food Waste Champions 12.3 Trust, and the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, focus on measuring, managing, and minimizing food waste to support emissions reduction and landfill diversion. This investment aligns with national priorities to tackle the estimated 1.2 million tonnes of food wasted annually, helping to expand the impact of successful waste reduction campaigns and practices.
Tags: Nicola Grigg WasteMINZ NZ Food Waste Champions 12.3 Trust Restaurant Association of New Zealand Love Food Hate Waste Kai Keepers Environment Minister National Food Waste Reduction Programme New Zealand Government methane emissions