Articles tagged with Waikato
Earn as You Learn: Expanding Paid Manufacturing Apprenticeships Across NZ
5 days ago | 76 viewsThe Earn as You Learn pilot, launched in Waikato in February 2025, connects high school students with manufacturers to provide paid, real-world experience while earning a manufacturing certificate, achieving over 80% learner completion and strong employer support. Due to its success, the program will expand to the Hutt Valley and Canterbury in 2026, and Auckland in 2027, aiming to increase graduates from 17 to 100-150 annually. This initiative addresses skilled labor shortages in manufacturing, a key sector for New Zealand’s economy, by fostering collaboration between industry, educators, and government to build a future workforce.
Tags: Chris Penk Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Wintec Waikato Engineering Careers Association Earn as You Learn New Zealand Waikato Hutt Valley CanterburyWaikato Medical School Construction Begins to Boost Regional Healthcare and Training
1 week ago | 96 viewsConstruction has begun on the Waikato Graduate School of Medicine, supported by over $230 million in funding, to train more doctors and improve primary care access in regional New Zealand. The new graduate-entry program, starting in 2028, aims to create a diverse medical workforce with a focus on rural and regional clinical placements, enhancing healthcare in underserved communities. This initiative complements the Government’s broader investment in the primary care workforce and supports regional development by providing local medical education and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
Tags: Simeon Brown Shane Reti University of Waikato Waikato medical school New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine primary care rural health medical education Government funding healthcare workforceNew Zealand and US Launch $5M Antarctic Science Partnership on Climate Change
2 weeks ago | 121 viewsNew Zealand and the United States are expanding their long-standing Antarctic science collaboration through three joint research projects funded with up to $5 million over five years, focusing on climate and ecosystem change. These projects aim to advance understanding of Antarctic groundwater flows, ecosystem monitoring via combined UAV and satellite systems, and the causes and impacts of rapid sea ice decline in the Ross Sea. Supported by a new Memorandum of Cooperation and coordinated field research in 2026/27, this partnership enhances scientific innovation and environmental management in Antarctica while strengthening New Zealand’s global research standing.
Tags: Shane Reti New Zealand United States Antarctic science University of Otago University of Waikato National Science Foundation Antarctica New Zealand Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Earth Sciences NZNew Zealand and US Launch $5M Antarctic Science Partnership to Tackle Climate Change
2 weeks ago | 92 viewsNew Zealand and the United States are expanding their long-standing Antarctic science collaboration through three new joint research projects funded with up to $5 million over five years, focusing on climate and ecosystem changes. These projects aim to map Antarctic groundwater flows, monitor ecosystem changes using advanced aerial and satellite technology, and investigate the rapid decline of sea ice in the Ross Sea, contributing to the global Antarctica InSync initiative. Supported by a recent Memorandum of Cooperation and upcoming field research in 2026/27, this partnership enhances environmental understanding and innovation while strengthening New Zealand’s role in international Antarctic science.
Tags: Shane Reti New Zealand United States Antarctic science National Science Foundation University of Otago University of Waikato Antarctica New Zealand Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Catalyst FundBuilding New Zealand’s Future: Transforming Transport for Economic Growth
3 weeks ago | 159 viewsThe government is focused on driving sustainable economic growth in New Zealand by reforming the planning system, investing heavily in transport infrastructure, and creating a credible long-term pipeline of major projects like the Roads of National Significance (RoNS). Despite economic challenges and funding constraints, including the need for increased petrol taxes and diversified funding methods, the government aims to improve productivity, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity for both freight and people. Achieving these goals requires tough trade-offs, realistic sequencing of projects, and collaboration with the construction sector to deliver transformative benefits for the economy and all New Zealanders.
Tags: Matt Freeman New Zealand Roads of National Significance NZTA National Land Transport Programme Waikato Expressway Tauranga Eastern Corridor Wellington Northern Corridor Transmission Gully Kāpiti ExpresswayNgāti Paoa Treaty Settlement: Historic Resolution After 14-Year Negotiation
1 month ago | 167 viewsThe Crown has settled 14 years of negotiations with Ngāti Paoa, acknowledging historical breaches including raupatu and land laws impacting the iwi's development. The settlement includes a financial redress of $23.5 million, cultural redress with 12 significant sites, and agreements with Crown agencies. Ngāti Paoa's engagement in the legislative process and hope for a thriving future were highlighted during the final reading in Parliament.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Ngāti Paoa Treaty of Waitangi Crown Raupatu Te Tiriti o Waitangi Pūkorokoro Ngāti Pāoa Waikato Ngāti PaoaNew Zealand Government's Fast-Tracked Hospital Wards Programme Boosts Capacity at 5 Busiest Hospitals in 2026
1 month ago | 198 viewsFive busy hospitals in New Zealand, including Middlemore, Waikato, Wellington Regional, Nelson, and Hawke’s Bay, will receive a total of 140 new beds through the Government’s fast-tracked hospital wards programme by 2026, Health Minister Simeon Brown announces. The wards will be constructed off-site and installed on hospital grounds to quickly boost capacity, improve patient flow, and support faster admissions and discharges. Each hospital's new ward will serve specific roles, such as expanding general medicine capacity, providing assessment and diagnostic services, supporting acute flow, enabling services relocation during seismic work, and streamlining care for short-stay surgical patients.
