Articles tagged with Wellington
One Year of NZ Fast-Track Approvals: Faster Projects, Jobs, and Growth
2 days ago | 51 viewsOne year after New Zealand's Fast-track approvals system launched, it has accelerated infrastructure project approvals from years to months, reducing costs and enabling timely economic growth and job creation. The system streamlines multiple approval processes into one efficient pathway while maintaining environmental safeguards, with nine projects approved and dozens more progressing, expected to deliver thousands of homes, jobs, and significant economic contributions. The Coalition Government highlights Fast-track's success in overcoming criticism, positioning New Zealand as a global leader in efficient, rigorous infrastructure development.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones New Zealand Ports of Auckland Drury Metropolitan Centre Tekapo Power Scheme Bledisloe North Wharf Southland Wind Farm Wellington International AirportNew Zealand Rolls Out Peer Support in 8 Emergency Departments Ahead of Schedule
2 weeks ago | 129 viewsThe Government has successfully implemented peer support services in eight emergency departments, including Tauranga Hospital, five months ahead of schedule, fulfilling its two-year commitment. These services, provided by specialists with lived experience, help individuals in mental health crisis feel heard, supported, and connected to community care, improving long-term outcomes. Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey emphasizes the importance of strengthening the peer support workforce to enhance New Zealand's mental health system.
Tags: Matt Doocey Tauranga Hospital Ember Auckland Waikato Middlemore Hospital North Shore Wellington Christchurch DunedinNew Cataract and Retinal Surgery Services Boost Eye Care Access in Wellington Region
2 weeks ago | 181 viewsNew cataract services have launched at Hutt Hospital, providing 20 to 25 surgery sessions monthly to improve local access and reduce waiting times across the Wellington region. Additionally, Kenepuru Hospital is expanding vitreoretinal surgery capacity with two to three extra weekly sessions to address urgent retinal conditions and prevent vision loss. These initiatives aim to treat 300 to 500 more patients annually, enhancing timely care and preserving patients’ independence and quality of life.
Tags: Simeon Brown Hutt Hospital Kenepuru Hospital Wellington Hospitals cataract surgery vitreoretinal surgery Regional Retinal Network Plan retinal detachments elective treatmentSummer Fishery Officer Patrols to Combat Illegal Pāua Poaching and Trade in NZ
1 month ago | 316 viewsFishery Officer patrols will increase over summer to combat the growing problem of illegal pāua poaching and black-market trade, particularly in Wellington and Wairarapa where compliance rates have dropped. Minister Shane Jones urges the public to report illegal activity via the 0800 4 POACHER line and warns against suspiciously cheap pāua sales, especially on social media during peak months. The initiative aims to protect legitimate fishers and pāua stocks by encouraging community cooperation and adherence to fishing rules.
Tags: Shane Jones Fishery Officer pāua poaching illegal trade Fisheries New Zealand Wellington Wairarapa NZ Fishing Rules AppVictoria Louise Heine Appointed High Court Judge in Wellington Starting 2026
1 month ago | 301 viewsAttorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of Victoria Louise Heine as a High Court Judge, effective 16 February 2026, in Wellington. Justice Heine has a distinguished legal career, including roles as a partner at Chen Palmer and Chapman Tripp, a barrister sole, and an Adjunct Law Lecturer, with expertise in civil remedies, regulatory disputes, and arbitration. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University, a Master of Laws from the University of Chicago, and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2021.
Tags: Judith Collins Victoria Louise Heine Wellington Victoria University of Wellington Russell McVeagh Chen Palmer Chapman Tripp Thorndon Chambers Singapore International Arbitration Centre Equestrian Sports New ZealandNew Zealand Shortlists Five AI Concepts for $70M National Research Platform
1 month ago | 368 viewsNew Zealand has shortlisted five leading AI concepts to develop a national AI research platform backed by up to $70 million over seven years, aiming to accelerate innovation, strengthen partnerships, and boost high-tech economic growth. The concepts span diverse sectors including healthcare, robotics, creative industries, and primary industries, with each receiving initial funding to develop detailed proposals for final selection in 2026. Additionally, the newly appointed Institute for Advanced Technology Board will guide advanced technology research, supporting long-term economic growth through science reforms and innovation.
Tags: Shane Reti Steve O’Connor Cather Simpson Greg O’Grady Arama Kukutai University of Auckland Wētā FX Victoria University of Wellington University of Waikato University of CanterburyWellington Launches Roadside Drug Testing to Crack Down on Drug-Impaired Driving
1 month ago | 301 viewsRoadside drug testing has begun in the Wellington District as part of a nationwide rollout by mid-2026 to deter drug-impaired driving, targeting substances like cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine. Police will use saliva-based screening devices at the roadside, with positive tests leading to laboratory analysis and potential penalties including fines, demerit points, and driving prohibitions. Drivers refusing tests face immediate penalties, and prescription or medical notes cannot prevent testing, though medical defenses may be applied after infringement.
Tags: Chris Bishop Mark Mitchell Wellington District New Zealand roadside drug testing THC methamphetamine MDMA cocaineWellington Hospital Installs Advanced SPECT-CT Scanner for Faster, Safer Imaging
1 month ago | 348 viewsWellington Regional Hospital has installed a new SPECT-CT scanner featuring advanced imaging technology that provides faster, higher-quality scans with reduced radiation exposure, complementing an existing modern unit. This combined imaging technology enhances disease detection, diagnosis accuracy, and treatment monitoring for various patients, including those with cancer and children needing specialized imaging. The installation is part of a nationwide $108 million government upgrade to diagnostic imaging, which also includes refurbishing the scanning room to improve patient comfort.
