Articles tagged with Waikato
New Zealand Boosts Energy Resilience with Locally Sourced Coal Supply Deal
3 days ago | 140 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
6 days ago | 81 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 weeks ago | 130 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
4 weeks ago | 210 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
1 month ago | 208 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
1 month ago | 281 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 deliveryHamilton & Waikato Councils Unveil Groundbreaking Multi-Council Water Services Plan
2 months ago | 680 viewsHamilton City and Waikato District Councils have collaborated on the first multi council water services delivery plan, aiming to benefit ratepayers by providing safe, reliable, and affordable drinking and wastewater services while keeping rate increases down. This joint effort, known as Local Water Done Well, ensures ongoing financial sustainability for 280,000 residents served by the combined organization, supporting infrastructure investment for growth and improved service quality over the next decade. Local Government Minister Simon Watts commends the councils for their proactive approach and encourages other councils to consider similar collaborative models to enhance community services.
Tags: Hamilton City Waikato District Councils water services Local Government Minister Simon Watts collaboration infrastructure ratepayers investment councilsUniversity of Waikato to Establish New Medical School with Focus on Primary Care and Rural Health
2 months ago | 526 viewsThe University of Waikato will establish a new medical school with a focus on primary care and rural health, receiving significant funding from the Government and the University. The school will offer a graduate-entry program to attract diverse students and strengthen the medical workforce. This initiative is part of the Government's investment in health system and workforce, adding 120 doctor training places annually from 2028 and contributing to regional development and education in the Waikato.
Tags: Simeon Brown Shane Reti University of Waikato Government Health Minister Universities Minister medical school primary care rural health New ZealandRegional Polytechnic Revival: 10 Institutions Restored for Strong Communities & Economic Growth
2 months ago | 821 viewsTen polytechnics will be re-established from 1 January 2026, aiming to restore regional decision-making and support economic growth, according to Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds. The move is part of building a locally led and future-focused vocational education system, following extensive industry feedback. The new federation will include ten polytechnics, with Te Pūkenga acting as a transitional entity for up to a year to manage unallocated programmes and support the handover process.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Vocational Education Minister Ara Institute of Canterbury Eastern Institute of Technology Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Southern Institute of Technology Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Waikato Institute of Technology Unitec Institute of Technology Manukau Institute of TechnologyActing Prime Minister Congratulates Hugh Jackson, 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year
2 months ago | 588 viewsThe Acting Prime Minister has extended warm congratulations to Hugh Jackson on being crowned the 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year. “Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Young Farmer of the Year grand final in Invercargill. It was a brilliant event, celebrating the future of farming and showcasing their expertise, leadership, and passion for agriculture,” says Mr Seymour.
Tags: Hugh Jackson Seymour Young Farmer of the Year Invercargill Waikato Bay of Plenty Epsom New Zealand agriculture farming export revenue$414,527 worth of lottery-funded cyclone recovery projects now complete in Waikato
3 months ago | 800 viewsMinister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in the Waikato are benefitting from over $414,000 in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. “Cyclone Gabrielle had a significant impact on parts of the Waikato, causing destruction to property, blocked roads, and requiring coordinated relief efforts Now, one year after grant applications closed, 18 community organisations have received funding to rebuild thanks to the generosity of Kiwis who bought tickets to the special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief,” says Ms van Velden. Funds raised from the special Lotto draw were passed on to the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, which accepted grant applications until May 2024 and distributed all funds by October 2024.
Tags: Auckland Bay of plenty Brooke van velden Cyclone gabrielle appeal trust East coast Gabrielle Hawke ’ s bay Malcolm beattie Northland Oparau hall society incorporated Port project Port waikato Sunset beach lifesaving trust Sunset beach surf lifesaving trust Tararua WaikatoNorthland Communities Rebuild with $3.59 Million Cyclone Relief Grants from Special Lotto Draw
3 months ago | 709 viewsMinister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in Northland are benefitting from $3. 59 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief, two years later. “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on Northland, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts.
Tags: Auckland Bay of plenty Brooke van velden Cyclone gabrielle appeal trust East coast Gabrielle Hawke ’ s bay Northland Oakura beach reserve board Surf life saving baylys beach incorporated Tararua Waikato Waimamaku community civil defence groupHawke’s Bay Rebuilds After Cyclone Gabrielle: $4.77M Lotto Relief Funds Benefit Communities
3 months ago | 973 viewsMinister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in Hawke’s Bay are benefitting from $4. 77 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on Hawke’s Bay, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts.
Tags: Ashley clinton fire brigade Auckland Bay of plenty Brooke van veld Cyclone gabrielle appeal trust East coast Eskview and districts rugby football club Fire and emergency new zealand Gabrielle Gabrielle appeal Hawke ’ s bay Northland Radio kidnappers charitable trust Tararua Waikato Waipuka civil defenceGisborne Community Receives $3.55M Cyclone Gabrielle Relief Grants: Minister Brooke van Velden
3 months ago | 746 viewsMinister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in the Gisborne region are benefitting from $3. 55 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on the East Coast, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts.
Tags: Auckland Bay of plenty Brooke van velden Cyclone gabrielle appeal trust East coast Fire and emergency new zealand Gabrielle Gabrielle appeal Gisborne Hawke ’ s bay Northland Pehiri emergency management group Ruatoria volunteer fire brigade St john gisborne area Tahunga residents association incorporated Tararua WaikatoMinister Brooke van Velden Announces $1.8M Grants for Auckland Communities Post Cyclone Gabrielle Relief
3 months ago | 667 viewsMinister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities across Auckland are benefitting from $1. 8 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. “Cyclone Gabreille had a devasting impact on parts of Auckland, causing widespread damage to property and requiring significant relief efforts.
Tags: Auckland Bay of plenty Bethells beach emergency resince group Brooke van velden Cyclone gabrielle appeal trust East coast Gabrielle Hawke ’ s bay Kaipara good food Karekare surf life saving club Northland Tararua Titirangi volunteer coastguard incorporated Waikato