Tags: Simeon Brown Middlemore Hospital Waikato Hospital Wellington Regional Hospital Nelson Hospital Hawke’s Bay Hospital Health Minister hospital wards programme patient care emergency department210+ New Social Homes to Address Housing Needs in Waikato
1 month ago | 228 viewsMore than 210 new social homes will be provided in Waikato by Community Housing Providers, supported by Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. The Government's commitment to delivering social housing includes funding for over 2,000 additional homes nationwide, with Waikato benefiting from this initiative. The allocation of social homes in Waikato is based on regional need, with a focus on addressing the demand for one- and two-bedroom properties to better match the needs of individuals and families seeking affordable housing.
Tags: Chris Bishop Tama Potaka Waikato social homes Community Housing Providers Kāinga Ora Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa The Salvation Army Emerge AotearoaMidland Region Health Targets Hit Milestone: Faster Treatment & Shorter Waits in Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, Waikato,
2 months ago | 230 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown notes improved healthcare performance in the Midland region, with focus on prioritizing patient care and achieving timely, quality services. Key improvements in the region include faster cancer treatment, increased childhood immunizations, and shorter stays in emergency departments. Despite progress, efforts continue to reduce waitlists for elective procedures and specialist assessments, supported by a significant government investment in healthcare to drive better outcomes and accountability.
Tags: Gisborne Bay of Plenty Waikato Lakes Taranaki Simeon Brown healthcare patients Midland region elective proceduresNew Zealand Boosts Energy Resilience with Locally Sourced Coal Supply Deal
2 months ago | 353 viewsNew Zealand's Resources Minister Shane Jones praises the reintroduction of domestically sourced coal as a backup fuel for electricity generation, citing benefits for energy resilience and the Waikato regional economy. Genesis Energy's agreement with BT Mining to supply 240,000 tonnes of locally sourced coal to the Huntly Power Station diversifies fuel supply and reduces reliance on imported coal due to tightening gas supply. Mr. Jones emphasizes the importance of sourcing coal locally to safeguard against global disruptions, strengthen the fuel supply chain, and provide economic benefits for the Waikato region.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Energy resilience Waikato Genesis Energy Huntly Power Station Coal Electricity generation Resources Minister BT MiningLocal Government Minister Simon Watts: 20% of Councils' Water Plans Approved, Benefitting 2.5M Kiwis
2 months ago | 279 viewsTwenty percent of councils have had their water services delivery plans approved, benefiting over 2.5 million New Zealanders with financially sustainable approaches for the next decade under the Local Water Done Well initiative. The collaborative effort in the Waikato Water Done Well plan covers multiple districts and aims to achieve efficiencies for over 170,000 people. By utilizing shared services and lower-cost finance, councils can manage water plan costs effectively, easing financial burdens on communities and ensuring prudent investments in water infrastructure.
Tags: Simon Watts Taupō District Council Hurunui District Council Kaikōura District Council Waikato Water Done Well Local Government Minister Watercare Charter CCO New Zealanders Local Water Done Well.Boosting Employment in Waikato: Minister Upston's Commitment to Jobseeker Reduction Target
3 months ago | 280 viewsSocial Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston highlights the importance of regional employment events in getting Kiwis into jobs and boosting the economy. The Government's focus on the Going for Growth strategy emphasizes developing talent and reducing the number of people on the Jobseeker Benefit by 50,000 by 2030 through partnerships with employers and training organizations. Initiatives such as early intervention services, work seminars, and the Relocate for Work Support payment aim to help beneficiaries find sustainable employment, providing them with purpose, independence, and a pathway out of welfare dependence.
Tags: Louise Upston Minister Employment MSD Jobseeker Benefit Kiwis Economy Growth Waikato CommunityNew Appointments to University Councils: Enhancing Governance for Academic Excellence
3 months ago | 438 viewsUniversities Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced new appointments and reappointments to the governing councils of the University of Canterbury and the University of Waikato, including Dr Sina Cotter Tait, Steven Wakefield, Fiona Michel, Erin Wansbrough, Hon Amy Adams, and Graeme Milne ONZM. These individuals bring valuable skills and experience to support the leadership and decision-making of the institutions. The appointments aim to ensure capable and experienced councils govern the universities to drive economic growth through talent development and idea generation.
Tags: Shane Reti Sina Cotter Tait Steven Wakefield Fiona Michel Erin Wansbrough Amy Adams Graeme Milne University of Canterbury Council University of Waikato CouncilGovernment Acts to Prevent 'Stop Work' Order for NZ Farmers: RMA Reform Bill Update
4 months ago | 412 viewsThe Government has intervened to prevent potential stop work notices for thousands of New Zealand farmers due to water discharge rules under the RMA, affecting 2,800 Waikato farms. Various regional councils raised concerns, leading to amendments broadening permitted water discharges in the Resource Management Amendment Bill. The changes aim to support farmers, ensure water quality improvement, and avoid hindering economic recovery, with the bill set to pass into law soon.
Tags: Chris Bishop Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Government New Zealand farmers RMA Reform Minister Agriculture Minister Associate Environment Minister Waikato Regional Council Resource Management Amendment BillSignificant Drop in Waikato Waitlist for Heart and Lung Surgery: Health Minister
4 months ago | 512 viewsThe number of patients waiting for critical heart and lung surgery in Waikato has decreased by 70% since November 2023, with the waitlist dropping from 90 to 27 people. Health Minister Simeon Brown commends the progress, emphasizing the importance of timely access to healthcare for all Kiwis. The improvements are attributed to the dedication of frontline health workers in the region and the government's focus on reducing wait times for elective procedures to ensure quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.
Tags: Waikato patients heart surgery lung surgery Health Minister Simeon Brown treatment waitlist healthcare surgery delivery