Tags: Wellington Regional Hospital Simeon Brown Nuclear Medicine CT scan diagnostic imaging cancer treatment MRI patient care New ZealandNew Zealand to Host Third Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly in Wellington
2 months ago | 267 viewsNew Zealand will host the third Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly in Wellington next week, marking the first time it is held in the Southern Hemisphere. The Assembly aims to unite Parliamentarians and experts to raise awareness of Antarctica’s importance, support the Antarctic Treaty, and address challenges like climate change and geopolitical shifts. Chaired by MP Andrew Bayly, the event seeks to build a global network of advocates dedicated to the continent’s protection and scientific collaboration.
Tags: New Zealand Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly Wellington Winston Peters Antarctic Treaty Antarctica climate change Andrew Bayly Southern Hemisphere National MPNZ Government Announces $5M Funding for Major 2026 Music, Sports, and Cultural Events
2 months ago | 312 viewsThe Government has announced the first tranche of major events funding for 2026, featuring international and local music acts, sports, and cultural events, including Linkin Park in Auckland and Ultra Music Festival in Wellington. This $5 million investment is part of a $70 million Major Events and Tourism package aimed at boosting New Zealand’s economy by attracting visitors and supporting over 70 events nationwide. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized the significant economic benefits, such as increased business for hotels, restaurants, and shops, and promised more high-profile event announcements early next year.
Tags: Louise Upston Six60 Synthony Linkin Park Ultra Music Festival Tourism Minister New Zealand Christchurch Auckland WellingtonChristina Barton and Jamie Tuuta Appointed to Te Papa Board by Minister Goldsmith
2 months ago | 295 viewsChristina Barton and Jamie Tuuta have been appointed to the Te Papa Board, bringing extensive expertise in art history, curation, and Māori leadership. Barton has held prominent roles in major New Zealand art institutions, while Tuuta has over 20 years of governance experience across various sectors related to Māori development. Additionally, David Wilks has been reappointed to the board, and outgoing members Jackie Lloyd and Tama Waipara were thanked for their service.
Tags: Christina Barton Jamie Tuuta Paul Goldsmith David Wilks Jackie Lloyd Tama Waipara Te Papa Board Adam Art Gallery Victoria University of Wellington Māori leaderWellington Disputes Tribunal Adopts Electronic Case Files for Faster Justice
2 months ago | 239 viewsThe Wellington District Court's Disputes Tribunal has transitioned to electronic case files to provide faster, more flexible justice, allowing referees and staff to securely access and manage cases remotely. Following successful implementations in Christchurch and upcoming plans for Auckland, this digital shift aims to reduce delays and improve the system nationwide. The move supports small businesses and consumers by enabling quicker dispute resolutions, helping them recover losses and maintain operations efficiently.
Tags: Wellington District Court Disputes Tribunal electronic case files Courts Minister Nicole McKee Christchurch District Court Auckland Metro Hub small businesses consumer disputes remote hearings faster justiceNew Zealand Expands Next Gen Critical Communications to Boost Emergency Response
2 months ago | 299 viewsThe New Zealand Government is enhancing emergency responder capabilities by creating a new entity and expanding the mandate of Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC) to extend Public Safety Network (PSN) services beyond frontline responders to a broader range of emergency management and public safety organizations. NGCC, responsible for delivering the $1.4 billion PSN infrastructure, aims to modernize critical communications with improved coverage, reliability, and real-time information sharing to better prepare for disasters. The new company, overseen by the Ministers for Emergency Management and Finance, will offer user-pays cellular services to eligible organizations starting mid-2026.
Tags: Mark Mitchell Next Generation Critical Communications NGCC Public Safety Network Emergency Management New Zealand Police Fire and Emergency New Zealand Hato Hone St John Wellington Free AmbulanceNew Zealand Boosts Stem Cell Transplant Services with $27M Investment to Save Lives
2 months ago | 290 viewsHealth New Zealand will invest $27.1 million over three years to expand stem cell transplant services, addressing critical delays and increasing capacity by 27–38% to save more lives. This funding supports hiring 79 new staff, expanding hospital beds, upgrading infrastructure, and introducing a digital tool for better transplant scheduling nationwide. These efforts build on a prior $6.11 million boost and aim to provide timely, life-saving treatment for patients with blood cancers and related conditions across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Tags: Simeon Brown Health New Zealand Auckland City Hospital Wellington Regional Hospital Christchurch stem cell transplant allogeneic transplants blood cancers transplant capacity digital toolKenepuru Hospital’s New PCCT Scanner Delivers Faster, Accurate Diagnostics
2 months ago | 288 viewsThe new Photon Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) scanner at Kenepuru Hospital has significantly improved diagnostic imaging by providing faster, more detailed scans that detect previously undetectable abnormalities and reduce invasive procedures. Since its operation began in October, it has increased outpatient CT activity by 37%, clarified diagnoses for 20 patients, and enabled non-invasive cardiac scans for 18 patients, leading to earlier treatment and shorter hospital stays. Plans are underway to expand these advanced diagnostic services into the community, enhancing healthcare accessibility and reducing hospital pressure for Porirua and nearby areas.
Tags: Simeon Brown Kenepuru Hospital Photon Counting Computed Tomography PCCT scanner Porirua Wellington cardiac patients diagnostic imaging healthcare general practices